A New Decade

Not only has another year come and gone, a new decade has arrived. I could look back and note all the things I have learned over the past decade or year. However, for the most part, I feel the same as I did a year or a decade ago. Sure, I have learned lessons, grown, and changed, but these things often happen very subtly. A decade ago I didn't even have a driver's license or a high school diploma. Now those things seem like they happened forever ago. It is crazy how time flies and how the things that we think matter a ton don't really matter. I don't think I could even remember ten percent of the things that I got upset about over the past few years. I guess I need to ask myself, "Is the sky really falling?" before I get overly dramatic about something.
Anyways, some of the lessons I have learned have been good and some have been not so great. The most important thing to note is that I AM HAPPY! I really do love life. The saying is true, "Life is Good." It isn't always great, but I try to always smile. Usually my family receives several calls a week where I have short vents. They patiently listen (for which I am grateful) and then I get over whatever is bothering me. Sometimes a quick vent is all I need. I really do love my family.
As for New Year's Resolutions, I really have none. When I do make them, I can never recall what they were at the end of the year. My hope for the New Year is that I become a better and happier person each day I live. I really hope it works. I wonder what I will say about my year this time next year or at the end of the next decade. Life is really about learning and growing. I hope I do a lot of that this year. So farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010!

One for the confused and perplexed...

As I was doing my hair this morning, I had a thought. Although I wanted to blog then, I couldn't because of time restraints. I am hoping I can convey the same message that I wanted to this morning since hours have passed since my thought.
I was straightening my hair and critiquing myself. I have a few blemishes on my face and my hair was acting as if it couldn't be tamed. I overslept for the ward I wanted to go to, so I looked up other single's wards in the area and found one close by. Then, of course, you always begin to ask "What if?" questions. I also thought of how I was still 25 and single. I have mentioned how this disturbs me before. I wish I were married to the perfect guy and had the perfect house and the perfect kids. However, obviously I don't. I am still happy though. These were my thoughts this morning and this blog goes out to all the other people who are confused and perplexed about where their lives are leading them.
I thought of all the places I would or could be if my life had went the way I had wanted it to just a year ago and then if it had gone the way I had wished for just 5 years ago. There were hundreds of possibilities. Some good and some not so good. Then I thought, "Maybe where I want to be isn't where I need to be." I have to have faith that Heavenly Father is wiser than me and then I have to rely on his help. This is extremely difficult because I consider myself a very independent woman. However, through past experiences, I have learned that Heavenly Father is wiser and he will put me where I need to be. Rather this be a physical location or a mental state, I must trust him.
I know that this isn't the most significant thought in the world, but it is the one I needed to think this morning. I am so happy with life most of the time. As I have said many times before, life is about choices. I choose how I feel, I choose how I live, and I choose what I do. None of it is forced. So, I guess, I kind of choose to be at the point I am in my life. I have chosen to be single. Is it a bad thing? I don't think so. I feel that I would not have been happy with the guys I could have been with. I choose to live in Idaho and go back to school at a more mature age. Do I feel odd and awkward at times because I feel like I should be doing other more significant things with my life? Of course! But I know that doing significant things takes steps and I am climbing those stairs surely but slowly. I really do feel that this is the spot I need to be in in my life. I am happy, only really!
Sometimes, when things get rough and we are confused because we feel we should be at other places in our lives we must remember that those feelings of inadequacy do not come from our Heavenly Father. I don't think he would ever want us to feel that way. I am not saying that he doesn't want us to evaluate ourselves and ask what more we can do though. We should not stop personal progression at any time in our lives. I am suggesting, however, that we look at our lives and ask, "Is this where I need to be?" I feel as if Heavenly Father is giving the time I need to learn and to grow before he allows me to move on. We cannot run faster than we have strength and who knows how much strength we have better than our Heavenly Father?

I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams

This year I decided not to go home for Christmas so that I could work. I went home for Thanksgiving instead, and I had an excellent time. Originally, I was supposed to work Christmas Day. I had anticipated working the holiday so I could get extra pay and it would keep my mind off of not being in Tennessee for the holidays. However, we did not have enough patients at work to justify me working on Christmas day, so I got called off. I was sad. James and Kara are down for the holidays though. I had thought about going to Boise and sleeping under Charity's Christmas Tree for the holiday, but it was late and I am going to Boise to visit Charity next week. So, I called James up and spent the night at the McKinley's. I woke up Christmas morning and watched Elle open her Santa gifts. The McKinley's cooked an amazing breakfast and I enjoyed it immensely. They also even filled a stocking for me! Christmas away from Tennessee hasn't been bad for me at all. I miss my family tons, and wish I could be with them, but I am having a good holiday. Hopefully, next year we can all be together. As for now, I am home for Christmas even it it is only in my dreams. I hope everyone has an amazing day!

Walls

One of my favorite songs right now is "Fearless" by Colbie Caillat. I really like the lyrics a lot. I was listening to it the other day and these lyrics stood out, "We live with what we miss
We learn to build another wall, Till it falls." I was thinking about how easy it is for someone to build a wall. All it takes is one bad experience and then we often have a wall up. When we run into a wall, we don't tear it down, we just build one of our own. However, it is hard to tear down a wall. Rather you are tearing down your own wall or someone else's wall, it is difficult. Then I have to wonder, "What's the point of walls anyways? Don't they all eventually fall? Are walls the key to happiness?" I don't think walls make you happy. In the end, they simply isolate you from the world. So, I've decided that I am going to try tearing down my own walls. I am going to live life to the fullest and enjoy every day. Will it always be great? Probably not. But every minute of moping, venting, holding grudges, or crying is a minute of happiness I can't get back. I want to make each day better than the previous day and also find a way to be happier the next day than I was the previous. President Monson said something similar to this, "Learn from the past. Prepare for the future. Live in the present." So, I think I'm going to follow his advice. What could it hurt?

Life

It's amazing how life doesn't always turn out how you think it will. Sometimes as you're struggling with everyday life begins to pass you by and you don't even realize it. Then you sit back and think how it is nothing like it was suppose to be. Maybe you took too many chances or maybe you didn't take enough chances. Regardless, you can't go back and change things. I honestly don't know if I would go back and change things if I could. I know the results of my choices and I am okay with where I am now in life. Not great, but okay. I don't know where I'd be if I'd made other choices and I like certainty. I like having a plan. It is okay if my life deviates from that plan, but at least I have an idea where I am going and how to get there. If I take a few detours along the way, that's okay. It is all about learning and growing. So yeah, every boy I've had a crush hasn't necessarily liked me back. I'm not friends with everyone that I thought I'd be friends with for forever. But like I said, it's okay. I learn and grow. Yeah, I am continually amazed about how things don't turn out like I expect them too. But, oddly enough, "It's all Good!"

My Rap

Charity left a rap as a comment on facebook and I love it. Just wanted to share it with everyone.

My name is Becky D
All the boys dig me
I cook really good;
The way a woman should
Ive got big brown eyes,
Im not telling you lies
I define style
maybe a bit wild
I do what I do
You can call me Becky Boo
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Frustration

So, I had/have a crush on this boy this semester. He is a cutie. However, as life would have it, I just discovered he likes my roommate. Then I have to wonder, "How come I always pick the wrong boys to like?" Yes, it seems like every time I get a crush on a worthwhile guy he always likes one of my friends. I remember having a crush on a boy last winter that had a crush on my little sister. The next guy had a crush on a friend. I don't think I have ever had a crush on a boy that hasn't liked one of my friends instead of me. Life kind of sucks like that. What can you do though. I guess I have to be okay with it. After all, I have to believe that those boys wouldn't be worth my time anyways. It is hard to have faith that somewhere there is someone for me when I continuously face being the unwanted girl. You know, the girl the guy likes to be "just friends" with. That is my life. I just needed to vent a little. One day, hopefully, my prince charming will find me and I'll get to have the wedding Sandra and Charity have planned for me.

