A Christmas to forget...

I have to say that I'm grateful Christmas wasn't bad this year, but it wasn't good either. I don't really think it had anything to do with the economy, although I'd like to blame it all on that.  I literally got two presents - a bag of Dove chocolate and a Willow Tree figurine. I knew I wasn't going to get much, but it's still kind of a drag.  I know that's not what Christmas is about anyway, and so I tried not to dwell on it because that's rather vain.

It was my last Christmas with Corey for 2 years.  Weird to think that.  Christmas Eve was the highlight of my week closely followed by Tuesday and then tonight.  Christmas day comes in last.  

It's nice to be in San Diego.  There's not really too many exciting things happening here.  I'm just trying to save for my MesoAmerica trip. 

Well, time for bed.  I've been up since 4:30 this morning. We had to sticker and mark down holiday items for clearance at Barnes & Noble.  It nearly killed me to be up that early, but I have to admit it was nice to be off by 1 this afternoon.

Family Traditions

First off, my immediate family doesn't have any family traditions.  We never really have. It's always kind of bothered me, but I just keep trying to tell myself that someday, I'll have my own family, and we'll have our own family traditions.  But then it feels like someday is never going to come.

Christmas is a hard time for a lot of people.  Especially those who have had loved ones pass on, who are without them now.  I'm only 20, and despite the trials in my life, I still shouldn't be saying that Christmas is a hard time for me, but it is.  I can't lie.  It's a hard time.

But it shouldn't be for me or anyone because Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth.  What is happier than that blessed event!  It is a time to think of others and serve.  Not to dwell on ourselves and what we wish we had.  I just hope that I can learn to enjoy Christmas and focus on my Savior rather than the lack of traditions, decorations, and festivities in my life.

PASSED!!!!!!

I have never been more worried about passing a class in my life than I was about passing calculus this semester!  And I've never been more excited to say I PASSED  than right now!!!  I am SO excited that I passed!  I only have to take calc 2 and then I'm done with the hard math, I think and hope!  Anyway, I just found that out tonight, and I'm SO relieved!

Just a side note, it is pouring rain in San Diego right now! This is SO weird, but I'm totally loving it and soaking it up. It rained all day today!

I also am working full-time at Barnes & Noble, which is such a blessing, and I'm so grateful to have a good job right now!

home at last...

I ended up leaving Idaho on Friday instead of Thursday.  I took an extra day to study for my calc test.  I have never hated math SO much in my life!  I studied for six hours between Thursday and Friday, and then the actual final took two hours.  I will know my fate by Thursday.  Hopefully, I passed...

I made it home safely, although getting here was pretty interesting.  The weather was pretty crazy the whole way home.  I drove through snow, high wind (so bad that I had to over correct where the wind was pushing my car), dust as thick as fog, and rain.  It kept me awake though, so that's good.  

I got home last night, and I start working at Barnes and Noble on Monday.  They hired me back on full time, which is such a blessing especially since the economy is pretty terrible right now.  I know it's a direct result of paying my tithing, and there were times during the semester that I wondered how I would pay for groceries, gas, bills, etc. and pay my tithing.  But it always worked out because I paid my tithing.  I'm grateful for that blessing in my life.

I got to see my cousin's baby, Grant Rogers, last night.  He is SO adorable!  I told Lahren I could hold him forever.  I'm so excited I get to be around for his baby blessing and these first for four months or so.  I also went and saw my newly married cousin and her apartment.  It's way cute!  I'm so grateful for my cousin's and their husbands! They are awesome!  I'm so lucky I get to be a part of their lives!

Now, I just have to get settled in and figure out what I want to do.  I'm so excited to be here with Corey, even though there is really no room for me in my own house.  It's nice to have some time with him before he leaves on his mission. And I'm way excited to be attending my home ward!  I'm looking forward to this new adventure...

last night in Rexburg...

This doesn't feel real... my car is packed, I checked out of my apartment (my keychain is half as light as it used to be), my classes are over, I don't work at the bookstore any more, and... I'm still in Rexburg!

I want to be home, but I don't.  I am only here because I still have one more final, my calc final, and I am not looking forward to it.  I am staying at a friend's apartment tonight, and I am going to finish studying in the morning so I can go take it and do decently and not fail the class.  Hopefully. Then I get to wait a week to see what my grade is.  

I know I'm going to miss so many things about being in Rexburg.  I definitely won't miss the cold though!  I'm looking forward to going home to much warmer weather. But I've made so many friends, and I keep saying bye. Then they're like, am I ever going to see you again, and I realize that it's likely we might not.  But that's how life is. People come in and out, and you move on.

contrary to belief, the world isn't coming to an end

I've been wanting to talk to my brother all week.  I tried calling a couple of times, but I never got a hold of him.  He never called me back though.  It was very not like us, to not talk to each other for a whole week.  I finally got a hold of him tonight.  Apparently, his cell phone is not working. Bummer!

Tonight I had a Christmas party for work.  It was very nice, although the whole time I was there I was wishing I was home.  I was really looking forward to it, but then I got there and didn't want to socialize.  

And then I had a rude awakening this evening.  I can be so mean sometimes.  And it kills me.  Even if I am, people still just welcome me with open arms.  I don't get it.  I feel so undeserving of them.  I know none of us are perfect, we all have our weaknesses, etc, but I just don't feel like I deserve what I've been blessed with.  

I really had a great day today.  I was actually really happy. But tonight I had a reality check and realized so many things.  

Baby Grant Royal Rogers is here!

I don't know how many of you knew, but my cousin Lahren Rogers was pregnant with her first.  Grant Royal Rogers joined her family today, and he was 11 lbs.  I don't know anything else, but hopefully I'll get the rest of the stats soon.  When I go home,  I'll take pictures and post them.  It's so exciting!  I have a baby cousin (first cousin, once removed)!  I can't wait to see him!

Sorry, I'll stop posting every 5 minutes!  lol

you're gonna miss this

That is one of my FAVORITE songs!  And I first heard it while I was in San Diego, and I miss it!  ALL of it!  But now that I'm so anxious for this semester to be over, to quit working at the bookstore, to finish calculus, and to leave Idaho, I KNOW I'm going to miss this.

Yay for great friends!  That keep me sane.  I don't know what I'd do without them!  I'm gonna miss them when I go home!  Gotta live it up now since I only have nine days left!

we'll miss Elder Wirthlin!

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last night.  I can't believe it!  I actually am surprised he lived as long as he did.  He has looked very frail for quite sometime now.  As much as I'll miss him, I am happy because he is with his wife now.  I loved Elder Wirthlin!

