CreAte yOur Own kInd oF hAppInESs

2012-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

I know that you can always find things to complain about...but what I've come to learn is that you can always find things to be grateful for. Things happen in our life that we aren't always expecting, but instead of listing complaints about them, we can dig a little deeper and find meaning and learn what we have to be grateful for about those experiences. It's terrific to know that a Father in Heaven knows every little detail of our life and where we are going in it. He has the tools to make us better and we can become better if we allow him to work on us. Find joy in today ♥

Family For Christmas

2011-12-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to explain what a wonderful, terrific, beautiful Christmas I had this year. I don't know who stated the quote, "Christmas is not in the presents, but in his presence." but it certainly was 100% truer than true. Because Christ's presence was very evident in my Christmas miracle. I LOVE my family. I had a splendid time with each member. I'm so tremendously blessed to have them in my life. I couldn't ask for better parents or siblings, or nephew.

In His Hands

2011-11-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought the day that I posted my last post would be the day that ended my personal volleyball season early? With a nice little pop and a fall to the floor I would be faced with a difficult task at hand; an ACL injury. It was also the day however, that I subscribed to the Brave Girls Club. While looking at a post on a friend's blog I read about this new sight she had stumbled upon and decided to check it our for myself. Little did I know then that it would have the words that I needed to hear now...

"Dear humble girl,

You really can't begin to know how spectacular you are or how much you are capable of or how strong and brave the depth of your soul is.

Because we all understandably see things from such a limited and incomplete point of view...because we haven't learned everything we need to learn yet...it is hard to see that things that feel like failures or roadblocks or hardships are the very things that exercise our soul muscles and keep us in top shape to be able to live out our beautiful and constantly progressing potential.

Life would be so sad and so boring if there were never any wonderful and sometimes painful and difficult opportunities for growth. It is in the growing and the changing and the stretching and the soul exercise that the biggest joys come.

Keep your head up...keep sweatin' through the soul lunges...you are spectacularly fit for the challenge...you really are. You can do this.

You are loved.

XOXO"

(bravegirlsclub.com)

Something good will come from this "painful and difficult opportunity for growth," even if it is just to exercise my soul. I know that God sees the big picture for me and because I can only see a limited portion of it, it's my job to put my full trust in Him. I know He can make me better...if I allow Him to. I'm in His hands. Besides, what a greater love and appreciation I've been given for the resurrection. :) I've been so blessed to have a body that allows me to play volleyball and do all sorts of other things as well. Maybe I just need a rest from the vigorous activities I've involved it in. Whatever my lesson is, things will be ok. I will be ok. Because I know that no matter what happens, I'm a loved daughter of my Heavenly Father.

ANOTHER SEASON NEARING AN END

2011-11-08T12:02:00.001-08:00

Only two

home games

left and then we are

off to

North Dakota

for our conference

tournament!

NUTS!

I'd have to say:

Enjoy the moment,

for in another,

it's already gone...

Things I love about Autumn

2011-11-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Jumping in leaves

Admiring the colors on the mountains

Wearing sweaters

Watching leaves fall off trees

Drinking hot cocoa

Wearing boots

Stepping on crunchy leaves

Fresh apple juice

Pumpkins, squashes, and gourds

Throwing leaves

Guilty: I like quizzes...

2011-09-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, It's true...I'm a sucker for quizzes, whether it's online, in a magazine or in a book; if it's there, I'll take it. I was excited when I saw this one on Lifetime titled, "What's Your Greek Goddess Personality?" I absolutely loved learning about Greek Mythology in my ninth grade English class and would love to find some kind of mythology class maybe here in college...I'll have to see what they offer. Anywho, I'm intrigued by this subject, so of course, I HAD to take the quiz ;) and I'd have to say I think it's pretty accurate...Here's my result:

You’re Athena, Goddess of Wisdom

(according to myLifetime.com)

You’re smart, strong, independent and an all-around go-getter. You like to continuously acquire knowledge, whether you’re surfing the Net for random answers to questions, or have your nose in a book about culture or politics — anything that broadens your perspective. When it comes to love, you’re not ruled by emotion and would rather be single than be with someone who is not your intellectual equal and doesn’t appreciate your career aspirations and goals. While you’re a devoted and dependable person, you tend not to have many close female friends (which may have a little something to do with your critical nature), but you’re admired and respected by many.

Photo Blog

2011-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Stoked for my photography class this semester! All of our assignments will be posted on a blog that we each created, SO, I've got another blog up and runnin :) To view my work go to my Image-In blog!

The Woman I call my Mother

2011-08-22T18:02:00.001-07:00

Melinda, Sister Nish, Mindy, Muff, Mrs. Nish, Dramma, and Modge are all names that my mom goes by. I like to call her Modge... it's like a combination of Mom and Madjre...ha, anywho, this pretty lady turned 45 today. What a wonderful celebration of 45 years lived in touching other's lives. My mom is seriously one of a kind. She spends most of her time thinking about, helping out, and caring for her husband and four kids. On top of that she teaches, cares for, and nurtures jr. high students where she helps build other's confidence in themselves. Then on her day off she teaches Gospel Doctrine where she inspires others with the teachings of the gospel. This busy woman never gets enough...

I love my mom for helping to mold me into the person I am today. She taught me to believe in myself, to believe in God, and to believe in the goodness of others. She reminds me to take deep breaths, live in the moment, and to have faith in the future that lies ahead of me. I trust her. I trust her because of her consistency in caring for me and others, because of the responsible person that she is , and her service to all around her. I know that if I ever need a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen, she'll be there.

Momma, thanks for all you do! I hope you had a wonderful day today! I'm so glad you were born; for without you, there'd be no me. You're a great person! Happy Birthday! <3

Happiness

2011-07-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." ~Denis Waitley

Lessons From Butterflies

2011-07-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

The reality of the changes going through my life hit me like a tornado. I was swallowed up in the eye of it as every little thing was spinning rapidly and uncontrollably around me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to react. I stood still. What else was I supposed to do? I hid my hurting heart through my expressionless face and my boring attitude. I couldn't do anything. There I was for a span of a few days in my own little paradise with the people that I love, and I couldn't even go on a hike, a horseback ride, or play games. I sat. Or I read. Or I laid on my bed.

When I did venture outside I was surrounded by the beauty that I always am when I'm up at my cabin. The place was green and lush. The river ran like the speed and sound of the freeway in the city, but had a calming effect. One thing that I noticed differently around my surroundings however were the countless yellow monarchs constantly fluttering around. I was amazed at their beauty and the sense of freshness they brought to me. Being the symbolist that I am, I couldn't help but wonder what meaning they held.

