Blessed are they

Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

-- 3 Nephi 12: 3-9

Grateful to know there is a Savior waiting for us with open arms. Thoughts and prayers with those families in Newtown, CT. 

I love to see the Temple!

This last Friday night I went to Temple square with a group of friends! I love love loooove Temple Square during Christmas time. There are millions of lights, horse drawn carriages, hot chocolate, carolers, crowds of people all there to see the Lord's house. The spirit there is so great and I am so grateful to be so close.

Chloe and me at the City Creek and the Temple.

Jase, Chlo, Me and Kade! (Welcome home)

The Group at City Creek.

View from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

And of course, burritos from Beto's.

“Our covenants supply strength—they produce the faith necessary to persevere and to do all things that are expedient in the Lord. Our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ and keep His commandments requires a degree of faith, but as we honor our covenants, that faith expands. In the first place, the promised fruits of obedience become evident, which confirms our faith. Secondly, the Spirit communicates God’s pleasure, and we feel secure in His continued blessing and help. Thirdly, come what may, we can face life with hope and equanimity, knowing that we will succeed in the end because we have God’s promise to us individually, by name, and we know He cannot lie."

-D. Todd Christofferson 

What the MCL?!

Okay, so many of you know I LOVE sports. Like seriously, L O V E them. I've played soccer and softball every since I can remember. I like to say it's all I really had going for me because I was not a cute kid. #realtalk. So about 2 and a half years ago I tore my ACL and MCL. I had surgery on the ACL, which I might say is pretty painful, and luckily my MCL healed on its own. Okay, yeah all that mumbo jumbo...the ACL, is in the front of the knee, and the MCL is on the inside. also FYI, the ACL is tiny and the MCL is a lot bigger....okay so blah blah had surgery and back to playing soccer again. Its rather funny though because a lot of people, and some doctors, some not all, give me crap wondering why in the HECK would I ever play again. I am an athlete and I just can't help it! My point of telling you all of this is just two weeks ago, lo and behold, I hurt my MCL once again. Pretty bad this time. I knew as soon as it happened and I was sobbing saying, "Not again, not again..." It sucks. I get to wear a freaking brace on my leg in which people stare at it and feel bad for me, I can't bend my knee, like at all even if I tried, I have to take steps one at a time, and I sleep in uncomfortable positions. I am complaining a ton right now, this is how I felt RIGHT when it happened. But I do have a point in telling you all of this...

I have realized seriously how blessed I am. You do not realize how much you use your knee. It stabilizes you and movements you do. When you have a leg that works properly, you can run, you can take the stairs and you can play sports. I think I am trying to be taught something here. Although I love sports, so so much, I think this injury has taught me to slow down a little. Not get so worked up when playing. To CALM the freak down. I also realized that I have A M A Z I N G people in my life. My friends offered to drive me everywhere. Chloe immediately took me to the ER and waited for me. Offered to take me to church and school. Jason and Thaddeus were there right after our game and gave me a blessing. Dani from school drove me to the doctor and waited and took me home. People in my class offered me rides and constantly ask how I am doing! Friends and family that aren't close care and ask me each day how it is feeling. It is a constant reminder that people love me. I can feel my Savior's love and comfort through them and I am so grateful for that. It makes having a hurt knee a lot better and definitely more tolerable. :)

Consistent

I know I haven't been on here in awhile, don't worry, I am still here. Life has been busy lately with school...and well school. I feel that some things that normally go well in my life haven't been well let's just say normal. Something's a little off and I haven't quite figured it out yet. I'm still rolling along and doing school and  already excited for another break. Sitting here, thinking about how things are feeling a little weird lately, I cannot forget the one consistent thing in my life: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I may be a little late to the thankful train, but every single day of my life I am grateful for this.  It gets me through the days and honestly, what else matters?

"Brothers and sisters, before the world was, the gospel was central to God's eternal plan. It is an everlasting gospel—now restored in its fulness. With such a foundation, this Church will not be moved from its place, even through the Millennium. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sure foundation upon which we can build our individual faith."