Halloween Party

My Roommate Erin and I

My FHE family at the party

Edward Cullen and I

Doughnuts on a String....I dominated

Tonight was my ward's Halloween Party. I went and had fun. It was the typical LDS YSA party. They always start off slow. You only talk to people you know. Then you gradually start talking to other people. All together the party was what you made it. I decided to make it fun. I enjoyed talking to new people and learning more about them. Erin and I were the only ones to go from our apartment. Erin was a Woo and I was just a girl in a tutu. I love my tutu though and felt the need to wear it. Like I said, it was what you made it and I made it fun.

Scars...A therapeutic blog

Sandra blogs because she finds it therapeutic. I am going to take a shot at it.

When I was younger, probably about ten, I had to get stitches in the bottom of my foot. I can still feel the scar. A small cut has left a mark on my body that will probably not go away during my short existence on this Earth. This got me to thinking. If a small cut can leave such a mark, what types of marks do my other actions make. These marks could be on my heart for taking a chance I shouldn't take or on my thighs for eating the whole bag of candy. It is kind of odd how everything you do in this life can leave you with some kind of mark, physical, mental, or emotional. Most adults probably have more marks then they would like. I don't think there is a way you can go throughout life without getting one or two. One thing that bothers me is that sometimes we don't let our "marks" heal. We keep picking at them and re-opening the wound. Yes, we can be self destructive like this. We can't forget about that one crush or one silly choice we made. Sometimes, we are too prideful to let our wound heal. Admitting you were wrong about something takes too much of your energy. (Especially when you're not really certain you were wrong.) Lowering your pride and doing what you should do would be like allowing yourself to get stitches (which leads to faster healing). We are complex beings. I don't know if I will ever understand myself or others. I guess that is why we are here. I heard a quote that I enjoyed. A classmate was quoting a general authority and he said something similar to this, "In a thousand years, you will look at this life like a bad experience that happened in fourth grade." I really like that quote. Time can heal all things if we let it. Sometimes letting it is the hard part.

Sandra

I love my sister Sandra. She is really amazing. I really don't think she understands what an incredible woman she is. I really do think that she is not only beautiful, but she is full of ambition. I think I often take her generosity and excellent counsel for granted. I enjoy getting counsel from Sandra because it is genuinely good counsel. It isn't always what I want to hear, but it is usually what I need to hear. I like how she doesn't "butter up" the truth. Having Sandra as a sister, friend, and role model is a true blessing. Sandra Marie, I love you.

Iron Chef

My apartment is definitely full of WINNERS! For FHE last night we had a Iron Chef competition. We were given an hour to cook a dessert with a random secret ingredient and our brothers judged us. We were kind of disgruntled that our brothers didn't cook us anything but we told them that they owed us a special treat next week. Our secret ingredient was pumpkin puree and fresh pears. Our apartment were like champs. We made a pumpkin dip and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. We sliced the pears, along with apples and bananas, to dip in our dip. We topped the dip with homemade whipped cream. The muffins got sprinkled with powdered sugar and then got whipped cream as well. I deep fried flour tortillas (that I cut in triangles) and rolled them in a cinnamon and sugar mixture for the dip as well. Our presentation was nice. The other girls made a pumpkin dish (that didn't look edible) so we for sure won! It was really a fun activity. We rocked! Yep..we for sure deserved gold stars after our amazing performance!

Colbie Caillat

This weekend my roomates and I went to a Colbie Caillat concert. It was amazing! If I haven't said it recently, I love my roommates!!! They are so amazing. I rode down with Megan and Erin. We met Aubree and Liz at the concert. My roommate, Liz, caught Colbie's guitar pick. Us girls really did rock out! We all also have crushes on her Guitarist. He was hot, as you can tell from his picture above. After the conert we got to take a picture from him. I got to rest my check on his chest. It was amazing! I can't complain. I am really loving life this semester.

Life as I know it

I am pretty sure this isn't my first blog with this title. However, I haven't blogged in a few weeks and I am beginning to feel guilty. I feel like like if crazy busy. I look at the clock each night and wonder where my day went. For those of you who are looking for an update on my life here you go.

I am in a Music Methods class. I hate it. However, today in my psychology class I became a case study. One thing that I can do to better myself in this class is come up with a goal, plan, and a positive attitude. So, I am going to work on that. I have to convince myself that I can do something before my efforts are manifest to others. Yes, I am still getting tutored weekly for this class. I am going to take full advantage of it.

I mentioned I am in a psychology class. I absolutely love it. My teacher is great. I really enjoy waking up and going to class the days I have this class. I feel good when I leave the class. I am also reading Boys Adrift for the class. It is a great book. I am gaining wonderful insights.

I am in a P.E. class this semester as well. I like the class. I wake up sore every morning after class. I miss being in shape. This class has motivated me to try to exercise more. I am also working on a physical wellness plan for my family foundations class. I am running some at night. I don't know how long it will last with the weather starting to change. (It snowed this morning!) However, I have another friend teaching a cycling class that I want to try to go to weekly.

Family Foundations is a good class. I am learning a ton about Heavenly Father and his plan for me. I thought this class would be a waste of time, but it isn't. There are a ton of hidden messages in the Proclamation and wonderful talks given by general authorities to support it.

I am in a writing class as well. This class is aimed towards elementary education majors. I am enjoying it. I read a few children's books this week and enjoyed them. I like short children's novels. They restore your inner child and rejuvenate your imagination. I have to do a ton of writing for the class but I don't mind. I enjoy writing. I am also building my library of children's books. It is an addiction.

I am in a Geology class as well. I was unaware about how clueless I am about the world around me and how it works. My simple questions, like why the sky is blue, are being answered. I enjoy learning about the world. I am glad I have the chance to do so. I also discovered how much I hate labeling maps because of this class. I'll leave map-making to the professionals.

So those are my classes. I also went to devotional yesterday and it was amazing. The speaker talked about God's arms of Mercy, Love, and Strength. He made so many good points. I really did enjoy devotional and I think I will try to go to them more frequently.

So, in short, I am just living life. When something bad happens I tell myself, "It's only life." and then I listen to the song. Life has its ups and downs but I am going to try to be more positive and focus on the ups. When I have a terrible, horrible, no good, bad day I will just think to myself, "It's only life." Then I will make the next day a gazillion times better.

Marriage doesn't equal Maturity

I absolutely, positively despise when people think that just because someone is married they are more mature or reliable. Single people shouldn't be discriminated against. Did you know that single people are less likely to get a job over a married person? The reason is that single people are deemed unreliable. I see other ways single people are discriminated against. Watch how a server treats a married couple at a restaurant compared to single people. At church, they rarely give single people callings in presidencies or whatnot. They are usually called as committee members or primary teachers. The excuse is that they are young and energetic. Why do people deny single people opportunities? However, I really hate when someone younger than you thinks they are more mature just because they are married. It is like they believe that saying "I do" is like having someone sprinkle a magically dust over them that makes them so mature and a homemaker. Married people will deny that they think that they are more mature than single people. But they think it. Very few can honestly deny this fact. They will say that they have experienced more because they are married and blah, blah, blah. It doesn't matter that single people have different experiences that allow the same amount of growth to them. Married people have a difficult time thinking outside of the box. They think that to grow, you need to have the same, or similar, experiences they have had. My opportunities and experiences for growth are presented in totally different ways. I really do think that some married people are full of themselves. It irritates me. Marriage can not compensate for maturity. I wish young, married people realized this.

I also hate how married people think that activities that single people do are "lame." Especially when the married people did the same activities. I don't understand where they are coming from.