When I finally got home to the city and done with work for a week I found time to sit down, relax, and do my little research on the symbolisms of Butterflies. With the good help of Whats-your-sign.com I was awe struck and filled with butterflies, haha, no pun or whatever intended, and here's what I found:

"Overwhelmingly, cultural myth and lore honor the butterfly as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive process of metamorphosis. What a massive amount of transition this tiny creature undergoes. Consider for a moment the kind of energy this expends. I daresay if a human were to go through this kind of change we'd freak out! Herein lies the deepest symbolic lesson of the butterfly. She asks us to accept the changes in our lives as casually as she does. The butterfly unquestioningly embraces the changes of her environment and her body. This unwavering acceptance of her metamorphosis is also symbolic of faith. Here the butterfly beckons us to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. She understands that our toiling, fretting and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature - she asks us to recognize the same."

Well ok then. 'Nough said, wouldn't ya say? I can't help but believe that Heavenly Father sent those pretty little winged bodies my way knowing that by the way I am (curious to symbolisms to everything) I would receive the message He had for me: To accept the changes in my life with grace. My toiling, fretting and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature, and I need to realize this by keeping my faith as I undergo these transitions. All this, thanks to a pretty little yellow butterfly.

Reflections from the Pacific (...Hawaii...)

2011-07-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

As I sat in the airport a couple weeks ago waiting to board the plane home to Utah I wrote down moments and things that I wanted to remember. Now as I sit here eating the last of my chocolate covered macadamia nuts, I'm reflecting on the good times that I had there :) Here they are:

Playing the guessing game at the airport as to which car and man was Pedro
Our first beach practice when I jumped to hit the ball on the sand court and fell on my side
Riding the city bus for the first time
Talking to the big, bald, tatoo guy at our "Private" beach on North Shore- he had a knife strapped to his calf. He was very friendly and offered to show us around when we went to Pearl Harbor (we didn't go to Pearl Harbor)
Riding the bus home at night with the homeless people
Our first workout at Bellow's beach- all the portuguese Mantuar- see weed wrapping around my leg and me freaking out thinking it was a tennacle
Crab stuffed wantons at Paulette's nephew's bday party
The downpour at the PCC
Patti falling asleep and twitching at the night performance
Wathcing the guy's reaction to Patti's twitching (he was sitting on the other side of her)
Going to the La'ie Temple
Breakfast at Hukilau Cafe with Melinda and Auntie Leigh
Seeing the Black Pearl at Ko'olina
Patti's reactions to Rusty (a "softie" boy at Lokahi- the club vball practices)
Auntie Napua taking us to church
Her wark singing to us after sacrament meeting and giving us leis
The graduation party that was like a wedding reception
Our first time walking to Waikiki- sneaking in the Sharaton Hoyel to the beach and pool
Our second time walking to Waikiki- the weird guy yelling to Patti "Goodbye Princess, see you NEVAH!"
The boys yelling out the taxi cab for us to meet them at the bar
Playing at the beach at night- the guy that tried to sell us drugs
Patti singing at the pool to "I'm a nerd"
Pedro's impression of Patti singing and dancing
Banana Pancakes with macadamia nut syrup with Pedro, Puna, and Madison
Patti getting stuck upside down in the pool, her laughing like a seal and gurgling up the water
Sea Life Park
Our hike past the lighthouse
Waimea Bay- AMAZING sand and water <3
Sending a pic of Lindsay's "ring" to Austin
Lunch with Angie and Preston at Cheescake Factory
Taking pictures with them in a parking garage
Dim Som or whatever that authentic Chinese place was- yummy shrimp!
Eating Pazookies with Pedro and Paullette and just talking with them
Watching 50 First Dates with Lindsay and recognizing all the places we've been in it
Sunday drive around the island with Pedro and Paulette
Patti changing her flight for Washington to surprise her boyfriend
Mine and Lindsay's last smoothies in Hawaii
Mimmicking the Chinese Qi Stretching guy- "Pull it up, tighten your butt, tighen your knees" etc.
Pedro folding his arms after demonstrations

Oh man, good times! And then... I always like to choose one or two things that I learn from being somewhere new... The lesson I learned from living in Hawaii is what I call "The Spirit of Aloha." I learned that Aloha means love in Hawaiian. It's also their greeting word. They greet people with love- literally. From all the people who accepted us when we were there, to observing the natural loving nature in accepting everyone there, I feel that I learned to be more accepting myself, of others. And that's what I call "The Spirit of Aloha" - being more accepting. I bought myself a bracelet while there so that it could always remind myself to be more like that.

Me in RaNdoMS

2011-06-19T14:38:00.001-07:00

I have this thing for trees. Before I die I want to publish a coffee table book all about trees. I want it filled with photographs that I've taken of trees and I want the text to describe the beauties of trees, little facts about trees and symbolisms of trees. It will be an easy read of course since I'm in love with pictures.

Chocolate was heaven sent. So was ice cream. You want to make me happy? Take me out for ice cream or shakes... or bring me in some chocolate... mmm.

I love clouds. I love stars. I love the sky. In fact, the only things I remember in meteorology class were about the clouds- the types and that, and the only time I was awake in astronomy class was when the planetarium sky was on and I could look at all the constellations.

I love to travel. I love going new places, seeing new sights, tasting new things and having new experiences. Most of all though, I love the USA. I am proud to be an American.

When I was younger, my biggest fear was being forgotten.

My favorite place to be is at my cabin on the ranch.

I used to be worried that I didn't have a set style; something that described me best when I wore it. I was a cowgirl, an athlete, a city girl, an artsy fartsy, I could pull off the punk or I could pull off the business. It wasn't til later in life I realized that all of these combined are what makes me me.

The next place on my travel list is Italy.

I want to see the northern lights (in Alaska).

I don't have a favorite color. I love them all. One is not better than the other. They compliment each other when they are together.

Rain makes me feel refreshed.

I am a daughter of God. I know He loves me, and I love Him.

My favorite people are my family. They'll tell me straight up if something doesn't float, and they're the first ones to let me know when they're proud of me or what they love about me. They are my support and my strength, and I will always be there for them when they need me, and even when they think they don't. I have an overpowering love for all of them.

Loud/sloppy eaters drive me crazy.

I know a smile can go a long way.

If someone doesn't like you, it's usually because they are jealous of you... or simply because you just drive them nuts.

The world has enough rude people. It needs more nice.

I used to be very impatient... that was before I changed my attitude.

God's creations are bEaUtiFul. Take a moment to open your eyes and SEE, not just look.

I really love this random thoughts thing that I'm doing right now. It's like whatever I think at the moment goes down on paper. Well, not paper... computer, but you get what I mean. There are some things I wish I could write... I mean type, and be ok for everyone to see, but that would make me feel uncomfortable, haha. I don't want anyone to see my fears or weaknesses. That kind of stuff can go in my pErsOnal journal- NOT the

blog.

I wish I had a good voice. I love singing. Maybe some day I'll take voice lessons. For now though, I'll just stick to belting away in my car... alone... in the dark, on the freeway...

Sometimes when I have a lot on my mind I can't breathe. My breath gets stuck in my back and I can't get a deep one...It can get annoying.

I love the smell of clean laundry.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. Christ leads it through his prophet, whom today is President Thomas S. Monson.

I wish I could be a better missionary.

I want to lose 20 lbs.

I'm attracted to tall, dark, athletic men. Or any guy who can sing and play an instrument. For some reason that gives them automatic attractiveness.

