2012

In a few hours 2012 will be over. I can't believe how fast this year went by. I was going to make a list of all the things that happened. But that would be really hard. I guess I could make a list of a few of the bigger things.

20.
San Francisco.
Goblin Valley.
Transition classes.
Moved back home.
Disneyland.
OAKCREST.
Moved back to Logan.
Applied to student teaching.
Got my student teaching placement.
Survived level III.

2012 was a great year. It was a year of learning, growing, love, tears, laughter, joy, having fun, working hard, becoming better.

47

I'm a slacker. Yes, I am.

My semester ended very busy but very well. I ended up with almost all As. It was definitely the hardest semester of my college career but I loved it. And I miss my third grade class a lot.

I'm starting student teaching in January. eeek! JANUARY. In 12 days it will be my first day. I am so excited/nervous/scared/not ready/ready.

The week before Christmas. Was pretty crazy. Lots of shopping, a wedding, a couple dates, a few parties, ran errands, Oakcrest reunion.

Sandy Hook. What a nightmare. I still think about it all the time. I'm going to be a teacher. What would I do if that happened at my school? My heart breaks for that community.

My Christmas was incredible.

Christmas eve I saw a movie and went to dinner with my family. We opened our Christmas pajamas. I started/finished wrapping. Then I took some time before bed to think about Christ. At Oakcrest the last week of camp was Christmas and we all wrote letters to Heavenly Father to tell him what we were giving Christ for Christmas. I opened up that letter and read it. I'm still working on the gifts to my Savior. But that is something that we should work on all throughout the year. Not just in December (and August if you are at Oakcrest.)

Christmas day. I was very excited about what I got my family for Christmas. Isn't that one of the best feelings when you figure out the perfect Christmas gift?? My family blessed me so much this Christmas. My favorite Christmas gifts that I was given was a 72-hour kit and a beautiful cedar chest. I also got some sweaters and some games. If anyone wants to have a game night....I would love it.

Then, I shoveled the driveway, cleaned the house, helped my mom make food, delivered gifts to the cousins and exchanged gifts with a good friend. THEN, it was time for the party. Almost all of my mom's side of the family came over, we ate tons of food, talked, ate dessert, talked some more, watched Spencer and Elliot play their annual football game, opened presents, talked some more, and then everyone left. To finish up the night I watched Scrooge with my family. It was a fantastic day.

The past couple days....wow. I have been so lazy. I don't really want to talk about it actually.

Today is my daddy's birthday. I miss him. I hope that I am making him proud.

Tonight I'm going to Jerrica's. We have big plans. Titanic, DI, outlet mall. It's gonna be epic. Try not to be jealous.

One more week of Christmas break. I can't decide if it is going by too fast or too slow. And Tuesday will be 2013. I hope you are all thinking of some new years resolutions. I'm working on it.

I think...that is all. I'm sorry for the long and boring update. I will try for some consistency.

Temple Square. Love.

Brown paper packages tied up with string. Yes, my mom is so creative.

My best friends and me.

I have a friend.

I have a friend.
I call her a best friend.
I've known her for roughly two and a half years.
We've lived together for three semesters.
She is silly with me.
She has a wonderful smile and laugh.
I can tell her everything.
She has recently become very talented at making pie.
She loves life.
She tells the best jokes.
She loves giraffes and the color yellow.
She confides in me.
One time we went to San Francisco. Just the two of us.
We like going on photoshoot adventures.
She takes life one day at a time.
She is an artist.
She loves going to the DI with me.
Her family is wonderful.
She knows that she is a Daughter of God.
She loves the gospel.
Pretty soon, she'll be going on a mission.
She will move out in four days.
She'll spend some time at home before she leaves.
To some undetermined place to serve the Lord.
I love this girl.

Oh boy, I am going to miss her.

TTYAFW

No time to blog.
Too much homework.
Sorry.
Talk To You After Finals Week.

Tuesday

She has institute Tuesday nights. 

And every other Tuesday she has class at 4:30. 

That means her day starts at 8:00 AM and ends around 9:00 PM. 

And then she comes home and has to plan a lesson for the next day and do some other homework. 