Married people also loose their identity sometimes. They become obsessed with things they didn't even care about before. I understand someone trying to become interested in something to please their spouse. However, interest and obsession are two different things.

It also irritates me how some married people will complain about having no friends. Have they considered the fact that they only want to be with their spouse? They only want friends with it is convenient for them! When I say convenient, I mean when their spouse is at work or out of town. Maybe I am just venting because of a bad experience I had today. No telling. I think I am done with young married people for a while. I honestly don't have time for people who only want to be my friend when it is convenient for them.

Back to School!

I started a brand new semester of school this week. I am beginning to think that I will never ever finish school. Anyways, I am in a required music class. I am not musically talented and my teacher is a nazi. I have to learn all my notes, scales, and any other musical thing for this class on top of everything else. The bad thing is that I am the only one in the class with absolutely no musical talent. Come on...I don't even have rhythm. It is possible I could fail my very first college course.

I am loving my new roommates. They are so fun! It is hard for me to get any work done because I just want to hang out and talk to them. We are all going to see Colbie Caillat in Salt Lake on October 2. It is going to be such a fun concert. Howie Day is opening the concert.

Tonight I went to see Rodney Atkins at the fair. It was fun. I went with a roommate and her sister. They sat in the grandstand and I stood in front of the stage. I got to meet a few new people. I was proud that I still got up and got to be crazy. It really did open the door to me meeting the fun people I met tonight.

This is going to be my semester. I can feel in my bones...or think I can at least. I know it is going to be a lot of work, but I have a good feeling about it. We will see how my music class goes. That is my biggest fear at this point. Wish me luck with life.

A few pics

Syd started dance. I think I might be just a little more excited about it than she is. I never got to take dance, and I think I secretly might have wanted to. So, I wanted to make her a tutu. This was was going to originally be mine, but it was a bit harder to make than I thought it would be. So, I made it her size. I eventually made me one to, once I figured out the easier way to tie the tull. She is such a princess!

I also enjoy having Syd over for sleepovers. I have to be the cool aunt as long as she'll let me. We usually just watch a movie and paint our toes when she comes over. It is so much fun. I wish she would never grow out of the fun phase she is in. However, I know one day I will just he be old, lame aunt. This is a pic of Syd fresh out of the shower. Even with her hair messed up, she still looks cute!

Ginny got glasses this year. She is adorable in them. When I went home to TN, I had to take a picture of us together with our glasses on. Ginny is such a ray of sunshine! She is also very smart and looks it with her glasses on.

I wish I had more pics of all my nieces and nephews to write about. I love the all a ton and am so blessed to have such wonderful kids in my life.

All About Becky...

So, I saw a movie, All About Steve, this weekend and I enjoyed it. As I watched it, I realized I was the main girl. I was Mary. The scared me. The last quote in the movie was, "If you love someone set them free. If you have to stalk them, they were never yours to begin with." How true is that? Sadly, I am a stalker. Yes, I'll admit it. I am not a creepy one though. Just the type that occasionally looks at a facebook page or drives by your house to see if your home. Ok...maybe I am a little creepy. However, it bothers me that I am still alone. Yep, no boys in Becky's world. This bothers me because I have always been told I am the author of my own life. If I am writing my own story, how come it isn't going the way I had planned? Why don't I have a handsome husband, a house with a white picket fence, and 2.3 kids? Surely, I would have wrote all that stuff in my story. I can only assume that the people who I would like to write into my story are also writing their own stories which contradict mine. Thus, I am single, living a college apartment, and instead of kids I get 5 roommates. Shouldn't I be past this stage in my life? I just want to write my story perfectly. Maybe right now my story in climaxing to the main parts. However, don't you hate lengthy books where the author makes you wait forever until the story reaches its peak? I do! Maybe I should just be grateful it is taking so long. It makes the downhill part a lot shorter. This is my rambling for tonight. However, since I titled this blog, "All About Becky" I am going to do a 25 1/2 year interview...you know like Amy and Kara did with Elle and Syd. It will add a little silliness to my life!

What is your favorite color?

Orange
Who is your best friend?
My sisters
What your favorite food?
Pizza or Steak
What is your favorite song?
You and I by Ingrid Michaelson
Who is your boyfriend?
I can only dream
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Famous
What do you do for fun?
Read
What is your favorite Show?

The Office
What is your favorite ice cream?
Rocky Road
Tell me something you know?
Life is confusing

Welcome to September

Wow...how the time has passed. It feels like I was just celebrating New Year's yesterday. Three fourths of the year is over. I have completed 2/1/2 semesters of school this year and worked hundreds of hours. I can't believe everything that has happened this year. It has truly been a whirlwind. Yet, I feel the same as I did on New Year's. It is as if I have accomplished only a little in such a large amount of time. Strangely, I am ok with this. Life passes quickly. I am learning to embrace every second of it and trying to make every second the best second of my life. I have realized that changes isn't really all that sudden. It comes gradually. So, although I feel the same as I did 9 months ago, I know have I grown and changed. Hopefully for the good. I can't wait to see what changes await me in the final 3 months of 2009.

Randomness

I spent the weekend with mom and I absolutely loved it. She went home this morning and I already miss her tons. While I was spending time with her, I thought of a million things to blog about. Now, as I sit at the computer my mind is blank. Don't you hate when that happens! Because of that I will ramble, so if you don't like rambling you can stop reading now.
My first thought was how unevenly tan my arms are. I will attribute this to my work schedule. I am usually driving to work around 2-3 in the afternoon. The sun is blazing in the summer time. In Idaho, we have very few clouds in the summer when we want them the most but in the winter months the sun cannot shine though the clouds at all. Anyways, I drive with on hand/arm. Thus, only one arm gets sunlight. Although, my uneven tan is not really noticeable to others it drives me crazy. I guess I need to start switching arms out. I will use my right arm every other day.
My next thought: Life is essentially good. Sure, we have our ups and downs. Who doesn't? If you are the exception, you are not normal. Naturally, I wish my life were one big high. However, I think even if it were I'd find something that wasn't perfect. What comes up, must come down. It is a simple law. Maybe, I'll try to defy gravity next time I am on a natural high so i can stay that way though.
Well, I feel as if my mind is emptied. Not that it was full of thought when I first sat down at the computer. The sucky thing is, I know that as soon as I am away from my computer my million and one things to blog about will suddenly come flooding back. When it comes to that point, I'll sit back and ask myself, "What's a girl to do?" (which is the title of Sandra's blog.)

Money...it isn't everything

Let's face it; no girl wants to marry a poor boy. I never have. I still really don't plan on it. Money doesn't buy happiness, but is sure is nice to have. I have always imagined myself living in a cabin in the mountains or a quaint house with a white picket fence. However, lately I have had this re-occurring dream. I initially classified it as a nightmare. However, the more the dream occurs the more ok I am with it. There is really no story line to the dream. The dream is simple. I grow up and end up living in the middle of nowhere. I live in a 1970's style trailer in the middle of a huge field. There are not trees around. I am simple surrounded by space. My dream doesn't come with a husband or even a dog! What's a girl to do though? I am actually accepting the dream and realize that I don't have to have a ton of lavash things to be happy. I think I could be just as happy in my tin trailer as I could be in my log cabin. It is all how you see things. I'd still prefer my cabin but I bet Mike could get me a good deal on a mobile home.

Just imagine this pic without the trees and lots of grass around. Then you can have a general idea of what my dream is all about.

Mom

Mom came up to visit all of us kids in Idaho this week. I just saw mom about a week and a half ago at Charity's wedding. I must confess, I didn't expect to be so excited to see her again! She has only been here a night and I am loving it. Seriously, I have the best mom in the world. Mom is kind of crazy, in a good way, and you have no choose but to love her. I don't think I realized what a great mom I was blessed with while growing up. It is only has I have become a little older that I realize what a excellent mother I have. Here are a few things I love about mom.