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91 - LDS Newsroom

holidays???

I don't know.  This probably doesn't make any sense, but I hate holidays and love them. Thanksgiving was... interesting this year.  It was like deja vu of last year, except we're all a year older, one more of us is married, and one of us is leaving on a mission.  I'm sorry and not sorry.  And I was happy to be home, but not.  I know... it doesn't make any sense.

School is quite overwhelming right now.  But only eight more days!  And then I can be free at last!  And I think I'm going to change course a little bit, but I haven't made any final decisions yet.  I'm still kind of waiting to see how everything is going to play out... that will be interesting...

I need to learn to love the holidays more instead of dreading them.  That's all.

black friday, in more ways than one

Usually on Black Friday, I try not to go anywhere because I can't stand massive amounts of people, lines, parking, etc, but I decided to go shopping and brave the crowds.  It really wasn't that bad.  In fact, at both malls I went to, I got decent parking spots, and I didn't have to drive around forever.

I didn't get much, seeing as I'm a poor college student, but I can see how saving up for Black Friday and going Christmas shopping can be pretty nice.  I can't believe the sales that go on!  

I finally got to see Twilight today!  I actually thought it was pretty good, and then I went and bought the soundtrack right afterward.  It is a cheesy movie, but I think it was well done.  I am not looking forward to New Moon because Edward takes a back seat in the book, and I really don't like who they cast as Jacob, even though he did a good job in Twilight.  And a whole movie of just Bella and Jacob sounds awful, but I know I'll probably like it anyway.  Now I kind of just want to read, watch, and listen to the Twilight series over and over.  I have no desire to do anything else!  Ha! Go figure! Thank you Stephenie Meyer!

I leave to go back to Idaho tomorrow, and I'm really not looking forward to it.  I don't want to go back.  I've enjoyed being home so much!  And I'm so worried about school, but it's only two weeks.  I'll get through it somehow, right?  I hope so!

a day of gratitude

It's already Thanksgiving!  And soon it will be Christmas! How exciting!

I'm grateful for so many things!  I've been richly blessed this year, and I don't even know where to start.

I'm grateful for... (in no particular order)

The opportunity to be home this year as my brother graduated from high school.

My new cousin-in-law, who makes four priesthood holders in my family.

The Coombs/Ball and Coburn family.  For their love and friendship.

All of my teachers I had growing up, especially everyone at West Hills.

The opportunity to return to BYU-Idaho and go back to school.

My brother who is awesome in every way and worthy to serve a full-time mission to Hiroshima, Japan.

The two close friends I have serving missions.  For their letters, examples, love, and friendship.

The two amazing bishops I have, up at BYU-I and down here in my home ward.  For their strength, love, support, and willingness to give me a blessing when needed.

My parents.  For bringing me into a home where the gospel was present enough for me to grow up in this church.

The temples.  The closeness and convenience of attending the temple, the light it is both literally and metaphorically, and for the strength, peace, and comfort I receive there.

A job both up at school and when I move back home in two weeks.  What a blessing, especially at this time in our economy.

My best friend.  For who she is, the things I've learned from her, and for everything she does for me.

My health.

Communication and technology, especially for cell phones, letters, and e-mails.

Music, both spiritual and other.  

People - acquaintances, friends, and family.  Including all of you.

Books, both inspirational and just for fun.

America, a country where I can believe what I want and vote for what I believe and not be persecuted for those beliefs.

The holidays, time to gather with family and close friends and remember what is most important.

My membership in the church and the knowledge I have that it is true.

My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the atonement, and repentance and forgiveness.

The Book of Mormon, all other scripture, the Ensign, general conference, prophets, and everything I have and know because of the gospel.

it feels SO good to be home!

I did it!  I surprised everyone back home!  Nobody, except Corey, had even the slightest idea I was coming home!  It was great!  Everyone's reactions were great!  I wish I could have had a video camera to record them all!  I love San Diego so much!  I can't believe I ever left!

I left Rexburg on Friday, and my friend and I were going to stay the night in Vegas with the two girls we were dropping off, but we decided to drive straight through.  I drove from Vegas to San Diego, while my friend slept in the back seat. So, I got to surprise Corey because he wasn't expecting me at 6:30 in the morning!  But I got no sleep that night, so I was dead tired.  It's really weird to watch the sun set and then to watch it rise again.  It was totally worth it though! And now I'm home for the week and so excited! I'm just bummed that I have SO much homework!

Now I need to go see Twilight!  And I have to go to In-N-Out and Beef-N-Bun!  And I should go to the beach sometime! It feels wonderful to be home!

this too shall pass

I feel my Savior's love.

Its gentleness enfolds me,

And when I kneel to pray,

My heart is filled with peace.

He knows I will follow Him,

Give all my life to Him.

I feel my Savior's love.

The love he freely gives me.

I am so grateful for hymns and their power to heal, calm, and lift our souls.

I'm grateful for the people Heavenly Father puts in our lives, that we may feel His and Christ's love for us through them. I'm grateful for people who live worthy to be conduits of their love, that I may be strengthened, comforted, and lifted.  That I may know that everything will be alright.

not just one but two! (50th Post!)

*Sorry, this is a really long post.  Brace yourselves...*

I had a really terrible day today.  Okay it wasn't that bad, but going to my calc class makes me feel like the world is coming to an end because I can't understand or learn anything in that class to save my life.  And I leave really angry because I feel so stupid, like I should get this and I can't.  Then work was just frustrating.  Basically, I feel like my job is pointless because there are three of us there in my department who stand around doing nothing, and I hate standing around doing nothing.  That's one of my biggest pet peeves.  Sure, I'm getting paid to do nothing, but I'd rather go do something productive. Anyway...

After work I had a meeting with my tour for MesoAmerica.  I got to see most of the people going next summer, and besides Caitlin, I kind of knew another girl there.  She and I both applied to be EFY counselors next summer and were in the same group interview.  So, that was fun to see her! She's a fairly new member of the church, but she has such a solid testimony!  She's amazing!  This meeting put me in a slightly better mood, but then after I walked home alone in the cold dark, which was slightly depressing.

Then I checked my mail, on my way to my apartment, which is just a daily routine now.  On my way home, I stop and get the mail.  Usually there is nothing, it's junk or a bill, or not for me, but not today!  I got two letters from my two best friends on missions.  I was kind of only expecting one, but I got two!  One is serving in Italy, and she comes home in December.  The other is serving in Ogden, and he been gone for almost seven months.  It was SO exciting to hear from them!  And they both included pictures!  I love them so much!  They are such wonderful friends!  I feel so blessed to have them in my life!