My current celebrity crush is Garrett Hedlund... what a beautiful soul...

I have this weird obsession with brand new office supplies. Something about new sharpies, binders, notecards and notebooks get me every time. An unused box of crayons... highlighters... man, you name it.

If I had one wish, it would be to have clear skin. If by chance I had another one, it would be to destroy all cigarettes or anything that people smoke. Ugh. I hate that stuff.

Families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's Plan.

Ok, I could probably go on with this FOREVER. So... I better stop now... xox

Fearless By Innocence

2011-06-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

When you're little you do things because you want to, not because you're worried about what others will think, or what consequence lies behind your action. You do what you want because it will satisfy you. In a way you're fearless. Fearless to what lies ahead. You have no worries of the chain reaction that could possibly be in front of your decision made on a dime.

When you're little you're not afraid to smile. You're not afraid to laugh. You cry. You pout. You dream and imagine. You love and you trust. You dance. You sing. You're not afraid to make a wish on a shooting star, blowing out candles or blowing the seeds of a dandelion. You're not afraid to say what you think, wear what you want, or fall asleep when you're tired.

As I've grown older I've had my different struggles in each of these things that as a child came so naturally to me. In a way I want to go back and be fearless. I want to do things because I'm not afraid of the outcome, or the absence of one. Because I'm not afraid of what others will think. And because it will satisfy me.

I don't want to worry about struggling to be strong and overcoming my tears when I just want to cry. I don't want to be afraid to cry. I don't want to cease dreaming in fear that what I want may not ever come to be or even be plausible. I want to keep dreaming. I want to trust in my gut and I want to love. I don't want to be scared of singing off key, too loud or too quiet, and not being good enough. I want to sing because I love to sing. Because it makes me happy and because it comes from inside of me.

So here's to the youth of my being: I will not be afraid of the innocence that lies within me.

Day 16 in the Pacific

2011-06-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's our sixteenth day out here in Hawaii! So much has happened. Time is just flying by! People here are so kind and generous. We've been taken out by family friends and by new friends and families that we've met here. Everyone is so willing to share their home, their food, and their own family and friends, with us. We've been all over the island. from Ala Moana beach, to North Shore, Haliewa, La'ie, Bellow's Beach to Waikiki, The Blow Hole, to the Lookout, to the PCC, the Temple, etc, etc, etc. We've had a grand time thus far in our trip and look forward to our last two weeks here being just as great as the past two. Aloha Hawaii, I love you.

Our Sixth Day

2011-05-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Pedro and Paulette surprised us when we woke up by bringing us malasadas (these sugary donut roll things). They were delish! Then we had work outs at Bellow's Beach. It was a good one, the sand really works your muscles. We also did a little bit in the water, which was hard, AND scary... There are these bright blue, long Portuguese Mantua that float on the surface. Their long tentacle can wrap around you and it stings. The three of us were so afraid we were going to get stung! When I got out there in the water to start the second portion of our work out, sea weed wrapped around my leg. I freaked thinking that it was a Mantua! LUCKILY it wasn't... After our work out we went and chilled at Paulette's niece's house. It was relaxing. Then we went to a birthday party. SUCH good food! Mmm, my favorite were the crab stuffed wontons! YUM.

Day Five: Hello Hawaii

2011-05-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

OH! There you are Hawaii! Got ready for the day and headed our way on foot to Waikiki. It was about a 3 mile walk and we made it in about an hour. It was oh so worth it though once we set foot in the Sheraton Hotel and made our way out the back to the beach. It was like paradise! We spent a couple hours in the ocean catching the waves and then came back to shore to lay out. We were glad we came in when we did because a short while after we did two different people had been stung by jelly fish! Ikes. We got sweet treats at Baskin Robins, chilled at the pool for a little while and then made our three mile walk back to Honolulu. Poor Lindsay's suit was still wet and her shorts were chafing her legs really bad. BUT we did make it! After our little beach adventure we went to the gym and played some more volleyball. Everyday just keeps getting better!

The fourth day of our stay in Hawaii

2011-05-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

Adventure of The Bus... The three of us boarded the The Bus today each for the first time in each of our lives. It was quite the adventure. So many different and interesting people ride the bus...We made our way from Honolulu to North Shore and spent the day on the beach at our own little private area- twas sweet. Then we walked around, got shaved ice, ate at a mexican restaurant called Chollo's, where we were served by some wacko waiter, and then took the long bus ride home. There are so many homeless people in Hawaii and a couple times we got a little nervous we had missed our stop cause we just kept driving and driving through town where all the bums were...it was...interesting...Anyways, the day was a success, we'll definitely give it that!

Day Three in Hawaii

2011-05-25T10:01:00.001-07:00

We got a little frustrated today with the whole bus system. Turns out it'll just be cheeper for us not to get one :P We did however finally get to the beach, we ate lunch on the sand (turns out Panda Express is so much better here than in the mainland). Afterward we walked to Safeway, got some groceries and then walked back to the apartment. We got ready for work outs and Puna put us to work. We got a little break before we started this Chinese stretching slash yoga type thing, and then it was right into volleyball. Then bed. We're still getting used to Hawaii time.

Hawaii Day Two

2011-05-25T01:43:00.001-07:00

Getting settled and familiar... Exploration and long walks is what day two consisted of. We went around town, hung out at the pool and then hit up our beach work out... dude. Sand kills. We ran about a mile barefoot in it and then did some other work out stuff and then did a little beach volleyball. After that night I had a whole new admiration for beach players and a greater appreciation for the luxuries of indoor.

Hawaii Baby

2011-05-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Day One: Departure and Arrival! May 21st had finally come after months of anticipation! I came from Hooper so my mom dropped me off at the airport, and Lindsay's mom, Penny, dropped Linds and Patti off cause they came from Provo. We got checked in and boarded with no trouble which was awEsomE! After two flights and a layover we happily arrived on O'ahu. We got our bags and anxiously waited outside the airport to finally meet Pedro, our month's vball coach and Hawaiian dad. We played the guessing game as each car pulled up to determine if it would be him or not. Then a beige car pulled up and a man got out, opened the trunk, and grinned, "Are you the ones?!" We all cheered and said, "Pedro!" We jumped in and took off to settle into our nook, meet Pauletta (Pedro's wife) and get some grub at the nearby local place called Zippy's. Because of the jet lag we were extremely tired and so after dinner we went back to the apartment and hit the sack. Day one was completed.

two of my cents

2011-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

When you go to complain, don't ever forget-things cOuLd be worse.

Starting a thankful blog...

2011-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving of 2010 I decided I wanted to start keeping a
thankful journal. Everyday for a year I would write down
something I was thankful for that day and write a little
reason why. It was going all dandy until a couple times
I forgot to take my journal with me on little trips. So
instead of continuing it in my journal I would post it on my
blog so that I would have time to write about it in my journal
later. Of course I would have a computer with me just about
anywhere I would be so this seemed like a great idea...until I
stopped catching up in my journal and it just became a huge
thankful list on the side of my blog.