So she comes home from institute today, walks into her room, and....

BAM! 

On her desk there are two letters. 

TWO.

Thank you to the incredible missionaries who take time out of their Preparation Days to write Lauren Kasteler a letter and make her day that much more wonderful.

a day of thanks.

to my mother for being the strongest person i know and always being there when i need her most.

to my sister for doing things i would never think of doing.

to my brother for making me smile and having a bigger capacity to love than most 14-year-olds.

to my daddy for watching over me and being an example of a righteous, faithful, hardworking man.

to my grandparents for being very interested in my life and always loving me.

to jerrica for being goofy with me and talking with me about secrets. yours and mine.

to bethany for making me feel like an amazing person and being an example of a beautiful daughter of God.

to my roommates for accepting me and loving me.

to you for making me feel loved and being someone i don't feel i deserve.

to my oakcresties for making me want to be better and being best friends

to those guys on missions for the time you take to write me letters and the example you set for me.

to my third graders for making me laugh and stretching my patience.

to other friends and family who i am blessed to associate with for changing me for the better, and for accepting me despite my many flaws.

to my Savior for sacrificing your life so that i can be redeemed and for knowing me perfectly.

to my Heavenly Father  for these amazing people in my life.
                                    for your wonderous plan of salvation.
                                    for the tools you have given me to know it, live it, and love it.
                                    for the incredible beautiful world around me.
                                    for all of the things i am blessed with.
                                    for the opportunity to talk to you at any moment i need.
                                    for eternal families.
                                    for the covenants i have made and will someday make with you.
                                    for temples and the opportunity i have to live by so many.
                                    for the gospel.
                                    for prophets and leaders you have given to help me throughout this life.
                                    for the priesthood.
                                    for the chance i have to know so many worthy priesthood holders.
                                    for sending your son to earth.
                                    for you love.
i thank thee this day.

One Year

One year ago a part of my heart left this earth. I can't believe that it has been a year. At the same time I can't believe that it has only been a year. I think about him every single day and miss him so much. Sometimes I just want to call him on the phone or give him a big hug or snuggle up next to him and cry on his shoulder. Sometimes I get sad because I won't get to dance with him on the night of my wedding and he won't ever get to hold my children. I want to hear his laugh, I want him to brush my hair, I want him to tickle me or chase me around the house. I miss him everyday. 

I am so grateful that I was "born in the Covenant" and I know that because my parents decided to get married in the House of the Lord, I can see my daddy again. It isn't a "till death do us part" kind of thing. It is FOREVER. My family is forever.

I know that his mission in this life was over. He had done what he needed to here. Now, he is continuing to work in the Spirit world. There are things that he needs to do to help my family but that he couldn't have done while he was on earth. There are people he needs to help in the spirit world. 

He is with his sister, my Aunt Jenni. He is with his grandparents, his great grandparents, and other ancestors who went before him. And maybe he met Joseph Smith like he always dreamed he would. 

Also, I know that he is still with me. I can't see him. But sometimes I can feel him. He will be there when I get married and he will send my children love when they come to earth. He is with me when I am sad and feeling alone or confused.

I know that I will see him again. How great will that day be when I can run into his arms and give him a huge hug! I promise to live my life in a way that I can be worthy to see him and live with him again. 

it came.

First of all. 

my day was a little interesting. Not your typical run of the mill. Not bad, but a little....out of the ordinary.

Second of all. 

I went to the temple. Absolutely lovely.

Third of all.

Student.

Teaching.

Placement.

Excuse me for a second.

EEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I hope that you are having a wonderful evening.

Peace and blessings.

My heart.

"When Jesus seems to be hammering you with one trial after another, remember He is the carpenter--before He is done with you, He may need to sand out some rough edges."

Unknown

Dear you, numero two.

Dear you, wanna talk?

Dear you, I don't think I deserve someone like you.

Dear you, I miss you.

Dear you, do you think about me as much as I think about you?

Dear you, what can I do to help?

Dear you, I'd really like a letter.

Dear you, I'm not particularly fond of the way you are treating her.

Dear you, why are you leaving?

Dear you, you inspire me.

