Beautiful Sisters

A couple weekends ago, Sarah got to go to a princess party! Woa-hoo! She loves to dress up! I got to do her hair and make-up while mom pulled a beautiful costume together. It's so much fun having sisters, especially ones who will let you dress them up occasionally. This past Saturday, Amber went to a the "Sweethearts" dance at her school with her friend Steven. She looked so glamorous! I couldn't stop staring.

I'm afraid I'm a fan of black and white photos. So for my sake: And for the rest of you: It's time to get to class, so have a very lovely Monday! Happy rainy day!

On the Other Side of the World

So here's a picture of my Dad with some of his co-workers in China and the customer they're working with, "Bully Dog." From what I've heard, it sounds like Dad's having a great time! He really likes the Chinese. I can't wait till he gets back. Home's just not the same without a Dad around. (He's in the back, to the left of the guy holding the "Welcome BullyDog" sign.) It's so strange to think of my Dad being all the way in China. It gives me the butterflies, but not really happy butterflies. Also, I finished filing my taxes! Hooray! Well, back to homework. I have a ton to do today! Happy Thursday!

What's going on?

Okay, I know I've already posted today, but I just have to ask...what's going on? I love my singles' ward, but tonight at FHE there were over 40 people...and only 3 "RMs." All of whom, I've already established zero interest with. And I LOVE the girls in the ward, but none of them are really the type of people I connect with. Trying not to be discouraged, but what am I supposed to do? They won't let us go to the BYU ward for our area. It just feels like we get double punishment, not only do we live at home (therefore diminishing our social lives) but we have to either go to our family ward with relatively zero YSA, or go the stake YSA ward (which is perfect for those just out of high school, but seriously, when you've transitioned to the singles' life and are ready to really grow up, it's not the best.) It just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I wish sooo bad I could move out. It just feels like I don't have a place in this crazy world. I guess we all feel like that sometimes... Okay, chin up, no moping! P.S. Don't worry, it's not so bad. I just feel slightly discouraged right now. I'll be over it soon.

What are we so worried about?

I just love the night sky. Too bad it doesn't really look like this in Provo... No matter where you are, it's remarkable! Return to the 17th. I'm back in the good old 17th ward (the singles' ward for my stake.) It's nice to be back with my friends. It's gotten a lot smaller, but that's okay. We'll just have to add a little energy. I really do love this ward. I still get to teach my sunbeams for a couple more weeks, hooray! Tonight's my first FHE back. We're playing Guitar Hero......um, yeah....it'll be awesome to be with all my old buddies! Also, I took my third exam today and got a 98%. Sometimes I LOVE school, sometimes...well, not so much. Have a very wonderful Monday.

China, Families, and the Like

My Dad leaves for China tomorrow. I'm going to miss him a ton. Good thing it's a short trip. He is the most incredible person that I know. One night, I was presented with that question, "Who is the best person you know?" I stand resolute in stating it to be my father. He impresses me more then anyone I've ever met. In primary we're learning a new song called The Family is of God. I love this song so much. The second verse says:

A father's place is to preside, provide, To love and teach the gospel to his children, A father leads in family prayer, to share Their love for Father in Heaven.

I am so grateful to my father. Often times, during the tempests of life when I don't know where to turn, he is the one that lets me know everything will be okay. I know he doesn't realize what a difference he makes everyday, especially on those days I let myself get over discouraged or deeply worried. Just thinking about my Dad is enough to put me back on track, to remind me that the gospel is what matters and that who you are is much more important then what you are. I'm prone to letting myself feel overwhelmed and afraid, especially right now when it feels like life's coming on fast. The daily miracle for me is that during those times of fear, I can turn my mind to my parents and the family they've raised. If I can manage to accomplish what they have in the home, then I know everything will be okay. Sometimes, I feel envious of the people I meet whose parents are wealthy, incredibly "successful", or down right gorgeous. It's in their blood to be "great." But then, I remember what's in my blood. My parents have the real stuff figured out, and maybe someday I can have my own family like theirs. It's not your pay, you title, you looks that make you remarkable. It's your devotion to the Lord, to your family, to doing the very best you can to be who you are in the Lord's eyes; and this where my parents are remarkable. This is where I hope to emulate them to the tee. Happy travels Dad! See you when you get home! (Also, good night friends! And go to bed...and try not to keep me up so late :) Happy Weekend!)

SO many Posts!