I've decided to transfer my thanksgiving list to a new blog
fully dedicated to my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for
all of the amAzing things that He has spoiled me with- some
good, some bad, but mostly remarkable. I can't tell you the
overwhelming feeling of love that I feel from Him each day
when I take one second to think of something that brightened
my day, strengthened me through out the day, or just reminded
me of what I have to be thankful for. So here is the beginning of
my full-of-thanks blog; gratitude I feel from the depths of my
soul (might sound cheesy, but I am so totally serious) and with
all of my heart. My intro to you. Here is Thanksgiving...

full-of-thanks.blogspot.com

The Little Things

2011-01-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

After having my blinkers hit the fritz and go on a tangent I was excited for them to finally stop. But when they stopped, they stopped for good. They wouldn't turn on after their little moment of excitement. After a day of being honked at (for turning into the church parking lot) and then being flipped off (on the freeway) I knew that the second I had time I would need to get my vehicle looked at. Spending a while upside down in my drivers seat with my head under the dashboard and my legs up over the head rest and talking to my dad on the phone as he tried to explain what the fuse box looked like, I was about to my limit. He wanted me to go to an auto shop and have someone come out and look at it. I wanted to cry and go inside... Later that night a friend accompanied me to the auto shop where a worker came to check things out. He told us I had a major electrical problem and that I needed to go to a shop and have the electrician/mechanic guy look at it. Feeling a little better about things (knowing that come Monday my car would be fixed and I wouldn't risk getting honked at, flipped off, or ticketed) we left back for my house. WELL, come this afternoon (Saturday-day after auto place) I was on my way to take a test and as I turned out of my neighborhood, MY BLINKERS STARTED WORKING! All I can say about this whole situation is that prayer.... it works.... and today I definitely appreciated a little thing in life- blinkers. I do have to say that I treasure turning signals. Today, a little thing made my day. I hope that we can all appreciate the little things in life... even if they're as little as a little flashing light. Thank you Heavenly Father for always knowing how to make me happy! :D

Chasing Time

2011-01-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

Learning to live in the present...

So... I totally like things organized, right? I mean, I gotta have all my lil' ducks in a row. I want to know what's going on, and what's going to be going on. My planner/calendar is borderline ridiculous. I have to do lists at all times. I like my to do list so much, that sometimes if I do something that isn't on the list, I'll jot it on there just so I can cross it off. The first full week of school has come to an end (praise the heavens above), and it's taken a little planning and reminding for myself to get things in order so I know the plan, my plan, for being on top of tasks. I've found myself chasing time and constantly worrying about future outcomes and different things that I need to do and how and what needs to be done in order for them to be accomplished. Well... my mother noticed I was doing this too. Only she did the smart thing (something I should have done myself)- and told me to stop. She told me to stop looking so far ahead in time and enjoy the moment I'm in right now. Right now as in not this week. Not this day. She meant that second. It hit me and I was like, "Yeah, self, flip. Enjoy the moment." Enjoying the moment doesn't mean forgetting your dreams, your plans, and your goals, but it means not to constantly worry about how you're going to accomplish them. If you're not stressing out about chasing your time and getting to the next thing, the moment seems so much brighter. I've been able to stop thinking for little spurts and to just be able to smile at the things taking place at that minute, at that second, much better now that I'm not trying to chase time. I'm living in the present and enjoying the moment.

New Beginnings

2011-01-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

It's the new year of two thousand and eleven! It's the time where people take advantage of a new start and form new year's resolutions. I am usually one of these people... until this year... in a way I've still kind of incorporated goals and that, but this year I am not going to say "Everyday I am going to exercise, everyday I am going to read my scriptures, everyday I am going to make my bed, yadda yadda ya." I'm not saying that those aren't great hopes or resolutions, but when I slip up and miss a day, it really discourages me and I'm like... why keep going for a perfect record/near perfect record when I goofed up the fifth week of the new year? I know, bad attitude right? But my new "thing" that I'm doing this year is listing a few things that I want to see me accomplish this year... things I want improved on or done by the next year. This way if I miss a day of work outs I won't be like "OMY GOSH! I'M SUCH A FAILURE!" I can just make my goal be lose body fat this year- that way I can still accomplish what I want to achieve! Great right?! Right! haha, just agree with me... So, now as for listing those things I want to do this year... drum roll please.... oh, and hold onto your seats-these are perdy good ;P

1. Good grades/be involved in learning

2. Be a great coach for my club team and continue on improving my teaching and coaching skills

3. Go to Hawaii

4. Get into better shape! LOSE dat body fat!

5. Save up for Italy and make the preparations needed in order to follow up on my Art History Study Abroad dream for next May.

6. Increase and strengthen my testimony of Christ and the Gospel

7. Become more aware of the world around me- involve myself in the newspaper or whatever is necessary to open up my eyes to the things taking place outside of my own little safe circle

8. Be happy :D

K dudes... there it is for the "world" to see; my new year's list of things to accomplish... not resolutions, but continuations and goals I hold for myself! Peace, Love, and Happiness y'all

the SPIRAL JETTY

2010-12-20T22:13:00.000-08:00

What started out as a rabbit hunt ended up being an exploration and admiration of art... me, dad, and jake

We get hurt...

2010-12-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

we get hurt because people aren't always who we think they are. they do things we don't know they do. things they don't know we know they do. people will always let you down. we get hurt because we are only in control of ourselves. people will lie to you. intentionally. unintentionally. and just because. but to every valley there is a mountain. to every night there is a day. to every shadow there is a light. and to every hurt there will be a healing. it might take time. but it will come. love them still. because they hurt too. they might not show it. but why else would they hurt you. everyone is fighting their own battle. you hurt because they hurt you. but really you hurt because they hurt. we get hurt. but we don't lose hope.

Enduring Well

2010-12-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time in school when the library is packed, the study groups are busy, and not only are backpacks chuck full, but minds are as well. It's a week from finals. The semester is about to end. Oh my gosh this week always makes me want to scream. Yes, I always endure it... what else can you do? I mean, quitting is no option. Here is the thing though- we are commanded to endure all well. Sigh... new goal for the next two weeks: Enduring well... Wish me luck.

2010-11-14T18:10:00.001-08:00

I really want to blog right now but I have sooooo much homework I have to do. :( Maybe soon... hopefully... but just a quicky: this is our last week of 2010 volleyball season! We have our conference tournament this up coming weekend! Wish us luck :)

Happiness

2010-10-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Happiness... it's something everyone is striving for. Don't try to fight that comment. It's true. All anyone wants to be is happy. All that you do in life, you do in hopes to find what makes you happy and what will make you happy. Everyone wants to be happy. So, I've been thinking of ways that I myself can become a happier person. My first thought was optimism. Optimistic people are always happier than pessimistic people. My goal is to become more optimistic. A great example to me in my life of optimism is our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. I know that he has passed on into the next step of our existence, but his influence will affect the world forever. Some of his views on happiness and optimism stuck out to me as I looked for ways I could become happier. I want to share a couple quotes from him..."You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . . it's your choice." Righto. It is your choice. And that's why I need to put optimism in my permanent actions and thoughts. He also said: "Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." By cultivating this spirit and attitude, we will be able to NOTICE the beauties of nature and the goodness of others.