November 17.  Really?  November's almost over!  It's crazy! I'll be home in like four weeks!  I'm so excited!  Especially to see Corey!  More than anything!  And his call!  I love him so much!  I can't even be sad or think about missing him because I'm just so happy for him!  I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit jealous too.  He's going to Japan!  That's the number one place on my list of places to go.  You may think that's weird, but I think it's because I had an uncle and a very close friend, like my second dad, serve missions there.  My uncle lived there for like 12 years I believe, and my friend lived there for five years, I think.  I may not be dying to try sushi or any other Japanese cuisine, but I just want to go there!

I have nine months until I could go on a mission!  That's crazy!  I can't believe how time has gone by since I graduated high school!  Life is crazy, but amazing!  I would honestly love to serve a mission!  And since October of last year, I've felt like I really would want to go.  This week, I've felt a little differently, but then getting letters from missionaries telling me how I will go on a mission and it would be so cool if I got called to Italy.  

Actually, my top three places to serve missions are Japan, Italy, and Utah. That may seem odd and random.  Japan, for obvious reasons.  I've always wanted to go there. Italy, because that is my number two place I want to go, and because I also know at least four people who have served missions there.  (My friend who is currently there, a friend from my aunt's ward, and two of my bishops.)  Utah, because I LOVE Utah.  I can't even explain it.  It's just this weird obsession I have.  

Ever since I could remember I wanted to go to BYU, and then I got sent to BYU Idaho, which was way disappointing. (But I quickly got over it, and I love Rexburg!)  But every time I drive through Utah, visit, or even think about it, I have the best feelings about that place! Some of my friends and roommates really thought I was from Utah. Apparently, they think I fit Utah better than California.  Haha!  And all growing up, I always wished I was from Utah.  I don't know why.  It's hard to explain.  I know lots of people that hate Utah, and it makes me sad.  I know lots of people who live in Utah and served and are are serving missions there, and I think Utah is overestimated as far as the church goes. There is a lot of missionary work to be done there.  Also, when I was little I wanted to serve my mission on Temple Square.  I don't know why.  Maybe I just want to see the temple every day.  The Salt Lake City Temple is my absolute favorite!  That's where I want to get married!  It's beautiful! San Diego and Rexburg temples come in as close seconds.

Anyway, enough dreaming about where I want to go on a mission.  For starters, I probably wouldn't get sent to any of those places just because they would be where I want to go. And if I do go on a mission, I know I will go where the Lord wants me to go and where He needs me most, where it would be best for me to be.  But for now, there has been no decision made as to serving a mission.  It's on my mind every day.  How could it not be?  I love the gospel!  I feel so blessed to have it in my life!  I wish everyone I knew had it too!  I don't know how they live life without it!  It truly has made me who I am.  I am forever indebted to my parents for being members and raising me in the church.  

I apologize for such a long post.  I just wanted to write, and I could have just wrote in my journal, but I felt like I wanted to share my feelings, since I don't usually write so much or go into a whole lot of detail.

Corey's Mission Call....

The moment you've all been waiting for.....

Corey is going to the Hiroshima, Japan mission.  He reports to the MTC in Provo, UT on February 11, 2009.  We're all SO excited for him!

the night Corey opened his call...

Thursday, November 6, 2008 Corey opened his mission call at 9pm his time, 10pm my time.  I guess, Preston opened his at 7pm their time, and he had a bunch of people at his house.  After Preston opened his call, everyone went over to our house since we just live about 2 or 3 blocks away from each other.  That's the most people we've ever had at our house!  It was crazy!  I could barely hear Corey over the phone because it was so loud!  It was just going to be the Densley's, the Abernathy's (Lahren & Will, Tayler & Jarom too), and Marty, but it turned into this huge thing!

Preston and Corey, who both report to the MTC on

February 11, 2009!

Preston holding Lahren's (our cousin) phone with Tayler (our cousin, Lahren's sister) on the line on the left of Corey, and Marty holding Corey's phone with me on the line.  Since neither of us could be there, this was the next best thing.

where did the semester go?

I just realized that I only have four more weeks of school.  I don't know where the semester went.  I have two weeks of school, one week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks of school, and then Christmas break.  That's crazy!  I'm so glad it's almost over!  I feel so burned out with school, and I'm definitely ready for a break.

I have decided that I am moving home at the end of the semester, and I will be home while I'm off-track.  I am very excited to be home and be with Corey as he gets ready to leave on his mission.  He reports to the MTC on February 11th, which is exactly a month after he turns 19, and exactly 6 months before I turn 21.

Corey and I will get to apply for our passports together.  It was so funny... Corey was telling me about everything he got with his mission call.  He was like, I have an application for a passport, so I guess we'll both be applying for our first passports together.  That made me happy!  I can't believe we're both going out of the country!  It will be quite an adventure!

As promised I will post Corey's mission call sometime tomorrow after church.  I think most everyone knows now, and if you don't, you now know he's serving foreign.

Until tomorrow...

what an incredible and exciting night!

I am SO excited for my brother!  Words can't even describe! He opened and read his call, and when he read where he was going I started crying.  I was just so happy!  I can't even express it!  I wish I could be home right now to give him a huge hug!  I just want to talk with him!  It killed me to hang up the phone with him tonight!  I just wanted to talk all night!

I will post on Monday where he is going and when he reports to the MTC.  I have people I want to contact personally and so does he, plus those of you who he'll see at church on Sunday and tell in person.  Sorry for the suspense!  But I promise Sunday night/Monday morning I'll post his call!

it's here!!!!!!

Corey's mission call came today!  It's here, well there in San Diego!  He's opening it tonight at 9pm PST at his house!  

I'm so excited!

what a long awaited day that will now go down in history

Finally, elections are over!  Honestly, I'm grateful that it's passed.  I'm a little worried about where our country is headed now, but I don't know too much about politics and things.  I know that things could always be much worse.  It was interesting to hear my friends reactions to Obama being elected president.  Some people are so excited and others want to flee the country now.  

Prop 8 is still on my mind though.  It looks like it's going to be pretty close.  I'm so glad that so many people were willing to really voice their opinion though.  I feel like the efforts made were very great!  And I'm so proud of my brother and all that he did to help with this important endeavor.

Well, things here in Idaho are the same, but it snowed today/tonight.  I think it's here to stay for real now because it is actually cold enough that it has frozen and stuck.  