So, it's kinda fun having a few minutes everyday to wait for my ride from campus. It means I can write a little post. Guess what I did today? I donated blood for the very first time ever! Something about donating has always terrified me. It wasn't TOO bad. I don't know what drove me to do it, I was walking to my locker and next thing I knew, I was signing in. Weird! It wasn't at all like I expected. The needly didn't hurt at all. I filled the bag pretty fast (5 minutes, at least I think that's fast.) BUT, I got really really pale. The guy thought for sure I was gonna pass out, and I almost did. When I was walking over to the "snack table" I suddenly lost a large portion of my hearing and got tunnel vision. It was a unique sensation for sure! Happy Thursday!

Huzzah! Exam 2 status: 95% Hooray!

Smiley Smiles, and the Clock keeps Ticking

So... that's about it. Smiley Smiles and the clock keeps ticking. I decided today that time's not gonna change. Sometimes I wish it would fly by, sometimes I wish it would STOP. Today, I decided it's all irrelevant. (hopefully this lasts.) Because whether or not the days rush by or drag on, it doesn't change the present. No more trying to rush ahead or slow down; just, you know, living. So, smiley smiles and the clock keeps ticking...but I don't hear. : )

Exam One Status - COMPLETE

HOOOOORAY! I just finished my first exam! My goal this semester is to take each exam on day one offered. So far, so good. This one was for my chemistry class. I got a B, which I am pleased with...because...I added the class the last day possible, and therefore have only been in the class less then a week. SCARY! Especially since I've had NO chemistry before this semester. So yay for a B! Today, my physics class was uber stressful. People were very very very very confused by the lecture. Ahhh! Have a spectacularly wonderful evening! Good night!

Happy Happenings!

Lovely physics! My brain hurts. So here's a couple happy happenings of late... -My new calling is SUNBEAM teacher! It's absolutely such a treat. Today was our second week in primary, so we're still learning the ropes. After Opening Exercises we took our bathroom break...where one of the girls discovered the light switch. She and secretly I were fairly amused as she sneakily turned off the lights while a couple women in their 40's were in the bathroom. The women panicked like no other as my little sunbeams just quietly giggled in the pitch black. Oh fun! We got to spend several minutes of class playing the "walking reverently in the halls game." Next week, we'll play the "leaving the bathroom lights ON game." I really just love these girls! -So I just realised I haven't blogged about New Years yet! I went to a Rockapella/Noteworthy concert with my brother and one of our amazing friends. It was way fun. If I had a camera, I'd post some pictures, but I don't, so I wont. -Good News! My friend Patrick leaves the MTC for the Ukraine on Tuesday morning! I'm soooooo very excited for him. He's going to be a wonderful missionary. - I have a friend! Okay, I have several, but this one's an on-campus friend. For some reason this semester, I haven't really felt like talking to people in my classes (I've had a lot on my mind lately.) BUT, in Physics on Tuesday when I sat down, I just starting talking to the guy sitting next to me like we'd been life-long best friends. It caught be by surprise, but it was refreshing so I didn't stop myself. Then on Thursday he saved me a seat. Yay! - On Friday I went to a Pirate's theme dance. It was way fun! -Okay, last update... So I accidentally left my homework for the weekend in my locker on campus and didn't have the car (Amber was at an all day track meet.) I was distressed at first, but it turned out to be an awesome blessing in disguise. I got to just hang out with my family for a few hours which I haven't really done for a while. Hannah and I DDR'd it up for like an hour and a half. It was so fun. I LOVE playing DDR (dance dance revolution) with her! Then Michelle and Sarah put on the most spectacular puppet show for the family. It was, no joke, 45 minutes long! Whew. But was totally packed with comedy, mystery, suspense, comedy, romance, comedy, accidental violence and so much more! Wish you could've seem it. We were rolling in laughter! :) Happy Chocolate Chip Cookies! Good Night! (or nite)

Slip'n Slide

Just had to say that I am LOVING the snow! There's more snow then I've seen in years and I couldn't be happier! Yesterday on campus, piles of snow from clearing the walks, seriously the size of a school bus, dotted the university. Magically they disappeared during the night!? Where'd it go? But, don't worry, today the sidewalks were completely covered in ice. It was so fun/funny. It was like ice-skating from class to class. No one would pick up their feet, and LOTS of people slipped (which wasn't fun or funny...but secretly funny.) Happy Winter!

SCHOOL = COOOOL

Hello friends! Well, schools back in. I'm going year round until I graduate (April '11, unless I decide to do an internship.) I'm really excited! I love my major (Food Science with a Chemistry Minor) and I even enjoy reading my 1000+ pg textbooks. So, that's pretty much my life now... Yay!