I know it's hard at times to be happy when all you want to be is angry. But in all reality I know you don't want to feel like that. Things get tough, life is hard and trial will always come. Through optimism and by handling trials in a mature way, I know that they will strengthen us. That's why it's always important to trust in God."It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." Being optimistic is having hopefulness and confidence in things. I believe that by being optimistic we show our faith and commitment to Christ. Because of this belief I will become an optimistic person. When people think of me, I want them to think of the happy person that I can be and the way I see the good in things. I want Christ to know that I trust in Him and in his eternal plan for me; come what trials may, I will learn from them in a mature and hopeful way knowing that as President Hinckley said: It all works out in the end. So... happy... I'm going to be happy through optimism and this way I will find happiness in whatever comes my way. (:

When October's Here

2010-10-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I've got the blue skies and a likely chance of rain

that washes away all of my pain

I've got the gray clouds that keep me warm, and I know it sounds weird,

but I always feel better

when October's here.

I've got the trees with their leaves dying

all of the birds are out flying

I wanna be outside

with the sunshine

when October's here

I've got the chill breeze that makes me wear cozy sweaters,

they always make me smile and feel oh so much better.

I take in a deep breath of fresh autumn air,

'cause I love it when,

when October's here

I go out of my way to step on a leaf

and hear it crunch under my feet.

Take a drive up the canyon just to think,

clear my mind, make the memories rewind

to all those good times

when October's here

'Cause when the leaves fall in a whirlwind

it takes me all the way back when.

I was younger, I was a princess, I was wild, and I was fearless...

I love it when,

when October's here.

A Fresh Start, A New Year, Livin' the Good Life

2010-10-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been done. I'm the big two zero. It wasn't exactly how I would have planned out my twentieth birthday if I'd have had my choice, but my teammates and my coaches helped to make it a happy one at least.

So since it's a beginning of new experiences and such, I've decided to make it a year worth while. I want to be happier, and I want to come closer to Christ. I have this new goal in mind... I'm going to pick out something to work on each week and write my thoughts and/experiences on either what I'm going to do or what I did. I'll be starting that tomorrow, since all new good things start on Mondays ;)

As for today I want to share a very special song I just found. Haha, wow... there are a lot of points in here that I relate to at a very personal level. It's amazing how God knows each one of us individually, and I am so grateful for the priesthood and the fact that I have a patriarchal blessing. I have a strong testimony of this gospel. I know Christ lives, and I want to please him. Here are the lyrics to Virtue, by Jenny Phillips...

Because I love the Father, I want the minds of men to be lifted when they look at me. Because I am His daughter, I want my devotion to Him to be what they see. I don't need the attention of immodesty. I am confident in my divinity. I didn't come to Earth to compromise; I came here to hold up my light. I won't flirt with the darkness that I came here to fight. You'll find me on the Father's side. No matter what the world may do, I'm a daughter of God and I'm holding onto virtue...

I want to lead a life that is full of so much good it attracts light to me. So I'm trusting in my Father to magnify the beauty He has placed in me; I am confident in my divinity. I didn't come to Earth to compromise; I came here to hold up my light. I won't flirt with the darkness that I came here to fight. You'll find me on the Father's side. No matter what the world may do, I'm a daughter of God, and I'm holding onto virtue...

My Last of My Teenies!

2010-09-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

HOLY SHMOKES! It's true... my 20th birthday is in exactly one week from today. You know what that means? I have one week left to be a teenager! NEVER again will I ever be able to be this age again... It's hard for me to grow up... I'm not one of those typical kids who is rushing adult hood... I've never been one who yearns to be older, independent, free, yadda yadda yadda... I've always wanted to be little! I made a promise to myself when I was a tyke that I would never lose my imagination! Oh the carefree times of a child! And now, to have the "teen" taken out of me permanently it feels like I'm losing a friend. I don't want to be sounding too dramatic, but it's almost like the saying "If you knew when you were going to die, what would you do?" I know I'm never going to be a teenager again! What am I going to do??? But now I think about it and it's like...I'll do everything that I do every other day... find the stupidest things to laugh at, make up my own songs and belt them around the house, eat ice cream like I'll never be able to eat it again, read my scriptures, listen to music, stress over homework, paint my fingernails, play volleyball, mess around with my friends, and love my family... I'll do the things that I did as a three year old, as a fifteen year old, and as a nineteen year old. Just because I turn twenty next week doesn't mean I'll lose my playful heart and young eyes, it means I'll be able to take all the little things I've learned about living my life to the fullest and be able to expound on them and make my twen"ties", thir"ties", for"ties" etc, all that much better. So as my "teens" disappear, and my "ties" appear, I'll still be me, but a better one, and a more experienced one.

Special scribbles I stumbled upon...

2010-09-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

A lot of times I have these random thoughts and feelings and I don't always get them into my journal. Sometimes I just grab the nearest piece of scratch paper or a post-it note and scribble the gist of what's going on in my mind onto it and set it aside in expecting to jot the full thing down in my journal at a later time. I'm not proud to say this, but they usually are tossed or lost and I don't get the majority into safe keeping.

Well I was just sorting through some things and stumbled across one of these "thought notes." It was a scratch piece of paper with a bunch of scribbled bullet points on it. When I started reading them I remembered exactly where I was when I wrote them and exactly what I was writing them about. The list goes as such:

Forgiveness
it feels so much better even if they didn't know you hated them
family-it takes a lot of love to hate someone
I love him a lot
Fresh release
everything feels ok in the world

D&C 64:10 states that "I the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." Earlier in my life this seemed like such an easy principle, a "duh" as I would call it. But I will attest that it truly is easier said than done. However, it is possible, and it is worth it. When it gets to the point that you don't know how to forgive, it's time to ask Heavenly Father's help in doing so. Everything is so much easier with His help, haha, it's almost ridiculous! :)

I know that forgiveness is real. I am so grateful for the Lord's atoning sacrifice that has made forgiveness possible. Don't procrastinate forgiveness. I know that once you have truly forgiven you will feel rejuvenated and uplifted!

Scattered thoughts to think about...

2010-09-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

So get this: Satan knows you. He was with you in the pre-earth life. Satan can put things in your mind.He is very involved with what is taking place here on Earth. He hates you. He hates Joseph Smith. He hates the Savior. He knows your strengths and he knows your weaknesses. He will always be there to rip you down. The good thing then? Satan can only dowhat you let him. Be valiant. Light will always overcome the darkness. Everything testifies of Christ. Come to know Him. Always trust in Him. He knows you. He was with you in the pre-earth life. He can give you revelation and insight. He is completely involved in your life. Christ loves you. He knows your strengths and He knows your weaknesses. He will always be there to help lift you up. Be valiant.

What's In A Name?

2010-08-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

What’s yours but you hardly ever use? We all have one…actually two, and some of us have three or four. It’s your name. But what’s IN a name exactly?