What else?  Corey's call has not come yet.  I was talking to him again tonight.  He's like, Christina, you know you asked me twice today if my call came?  I said, yeah, but I'm just so excited!  I think I'm more excited than you.  He said, probably.  I haven't even had time to be excited.  Poor guy! He's been working so hard!  I know he is excited though!

I will keep you all posted!  As soon as I know and with his permission I'll tell you where he's going.

it's on the way!

I found out yesterday from Corey that his call packet was mailed from Utah on Friday, so sometime this week we'll have his call!

I am so excited for him!  I think I'm more excited than he is.  Last night, while we were talking he said, Christina, I'm not even thinking about that.  I was like, what???  You're not???  What are you thinking about???  He said, Prop 8. He has done so much work with Prop 8!  I think he's done more work for Prop 8 than most people in our ward, and he's only 18.

He's such an amazing guy!  I'm so lucky to have him as my brother!

powerful read...

I read The Peacegiver from start to finish today.  It pretty much took me all day, but it was so worth it!  

(I started this book back in January I believe, but I never read any book all the way through.  I usually only read a couple chapters and then I never pick it up again.  I'm so terrible at finishing books that I made a new year's resolution at the beginning of the year that I would read at least four books from start to finish by the end of this year. This is the second book I've read this year, from start to finish at least. Twilight was the other one.  I couldn't even make it through New Moon.)

Anyway, The Peacegiver is amazing!  I love it, and I highly recommend it!  It's very insightful on forgiveness, repentance, peace, love, and the atonement!

now we wait...

I can't believe I didn't write this on Wednesday!  Actually, yes I can.  It's because I was on the phone with Corey for an hour and a half on Wednesday.

Wednesday night was THE night!  Corey met with the stake president, President Hendrickson, and his papers were sent in yesterday I believe!  I can't believe it!  This is SO exciting!  I think I might be more excited about Corey serving a mission than he is, and I know he's way excited!

Anyway, now we just wait for his call...  I can't imagine him leaving home!  It's so weird! But SO exciting!!!!!

okay, now it's freezing!

It's been kind of cold here, but not too bad, like the 40s and 50s.  This morning I had to go turn in a midterm paper, so I just threw on a sweater and ran out the door.  There was frost on my car, and I had to scrape it off!  It was SO cold! I knew that it hadn't gotten this cold yet.  The best part is that the sun is shining and there are blue skies, so it looks like it would be warm outside.  Definitely not!  I came home and checked the temperature... 17 degrees!  That is FREEZING!  

too good to be true!

I don't know if things are supposed to work out this perfectly.  Maybe something's wrong with me.  Pinch me, is this really happening???  

I just found out today that one of my really good friends, Caitlin Hendrickson got accepted to study abroad on the MesoAmerica Tour.  Yes, the same one as me!  Only 30 students are selected.  What are the chances?!?!?  She and I are SO excited!!!!  I can't wait!

By the way, today was simply amazing, as all Sundays are! And life just keeps getting better!

MesoAmerica, Here I Come!

I found out today that I was accepted to study abroad in MesoAmerica next summer! I'm so excited!  Especially since they could only except a little more than half of the applicants.  

I will leave sometime towards the end of April/beginning of May and come home at the end of May/beginning of June.  I can't even wait!  I'm so excited!

Now, I just have to start saving!

something's not right...

I just want to go home.  That doesn't make any sense.

Prop 8

I'm so bummed because since I'm not in California I didn't get to hear the fireside.  I take it there was a huge push to spread the word of prop 8 to as many people as we can, and then to explain why to vote yes on prop 8.  So, I sent out a mass e-mail, well something kind of similar to check out a couple sites about the prop.  Two people responded back very negatively.  I wrote them back as positively as I could while sharing what I know to be true.  They kept arguing the point.

It amazes me how some people think about some things. They automatically assumed I hate homosexuals, which is not true.  I am grateful for the prophets and for the truth they have given us, like The Family: A Proclamation to the World.  I'm so grateful to know and understand the truth.

I really don't even know how I feel about politics or anything like that, but this is one issue that I know exactly how I feel and where I stand.

Yes on Prop 8!

I just don't understand...

It snowed today, and I drove in it.  And I actually loved it!  I thought about how beautiful it is to watch the seasons change.  That's not something I grew up seeing since San Diego pretty much has one season.  I just thought about how the holidays are coming, school will be over, my brother will leave on his mission, etc.  Life is a beautiful thing, and I'm learning to cherish every moment.

I am a little overwhelmed right now by the love I have felt from those around me and for the love I feel for my family and friends.  I am grateful for my relationships and the blessing they have been in my life.  But it makes me sad to see relationships deteriorate and diminish.  I understand how it can happen, but I don't understand why.

I just wonder if relationships really can be healed, if people really can find happiness in each other as well as themselves, and if we as a people really can become one... 

the first snowfall

I almost cried!  It snowed yesterday!  It made me so sad! And now it's freezing cold up here, but the snow didn't stick. Unfortunately I think there is supposed to be a big storm tomorrow, so it will be here to stay after tomorrow forever, but oh well.

I have friends that keep telling me I need to learn to enjoy the snow... hot chocolate, snow angels, snowmen, heaters, hoodies, blankets, cuddling, etc.  But I am a pure San Diegan!  I don't do well in the cold!  And it's not like I have someone to keep me warm. ;) Anyway, the snow can be fun, but I don't think I want to live somewhere where it's cold for 8 months out of the year.

In the spirit of enjoying the cold, or trying to anyway, I bought a pair of earmuffs today.  My old roommate said I look ridiculous.  I told her I don't care, my ears are warm now.  Haha!  I never thought I'd buy scarfs, gloves, or earmuffs and now I am all decked out in my warm clothes.

It wouldn't be so bad if the wind weren't present.  The wind makes it feel 10 times colder.  

I guess I'll learn to have fun in it!

conference weekend

This weekend was great!  It was perfect!  I wish it had been longer, but it was an amazing weekend!  I got to see so many friends and the best part was that I got to see Corey!

Friday I met up with Bishop Smith and Corey in Provo.  We went out to lunch at Cafe Rio with Kate Herrod.  Then we went to the MTC.  That was really neat!  I've driven past the MTC, but I've never been inside.  The building is old, but the spirit is amazing!  I want to serve a mission.  It would be amazing!  Corey hasn't turned in his papers yet because he still needs to finish up his medical, but after that he just needs an interview with the stake president and then we wait for his call.  I'm SO excited for him!  I can't believe he's almost 19!  