Dear you, thanks for everything.

Dear you, I'm trying.

Dear you, I love you.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Tomorrow there will be a sub.

I will be in charge.

Am I stressed out a little?

Yes.

Am I excited?

Oh, Yeah.

Here goes.

The answer is always the same: TRUST

"In this life, how can there be refining fires without heat? Or greater patience without some instructive waiting? How can there be increased individual faith without some customized uncertainty?"
Neal A. Maxwell

Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
Nevertheless-whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.
Mosiah 23:21-22

November

I don't know that I'm quite ready to take on November. Unfortunately I don't really have a choice. It will be a full month in practicum. The last full month of the semester. I have so much to do it overwhelms me. And then there is that thing called the election. Yeah, I have to vote. And then I think about November last year. And that makes me not super excited to face this November. Oh, and that whole figure out my life thing, yeah, I guess I need to work on that too.

But....

I am taking life it one day at a time.

I know that I have an amazing family and friends who love me.

I know that I can do anything with Heavenly Father's help.

I know that everything will work out in His way and His time.

I am grateful for an opportunity to stretch myself and work on growing into the woman I want to be.

My thoughts on this Halloween night.

Old pictures and messages.
     Halloween vest. Compliments all around.
          Pocahontas.
               You wouldn't believe how many third graders do not know who she is.
                    Overwhelmed.
                         Spaghetti.
                              Witch's brew, mummy wrapping, pumpkin painting, Halloween bingo.
                                   I won't give up. Three times.
                                        Happy Halloween.
                                   Procrastination.
                              Red.
                         Conversations that remind you.
                    Tender emails.
               Missing them. Him and them and him and her and him and them.
          Tomorrow is November.
     November.
Maybe I will go to bed early tonight.

tih

Maybe I'm watching Titanic with my roomies.

Maybe I've eaten way too much candy today.

Maybe I did my hair today.

Maybe one of my friends came home from his mission today.

Maybe I'm freaking out about it a little bit.

Maybe I'm done with classes for the semester.

Maybe I have practicum tomorrow.

Maybe I went to a RS activity.

Maybe a friend came to visit today.

Maybe I went to the temple today.

Maybe I don't really have my life figured out right now.

Maybe I'm just trying to do my best.

Maybe I know that things will work out.

Maybe I'm happy.

Here's a little nugget of wisdom.

I really like my institute class and we talked about Mosiah 3:19 a little bit. I thought you might want to hear about it. This is all stuff that I need to work on and maybe something I say can touch your heart.

Mosiah 3:19
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

So what is with this natural man stuff? Well, it doesn't mean that when we are born we have a naturally carnal and evil nature. We become a "natural man" as we sin. The natural man is selfish and wants to change God's will.

So how do we get rid of this natural man who is an enemy to God? We yield to the spirit and submit to the will of our Father in Heaven.

Say you are driving down a road and you are coming to an intersection. If you go straight through the intersection you're heading straight toward sin. Right before the intersection there is a yield sign. What are you yielding to? The whisperings of the Holy Ghost. To yield literally means "to give way". So when you come to that intersection give way for the Holy Ghost, listen to the spirit. Don't blow through that intersection without listening to the Spirit that your Heavenly Father gave you.

Going through that intersection might not always lead you to sin. Maybe that road is a decision you are making. Even if the decision looks like a good thing and everything looks like it should work out, you still have to yield to the Spirit.

Becometh as a child. Submissive. Meek. Humble. Patient. Full of love.

Be "willing to submit to ALL things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [you]". Sometimes we think we know everything and think we know what is best for ourselves. Crazy, I know. But Heavenly Father sees the big picture, he knows what our potential is. Even though you don't understand His plan for you completely, SUBMIT. Trust in His judgement and trust in His Plan for you.

So I want to ask you. What is an area of your life you have a hard time submitting? Next time, just SUBMIT. Give way to the Spirit and God's will. You will find that if you submit once, it will be easier to submit again. Not to mention the blessings and joy that will come from putting God's will before your own.

Think about it: God is all powerful. His ways cannot be changed. That means, whether you like it or not his Will is going to prevail over yours. It is your choice what your attitude is towards His will. I say, accept and submit to His will. This is His plan. He will never lead you astray.

