2009.

2009 is coming to an end quick. At the beginning of this year I made some goals. And I have been thinking a lot about those goals that I made and following through with myself and reflecting on my life and the things that I have done this past year and if I feel like this was a successful year for me. Life is not always easy, life does not always go as planned. Every morning we wake up and we can decide that today is going to be a good day. No matter the circumstances that we have, no matter the things we have to face. One thing I have realized is that things are going to happen in our lives that we do not choose. But the one thing we do choose is how we see it. The one thing we do get to choose is how we act in situations and ourattitude. There are things that happened to me this year that I could not help. And this is life. Sometimes life is unexpected. Last year I would never have told you that in a year from now I will be living in San Diego, California. I would never have told you that Mark was going on a mission. I would never have told you that I wouldn't care if my sister broke myfavorite pair of glasses. I would never have thought that my testimony would have grown this much. I would never have told you that I would try a piece of salmon. I would never have told you that I would have a group of new amazing friends. These are all things that I did not expect. But I would have told you that I was going to try my best this year to be a good example to those around me. That I was going to try to say my morning and night prayers everyday. That I was going to read my scriptures and further my knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would have told you that I was going to try to be a better daughter, friend, sister, neighbor, cousin, a better me. I would have told you that I was going to try not to be hard on myself or hard on those I love. That I was going to be quick to forgive. That I was going to try to see myself as God sees me. I would have told you that I want to grow this year as a person, that I wanted to have experiences that would bring me closer to my Heavenly Father, I wanted to have experiences that would help me to better understand who I am. I wanted to have missionary experiences where I would be able to share a little of myself and what I believe with someone who was lost or wondering. I would have told you that 2009 was going to be a great year, because I was going to make it one.

And today I am happy. I am happy looking back on this year and realizing that I did my best and that it was in fact, a great year.

I can't wait for the year 2010. It is going to be the best one yet.

let me burn the rook.

family I love you and all... but after the 367th game of this (this week)... it's getting old... can't we play monopoly or something? i'm just sayin.

but until then.. I'll just be sitting over here in the family room dreaming ....

there it goes again.... "one more game guys.. one more game!!!" 

Dear Santa,

My wish tonight is for you to eat all of the cookies off of the counter.  ALL of them. please. I beg. Take the carmel, gingerbread houses filled with candy, chocolate covered everything, sixteen boxes of chocolate, and the egg nog too. please. take it all.

xoxo,

faddie.

besides the constant feeling of being full. 

I love christmas.

I am grateful for my Savior and for this time of year to reflect on my relationship with him and to remember the sacrifice he made for me and the reason and purpose for this life and for him. I am grateful.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

5 days of paradise.

All four of these pictures make me laugh out loud.  

• The first picture represents all of the laughing we did.  I'm not kidding.  There were more than enough times I had to think about running to the bathroom or else I was going to go in my pants.  This kid that we are holding up was a complete stranger that we invited to come play with us.  We all made up this plan that we were all going to run and pick him up and chant, "DUSTIN DUSTIN DUSTIN DUSTIN." so the rest of the trip, that was a family joke.  he came back every night for games and wanted to change his last name to Larsen.  
• The second one represents all of the eating that we did on this cruise.  We ate and ate and ate as you do on cruises.  Every night we would order all the food we wanted at dinner and we would RUN to the ice cream machine before 9pm to make sure we got that last soft serve.
  
• And this third picture. really? I hope you are laughing.  and I hope that Dallin was cracking a smile as I said, "take this picture of me now." haha. first of all, I wasn't sleeping so I don't know why i'm pretending.  and second, if I walked by and saw someone taking this picture, I would laugh.  But this picture also represents all of the relaxing we got to do.  mannn did I enjoy that.  
  
• This last picture is just hilarious to me.  It's just a bunch of heads.  and then there is me in the front, I don't even care that I am the only one out of the bunch that you can see.  I'm just smiling away. hahaha.  and then after we all just decide to start singing Christmas carols to everyone as they are eating dinner.  It just makes me laugh. but it was so good spending time with all of the family.  So good to see everyone .

This vacation = a blast.

shame on me.

1st date.

blind date.

friday night.

3 pm friday rolls around and I am feeling sick and not up to it at all. 

Dad calls and is coming into town and I am not sure if I am going to meet up with him or not.

because I have a date with a 29 year old I am stressing out.

I am in class so I decide to hurry and let this guy know that next weekend will be better.

So.... I do an immature thing.... but something that is very convenient when you really don't have time to talk on the phone.... 

I text him...(shame on me)

Dear date, Something came up and next weekend will be so much better. I am so sorry to bail last minute but I really look forward to meeting you soon!

Dear Maddie, "i figure, if you honestly wanted to see me you would make the effort, its how it works, i am not trying to make you feel bad, so dont think that. everyone has there priorities, i make time for those whom i am sincerely interested in.      at first i thought you sounded like a really sweet mature woman, however when you cancled via a phone text, i just thought, that was a lack of class. it was also indicative of what you were thinking also. I just dont want you to think its rude of me to say, its just what i think of you thus far based on your actions

hmm.. really?? I hope you are laughing right now.  I have never met this guy and he honestly had the guts to say that to me? maybe a... 'no worries! we will re-schedule' would have been good .

come on guys.

looks like I MAY be living with my mom forever.

because if this is what growing up will do to you. I would rather not.

oh yeah.