Up at my cabin we have what we call “cabin church” where all those at the ranch or neighboring places can come over on Sunday and we have a testimony meeting. At the beginning of every meeting we go around and introduce ourselves and our families, telling everyone what cabin we come from. This particular time I watched as each person stood up proudly baring the name of the cabin they came from. “We’re from the Freed’s Cabin. I’m Dan’s son.” or “My name is Sydney and Dave Howells is my Grandpa.” And there were so many more! Everyone seemed proud to be who they were and bare the names of those from which they were from. I imagined our ancestors watching down on us with big smiles on their faces as they witnessed us all boldly declaring our names.

Seeing and hearing all of this reminded me of special little boy who stole my heart during my trip to Samoa earlier this summer. “What’s your name?” I asked. “Israel, after the prophet!” he replied with such dignity I couldn’t help but to feel his strong spirit and his knowledge that he was a son of God, named after a righteous man, and he was going to be the best that he could be.

I thought of my name. Erica, meaning ever powerful, an honorable ruler… I thought of my Howells ancestors. My remarkable Great Great Grandma Adele Cannon Howells who was a huge part of the church and greatly involved in creating the Friend magazine, and the woman that hired the Utah Artist that just passed away recently, to paint the images of the stories from the Book of Mormon. I thought of My Great Grandpa Paul Howells who used to own and run the Thousand Peaks Ranch before my time and what a beautiful place it is now because of his hard work. I thought of my pioneer ancestors that came across the plains to help in establishing Zion, those that left their homes and families in England, in Scotland and in Wales. I thought of their courage and love and their devotion to Christ. I am proud to have my name; Erica Nish.

When we all finished introducing ourselves we continued on in singing an opening hymn and I couldn’t help to realize that we all shared a common name, a name we all took upon ourselves during our baptism, the name of Christ. We need to be as proud if not more so to carry that name as we are of our own names and past family names. After all we are all children of God, brothers and sisters in the whole scheme of things. We have an AWESOME older brother who was the purest and best example. PERFECT! We are related to a perfect being! Imagine that! Let us all remember Christ always and be proud to bare HIS name; the name through which we can be saved.

So what IS in a name then? I believe it’s what is put into it; your ancestors’ hard work and accomplished ambitions, your knowledge of your own self worth, the time put into your good works, your faith, your hope and your charity. Let us strive to better the names we carry continually and work to be more like the one that we as members of the church all carry, and remember… your name.

So Long Sweet Summer

2010-08-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

The best way to put it is how my dear friends Dashboard Confessionals would, and that would be like this: "So long sweet summer. I stumbled upon you and gratefully basked in your rays. So long sweet summer. I fell into you now you're gracefully falling away."

Wow. I mean seriously. This has been my most favorite summer since I've been in elementary school. I've been so blessed to have all the experiences that I did these past couple of months. I've been places I've never been, seen things I've never seen, did things I've never done, met people I've never met... It's been a beautiful summer season and I am going to miss it dearly.

I'm moving onto a new volleyball season tomorrow, and a new school year in a couple weeks. I'm preparing myself for more great experiences to come. May the summer sun and summer feelings accompany my heart through out these next three seasons until I'm able to return again. If there's one thing I've learned in the last three months it's to enjoy; enjoy the beauties around me, the beauties I see and the beauties I feel.

"Hey thanks, thanks for that summer. It's cold where you're going. I hope that your heart's always warm. I gave you the best, gave you the best that I have. So long sweet summer."

2010-06-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.cmt.com/videos/toby-keith/27718/american-soldier.jhtml

http://www.cmt.com/videos/toby-keith/426849/american-ride.jhtml

http://www.cmt.com/videos/toby-keith/26544/courtesy-of-the-red-white-and-blue-the-angry-american.jhtml

Toby Keith has quite a variety on songs about our country, and I couldn't agree more with any of them! You have the American Soldier one that talks about a brave soldier out their on the front lines protecting us, our rights, our freedoms, etc. Then there's the American Ride that talks about all our short commings, haha, a few of the downfalls our beautiful America has. And then there's the Angry American. It pretty much says don't mess with the best, because the best don't mess.

I've had the opportunity this year to leave the country for the first time in my 19 years of life. I visited New Zealand and Samoa. Now, I'm not about to rag on those countries, they are absolutely gorgeous and hold so many things wonderful, but I am going to say this: GOD BLESS AMERICA. We don't know how good we have it here. Sure we're all kind of cocky... "yeah, I'm American, I'm cool" stuff like that... but really people... "...my country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty..."

The United States of America is a choice place. I feel so privileged and immensely blessed to be able to live in such a place. I enjoy freedoms that other countries dream about. I enjoy the beauty each and everyday that my eyes behold, that my ears hear, that my hands and spirit feel and the delicious tastes my tongue experiences, haha. I am proud to be an American. I am here where I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. I will gladly stand up to defend her today and any other day. America. In God we trust. United we stand.

SUMMER!!

2010-06-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, seriously, summer is my favorite season! It could be because there's no school, it's filled with friends and family, there's vacations, and chillaxin, concerts, and horseback rides...dude... it can't get better than this! This sumer has been filled with such excitement too! Let me just show you a few clips at what it's been like!

1. New Zealand

2. Samoa

3. Southern Utah

4. Cabin

5. Free Concert (haha)

6. The Spill Canvas

7. Play Date with Nephew

8. More Cabin

9. Party with Orem friends

10. Pure Awesomeness with everything else in between, before, and after!

HIGHLIGHTS/MEMORIES from my amazing trip

2010-05-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Me and Patti missing the ferry...for chocolate...
At the children's hospital when my new little friend John asked what culture Coach was, haha, I'll never forget his face, "He looks Indian" he said in his NZ accent.
The NZ McDonald's is two stories and is set up like a nice restaurant... what the?
Fa, me and Lanni singing every morning when the breakfast crew left.
Lanni and I going off on the Princess Bride
Patti and I watching the field hockey directly after the game to see if there were any NZ cuties like from the day before...yeah...it ended up being little girls playing...
Collecting seashells with my Grama on the beach
That hideous grease smell at the fish and chips shack
Sarah getting pooped on!
NZ has the best chips and tomato sauce EVAH!!!
Mine and Dani's host family were totally the best!
Mother's Day dinner spent with my grandparents and my host family!
Sunday night going to the Templeview, NZ hang out spot...the temple! haha
Meeting new people and talking about our countries and comparing them with the other young adults we hung out with at the temple
Swiping into Allyce on the luge because my breaks didn't work...thank goodness you get a new luge every time you ride down so I could ditch that one...
Sarah biffing it on the scenic route
Lindsay and I trying to take pictures on the luge but laughing too hard
Rachel is the best photographer for jumping pictures
The cultural experience was simply amazing
I ate my first oyster... interesting...
Maori faces...pukana?
Sitting in the temple with most of the team... awesome...
Jaicee missing her hit, hahaha
Mine and Dani's host family made dinner for us so we ate the group potluck AND dinner at home!!
I forgot to say how much i LOVE Feajoas!! My host mom gave me a whole bag of them! I had to eat them before we got to the airport!
Drinking my first tim tam slam! so glad Dani had her camera out! haha