So there you go.

Have a great day! I love you all!

Thank you Brother Jacobs

Beautiful.

Sometimes your roommate looks at you and says, 

"Lauren, you look beautiful today. 

Well, you look especially beautiful today."

I think people need to be told they are beautiful more often. 

Especially on days when they don't try to be beautiful.

the whole world is covered in rain clouds

I'ts a beautiful day even though its dark out there.

You got sun on your face, take it with you everywhere.

It's amazing to me how someone else can find the light they need radiating in your eyes.

Its easy to forget how blessed we are when life's better when we remember.

It's like walking in sunlight when the whole world is covered in rain clouds.

You're walking in sunlight, finding the truth, living it out loud.

A friend.

She is a best friend.

She has a testimony of gold.

She is beautiful.

She lives way too far away from me.

She always know exactly what to say to me.

She is kind.

She loves me the way I am.

She has an amazing family.

She is patient. Even though she thinks she is not.

She loves sunflowers.

She is tall.

She says things to me that give me strength.

She is always there for me.

She is going to be a nurse.

She loves helping people.

She has a beautiful smile.

She has tremendous faith.

She makes me want to be better.

She wears red lipstick, sometimes.

She has a wonderful laugh.

She just turned 21.

A flood.

You know that moment when, 

you and your roommate

decide to watch a movie.

You decide to watch

The Parent Trap.

And even though

you haven't seen it in years

you can quote almost every line

and you enjoy every minute.

Not to mention,

it brings back a flood of memories.

It reminds you of some people.

And you remember wishing 

that you had a twin somewhere

in the world that you 

don't know about.

I like those moments.

Grateful.

I am grateful for a mom who gives the best advice.

I am grateful for sweats.

I am grateful for children who take my mind off of my own life.

I am grateful for roommates and best friends.

I am grateful for doctors and mono tests.

I am grateful for modern technology.

I am grateful for the gospel.

I am grateful for The Book of Mormon.

I am grateful for Oakcrest.

I am grateful for tears.

I am grateful for eternal families.

I am grateful for Logan.

I am grateful for giving advice that you know you should take yourself.

I am grateful for Utah State.

I am grateful for socks.

I am grateful for my liver and spleen.

I am grateful for prayer.

I am grateful for french braids.

I am grateful for fall leaves.

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation.

I am grateful for bobby pins.

I am grateful for showers.

I am grateful for Teryaki sauce.

I am grateful for the priesthood.

I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and my Savior.

I am grateful for the sky.

I am grateful for love.

I am grateful for faith.

I am grateful for trust.

Mononucleosis

I have mono. 

Ew. 

The Kissing Disease.

Glad I finally know why I feel the way I do.

Don't worry, it's only contagious through saliva....

 But I can't afford to skip class.

Hopefully I can get lots of rest and still attend my classes.

And practicum.

2-4 weeks of being exhausted? Bring it on.

I'm turning it over to you.

I wanted to share this song with you and looked for it on YouTube but it is not there. So, I typed up the lyrics. ENJOY.

I've wrestle with demons and darkness.
I've wrestled with what has been lost.
I carry this crushing on my shoulders,
And try not to think of the cost.

It's more than a single decision.
It's giving a part of myself.
Its something I simply can't do on my own,
So i'm pleading with you for your help.

Again and again I've asked myself why,
I don't think that I have any tears left to cry.
My soul is so tired, I'm longing for rest.
I'm giving my all and I'm doing my best.
It hurts to move on from the place I am in,
But you understand where I've been,
And you reassure me its time to start over again.

I'm finally ready to listen.
I'm finally ready to hear.
Struggling to get to a place you can reach me,
Where peace can speak louder than fear.
I can't see the end of this story,
There's no way to know how it ends.
For now I let go and I trust you to lead me,
And show my heart where to begin.

Again and again I've asked myself why,
I don't think that I have any tears left to cry.
My soul is so tired, I'm longing for rest.
I'm giving my all and I'm doing my best.
It hurts to move on from the place I am in,
But you understand where I've been,
And you reassure me its time to start over again.