I went home last weekend for thanksgiving. It was P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

Spent thanksgiving up in the mountains which was magical, ate, spent time with family, went shopping on black friday (never again), went four wheeling in the snow, went to blindside, may or may not have cried, played pool and ping pong, beat my brother Dallin at pool thank you, ate some more, watched UP, went to the BYU VS. UTAH game, (all blue), went to the Jazz game, spent more time with my family (mark included), played rook, took pictures, and laughed. and I LOVED every minute of it.

annnnnd. tomorrow I am going here.

(thanks ali for the picture)

can't wait to see EVERYONE!!

PEACE OUT REALITY

So much to be thankful for.

I don't know what I would do without....

. Life cereal

. Friendly people

. The feeling of being content

. Wonderful people surrounding me

. My testimony

. Cottage cheese and oranges

. Seasons

. Rain

. Selfless people

. Hollidays

. my FAMILY

. Christmas lights

. Special K with real strawberries

. My life

. Babies

. Weekends

. People who stop on the side of the road to help complete strangers

. Faith

. Skype that allows me to see my mom 10 hours away.

. Love

. Blankets that cuddle with me

. My body and my health

. Colored pencils and coloring books

. Laughter

. Hard times in life that make me stronger

. Happy times in life that make me happy

. Airplanes

. Missionaries that sacrifice for others

. Sunshine

. Cameras that capture those memories

. New opportunities

. Prayer

. Friends that care

. Hot chocolate that makes me warm

. Music

. Roller coasters

. The mail man

. Jokes that make me laugh

. hope

. The gospel

I have been so blessed. and everyday I am realizing it over again.

I love this life. and I truly have so much to be thankful for.

Called to serve

BURMINGHAM ENGLAND MISSION

reporting: March 12, 2010.

is that not the coolest thing??

I think it is.

I couldn't be happier for Mark.  He is going to be one heck of a missionary. Congrats Markee!!

annnnnddddd..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TODAY.

the big ...20...

Mark is one of the most incredible guys I have ever met.  I am forever grateful for our friendship.  We have had so many fun times together.  Mark is someone who everyone loves to be around, who lightens up a room, who always has a smile for everyone.  When I think of Mark, I think of someone who is so positive and always sees the best in everyone and in all situations.  He is so understanding and accepting.  He is such a good listener and someone I look up to a lot a lot.  

Thanks Mar for your example to me and for being such a great friend.

I can't wait for you to serve a mission.  You are going to kill it. You will be very missed but I couldn't be happier for you. 

I hope you have the best birthday ever. 

I know it's kind of impossible without me there.

but....much love from cali.

we will celebrate in 5 : )

Sunday thought

“The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike.”

“This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995 - President Gordon B. Hinckley

This weekend was so great. Friday after school I got the opportunity to go do baptisms in the San Diego Temple. It was so beautiful and the spirit was so strong. I had never been to this temple but it has always been one of my favorites because of it's beauty on the outside. It was just as incredible inside. There was the same peace about it that you can feel in every temple. 

 Today was one of those days at church where you think... "I am so glad that I am here today." because it was just what I needed to hear.  The quote above by President Hinckley was recited in sacrament and it really touched me. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. Sometimes it is not easy to stick up for what we believe in.  This is something that I am just barely realizing.  My whole life I have lived in Utah, where I really didn't have to stick up for truth all that much seeing as though everyone I was surrounded with had the same standards as I did.  But this is not always the case.  I have been faced with a couple of things lately where I have really had to stand up to people.  It has not been easy.  However, this quote that I heard today, was an answer to prayer.  I needed to be reminded that this life is just short compared to the eternal scheme of things.  As long as I remain true to myself and do what is right, the reward will be far greater... and I truly believe that.  

thank goodness for sundays. it's a beautiful day. and I get to relax  . happy day.

2 year old?

haha. happy tuesday!

From ladybug to baby bump.

Friday we had our halloween potluck at school.  I tried making sugar cookies the night before.   Lets just say I lost all bragging rights for my once called baking skills.  At least until I redeem myself.  

After school I hopped on a plane and went home to the mountains.  Even though I have not kissed a boy since you don't even want to know when.  Somehow this happened.  It was a night full of laughter. surprise surprise.

and then Sunday night, Mark and I went to a CES fireside with President Uchtdorf speaking.  It was so good.  He spoke on being happy and finding joy in your life.  He reminded us that we as members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, we have been given the gift of knowing who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.  So why not have joy? I love that thought.

Thanks Mark for going with me : ) . 

Annnnnnd.... MARK FINISHED HIS MISSION PAPERS!!!