1) She is always ready to go and see a movie. If a movie has been in theaters for over a week and she still hasn't seen it, I am shocked.

2) She will fight for her kids. We are all grown but she still gets so mad if she feels like one of us kids are being treated unfairly.

3) She loves pictures! Mom has pictures everywhere in her house. They are fun.

4) She is a crazy dancer. I can not say much as I have no rhythm myself. But, every time mom dances, I let out a little chuckle.

5) Mom can cook. I don't think anyone will ever be able to cook a dinner as good as mom. Most people feel this way about their mothers.

6) She always did for us kids. It didn't matter if it was a barbie doll after a doctor visit or a surprise visit to Taco Bell. Mom always found ways to make her time special with us kids.

7) Mom loves to organize. This can drive me crazy at times. However, mom can throw a party like no other!

It is true. I have the best mom in the world and I don't have to do much to prove it!

I Love Boys!

So I was thinking today of how much I love boys. I love all different types of boys and I plan on telling you why.

I love bad boys. Their is something exciting about doing daring things. Will you get caught or not. I also put boys with bikes in this category. I love riding on motorcycles. I know how dangerous they are and the dangers of not wearing a helmet. I really don't care though. I like holding on to the boy in front of me and feeling the wind blow through my hair. It really gives me a sense of freedom and makes me feel like somewhat of a rebel.

I love nerds. Yep, I said it. Nerds are awkward at time but it is cute. I like being out with a smart boy. I feel like they will succeed in life. I I also like teasing the nerd. I am a big nerd myself, so I can identify with many of their dorky ways.

I love country boys. I like country accents and big trucks. Since I was a little girl I have always loved the outdoors. When I think of a country boy, I think of going fishing or camping for a date. Those would be fun dates. I also like mudding in their big trucks and going on a four wheelers. I just have to be careful not to show them all my mad country skills. Don't want to intimidate them. Country boys are also usually strong and know a little about everything. Let's face it, muscles are hot.

I love the funny boy. I like to laugh. I have to appreciate when a boy can make me laugh over anything and is a little crazy. The funny isn't scared to play silly games at the park or go trick or treating at Halloween dressed up in crazy costumes.

Boys really are fun. I hope I can find one that has a little bit of every type of boy in him. Until then, I'll enjoy them all!

Charity's Married

I got to go home to Tennessee this weekend. I love Tennessee. It is home and always will be. Every time I go home it is super hard to come back to Idaho. I have recently been thinking about teaching out of the country when I finish school. When I went home it really pulled at my heartstrings and I got to thinking that teaching in Tennessee might be what I end up doing. I really do love the south and fried food!
The reason I went home was for my baby sister's, Charity's, wedding. I have had a hard time with her getting married because she is five years younger than me. However, I am grateful that she found someone that she can spend her forever with. The wedding was beautiful. My whole family was able to be in the temple. It was nice. The wedding and reception were beautiful. Mom, Mike, and Renee' did a beautiful job with the reception. My only complaint was that it was so hot outside. Taking pictures was miserable. After the sealing we all went to Fat Larry's to eat. I love bar-b-q! I am definitely a meat eater.
On Friday night the family had a bar-b-q and pool party. I had a lot of fun at the pool. I really didn't plan on swimming but I did it. The water temperature was perfect. I did my very first dive at the pool. Diving really does scare me. Something about hitting the water head first doesn't seem save. Butt Busters are much safer and make huge splashes which are always fun. All the kids got in the pool and it was fun throwing them around. I was super nervous about the trying to go to the deep end though. Those babies are growing up though and becoming more independent.
That is a quick summary of my weekend. It ended all too soon. I wish I could see all my family more. I really do love them so much and I am glad we have a new member of our family. I don't know how much better life could have got better than this weekend. Family and friends really do make life enjoyable.

Nine Words Women Use

Sandra posted this on her blog and I loved it so much I thought I would post it on mine. I think it is pretty accurate.

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').
Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying GO TO HELL
Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Another assignment

So in one of my classes we had to read a love poem that made life seem like all roses and a reply to the poem that was more realistic. The teacher made the boys write love poems with a idealistic view and wanted the girls to write a poem in response with a more realistic view. This was mine.

The Poem I responded to:
My Girl
Matt Zollinger
Come with me and be my girl
And together we can travel the world
We can take our time and worries flee
While we hop from coast to coast in glee

We'll catch some rays in the heat
And watch the Yankees hit 500 feet
And watch a game at each ball park
Before we both go the way of bark

Together we will go through school
And show to your parents that I'm not a fool
As we live our life of glam and ritz
We'll own our dream house equipped with a ditch

So come with me and be my girl
And we will live in a perfect whirl
Our children will be kind and straight
And no one could us hate

My Response:
Reply to My Girl
Rebekah Eaton
Traveling the world would be fun,
Until someone robbed us with a gun.
Then you'd find nothing funny,
And we'd be stranded with no money.

The sun would give me skin cancer,
Then to my parents you must answer.
The Yankees spend too much cash,
I'd rather watch the Sox's winning bash.

Attending school only makes you lame.
Hollywood is where you must go for fame.
And if you never find a job,
You'd be left alone to sob.

I won't bring children in a world with no bliss,
So say goodbye to that idea with a kiss.
And if this should be our fate,
You I must always hate.

Random Thoughts

I have to wonder why people even risk love at times. When you begin to date someone there is a fifty percent chance of failure. And that is if you don't account for all the other relationship failures in your life. Then when you do find someone to date, you seem to be closed off. You don't want to share your heart because you are so petrified of being rejected if they do not share theirs in return. The funny thing is, you probably put yourself at a higher risk of being rejected if you don't.
Then there is the concept of understanding both them and yourself. I have been alive for 25 years and I still feel like I don't understand myself. As a matter of fact, I think I understood myself better when I was five. I wonder what happened to the child I used to be? When did I grow up and begin to believe I knew what was best for not only myself, but for everyone else around me?
Back to the love thing. The thought of love weighs heavily on my mind. I am full of insecurities that I don't want anyone else to know about. I wonder when my prince charming will come and save me. You might ask who he'd be saving me from. He'd be saving me from myself. I can be one of the most stubborn, irradical, and self destructing people I know. I do all this while simple trying to protect myself.
Then at other times I feel like I can do things better on my own. Who needs a boy to constantly slow them down. I have hopes and dreams that can probably be done with or without a man. I don't know how fulfilling I would believe my life was though.
In short, I should probably spend more time living my life instead of thinking about the future. The problem is, I am a planner. I don't like the unexpected. I want to know about my future so I can plan explicitly for it and make goals to coincide with it. Life is messy though. If I keep trying to plan and prepare for my future, I might just loose my present to it!

Words of Wisdom

I asked several people to give me their thoughts and insights on several aspects of life. Ginny (age 7) and Aubree (age 5) are my nieces. Papaw (age 78) is my mom’s dad. Renee’ (age 31) and Sandra (age 28) are my sisters. I also asked my father (age 53) for advice. There words and advice offer so much sunshine on a rainy day.

Growing Up
Renee’: As a child, you can not wait for it to happen and when it does begin to set in, happen, and become a reality, you long to be a child again.
Dad: I’m Popeye the sailor man. I’m Popeye the sailor man.
I eat me spinach to make me strong. I’m Popeye the sailor man.
Toot! Toot!
As a child I thought as a child and wanted to grow up. Growing up cultivated and refined the child.
An optimistic child grew into a man, yet, I’m 53 years old and still growing up.
I no longer think as getting tall and strong as the grown up thing. I am a child of God.
Ginny: [I want to be] a teacher at Richland and I hope I teach science
Aubree: I want to grow up because you get to do what you want, play outside, drive cars, and go to the stores.
Sandra: As a kid, you can’t wait to grow up, as an adult, you wish you were still a kid! Being grown up is hard and not as “freeing” as you would suspect.
Papaw: It would be nice to be able to stay 10-12 years old, with Dreams, and not have to deal with the real world.
Me: Growing up is hard. Your childhood dreams don’t always come true. However, when you look back you realize life has turned out even better than you could have dreamed.