Since he doesn't have his call, we took this illegal picture by the well-known map in the MTC.

Then we drove to Salt Lake.  They checked into their hotel, and then we went to Temple Square.  

We went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  Corey had never been to the top to see the view of the temple, so we went up there.  

We were going to go to the observation deck on top of the church headquarters building, but it was closed by the time we got there.  Bummer!  I've never been up there either.

Then we went to the mall and ate at this place called the Sky Box.  It's a pretty cool place!  Then we played games in the arcade room, like air hockey, pinball, etc.  

Saturday I met up with Corey and bishop in the tabernacle for the morning session of conference. Then I went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and went to this luncheon for BYU Law students with an old roommate who got accepted into that program.  The food was okay, but the cookies were delicious!

For the Saturday afternoon session, we had tickets to the conference center, and that was great.  I saw Bishop, I mean President Hoeveler and his wife.  I also ran into the Reads and some others.  It was rainy all day on Saturday. Then I left and Bishop Smith and Corey went to the priesthood session in the conference center.

I went to Amy's and hung out with her and Chelsea.  They made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies which were delicious! Then I went on a blind date with Amy's husband's cousin, Casey.  He's a cool guy.  We doubled with Amy and Aaron and went to Zupa's, a soup, salad, sandwich place.  Then we went back to their house and played The Office DVD Board Game.  It wasn't as fun as we all thought it would be, but it was still fun!

Sunday morning, I went to go meet up with bishop and Corey, but they got into conference at the conference center, and they were the last two in.  (What are the odds of that happening!)  I was bummed because I really wanted to be with them, but I was happy that Corey got into a third session of conference.  I ended up watching that session in the theater of the conference center.  

After that session, I found out that Corey didn't even stay for conference.  He left because he had a weird feeling, so he ended up just listening to the session on Temple Square.  I felt so badly because I could have at least been with him during that session, and I wasn't.  We met up with Vohn and Gail Woodfield, which was way fun!  I hadn't seen them in two years, and I'm pretty sure it's been 3 or 4 for Corey. Gail is in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I love the Woodfields!  They're great!

Then we met up with bishop at the car for lunch.  Corey and bishop had gone to the store and bought sandwiches.  They were huge!  I could barely put my mouth around it! For the final session of conference, we went in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. After the session, we went to President Chambers office in that same building and Preston Coffey was ordained an elder.  Corey got to stand in the circle, which was pretty cool because it was the first ordination he had participated in since receiving the Melchizedek priesthood.

Our last stop was President Hinckley's grave.  His grave stone is made with left over granite from the conference center.  We all thought that was pretty cool!  Then Bishop Smith said that it was time for them to go.  I was like, no!  I want you guys to stay forever!  He was like, I need to get home to my family.  I said, that it true.  What a sacrifice! I'm grateful for his wife who was willing to stay home and watch their four kids while he took this trip with Corey.  I said bye, unwillingly.  And I was sad to see them go.  It had been a fantastic weekend.

Right as I'm about to get off the freeway, I see their car ahead of me.  I knew they left before me, so I wondered how it was possible.  I called Corey, and I guess they had stopped somewhere.  They had drove past me, but I hadn't even noticed.  So, we drove alongside of each other for a minute, and then they sped up and I got off the freeway. It was nice to see them one last time!

This weekend was awesome!  I couldn't have asked for anything more!  Pictures to come...

mixed feelings...

On one hand I'm really excited because it's conference weekend this weekend and I get to see my brother along with a ton of other people who I absolutely love and miss like crazy! And I get to go to conference! I love general conference! It's amazing!

On the other hand I'm really frustrated because of quite a few things. I've decided that I hate making decisions! There are so many things that I wish I had answers for because I don't know what to do. And I really want to make the best choice and not do something that it only just good or that I'll regret later.

But thankfully, Heavenly Father is always watching over me, and I received some answers today at devotional. I am so grateful for devotional and the great atmosphere that is here at BYU-I. I know Heavenly Father loves me and just wants what's best for me. I just have to be patient. That's what I've learned. And now that I've come to that conclusion, I just have to remember that. Things will be great if I can just wait and not be in such a rush to do everything.

It still hasn't snowed yet, and I'm so grateful for the warm weather! I know once the snow starts to come I'll miss home SO much!

Also, I think I'm going to start a gratitude journal. I've heard this over and over again, and I've always thought it's such a good idea, but I never actually do it. I started it today, and it made me cheer up a little. I really feel blessed beyond what I deserve. I'm so grateful for everything, but I just have to remember all that I've been given!

Time for some homework...

homesick :(

Corey was ordained an elder today!  But the bummer is that I wasn't able to be there.  :(  He called around 4 and said, yeah, so I got ordained today, like it was no big deal.  Haha! I love Corey!  But I couldn't believe he hadn't told me earlier.  

I guess all of the family was there and that doesn't happen very often.  The weirdest part was to hear that Jarom was part of the circle.  I love Jarom and Will, but I'm not used to Tayler being married!  It's so weird, but it's exciting! Anyway, hearing that all of the family was together made me miss home, and I never EVER get homesick.  

I'm so grateful I was able to be home for Corey's senior year of high school, and I got to go to his Eagle Scout Court of Honor and his high school graduation!  And I get to go home and be there when he gets set apart as a missionary! I'm very excited for him, even though I'm going to miss him like crazy!  I love you Corey!

The Book of Mormon

This past week, I wasn't as diligent in my study of the scriptures as I usually am. I was reminded multiple times this week of the blessings that come from consistent and regular scripture study. I was talking to a really good friend of mine tonight, and he randomly asked if I had any quotes about the Book of Mormon. So, I was going through notes, talks, Ensigns, the scriptures, etc, and I found so many. I was reminded again tonight of the power of the Book of Mormon.

I am so grateful to be alive during this time when we have the Book of Mormon and the fulness of the gospel. I know this church is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and it was through him that the gospel was restored. I know we have a prophet who speaks to us today, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for the opportunity we will have to hear from him and other leaders of the church in two weeks.