Mark and I have known each other since middle school.  He was always too cool for me though.  Finally our senior year of high school, I got his attention and convinced him to be my friend.  Soo he has been one of my best friends for the past two years now.  He grew up in Provo, Utah.  And was not a member until February 14, 2009.  It has been quite a miracle watching him go through this growing process and deciding he will change his plan and serve the Lord for two years.  I am so proud of him! and I am so anxious to see where he will be spending the next two years of his life!! My prediction will be thought out for another week or so.. then I will publish it.

annnyway. my bed is calling my name. at 9:17 pm. selfish bed.

I always give into it.

goodnight.

October 29.

You've had a birthday shout hURRAY. we want to sing to YOU TODAY. ONE year OLDER and WISER too. happy birthday to YOU.

sis,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Lightbulb.

Lamp shade.

Doorknob.

haha. gotta love inside jokes.

Kate, I just want you to know how much I love you.  You have always been such a good example to  me.  You have been an example in a lot of ways.  You are someone who is so kind and loving towards others.  You are that sister who is always there to listen and to cry and to laugh and to have late night cereal on call. You are that friend that will be your friend for life.  You are that daughter that holds up the family and steps up when help is needed.  You are that woman who stands up for what she believes no matter what.  You are my sister and I can't imagine loving you more than I do.  I have always been so grateful for our friendship.  You have given me footprints to walk in that i've always been confident will lead me in the right direction.  You are amazing.  And I am proud to call you my sister.

I love you.

love, 

me.

Utah.

After finding out Victoria was not getting on her plane to come see me last weekend, Dad decided to fly me home for the weekend.  Thanks dad! I had so much fun.

(It is hard to keep secrets but I knew mom would be surprised to see me in her bed on Friday night.)

to FROYO for some frozen yogurt

On a walk to get my share of fallen leaves and chilly weather.

(SURPRISE mark. he wasn't expecting me either and you can always count on Mark for a good reaction.)

We are missing you here katie. while we eat our pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. 

Even though the cougs got slaughtered, it was still so much fun. 

Thanks pops!!

Saturday night Julianne somehow convinced me to put on this PINK prom dress.  Besides the fact that my mask made me have a nose from who-ville. I never wear pink. and I do not know how to sport it. but we still made a night out of it. Sorry junebug for stepping on your foot with my heel. haha. bring on next weekend.

I love fall. Bays and I drove up to dads cabin on Sunday.

and saw these two muffins. oh they make me soo happy.

It was such a good weekend. I had so much fun.  It was so good to see everyone.  I am coming up on finishing my FOURTH week at school.  Time has really flown by.  I am loving it here, I have had a couple homesick days.  But realized that is normal and it only means that I have a lot of love for my family and friends.  But I have been really lucky to live with Sharlie and Ryan here, they are taking such good care of me and making this whole experience easier/better. 

So. weekend home=perfect . fourth week of school=test week=can't be over soon enough.

annnnnd. I will be seeing utah again this weekend for Halloween. 

 I know I know. delta knows me.

and.

loves

me.

story of my life.

6 am: wake up

6:55 am: leave house

7:55 am: arrive at school

10:00 am: 15 minute break

12:00 pm: 1 hour lunch (heaven)

3:00 pm: 15 minute break

5:00 pm: leave school

6:00 pm: arrive home

change/chat.

6:45 pm: dinner

8:00 pm: homework

8:30 pm: start show (biggest loser, project runway, survivor, amazing race) one for every night. haha . as we have our snack.)

10:30 pm: get ready for bed and hit pillow.

thats all folks. we will repeat that again tomorrow. 

it's insane isn't it? 

I am EXHAUSTED. 

BUT I am loving it.

ps. I have a boyfriend.

hahahaha. I had to.

it's bedtime . goodnight.

My West Coast Friends

 C. 

A.

L.

I.

F.

O.

R.

N.

I.

A.

This is me.

at

7:20 am.

&

5:00 pm.

This is the people behind me.

to the right of me.

to the left of me.

and in front of me.

This is why.

. I can't help but just laugh .

I'm sorry people. I will try not to swerve in front of you tomorrow.

It's a crazy world out there on the CALIFORNIA I15. 

I am doing my best :)

I'm having so much fun with these guys.

They took me to CHILLIS to celebrate my first week. I guess they know me : )

School is going great. I am learning a lot. very quick. We are not wasting any time.

I don't consider our hour lunch a waste of time. 

time WELL used

(PETCO park, where the Padres play)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm = walk around the city. get gelato. answer funny questions about 'my religion.' laugh our heads off. lay in a dog park. eat apples. sit on benches. walk by the cupcake shop trying to decide if we want one (everyday). (aka. = good time)

all with these guys.

haha.

• now I am going to an office party. with my new friends from institute. 
• then i'm going to sleep. 
• then i'm getting up. and it's FRIDAY!!!! 
• can't wait for weekend. 
• excited for church on Sunday! New ward. 
• um. AND. THANK YOU VICTORIA FOR BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT OUT HERE!!!!!!! 2 MORE WEEKS!!
  

I love all of you.

love,

me.