Aging
Renee’: I do not have too much to say on this one, except I want to be a cute old lady. I want to be one that people enjoy to be around. I hope I age well and am able to watch my babies grow up and begin their own lives.
Dad: Live!
The experience that comes with aging leads to wisdom. A teenage child may feel like she knows it all. During the aging process she learns about life’s many angles. Depression, worry and illness, (though unpleasant), will make love, joy, and health twice as sweet.
Mortality is a wonderful experience. Time passes. The righteous young at heart are forever young. The spirit lives forever.
Ginny: [I’ll be] taking care of children, working, and having children.
Aubree: You have to clean up after yourself.
Sandra: I guess aging is better than the alternative, dying. I wake up every morning noticing that I look a little older, I have smile wrinkles now. I wonder when that happened.
Papaw: Aging is a natural process of living. Not to age is to die young. But, you would make a pretty corpse.
Me: It’s inevitable. So live well, love much, and laugh often. You can never have your today back. It’s the only today you get!

Childhood
Renee’: Childhood passes too quickly. Enjoy being a child while you can. Sometimes, I think I let mine pass by way to quickly. I wanted so bad to be :grown up" that I missed some of the moments that many young people enjoy. As I child, I learned the value of hard work. I often said I was already a momma because I thought I was to my younger siblings. There is only one thing I regret about my childhood, I wish I would have been kinder to my siblings and showed my parents more respect. I was not a kind child.
Dad: “Eat your food, there are people in Africa starving”
Fun, wrestling, swimming, fishing, friends, family, ponies, climbing trees, hide and seek, freeze tag, 1st grade, tooth fairy, Christmas, Easter, laughter, spankings, climbing, dogs, cats, cows, chickens, summer breaks, Neapolitan ice milk, take out the trash, mow the yard.
Ginny: [It’s the] best because you do not have to worry about taking care of children and you get to swim and little pools and have more energy.
Aubree: You get to pick out movies to watch and you get sent to your room.
Sandra: Childhood is being shielded from the harsh reality of life from your parents. We teach children to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. We create these things for their happiness. It extends to summer evenings chasing fireflies and carefree days by the lake -- fictions made possible by parents who do not permit the dark shadow of reality to disturb the innocence of their kids. We learn in childhood to love, to dream, and how we are supposed to fit into this world.
"Childhood ends when we realize that Santa Claus is make-believe and the monster in the closet is for real."
"We do not realize how fragile our childhood was until it becomes our turn to play the grown-up."
Papaw: I grew up during and after The Great Depression. Most people had clothing and food. My recollection is of hurrying home after school, grabbing my rifle, and heading to the Forked Deer River bottom to hunt or fish or of hearing mother sing and daddy playing his harmonica.
Me: Childhood was a cherished time for me. I couldn’t wait to grow up, but now I wish I were a child again. When I was a child, anything could happen. I believed in fairy tales and prince charming. Now, it is hard not to see the dragon.

Dating
Renee’: Stressful. There is so much emphasis in the LDS world to get married. You are taught, you marry whom you date. You stress about if you look good enough and you think and rethink every little word and action that happens on a date. Dating can be a time to explore and truly come to know the characteristics you want in a spouse. Also, when you are married, I think it is important to still go on occasional dates with your sweetheart.
Dad: Latter Day Saints are luckier than many others when it comes to dating. They are taught not to rush things. Take your time and enjoy good company. Date good people. I wish everyone could experience a proper date. Don’t jump the gun and rush into things.
Ginny: [Go to a] nice place and have dinner with someone you really want to be with and get to know them better than you know someone else.
Aubree: (none)
Sandra: I have been hurt, I have hurt others, BUT I have LOVED, and I have been LOVED. Love is worth all the risk and the hurt. I'm not saying it's easy but I think we all have to take the chance and do it. We have to let each experience change us and we have to grow!
Put yourself out there in the beginning, put yourself out there in the middle, go all in, put your fearless heart into someone else's hands, and jump into what could be an amazing experience. All relationships end one of 2 ways, see how it works take the chance! Yes, you may get hurt (all except for one ends with someone getting hurt) but you might not. You might learn things you never thought imaginable, you may feel feelings that are beyond description, you might even love.
It's so sad when people become jaded with love and dating. Or they lose hope and believe it's not meant for them. NOT ME, NO WAY . I like meeting new people, trying new things, I like the weirdness at the beginning, the first time they hold my hand, anticipating the kiss, calling/texting all my girlfriends about him, getting excited when he calls, and I have hope there is someone out there who is enjoying life as much as I am, preparing to meet me.
Papaw: Dating is as natural as eating. Opposite sexes always attract each other. Humanity. Choose your mate through prayer and by studying God’s word. Many boys and girls make the mistake of judging a prospect by their physical stature and gift for talking. Make sure they are a Christian (i.e. baptized in Jesus name, Acts 2:38) and have been filled by God’s spirit.
Me: Dating is hard. It takes courage to ask someone on a date. You are scared of rejection. However, I know that when I find someone that I can date and fall in love with all the rejection I have faced will seem minuscule.

Marriage
Renee’: Marry in the temple.I love being married. I find so much joy in having a family. Marriage takes work and not just work from one person. I remember before Jake and I were sealed, the sealer told us a few things but the thing I remember most is to "always put the other person first", "always communicate", and live the gospel. Create a home where love abides and the Spirit resides
Dad: “O be wise, what can I say more?”
True love comes from sacrifice. Listen, be patient, give without expecting praise. Weaknesses will become strengths as both individuals work on them with patience & love. Be willing to give your life in service for your eternal partner.
However, it takes two to tango. “How sweet it is to be loved by you”
Ginny: [Marry] at the temple. I like it because you get to live with the person you really love.
Aubree: I want to get married, you get to have kids and dress them.
Sandra: He is not perfect. She is not perfect. The question is whether or not they are perfect for each other. I am learning to take the risk, I am learning to jump in, I believe I deserve the best and that is exactly what I plan to get. And in return, I plan to be the best.
Papaw: Marriage is one of God’s commandments. (i.e. if you can’t abstain, marry) Choose a mate as you would choose to date, wisely. It is a give and take commitment. With patience you can have a good marriage as your love grows. I don’t believe in divorce.
Me: I have a strong desire to get married. I want to be a wife and mom more than anything in the world. However, I won’t settle for someone who will not make me happy in the long run.

Having Children
Renee’: The greatest joy, sadness, and worrying lies in becoming a mother. You feel a little piece of heaven when each child is born. It is through my children that I know most strongly that I have a loving, Father in Heaven. Children are care free. They are so funny to watch as they learn and explore the world around them. Children are also very impressionable. It is our responsibility as parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, teachers, and leaders to help our little ones begin to develop a testimony of the gospel. They watch us and mimic us. Children do not realize the life and future that lies before them. I want nothing but the best for my rays of sunshine on rainy days.
Dad: The future lies here.
Unconditional love is found in children. “…submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, ….” Mosiah 3:19
Ginny: I want to have two children. I would love to take care of them and watch them grow up and see them be a missionary and become a father or mother.
Aubree: If you do not have children then you get to be an old lady.
Sandra: I love children. I love how uninhabitant they are. They see the world the way it should be seen. They love everyone and know no real fear.
Papaw: The Lord said, “Go forth and multiple.” Some take this more seriously than others. I don’t think you should have more children than you can afford to supply their needs. Above all, love them all unconditionally.
Me: I can’t wait to be a mother! I love children and how they view the world. To them everything is so simple. Children don’t make things complicated like adults do. They are true examples of how we should be. That is why we should “liken ourselves unto a little child.”