All of the pain and confusion I'm going through,
I'm turning it over to you,
Willing to trust it's the right thing to do.

Again and again I've asked myself why,
I don't think that I have any tears left to cry.
My soul is so tired, I'm longing for rest.
I'm giving my all and I'm doing my best.
It hurts to move on from the place I am in,
But you understand where I've been,
And you reassure me its time to start over again.

Again-Jessie Clark Funk

This wonderful thing we call a body.

I was sitting in class today and one of my peers was at the front of the class reading us a book. All of a sudden I thought of my eyes. I thought about how incredible my eyes are, that I can see her and the book that she is reading. I thought about how my brain can process what I am looking at. 

I had a wave of gratitude come over me. My body is wonderful. I think about all the amazing things that my body can do. It regulates my breathing, heart rate, and temperature among other things. My body can move in so many different ways. My skin protects everything inside of me. My heart pumps blood to my brain and the rest of my body. My muscles allow me to do more things than I can even comprehend. I eat food and my body takes that food, absorbs the nutrients, digests it, and gets rid of what it doesn't need. My body is capable of conceiving children. 

I can see. I can hear. I can touch. I can taste. I can smell. 

And what about my brain? And my immune system? And what about all those nerves and veins and bones?

Those are all things that most healthy people have. I haven't even started to mention the things that make me different from everyone else. I'm 5' 9". I have those weird optic nerves behind my eyeballs. I have wavy red hair that I love and got from my father. I am allergic to grass and many trees and weeds. I have freckles. I have my mother's brown eyes.

I am not an expert on the body. I actually know very little about it. But I know enough to know that it is amazing. I am incredibly grateful for my Heavenly Father who gave me this wonderful body.

Autumn.

I really love the season we call Autumn. 

Leaves changing.

Crisp air.

Bring out the sweaters and moccasins.

Time for cozy.

Leaf crunching.

Pumpkins and hot chocolate.

Change is in the air.

The world is getting ready for winter.

So then I wonder....what will this fall bring?

What will winter be like?

Mild like the last?

Or maybe a little more bitter.

I really love the season we call Autumn.

My loot.

What do Jerrica and I do late on a Wednesday night when we are completely lacking motivation?

We go to Walmart and buy a treat.

Then, the next day....we go to the DI.

And we hit the jackpot.

Here's my loot.

Today in my Life.

Life. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes....not so much. Here's how mine is doing.

Today, I taught a science lesson. I also took a science midterm. Oh, and there was that spelling lesson that I taught. A little bit of a stressful day? Yup.

Did I get out of both my classes early today? Oh yes!

I miss him.

I found out recently that my current plan of graduating in May....might not happen. A bump in the road has come. What's going to happen? Maybe another semester in Logan. Maybe a switch in my student teaching. Maybe something else. I don't really know how this is going to effect my scholarship, housing, or anything really.

One thing that know is that I have a testimony that EVERYTHING happens for a reason and everything WILL work out in the way that it is supposed to. This is part of God's plan for me.

I changed my blog title back to what it was originally.

My mind likes to over think everything which can cause some issues. At this moment it's better, but not solved.

Institute was fabulous last night.

"You have the potential to become anything to which you set your mind." 

-President Gordon B. Hinckley

2 Nephi 10:23-24

23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, 

and remember that ye are free to 

act for yourselves--to choose the 

way of everlasting death or the 

way of eternal life.

24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, 

reconcile yourselves to the will of 

God, and not to the will of the devil 

and the flesh; and remember, after 

ye are reconciled unto God, that it is 

only in and through the grace of God 

that ye are saved.

Tagged.

Sharkbait Tagged me in a blog post and I am currently at the library procrastinating my homework so here it goes!