"No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to His commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard Him and His word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign August 2005

"To those who may not be familiar with the Book of Mormon but are sincerely seeking truth, reading it will have a profound effect on your life. It will expand your knowledge of the way God deals with man and will give you a greater desire to live in harmony with his gospel teaching. It will also provide for you a powerful testimony of Jesus." -Howard W. Hunter Ensign March 1989

"Thousands have tried this approach to truth; and have found the testimonies they sought. So far, no one who, with flaming desire, sincere prayer, earnest study, and fearless practice, has sought the truth of 'Mormonism' has failed to find it. Some, for lack of courage, though truth stared them in the face, have kept it to themselves. But, the approach never fails, so declares fearlessly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." -John A. Widtsoe Evidences and Reconciliations p. 17

"The Book of Mormon identifies the love of riches and the pride it engenders as the cause of the spiritual and temporal downfall of the people of God." -Dallin H. Oaks Pure In Heart p. 79

"By the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied the ignorance of eighteen centuries, with a new revelation." -Joseph Smith Teachings of Presidents of the Church p. 60

"From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war... And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of this world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?" -Erza Taft Benson Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson p. 59

"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." -Joseph Smith Introduction to the Book of Mormon

"The Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that Joseph Smith was chosen by the hand of the Lord to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth in these latter days." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day." -Ezra Taft Benson Ensign May 1975

"Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses. It advises us on the proper use of wealth. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel and the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity." -L. Tom Perry November 2005

"Truly the people of Mexico and other Latin American countries are among the descendants of prophets. The Book of Mormon is their inheritance. Jesus Christ did minister unto their fathers...Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument to gather scattered Israel...The Book of Mormon is its own witness to the people of Latin America and of all nations. Its very coming forth in these latter days bears witness that God has once again begun to gather scattered Israel." -C. Scott Grow (70) Ensign November 2005

"The Book of Mormon stands as an added testament of Jesus Christ. Through its pages march the testimonies of prophets of the New World. Majestic in its sweep of history, its chapters are filled with the tragedy of war, with divine warnings, and with God-given promises. It speaks as a voice from the dust to a world that needs to listen." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign January 1989

new roomies

I guess I never even mentioned my new roommates. That just tells you how much I love them. That's horrible! I don't really click with any of them. Raeah is my actual room roommate. She's just a little bit younger than me. She's engaged, so she's never around. She's getting married on December 20th. Yay for her!

Then there's Tahnee. She's a freshman, and this is her first semester away from home. She's a sweet girl. She's had a hard time being away from home.

And Becca and I were roommates over the break. Erica moved to a different apartment complex because the kitchen here was too small for her. I miss Erica! She's amazing!

I am the oldest out of the four of us, which is weird because I feel like I was just the youngest. But it feels good to be older and not be fresh out of high school, to have experienced a little bit of real life. Haha!

Anyway, things are alright. Life is a balancing act, and I'm trying to master that.

tender mercies

I kind of had a rough night on Monday out of the blue, well not completely suddenly. But everything was smooth sailing, and FHE was pretty good. Two little things happened, and they were kind of the last straw, the cherry on top, you get the picture. Anyway, I hit my breaking point I guess you could say.

But I know Heavenly Father loves me. From the moment I started feeling alone, people slowly came to my aid. It wasn't anything big. There wasn't just one person who felt like they needed to come by my house to see me because they just had a feeling I was having a hard time. It was nothing like that. But just little things. Things people said or did without even knowing the situation. Tender mercies of the Lord. A night's rest always makes me feel better, even if it's just a little bit. I woke up pretty upset still, but today I continued to feel Heavenly Father's love for me through others.

It's kind of ironic because on Monday in my dating and courtship class, we were talking about Satan and how he'll stop at nothing to stop your eternal progression. Whether that means tearing your family apart, turning your friends against you, making you feel like you're worth nothing, etc. And I was feeling invincible up until Monday night.

I'm so grateful for such a loving Heavenly Father! I am so grateful that He knows me, and He knows when to step in and help and when to stand back and watch. I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life. It has brought me true happiness that I know I wouldn't be able to feel through any other means. I love the Book of Mormon and the scriptures! They are such a blessing! I know that prayer works and is real. Heavenly Father does answer, even the unoffered prayer. I'm grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in my life on a daily and even minute by minute basis.

the lives we see around us are not perfect

Sometimes I wish people could just realize one simple thing and then act on it. That would be to realize that just because someone is smiling and seems to have everything going just right, doesn't mean they are. In fact, most of the time something is wrong. But nobody wants to admit something is wrong, and nobody wants anybody to see them in their weakness. So, everyone else just carries on with their busy life and ignores the people around them who might need them most.

productivity=one happy Christina!

I figured out the key to my success! Actually, it's the key to everyone's success! Ready, drum roll please....









































Productivity! We tend to procrastinate because we'd rather not do what we know we need to, so we waste time on other things that aren't important. Today was wonderful! I went to the library to work on a group project for spanish, and then I went to the testing center and took a quiz for calculus. Then I came home and wrote missionaries and ate. I went to the temple, which Rexburg wasn't taking walk-ins because it was so busy, so I drove to IF and back. That was good! I love the temple! Then I came home, and I had a letter in the mail from a missionary, which made my day. Then I did homework for all five classes! And now I am going to study my lessons for church tomorrow and read my scriptures. I'm so happy, and today was great! I just can't forget this! I have to be productive and not procrastinate!

just a little worried

Deja vu... that sums up what this is. I seriously have been there, done that, and now I'm doing it again. It's such a weird feeling.

I just need to find a way to make this work because things are great, but I need to figure out how to plan the rest of my day once I'm home from work and school. I seriously wanted to cry today because I felt like I was just repeating the fall of 2006, which wasn't terrible, but I still don't want to go there again.

Anyway, tomorrow's Friday, and I am so thankful for that. It's been kind of a long week, and I've felt like a hermit. But I'll get this under control and learn how to prioritize and use my time wisely. Time management can be a hard thing sometimes. I've yet to master it, but I'm working on it.

Life is wonderful!

I finally love school again!!!!

Today was the first day of school, and it was great! I love school again, and I'm back to the old happy me! I feel great! Life is wonderful! I just love everything and everyone! I'm so blessed!

I would write more, but I have homework and a bed time now, so I gotta run!

it's permanent!

Last night I got a text from my boss asking if I wanted a permanent job at the bookstore. Of course, I said, yes. He said, you've earned it. I'm so excited! I get to stay at the bookstore!

Last week we moved locations all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was so tiring, but it was so much fun! I got to decide where things in the tech department go. I worked 46 hours last week! Crazy! I think that is funny because it's only one job, and when I had two jobs back home I wasn't even working full-time. I feel very blessed!

I start school in exactly a week from today, and I can't wait!

that's what friends are for...

I'm so grateful for the amazing friends I have. I am so blessed to have such great people in my life who are always there when I need them and who know exactly what to say and what to do. Thanks.

I love Erica!