Dying
Renee’: Honestly, I do not want to die. I want to continue to experience life and grow old to watch my little ones progress and see who they grow into. With that said, I do believe there is life after death and if I am not able to grow old, I know families are eternal...what great hope and comfort that provides.
Dad: When you’re good, it’s good
When you’re bad, it’s bad
Ginny: Here is the good thing about dying, you actually get to live in heaven with Heavenly Father.
Aubree: You live with Heavenly Father.
Sandra: What can be said, it happens to everyone. I'm not the type to be sad about it. We have the knowledge of eternal families so when it happens we know what will happen.
Papaw: I used to worry about dying. But after my meeting with Jesus (in October 1992), I do not have any fear of leaving this world. My hope is with my Lord, Jesus Christ. Through his amazing grace and my faith I have been redeemed for eternity if I live for Him until the end. The old must die so the young can also travel this road of life.
Me: Death is inevitable. We cannot prevent it. We cannot predict when it will happen to us. Some people have their lives cut short. It is essential that we are always prepared to die and meet our Maker. If we do this, we need not fear.

The World
Renee’: What a beautiful place. There is so much beauty in our little world. I want to make the world a little better place for someone just by being in it. There is a lot of chaos and misconceptions in the world but how blessed can we be to know truth and be able to enjoy the beauty and good in the world.
Dad: Take time to smell the roses
Fragrant beautiful flowers, amazing sights, creatures great and small, pleasant spring breezes, brilliant fall colors, fresh baked cookies, warm loving families, song birds, sweet melodies, children’s’ laughter. Eternity.
The world is what you make of it. Focus on the good. Take time to smell the roses.
Ginny: I think people should ride their bikes, walk or roller skate instead af just driving their car because it gets oil on the earth that should not be there and you get to exercise by doing those things.
Aubree: (None)
Sandra: You must live in the world without being a part of the world. It is a strange place with lots of different people. Things can look good that are bad. It's not always cool to do the right thing. We are told how to look and act. We have to be strong and show character and we will survive.
Papaw: Sodom and Gomorrah had nothing on our modern day world. Each morning at church we pray for the Lord to reveal through their clergies, church leaders, etc the plan of salvation of Jesus and the growing feeling of the coming again of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would love to take all my loved ones and friends to heaven with me, but I know that is not likely.
Me: The world is a place filled with many wonders. I will never completely understand how it works or all the people inside it. Those things really aren’t the important things in life though.


Forgiveness
Renee’: We must forgive everyone. Sometimes it can be very hard, especially when it involves someone we care deeply for. To forgive is divine. When we hold a grudge or do not forgive, we are not living life to its fullest. We can not enjoy life and experience the greatest happiness if we have discontent feelings for another in our hearts. I have learned that life just seems better when I get over things and try to see the good in everyone. We never know what is going in a persons life and they truly my have not meant to offend us or hurt us. Sometimes the greatest battle a person faces is fought in the silent chambers of their own souls. We must also forgive ourselves.
Dad: “Peace”
It is easier to forgive than the sinner to forget. A forgiving heart finds peace in the soul.
I forgive all mankind for foul deeds toward me. I often find myself regretting the hardships that my foul deeds put on others. I wish I had not been so mean and inconsiderate. Their forgiveness makes me more determined to do good toward mankind.
Ginny: If I hurt someone, I would actually say I am sorry, give them a hug and tell them why they are a good friend or sister.
Aubree: Say sorry and tell the mom.
Sandra: It's easy to want to be forgiven but hard to ask for and even harder to give. But in life to be truly happy you have to be willing to forgive others. We all make mistakes, we all have to be forgiven for things. Remember no one is perfect, including you.
Papaw: If you plan on entering the gates of heaven, you must forgive everyone.
Me: I often let my pride interfere too much. I am too prideful to forgive or to ask for forgiveness in many cases. We must humble ourselves. It is not our responsibility to judge others, no matter how tempted we are to do so.


The Perfect Day
Renee’: Is a day that my kids do not argue at all. I love days when the sun is shining and there is a slight breeze. A perfect day is one spent with my family where I feel fulfilled.
Dad: Beautiful bright millennial day
Ginny: Being with my family the whole day and not having to go to school.
Aubree: Playing with dogs, taking care of my brother, jumping on trampoline, swimming, and taking off your pants and just play in the rain in your shirt and panties.
Sandra: I know what my perfect day would include. It would include those that I love that love me too. It would include peace, love, happiness, no stress, a marriage proposal, family, friends, maybe a beach, lots of fun things. (You like how I tried to sneak a marriage proposal in there!)
Papaw: To know that all my family, friends, and neighbors were saved!
Me: A perfect day would be a bright sunny day. The wind would be lightly blowing and I would feel as if I could fly. It would be spring time and the world all around me is covered in green. I’d read a book outside in a hammock and drink ice cold water. I would be at peace with myself and with everything and everyone around me.


What Animal Would You Be
Renee’: A kangaroo. A kangaroo is able to care for her young and still hop around. I am a busy body but prefer to keep my kids with me most of the time, although an occasional break is nice. A kangaroo has that pocket to, I could pout stuff in there and not misplace it. I do not know much about them, so maybe I should research them a little more before I decide to me one but I hope they stay with their clan forever.
Dad: Wild Goose
I would rather be a man.
Cooperate, make the V. Fly, fly my friend; over mountain and veal, valley and hill. Look at life; sparkling streams, clear lakes, fresh vegetation and family. Life is wonderful.
Ginny: I'd say a cheetah because the run wild and do whatever they want and not have to be bothered about anything.
Aubree: A dog, Charlie, because he gets to fight with people and live with James. (James is her uncle)
Sandra: Giraffe
They overlook everything. They are tall and thin. I think they are magnificent.
Papaw: A stud horse: to have all my pretty mares and children to love and play with. And I wouldn’t be killed for food.
Me: I’d be a monkey. I’ve always had a fascination with them. They just seem like they are always having fun. I don’t think I have ever seen a sad monkey.


Goodbyes and Death
Renee’: I do not like saying good bye to people. I miss them. Maybe it is too fresh right now because I bid my brother and his family farewell last week and already miss them. However, I do firmly believe that most all good byes are more like "till we meet again" and that is comforting.
Dad: Goodbye goes with Hello so easily nowadays.
High speed multimedia text messaging, cell phones, and email make pony express goodbyes history.
Goodbye,
Till we talk again,
Ginny: I had to say good bye to someone, like Seth, I would actually give him a hug and say he was the best cousin and if someone in my family died, I would actually be really sad because they are a really good member.
Aubree: One of worst things I can do because I do not have parents and I will be alone with Heavenly Father.
Sandra: Seems so permanent. I prefer see you laters.
Papaw: Death is sure. If we died in Christ, we will rise to meet Jesus at the resurrection. If we are still living when he returns, those who are saved will follow the dead to meet Him in the air.
I would prefer to part expecting to meet my people in heaven; no goodbyes.
Me: I’d prefer to believe their really isn’t such a thing as a permanent goodbye. You never know when you will run across an old friend again. After all, it’s a small world.

