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.