Because my roommates are both in school, I haven't really gotten to know them. I mean, we live together and I do see them because I don't have a job or anything, well I do now, but they're gone a lot. We've been spending a lot of time with some of the guys in our ward and watching the olympics, and so we haven't had a lot of time just the three of us.

Here's a picture of the three of us roommates. I don't think it's the original though. I think Erica might have messed around with the color settings, but it still looks good. Erica is on my left, and Becca is on my right.



Becca left for Utah this morning, so Erica and I have spent the day together. She's so sweet! I love her! And she reminds me in some ways of what I was like at 17 and just out of high school. She's so mature for her age. She is so wise too! I feel like I've learned more from her than she'll learn from me. Anyway, I just love her! I'm sad though because at the end of the break she's moving, so our time as roommates will have been very short-lived. She and I have a lot in common, which is nice, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be her roommate.

Life is so great! I'm grateful for good friends and the opportunity I have to be back in Idaho meeting so many new people!

Work!

I got a job today. I will be working on-campus at the BYU-I Bookstore as a computer sales assistant. At BYU-I there is a laptop initiative, which recommends all students have laptops. Starting Winter 2009, all students will be required to have laptops. I don't really completely understand all of the reasoning behind this, but I guess I will learn.

The bad news is that this job is only temporary. So, I still need to be on the look-out for a permanent part-time job. I'm hoping at Deseret Book, but we'll see.

I start working at my new job on Monday.

Mr. & Mrs. Jarom Price

Yesterday was amazing! Tayler looked stunning! I loved her dress and her colors and the way everything turned out! It was great! And it was fun to see so many people that I haven't seen in forever! Jarom is one lucky man!

Sorry, I'm not home longer!

The big day is finally here! Tayler and Jarom are getting married! I'm so excited for them!

My time in San Diego is really short, and I apologize for those who were hoping to see me while I was down. I decided since I already said bye to everyone, that I would make this trip short. But I'll be home at Christmas for a while, until Corey leaves on his mission, so hopefully that will make up for this quick trip.

Oh, yesterday I got to go to the Jordan River Temple in Utah to do baptisms. They have it quite the system. You're in and out! But it was neat to be able to go inside another temple. Speaking of temples, apparently there are two temples being built in Utah. One in Draper, which I knew about, and one in Ocre (spelling?). The stone on the Ocre Temple has not been started yet, but the spire and Moroni are up. So, it looks kind of funny because from a distance it looks like a black temple. I should take a picture when I'm there again on Saturday.

Anyway, I gotta run! So much to do, and so little time!

ending the teen years...

I turn 20 in a week, and I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I mean, I don't feel like I'm getting old or anything, but then again it's not like I get to turn around and be a kid again. (Not that I would necessarily want the opportunity.)

Anyway, I'm so happy! My work situation is less than ideal, but I'm learning to say oh well! I mean, I'll figure something out. I can always find another job. It's just not very fun, especially when your two previous jobs were supposed to transfer.

I'm leaving for Utah on Tuesday morning. I can't wait! I get to see my best friend for two whole day, and I wasn't planning on seeing her until who knows when! Then I get to see my family, the Densley's, and a really good friend when I go home to San Diego for Tayler's wedding. I can't believe she's finally getting married on Friday! All this talk and this long wait, but it's really happening! I'm so happy for Tay and Jarom! What an exciting time in both of their lives!

I fly out of Salt Lake on Thursday night, and I leave San Diego Saturday afternoon. I'm excited! And then I get to teach Relief Society on Sunday, which I'm very excited about!

Life is so good! And so what, I'm one year older in a week, but I'm finally learning to love life and everything it brings!

where did all of it come from?

Today I went to church, and it was great! I got to see some new faces and socialize since I've been so bored. I feel like I've been people deprived since I got up here. Haha! And I don't have a calling right now, I don't go to school, and I don't have a job yet. It's a weird feeling to not have a set schedule, but I'm enjoying it because I know it won't last for long.

My roommates and I were just all sitting around talking, and somehow we ended talking about me. And now they know my whole life story, literally! I don't know how that happened.

I really hate telling people about my life because... well, I just do. I mean I like keeping in touch with people, but I don't normally just tell someone everything when I first meet them. Not even the people I've known longest know everything I just told my roommates.

It's just ironic... we live in this bubble. We automatically assume that everyone we know came from a "perfect family" (and that's relative, I don't mean literally perfect) when in reality the chances are they didn't. One of my roommates isn't sealed to her family (this is how it came up), and I told her I'm not either.




Someday I want to write a book about my life, but I don't know what kind. I am leaning more towards a memoir since I started reading The Glass Castle, but then again that's not very original. So many memoirs are about dysfunctional families. I would just be one more, like everyone else. I know that I have a story to tell, which could influence and change lives, but I don't know how to go about it. I thought maybe if I went into teaching that would be enough, but then I considered writing a book. All I want to do with my life is something that will touch and inspire lives. I would consider my life to be the beginning of a successful and happy life. I want others to learn from the things that I went through. It was far from perfect or ideal, but I wouldn't go back and change anything. Sure, I have some regrets, but had I not messed up then, it would just be somewhere further on down the road when the effects of those mistakes could impact more lives for the worse.

I want people to know that you can live a happy life, even after a painful childhood. I know, people have already done that. It's cliche, but nobody else has my exact story.

I want to help children and teenagers the way so many of you have helped me. I owe it to you.

This comes from knowing and feeling pure joy and great happiness. It's an indescribable feeling!

Love of Temples

I love going to the temple! I love driving past them! I love taking pictures of them! I love them so much! I can't even truly express how much I love them!

Since I live kitty-corner to the Rexburg temple now, I decided to go on Friday morning. It's so beautiful! I love it there! I walked since it's like a 20 second drive from my apartment. There were probably 3 or 4 brides outside taking wedding pictures as I went inside. I am so excited to live so close to such an amazing temple! I love it! I'm so lucky!

My favorite temple is the Salt Lake Temple. I love it! Then San Diego and Rexburg closely follow. I have seven pictures of the temple in my room! I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to attend the temple and do baptisms now, and even more grateful for the time when I will get to go through the temple myself some day.

The New Apartment

I love Utah!

I forgot how much I love it here in Utah. Yeah, this is just a pit stop before I complete my journey to Rexburg, but I love it here! It's just so... I don't even know if there are words to adequately describe my passion for Utah.

I plan to spend tomorrow here in Utah, and then Wednesday I'll head up to Rexburg.

Life has been very exciting, and it's been a time full of joy. I am trying to soak it all up and enjoy every moment!