I have been blessed

I have been blessed with the privilege to associate with some of the greatest people on the face of the Earth. These people have taught me so many lessons about life and love. The people I am talking about is my family. Because today is fathers day, I was initially thinking about my dad and the other fathers I know in my life. They display so many qualities that I find amazing and hope to find in my husband one day. I also look at my nephews and think of what great fathers they will be one day. Especially Seth because he is a little older and his personality is really shining through right now. I am sure Will will be an amazing dad too. However, it would be unjust of me to leave everyone that has influenced my life out. Everyone in my family has seriously greatly impacted my life. Rather it be the choices I have decided to make or the opinions I have formed over time. They each bring something unique to our family
Mom brings fun and excitement into our lives. She has always wanted to do special things for us children. I can remember mom taking me to Los Portalas for my very first time. I was in 3rd grade and she took me out of school early for my birthday. Mamaw and Papaw meet us there. Mom always loved to surprise and take us out of school early. I loved when the secretary would come over the intercom and ask my teacher to send me to the office so I could be dismissed early.
Dad has always been frugal. He loves his children though and shows it. Dad is probably one of the smartest people I know. I admire his ongoing quest for knowledge. He is always learning about something. He never went to college, but can do more things than I could. I remember being so frustrated growing up because he thought he was a doctor, lawyer, and everything else. Now I know that he really oculd have been any of the above. Dad really does deserve to wear a cape with a "S" on it because he will always be a super hero in my eyes.
Renee' is such a hard worker. She is caring and giving. I think all of us have always seen her as a little mother. I remember her working at Taco Bell. One year she even helped buy Christmas with her income. I will not forget all the small things she did for us kids while growing up. I also think it was Renee' who talked mom into letting us get our first house dog, Chase.
Jake is Renee's husband. He loves his family. Jake is really good with Ginny, Aubree, and Will. I don't think Renee' could have found a better match. Jake also pursued his dream to be a school teacher instead of working for his family. I think that would be a difficult decision to make and I respect him for making it.
Mike, I never thought I would think as much of Mike as I do now. I probably wouldn't if I didn't have the opportunity to stay with him and his family for a year. Mike is a great dad and provider. He will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. I respect that a lot. Mike is also very rational and practical. I know that he will give good advice.
Amy is honest. I know if I want the truth, she will give it to me. I am glad she is comfortable enough with her in-laws to do this. Mike and Amy are very compatible with each other. Amy also finished school after having a child. I know this had to be difficult. It is a sure sign of character that she did so.
Sandra was one of my best friends growing up. We shared a room that now holds many memories and secrets. I always admired Sandra and she was cool enough to let me hang out with her and her friends sometimes. She would make me feel included. We have our disagreements a lot now, but somehow manage to stay great friends. I am excited to see Sandra in a few weeks. We are the only two single people left in the family, so we have to stick together. Because we are single, we can express our frustrations. I know she understands how I feel a lot and I can somewhat comprehend how she feels. I say somewhat, because she is older than me and that makes a difference. She reminds me of this at times.
James is fun and playful. He is a people person and people flock to him. James is probably the main person who got me into soccer, even though Mike played too. I wanted to make him proud when I played because he was such an amazing player. I remember how popular James was in school but he still talked to the Developmentally Delayed kids. James has a huge heart even if he does look like a jock!
Kara Jo is a good mom. Elle is always fixed up and looks cute. I haven't gotten the opportunity to know her that well though. Lately, she seems to be a domesticated. I know it has to be hard for Kara to have a husband in school and to be a mom as well. Yet, she seems to do it all gracefully.
Charity is my roommate this semester. We do get frustrated with each other at times but she is still one of my best friends. I am sad she will be moving to Boise this semester and almost resent her fiance for taking her away from me. Charity displays a positive attitude about so many things. Even when she was paralyzed she smiled. She finds a way to shine, even when shining seems impossible to do.
I really do love my family and wish there was a national holiday for every member of my family. Because there isn't, I will have to celebrate each of them every day to compensate.

Twenty Five

So it is the eve of my 25th birthday and I thought in celebration I would write down 25 things I am grateful for. Enjoy!
1) I am thankful for the missionaries who brought the gospel into my parents lives. I love the gospel so much! Because of those missionaries I(and countless other people)have the gospel as part of their lives.
2) I am thankful that I live in a country with so many freedoms. I am particullarly thankful to live in a country that allows me to obtain an education and allows me to finance one.
3) I am thankful that I have had so many life experiences. These include living with crazy roommates, having a big family, and living in the country.
4) I am thankful that I have developed a love of reading. Alliteracy is a really big problem in this country. Luckily for me, I have had people influence me in my life and teach me how to love reading.
5) I am so thankful for the internet. I can google anything in the world I want to know! I don't know what people did without it!
6) I am thankful for airplanes. This makes visiting my family back home in TN so much easier. I love them and miss them.
7) I am so thankful for my neices and nephews. They are much younger than me and still manage to teach me some of the greatest lessons I will ever be able to learn. I miss being around them so much!
8) I am thankful that I am a dreamer. I love to dream. A good dream can make even the gloomiest day seem a little better. I believe in dreaming big!
9) I am thankful for a place to live. I often complain about it being a mess, but at least it is a roof over my head.
10) I am thankful that I am able to talk to a member of my family every day. As mentioned earlier I really do love them. They are a big part of my life.
11) I am thankful for good advice. I don't always want advice at the moment but I will still listen. I like being able to make more educated decisions.
12) I am thankful for heartbreaks. I know this is odd but I know that I will appreciate true love even more when it finds me because I have experienced a broken heart.
13) I am thankful that I have a job especially when the economy is so bad.
14) I am thankful for the news. I really love watching national news. I especially love reading about Pakistan.
15) I am thankful for teachers that are passionate about the subject they teach. Their excitement about the subject is often contagious.
16) I am thankful for good food. I love to eat. Ice cream and smores make me so happy!
17) I am thankful for prayer. I really do know that Heavenly Father hears my prayers. He answers them as well. It is nice having a friend that understands met hat I can talk to any time of day.
18) I am thankful that my body functions well. Not everyone is blessed with a body who functions as well as mine. Some people loose their senses while others loose the ability to use extremities.
19) I am thankful for love. I am thankful that I know that I am loved and that I have the ability to love other people.
20) I am thankful for good friends. There are few things as valuable as a friend who will listen to you complain and cry and still want to be your friend.
21) I am thankful for the small conviences that I often take for granted. Rather this be a razor or toothbrush. Could you imagine our world without them?
22) I am thankful for good media. I like to be able to relax infront of the tv every now and then. I really like sitting back and watching The Office!
23) I am thankful that I have a car. Not everyone on campus is this blessed. Having a car really does make my life easier.
24) I am thankful for good jokes. I really do love to laugh. Laughing rejuvenates the soul.
25) I am thankful for another birthday! I am glad I made it to be a quater of a century old!

Living My LIfe

So, life is pretty crazy for me. Most people know that I never dreamed I would in single and in school at almost 25 years old. I tease and say I am going through a quarter life crisis. I really always thought I would be finished with school and married with children by now. It is funny how life doesn't turn out how you plan. It can really throw some curve balls at you! For those who don't know, I changed my major to elementary education. I will be finished in two years. I really do love children. I think this career will be great for me because if I don't have children the children I teach will become my own and I will care for them deeply. If I am blessed enough in this life to become a mother the schedule of a teacher will be perfect for me and my family. I am thinking that I want to teach out of the country when I finish school. I think it would be nice to travel the world. I figure if I am young and single I might as well do it! Instead of complaining about being single I think I will embrace it. I have to believe that Heavenly Father will allow the right boy to find me at the right time. Because I am not patient this will be super hard. The boy better be worth my wait! Anyways, speaking of embracing being single, I got myself the best birthday present ever! I am going sky diving on Monday. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. It is something I have always wanted to do so I am doing it. I don't think I would take the risk if I had kids so this is the ideal time in my life to do it! Other than that simple fact my life is pretty mundane. I wake up, go to school, go to work, and do homework. It is kind of lame but it is what I do. I am learning to love life and to embrace every second. I will let ya'll know how my skydiving experience goes. Wish me luck!