Rules: 
1)) Each person tagged must post 11 random facts about themselves
2)) They must answer the 11 questions posted by the previous blogger
3)) They must create 11 more questions to ask their tagged bloggers
4)) They must tag blogs with less than 200 followers
5)) No tag backs

11 facts about me: 
1. I have recently become obsessed with Once Upon a Time. 
2. I love doing outdoorsie stuff.
3. My favorite snack is Jalapeno pringles and cottage cheese.
4. I only have one year left of my Bachelors.
5. I overthink everything. 
6. I have recently realized that I love tennis. But, no rules, just whacking the ball back and forth.
7. This past summer was the best summer of my life.
8. I love to read but don't spend much time doing it leisurely.
9. When I set my alarm I set it early enough that I can push the snooze button...a few times.
10. I think about the future way too much. 
11. I love to be random and fun! 

Questions from Sharkbait

1. If you could re-live any moment of your life what would it be? 

2. What is the first thing you notice about a guy? Smile or eyes.

3. Biggest pet peeve? When people I know call me and don't leave me a message. My curiosity drives me crazy. Oh, and soap that doesn't lather.

4. What is your favorite movie of all time? The Princess Bride

5. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Teacher. Maybe married. Maybe kids. 

6. What's the best piece of advice you have ever received? Breathe. Everything will work out.

7. If you could have a super power, what would it be? Able to make food magically appear. End world hunger? Yup.

8. Can you iggle, can you wiggle, can you jump back and giggle? Yes, I can iggle, wiggle, and jump back and giggle. I haven't done it in a while though so it might be a little rusty.

9. Would you rather go without junk food for a year or TV? Without TV.

10. What's the first thing you do in the morning? Push the snooze button.

11. If you could be a celebrity for a day who would you be? Someone cool.

 

My questions for Jerrica, Bethany, Maegan, Caitlin, and Melissa

1. If you could travel to any place, right now, where would you go?

2. What is your favorite sport to watch? To play?

3. Where do you see yourself in 7.5 years?

4. What is your favorite time of day?

5. If you could have a million dollars, what is the first thing you would buy?

6. When and where did we meet?

7. What color would you say your mood is right now?

8. If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose one person to be with you, who would it be?

9. What is your view of socks?

10. Where's Waldo?

11. Name three things you love about yourself.

 

Bet your bottom dollar

Walked up to campus to be really productive.
Overcast.
Left my planner and a textbook at home.
Oh, and I don't have any ibuprofen with me.

That is about how my day is going.

Maybe the sun will come out.


If not today or tomorrow, then someday.

.

I wish I could explain what I am feeling right now. But I can't. And I don't know what it means.

Things I love.

wordle.net

The boy.

The boy with the red hair.

The boy who makes me feel like I am the most important person in the world.

The boy who sings whenever a song is playing.

The boy who lives in Sandy.

The boy who I want to talk to about eveything.

The boy I think about all the time.

The boy who loves being with his family.

The boy who understands me. Most of the time.

The boy who holds my hand in front of his friends and family.

The boy who puts a smile on my face.

The boy who honors his preisthood.

The boy who talks to me about important things. And things that aren't important.

The boy I make plans to do fun things with.

The boy who has a testimony.

The boy who sometimes says things to me in Spanish.

The boy who makes me want to be better.

The boy who has my heart.

 

Brigham City Temple Open House.

For your Viewing Pleasure

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Material and Spiritual Things.

Sometimes there are things that I want. But alas, I am but a poor college student just trying to feed myself and get enough sleep. So, just for the fun of it, here are a couple things that I currently want. These aren't in any particular order.

A Pair of Chacos.
A Terabyte External Hard Drive.
Hundreds of Children's Books.
A Haircut.
Colored Skinny Jeans.
Hawaii Sandals.
Ink for My Printer.


Now, on to more important things.
Today is Sunday and I just want to say that I am so grateful for my life. I'm grateful for all the things that have happened in my life. I know that I have been blessed and that my trials and experiences have made me into the woman I am today. I am grateful for the people in my life. My family, friends, and that boy who currently has my heart. I'm grateful that these people love me for the weird, imperfect person I am. I am grateful that I am at USU. I love Logan and I love the program I am in. I am so thankful and quite amazed that I will be done in less than a year. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me. I am grateful that he puts up with this flawed daughter of his. I am thankful that he is constantly forgiving me for the many mistakes that I make. I am thankful that he has a plan for me and that even though I don't know what it is, he is guiding me in they way I need to go. I'm grateful that I can talk to him whenever and where ever I want. I'm grateful that he sent his son to this earth to live and die for me. I'm grateful for the chance I have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am thankful for the knowledge that I can be with my family forever. I am grateful for my faith, even though it isn't perfect, I am trying my hardest. I'm grateful for prophets who are instruments in the Lord's hand to guide us and warn us. I am grateful for every opportunity and everything that I am blessed with.