I already miss San Diego! I'm surprised because I was so excited for the day to come when I'd return to BYU-I, and now I miss what I had back home.

I am looking forward to this adventure!

two weeks notice

So, I heard back from BYU-I today, and I'm moving back to Idaho in two weeks! I'm so excited! I have so much to do now, but I am so happy I get to go back!

ugh... I hate waiting!!!

So, I'm just waiting to hear back from BYU-I about whether or not I can go back to school in the fall. I hate waiting! I should hear back any day! I haven't updated because I keep thinking I'll hear from them, but who knows!



Okay, that's all for now.

Summer is Here!

I'm so excited! School's almost over and summer is practically here! I have so many things going on once I'm done with school, which will make the summer fly by. Then before I know it, it will be time to pack up and head back to Rexburg. I am looking forward to short time I have left here, and I am very excited to return to BYU-Idaho in August.

Corey graduates in 3 weeks! It's kind of unreal to me, but I'm so excited for him! Then we have family coming down from Utah at the end of June and sometime in July. One of my cousins is getting married in August, and then I'll be 20. Crazy! I am going back to working a lot this summer. I doubt I'll have much time for anything, so I'll be a workaholic again and just saving like crazy.

Anyway, life is so good! I love it here, and I'll definitely miss everything about this past year. I'm so grateful for how much I've learned in such a short amount of time.

The BEST Court of Honor EVER!!!

Last night was Corey's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was such a great night! Everything went so well, and there were so many people there to support him. It was practically a perfect night with one tiny exception. I finished his slideshow literally right before the program started. And the time came for me to show the slideshow. Everything was going great until a little over halfway through and it stopped. I was so bummed! Corey and I looked at each other, he hadn't seen it yet, and we both almost started crying. I think what happened is there was an error when it burned, so it didn't completely burn the entire slideshow correctly to the DVD. Anyway, we can watch it later, but I felt badly for everyone else who didn't get to see the end. Oh well! The show must go on! But it was an amazing evening! I was already Corey's biggest fan, but after last night I was even more proud of him and everything he has done and overcome.

The song I picked for the beginning of Corey's slideshow was "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas. If you haven't heard this song you need to because it is simply an amazing song! Anyway, this song epitomizes how I feel about Corey. Here are the lyrics:

Let it go,
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in,
Let your clarity define you
In the end
We will only just remember how it feels

Let it slide,
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine
Until you feel it all around you
And i don't mind
If it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by,
It's the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders,
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours,
These small hours still remain

He truly is a "little wonder!." I love him so much! Congratulations Corey!

how quickly life can change...

It amazes me how you can just be going along living your life, and then all of a sudden, out of the blue, something happens that will completely change the way you live forever.

One of my really close friends, Kira, has been diagnosed with cancer. I don't really know much, they found out on Friday, but it was shocking to hear that. She's only 21 and she is going to BYU-Idaho. She's home right now because she's off-track. Anyway, I don't know what's going to happen, but I know that everything is in the Lord's hands and everything will be okay.

I am teaching in Relief Society tomorrow, and the lesson is on the talk "Good, Better, Best" by Dallin H. Oaks. I really love this talk! But I was thinking about how this concept of "good, better, best" applies to everything. I was thinking about the trials that I've faced so far in my life, and then I was thinking about Kira and the trial that she is now facing. We often talk about our trials and how we know that will give us good experience and make us better people. We also know the Heavenly Father would never give us more than we could handle. Heavenly Father loves us, as His sons and daughters, and He wants us to succeed. Don't you think He would give us the "best" trials, so to speak, that would give us the most experience? For example, we are not asked to die for the church as the early saints were, but we live for the church.

I'm simply grateful for the church and all of the things I know because of it. When life gets hard or even when it's easy, it's comforting to know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and a Savior who suffered for all of my sins, sorrows, pains, etc.

I'm so grateful for all of the people who have been in my life. Friends are such blessings.

April's Over

I can't believe how much is going on right now! I have so many things to do and it's just crazy! School's rapidly coming to a close, a ton of my friends are leaving on missions within the next month or two, I have so many projects to work on, Corey is getting his eagle in a week and a half, I have a couple friends getting married this summer, my best friend is moving way far away, and the list just goes on. April is over already in my mind.
I'm trying to figure out when I am going to move back up to Rexburg. I was hoping for early June sometime, but now it looks like it won't be until the end of June, maybe not even til July. I don't know though. It just depends.

Corey's Court of Honor will be on the 29th. I'm so proud of him! He's awesome!

Well I gotta run! Here's a picture of Corey and I from Easter. We celebrated Easter with the Densley's and the Clark's. Corey helped stuff eggs for the Easter egg hunt, it's a tradition. Shelly was saying she's not sure what they're going to do next year when he's gone on his mission. Anyway, it was a great day!

Happy New Year!

Well, I'm going to be cutting back my hours at Barnes & Noble and Chili's because I'm going to be going to school this semester. I'm just going to go to Grossmont, which is a community college for those of you who don't live here in San Diego. I'm taking 13 credits - a photo class, college algebra, trig, and american government. I'm very excited to go back to school! I've really missed it! The goal is to be back in Rexburg this fall going to BYU-Idaho. Grossmont starts on the 28th.

Corey, my brother, just had a birthday on Friday. He's 18, which means he can leave on his mission in a year, which is just crazy to me. I got to throw him a surprise birthday party with the help of my dad and the Densley's. I really enjoyed seeing him so happy and have so much fun on Friday night. He has also pretty much completed his Eagle Scout. He just has to get things signed and confirmed and all of the paperwork taken care of. I'm so proud of him!

Well, I can't really think of anything else exciting. It seems that for the most part I've been more excited in Corey and his eagle, his birthday, etc. than anything else. He's so awesome! I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful brother! We had stake conference today, and right afterwards he went straight over to the missionaries. It's like he's already one of them, even though he has a year until he leaves.

Things are great! I'm really loving it, and I'm trying to treasure every moment because before I know it I'll be back in Rexburg away from all of this.

Going Back to School...

So, I am getting close to starting school again. I really missed it this past semester. It was weird not being in school. Now I can't wait to start back up. I'm just going to be going to Grossmont, and then in the fall I'll go back up to BYU-Idaho. I'm living with the Densley's which is wonderful! I'm working at Barnes & Noble and Chili's, just saving my money so I can pay for school. I definitely miss Rexburg, but it's been great to be home in San Diego. Corey is turning 18 on Friday. It's crazy! He only has a year until he can leave on his mission! Time flies! Anyway, life is great!