Menstruating Men

So I had to write a short essay for my English Class on anything that was on my mind. This is what I came up with.

I hate men! They are so illogical and immature. Then they turn around and say that girls are emotional. We girls have an excuse to be crazy and irrational. That excuse is a little something called hormones. It is true that boys have hormones too, but let’s be honest; they don’t fluctuate nearly as much. As females, our hormones go up and down. It is nice to have an excuse when we start crying over something as minuscule as burning our one dollar Tony’s pizza. However, it is ridiculous when a grown man starts acting like a menstruating fourteen year old girl. When with a boy who can not make up his mind or gets over defensive when we tell him he needs a haircut we want to look up and yell, “Are you normally such a jerk or are you menstruating?”
Boys, grow up! Stop acting like little girls. We don’t want to go out with our little sisters. We want to date real men. We want men we can have a stimulating conversation with. The problem with this is that men say they want an intellectual woman. However, the men get offended or intimidated if a girl appears smarter than them on a date. Men, stop acting like ten year old girls and make up your minds! In short, you don’t menstruate so stop acting like you do.

Fear and Happiness

So the other day there was a toy snake in our living room. I asked for someone to trash it and it was thrown on me. I was petrified. Thus I am going to write some of my biggest fears for everyone.
1) The unknown
2) Failure
3) Snakes
4) Being single for the rest of my life
5) Not being able to always express myself clearly

Now I will just list some of the things in life that make me happy
1) My family
2) Starry nights
3) Good food/chocolate
4) Nature
5) The gospel

New York, New York

I had the opportunity to go to NYC for my very first time this week end. I must confess that it was so different than what I had expected. Yes, the drivers were crazy and I was scared to death every time I was in a vehicle. The people in the city were very polite much to my dismay. I met an old friend in the city. We actually met at Grand Central Station. I don’t think the reality that I was in the city had hit me at that time. On Friday night we went to Little Italy and had a great dinner. While walking it started to rain and we passed a karoke place. The song being sung was New York, New York by F. Sinatra. We stopped and danced, then we went to the Rockefeller center. It was so chilly and windy. I had a hard time keeping my dress from blowing up over my head. After that I got to see Times Square for my first time. I had no clue that is where we were walking. When I saw it I know I had to make a priceless facial expression. That pretty much covers Friday. On Saturday, I slept in. I was tired from the previous day’s travels. Once I managed to get up and ready for the day we went to Central Park. I liked the park. In a corner a man was peeing on a fence. It was interesting. I rode in a buggy that was carried by a bike and the driver was very friendly. I got my first taste of NY pizza and loved it. After that we went to the United Nations building. Sadly there were no tours on weekends but I still go to walk around the first floor. There were pictures of the aftermaths of mines and the genocide that were truly humbling. I also got to go to the shopping district. I have always wanted to go inside Tiffany’s and I did!!! The diamonds were both gaudy and beautiful. I was tempted to get myself one but then I figured I should pay for my education before I pay for diamonds. That night I got to go watch Wicked. It was so good. I can’t wait until Sandra sees it so we can talk all about it! After Wicked it was back to Times Square. We went to the Hersey’s factory which was fun then got ice cream so we could eat it all up as we watched TV at the hotel. Sunday was Easter. We went to Ground Zero, which I think was an appropriate activity. Once again I was humbled. After the museum there we went to see the Statue of Liberty. I didn’t care to wait to go to Ellis Island so I was content just seeing it from the city. I also went to China Town on Sunday. That was fun. I enjoyed seeing the Asians play checkers and just observing other people. Later that night I rode my first train to West Point. Monday was a slower day. My friend had school a lot of the day. So I got lost in the NY mountains while trying to explore. I also go to see the military academy in NY. That was nice. I went to the museum and visitor center there. There was so much to see and learn. I like living in a nation with such a rich history. Then on Tuesday I travelled back home. I hated to leave New York not matter how ready I thought I was to leave. It was a good experience overall. There is very little I would change about the trip. I guess I could say I had an almost perfect week-end!

Everyone else is doing it....

My Birthday Month: You decide what is true and what isn't!

Stubborn and hard-hearted
Strong-willed and highly motivated
Sharp thoughts
Easily angered
Attracts others and loves attention
Deep feelings
Beautiful physically and mentally
Firm standpoint
Easily influenced
Needs no motivation
Easily consoled
Systematic (left brain)
Loves to dream
Strong clairvoyance
Understanding
Sickness usually in the ear and neck
Good imagination
Good debating skills
Good physical
Weak breathing
Loves literature and the arts
Loves travelling
Dislike being at home
Restless
Hardworking
High spirited
Spendthrift

I am too Competitive!

Last week my Relief Society had all the apartments make a cake. So one of my roommates baked that cake and that left me with the responsibility of decorating. Truth be told I wasn't really up for the task. None the less I did it! I was quite proud of myself as well. I am not the best at doing things like this so I was overwhelmed with joy when my cake turned out. If you can't tell I did a pasture with horses in it. The only thing that made me mad is they said we were having a competition and then at the end they were like, "You are all winners." I was like, "I wouldn't even have tried to decorate a cake if I would have know there wasn't really even a competition. Why can't the church have winners and losers?" Oh well, I know in my heart that I made the best cake! I guess I might have been to competitive, but if I am in a competition I won't even show mercy to the 2 year olds! I enjoy winning...but who doesn't!

My Bucket List

Well Charity and Sandra have made a bucket list so I decided to go on a post mine.
1) I want to visit every continent with the exception of Antartica.
2) I want to sky dive and scuba dive. I think it would be amazing to see my planet from up on high to seeing it below the see.
3) I want to be married in the temple and be a mom. I really do have a strong desire to have a family.
4) I would love to ride in a Corvette Convertible with the top down on a sunny day.
5) I want to make a difference in the world...I haven't figured out how I will do this one yet.
6) I want to dance with someone I love in the rain. If I'm lucky maybe I'll get to kiss them too!
7) I think it would be fun to do a picture where you just splatter paint on a canvas or pop paint filled balloons with darts.
8) I want to "play" with some exotic animal rather it be monkey, tiger, or a bear.
9) Visit the Eiffel Tower.
10) Learn how to make homemade flaky croissants.
11) Sleep in a hammock on a perfectly sunny day.
12) See a TN Vols home game. I want to get there mid week and enjoy all the festivities.
13) I know this sounds really lame but I'd really like to start doing some genealogy.
14) Have a home of my very own. Preferably a cabin in the mountains.
15) Learn how to not be so self conscience.
16) Plant a garden.
17) Make sure the people I love know that they are loved by me!
18) Go on a Disney Cruise.
19) Stay at a Bed and Breakfast.

Daddy's Girl

I must confess I forgot all about dad's birthday this past weekend and I feel quite bad about it! I believe that I have the best dad in the world. He has taught us all such valuable lessons. Dad is one of the hardest workers I know. I love getting random text from daddy. They make my day! I remember daddy would call us in his room on Sunday afternoons to have daddy-daughter talks. I don't remember what he would talk to us about or how long they lasted but I am pretty sure I enjoyed them most of the time. He always made an effort to make us kids feel loved. Dad has taught us kids many valuable lessons. Don't get me wrong, he can annoy me like no other but I always know that he has good intentions. And I hate to admit he is right a lot of the time. (Not all the time though.) I appreciate that dad wanted me to learn how to do different things and would take the time to show me how to do these different tasks. Dad taught me how to hunt, change a tire, and bbq a pig. He also woke up early for 4 years to teach me early morning seminary. I really do appreciate him doing this! Dad is an amazing man and I am blessed to have him as my Pops!