Samoa

Walking off the plane the stairs and hand rail were soaking from the humidity
The welcoming band in the airport
Nightmare the first night that all the dogs on the island were surrounding me... seriously so scary.
Waking up every five minutes when the buses came thinking they were huge dump trucks and rowdy teenagers because the buses blast music out of their windowless frames.
Buying my first lava lava
Laying on the pier with Lindsay as the rain showered us at the beach
Ah Mu elementary- everything about it
Seeing the mom's face when we handed her child a teddy bear at the hospital and then turning to give her a hygiene kit. Wow.
Our vball game in the freakin hot gym
Not even feeling the heat on the floor cause I was having so much fun
Giving away equipment to the opposing team
Having random people ask for my autograph and picture
The high school- just about everything, ahah
Fa getting kissed and watching the entire room burst into laughter
Chasing hermit crabs with Patti for like an hour
Cutting open my hands on the corral, and Jaicee cutting open her foot as we made it around the piers to the fress water spring
Trying to touch the fish at the beach where the fales were
Chasing bugs in mine and Kat's room
Singing hymns in English as the people sang them in Samoan.
The feeling of being connected to them through a greater power
Actually getting sun while at the fresh water cave pool
Our van getting attacked by people who wanted tee shirts, Kayli's dad getting a dirty shirt from their hands, and yelling to Andrew to GOOOO
Seeing a little boy wearing the shirt we tossed him
Smiles everywhere
Tee shirt drives were my favorite
Listening to everyone's testimony
I fell asleep on the plane ride home!! ME!! IIIIII fell asleep on the plane!!!

(: UVU Volleyball's Got Their Own Blog :)

2010-04-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I've got some sweet news! My college team has made our own blogspot to let you in on all that goes on not only in front, but behind the scenes as well! It'shttp://uvuvolleyball.blogspot.com/ You should definitely check it out and follow us these next few weeks as we will be in New Zealand and Samoa! It will be a great way to see all the fun, service, and volleyball that's happening! Mucho Love!

Fear Not

2010-04-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the worl. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Maryanne Williamson

Lessons To Be Learned From a Bird

2010-04-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

I have a night class. Yup, haha, makes for long days sometimes, but I love it. And what's made it even better is that my whole route there is outside. It's usually pretty cold so I bundle up in my coat and make my way to class, but lately it's been SUCH great weather that I've been able to walk without a coat. Warmer weather means it's springtime getting closer to summer, along with that comes the blooming of nature. There's buds and leaves on the trees, the grass is green, and the birds are out.

There's a walk way to the GT building that is lined with trees on both sides of the path. This is definitely my favorite and most traveled "hallway". There usually aren't many people in this area, so often I walk it all alone, which I absolutely love. It's that time in my day that I can hear myself think, actually breathe, and just be still. During these walks I feel like I've made friends with the robins that hop and chirp along the grass next to the sidewalk, and sing in the branches of the sycamores.

Just the other day I couldn't stop thinking about how pretty everything was. I had left my class and I was making my way down the stairs outside. To each side of me were the pretty trees lining my direction. Straight ahead of me was the shimmering Utah Lake that met the mountains and the horizon behind them. The sun was on its way down, and the robins were singing. I've seriously fallen in love with these happy birds and I wanted to know if they symbolized something that I could tag to them every time I saw one. So, I went home and looked up what robins symbolize and was amazed at what I saw. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks these birds are beautiful.

According to a site, Shaminic Journey,

these are some things that

Robins symbolize,

and things that we can learn from them:

Medieval Europe lore often depicted the robin attending the Christ child, an emblem of the Passion to come. The tiny robin flew to Jesus' Crown of Thorns, striving bravely to pluck the thorns away with his beak. Unfortunately, the bird only tore his own breast on the thorns. Since then it was thought that robins wore red feathers on their chests as a badge of honour.

They symbolize the activation of creative energy, inciting growth. This is also linked with the Robin's traditional connection to spring - the season of renewal. When we let go of our past - a lot of which stems from childhood experiences - we are refreshed and renewed, thus unburdened and free to nurture and serve ourselves as well as others. If the robins gifts have not been learned and utilised correctly, you will be continually challenged by the prospects of change with difficulties cropping up as well as emotional disharmony. Let go of the past…move on……

They show us that "we are able to thrive if we possess sufficient inner strength, courage and trust."

They show us that "to become truly mature, we have to learn to trust our intuition and our unique creative expressions."

"Robin will incite new growth in all areas of your life, areas that have become stagnant and out-dated. You must believe in yourself as you move forward for if you do, barriers will disappear, and confrontations will be for show only. Robin will show you how to do this with joy in your hearts. Their song is a happy one, reminding you to let go of your personal drama and learn to laugh with life."

"The egg is symbolic of new life, you will be taught how to express yourselves positively in all you do. You will be lead to new beginnings without fear by restoring trust in yourself and your soul. Meditate on Robin and the right path will be shown to you."

I'll continue to look at the robin as a beautiful creation from God, and as a reminder to believe in myself, look at the positive sides of things, and to remember to laugh with life. I hope whenever you see these happy creatures, you remember these lessons also.

LOOK WHERE I'M GOING!! NEW ZEALAND!!

2010-04-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our UVU Volleyball team is about to have a wonderful once in a lifetime experience!! :) We are headed to NZ to play volleyball, hit up a rugby game, do baptisms and confirmations at the temple, visit the children's hospital, go on a ferry ride, visit the museum...dude...it's going to be suh-weet! I have the best team and coaches ever, and I'm so excited to be able to have the opportunity to spend this time with them!

SAMOA!!! HERE I COME!!!

2010-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

After New Zealand we'll be headed to the beautiful islands of Samoa to play volleyball, do humanitarian work, visit the temple, do an assembly at our coach's high school that he attended when he was a youngin, and play at the beach. I seriously can't wait!! :)

HOTEL FUN

2009-11-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

Bahaha, funnest time ever. Jaicee and I thought we were so sneaky.... turns out we were wrong. Prank was turned on us...

UV VOLLEYBALL

2009-10-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here's the team :) Our Record so far is ten and five. We've been playing great and have been having so much fun!

2009-10-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

2009-07-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Holy WOW it's been a while!! The summer for me is pretty much winding down! I have less than two weeks before I check in for the big volleyball!! I'm feeling SO many different emotions, it's pretty much crazy! But as for the present, July I've decided, is my most favorite month ever! I love the fourth, the Oakley Rodeo, days spent at the cabin, riding horses, playing in the lake, Pioneer days, concerts, family parties, and The Ogden Rodeo, it's all fun diddly umptious!! Top Pic Oakley Rodeo, Bottom Pic Ogden Rodeo.

My Lovely Little Sista

2009-03-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

My Not So Little Brother Anymore

2009-03-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

2009-02-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

Catch Up In A Nutshell...