Awesome hail storm. Yes, I played in it.

Isn't that beautiful?

A Bad Case of the Hiccups

The sun was shining and it was Jerrica's birthday. She decided that on her birthday she wanted to do something outrageously fun. She decided that going swimming would be the perfect thing. So, she gathered some neighbor friends, packed up a picnic basket, and left for the pool.

Once they got there they played around in the water for a while. Eventually, Jerrica and her friends became quite hungry. They decided to pull out the picnic basket and have some lunch. They ate the delectable PB&Js and long crunchy carrot sticks. They were having a great time and decided to get back into the pool.

Jerrica's friend Blake decided to dive off the diving board and Jerrica decided to follow him. As Jerrica jumped off the board all of sudden "HICCUP". A little stunned, she fell into the water. She emerged from the water and "HICCUP". There it was again.

All of Jerrica's friends swam over to see what the matter was. "HICCUP."

"Oh dear," said Dallin, "this is serious."

Grant said, "I know what to do! You need to drink lots of water."

They got out of the pool and--"HICCUP"--Spencer got Jerrica a huge glass of water. Jerrica downed the whole glass. "HICCUP."

Sebastian said, "You should try standing on your head." Jerrica stood on her head for 3.86 minutes. Just when they thought that had done the trick--"HICCUP"--they were back to square one.

Jerrica reluctantly said, "I don't think these hiccups are going anywhere. "HICCUP." Let's just go home."

So, they all left.

They were walking home when all of a sudden Lauren held out her hand and exclaimed, "I just remembered that I have glitter in my pocket!"

Jerrica squealed, "Ooooh! I love glitter! HICCUP."

She took it out of her hand, closed her eyes tight, and threw the glitter high into the air. And then, to everyone's dismay there was silence. That was it. Jerrica's hiccups were gone.

And that is the story of how Jerrica got rid of a bad case of the hiccups.

And then my brain was like, "I don't want to concentrate on homework."

I'm struggling.
To concentrate.
This Wednesday evening.

I don't want to do my homework.
But it needs to be done.

Life is weird.
And amazing.
And confusing.

I'm in one of those moods.
The kind where you don't really want to talk to anybody.
Or maybe you just don't have anything to say.

Maybe that will change later tonight.
When I do something.
Something that isn't homework.

Words Their Way.
Chapters one and two.

The bobby pins in my hair are poking my head.

I have really great friends.
A wonderful family.
A great life.

Time to Discern

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought.
Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9 

Yup.

Level III is going to be tough. But let's be honest, has this major ever been anything but tough??

You know you're going to like a professor when one of the first things she says is "I print out the agendas for those of you who need to cross things of on a list. Also, sometimes in class you just have to doodle." YES. I just happen to be a list person and a doodler.

Jalepeño Pringles and Cottage Cheese.

Are you stressed? Just squeeze him.

Had a conversation with some people today about the date-able qualities of various Disney princes and princesses.

Day on the Quad. Yay for free stuff!

Seeing a friend engaged on Facebook is a daily occurrence.

New friends.

I bought a game day shirt today. And a planner.

Went to the game. Good job Aggies!

FREADOM.

Welcome to Continental

Well, I'm back in Logan. I have slightly mixed feelings about it but I am mostly really excited! I'm living with Jerrica Ciel Osmun. Its gonna be great! Here's the place.

Before we unpacked our stuff.

Closet. Jer in the Closet.

Some of my favorite things.

My bed.

The wall.

Desk and shelves.

Today is the first day of school. I actually don't have any classes today. Weird. I did, however turn in my student teaching application and attend an institute class with my dear friend Megan Woodbury. I also saw some other great friends on campus which was quite exciting.

Isn't Jer just so cute??

The usual.