2009-02-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

Wow, I think it's about time I update my post! I left off at Christmas time, so I'll quickly pick up from there. My family went to Colorado and spent Christmas with my older brother Marty and our nephew Gage. We had a riot, it was great to be together!

As you may know, I didn't play basketball this year for my high school because I'm playing for an intense club volleyball team. haha. We have workouts Monday through Friday and on Tuesdays and Thursdays after workouts we have practice. This schedule leaves me little time, so as you can tell, there was no possible way for me to squeeze bball in.

Our volleyball team name is Club V, which stands for victory. We have a really good team and all are pretty talented. I LOVE IT! Not only are we team mates, but we are all very good friends! Earlier this month we had a tournament in Vegas and took third place out of 164 teams!! It was a total blast, I made a slide show of us under this message, you can check it out.

Recently...HA, I mean yesterday, on our way to bountiful for volleyball workouts (half of our team carpools there because we live in the Layton, Hooper, Syracuse area) and we were in a car accident. Everything's fine, we all are okay and it wasn't our fault. We all looked on the bright side of the situation- we got to skip out on jump training and were able to rest our sore little legs for another day

Well, that pretty much brings everything up to date. I'll be better at staying on top of this blogging as much as I can ;) Love you all, and just a reminder: Live, Love, Laugh

2008-12-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas season at Temple Square

I love temple square, I swear the spirit just hits you right when you walk through the gates. All of a sudden nothing else matters. It's you, your family, the spirit, and you're nothing but happy. You don't have to worry about the homework you need to do, volleyball practice tomorrow, the math test you just bombed, or a little quibble you had with a friend earlier that day.

The fun thing about this year, along with last year, is that my mom is in a singing group and they do two concerts at Temple Square. Ah, I love Christmas, I love Christmas music, I love Christmas lights, and I love the Temple! I had so much fun this year with Grama, Grampa, Rach, and Mom. Dad and Jake weren't able to make it this year due to church meetings, but they would have loved it just as much!

The only suggestion I have for this holiday season is to remember the true meaning of Christmas and it will make everything that much more wonderful! It's not about buying and recieving, it's about being with the ones you love, reflecting on Christ's birth and remembering all that he has ever done for us! The greatest gift of all is what we can truly cherish this season; eternal life. Our savior broke the bands of death, and that is the gift we should all think about every year at Christmas time! He lives!! And this is the time to celebrate his birth and be with our families!! Merry Christmas! I love you all!!

2008-12-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

BELATED THANKSGIVING POST

WINNERS!!!!

LOSERS!!!!
IN ACTION!

So it's Christmas season, but I really wanted to let you know how much fun I had this Thanksgiving! It was at our house this year and we had our annual Flag Football game... In which I was on the winning team! WOOT WOOT!! I was going to write a blog on Thanksgiving and the five top things I was thankful for, but that sweet little message will just have to wait. I'll random blog it sometime. Happy Late Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas! oh, and a Happy New Year! :)

2008-11-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

It's official! :) Recieved and signed my scholarship papers! Woot woot! I got the letter Wednesday November 12th, and signed at my my "signing party" on Saturday the 15th. It was so fun! My family, my friends, and my neighbors, and my coach's family all came to support me and participate in this special time of my life. Thanks everyone for making this such a memorable experience! LOVE YOU ALL!

2008-11-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

unique Like this lady bug, everyone is different in some way. If you take a closer look, you'll notice it doesn't have any spots. Not all of us have black hair, not all of us are tall, not all of us are outgoing, not all of us can break dance, haha. But everyone brings their own individuality to the table. That's what makes every body beautiful in their own way. Think of it, a lady bug with out spots? HA, it's like a human without . . . well, you get the point. This lady bug is still so amazing, especially with its differences. So don't get discouraged because you're not the best football player on the team, or because you're the shortest in your family, just because you don't think you're as pretty as the homecoming queen doesn't mean that you're not gorgeous in your own way. Heavenly Father created us each with individual qualities that we should notice and appreciate. Be like the lady bug with no spots, and shine with your differences. You're unique!

2008-11-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

My eighteenth birthday - October 2nd. We played Layton High and beat 'em in a match of four. I would have to say that that was my best gift that whole day! lOvEd iT!My mom brought a princess cake to celebrate my birthday, and we seniors got special princess crowns. Abbs-sleeping beauty, Beth-cinderella, Me-ariel of course, and Kate-belle!!

2008-10-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

TOP THREE!! MMMM!!!

Chocolate, ice cream, cheese cake, chocolate, ice cream, cheese cake, repeat.

2008-10-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to take an official visit to the campus. I stayed with the team, went to their games, a couple team activities, etc, etc, etc. So yes, the "rumors" are true! haha, I have verbally committed to play volleyball at Utah Valley University. It's exciting, and I'm really happy about my desicion. Sheesh, it's taken long enough. ;)

2008-09-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Click. the traffic flow east bound.... Alarm clock went off, snooze, ten more minutes... Man she had that glow, and I couldn't help but notice... Once againg, alarm clock went off, snooze, ten more minutes... all I wanna do o o o o o o o ... OFF! Ok, I'll get up... twenty minutes later... "Shoot. I better get ready. Ugh!"

So I rush to get ready, battling a headache from sleep loss. Mascara? Check. Deoderant? Check.... PANTS? ... Check... okay, breakfast... I glance at the evil alarm clock to quickly get the time. HOLY! "Jake?! Jake?!" I speed downstairs. "Where's Jake?!" Usually he is my personal reminder of when it's time to leave. Gotta love those little brothers, especially now! How could he have failed to mention that we were supposed to hit the road fifteen minutes ago?!

"JAKE!!!! ...Did Jake leave already?" ....
"What?"
"It's time to go!"
"It's 7:15..."
"All the more reason to step on it!"
"It's Tuesday!"
"It's Tuesday..."

Tuesday means late start. Tuesday means you sleep in an hour longer than usual. Tuesday means school starts an hour later. AH! Tuesday means I woke up in a panic, lost an hour of precious sleep, and that I look like crap... and there's nothing I'm going to do about it... Oh Well... I'm sure I'll get over it... :) haha, TUESDAY!!

2008-09-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Simplicity, beauty, peace, love, memories, blessed, unexplainable joy

Thousand Peaks Ranch

2008-08-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Volleyball try outs were today!!!! WOHOO, the season has now started! Get ready Region one!! Fremont is ready to play!! These are my two vball buddies- Beth on the left and Kate on the right! LOVE YOU TWO!

2008-08-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Between basketball practices, volleyball camps, tournaments, and seminary council meetings, I managed to find one spare night to spend with my two best friends; Chandell and Morgan :)

2008-08-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of the waterfall

2008-08-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Waterfall view from the bottom

2008-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

So my summer this year has been like no other summer I have EVER had before! I feel like I've traveled the nation! I was on a traveling club basketball team (Utah Flight) with seven other girls on our seventeens team. We spent time in North Carolina, Oregon, Arizona, and California. My experiences during this summer will be memorable for the rest of my life!