--Russel M. Nelson

"The gospel is so very simple when we understand it properly. It is always right, it is always good, it is always uplifting. Obedience to gospel principles brings forth joy and happiness."

--L. Tom Perry

I hope that we all can remember this one consistent thing in our lives when everything else seems to not be! Anyways I'm excited to see  the Temple Square lights soon! :)

What brings you happiness?

Last night, a few friends and I were discussing what sorts of activities brings us happiness. Like what kind of things do we enjoy doing that just brings us pure joy? Or if you are feeling down, what is the one thing you do to make you feel better? I love what one girl said...she talked about doing service or doing something kind for a loved one. I decided for myself that it really doesn't matter all that much what I am doing, but rather who I am doing it with. I just want to be surrounded by my loved ones. It really brings the purest happiness into my life. So whether I am going to an exhibit at a favorite art museum, watching my favorite musical, throwing the softball around, going hiking or camping, providing service to others, watching my favorite movie, or singing along to my favorite song, I just want to be doing it with those I love. Lately, I have just felt blessed with so many great friends and most importantly a great family who is thoughtful and aware of me and my life! Its just the greatest. Anyways, here are some pictures of activities that I've done lately that has brought me happiness, especially because I'm with the people I care about!

P.S. the new Mumford and Sons CD is incredible! I'm in love. I've waited years for this. Brings me happiness. :)

A New Start

I think it would be an understatement to say that I had an interesting summer. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster with many difficult life decisions to make. I must say though that I am grateful for these past few months. As hard as they were, I know I learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. I've come to learn to make a decision, stick with and take a leap of faith knowing that things will work out! I'm excited because I recently found out that I got into this Physical Therapy Assistant program that I have been thinking about doing for awhile. I am so excited and am already loving my classes! Here's to a new start!

 

Paying it Forward

Paying it forward is something I think we could and should do more often. Tonight my sister, our good friend Nicole and I went on a girl date to our favorite local restaurant, Sandoval's. When we walked in, Nicole recognized this cute elderly couple who happen to be patients of my dad. If you know my dad or if he's your dentist then you know how lovable, fun, generous and great he is. They were one of those people who knew this too because they were so kind to his daughters! Anyways...they ate, said goodbye and left! When we finished eating, we asked for our check and to our surprise, that nice elderly couple had taken care of our meal! We were so shocked and so grateful for their sweet act of kindness and generosity. It's not everyday that something like that happens. It reminded me of "paying it forward." Not necessarily paying for someone, but even a smile or a compliment can surprise someone and brighten their day...and who knows, hopefully they'll do the same for someone else.

From the mouth of babes

So right now I'm home in CA. My sister and her two kids are here too. Her youngest one, Addison, is three years old and sometimes just says the funniest things. Some of those I'd like to share...

-"No is a bad word, Carrigan."

-"Wait, they're getting a butt massage?!"

-"You're an eyeball! Do you know how to count to eyeball?"

-"I wish everyone liked tomatoes."

-"Is oval a letter?"

-"You're a dudette!"

-"What the?!"

-"Are you kidding me?!"

-"Daddy doesn't poop his pants."

-"Why aren't they [Giants] winning? Why aren't they playing well? It's because they don't like me..."

So glad I have her around to keep me laughing :)

Biebs

Yeahhhh. So I love Justin Bieber. He's cute and talented and so dang sweet. I don't know why I hadn't seen this video before...it's a couple years old, but you must watch. So funny and so cute! I got a good laugh out of it :)

DO IT. WATCH IT NOW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEQwvaYI_k

Also, I bought his new CD "Believe" and welp, I LOVE it. Just look at that face.

Control

As a lot of you know, I can be a control freak. I feel that as I have gotten older and have had more experiences, the more I do realize I cannot control everything. This is hard for me for a couple reasons. 1) I want EVERYTHING to work out perfectly. 2) I want EVERYONE I am around to be happy. BUT this isn't always the case. I've also learned that this is okay. If I could control everything and everyone then what would I learn in this life? Probably not much.

This quote explains it all...

"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit."


Sometimes if we just let things go and continue to have faith, they will turn out even better than we could have ever imagined.

Life as of late

So yet again I have failed at keeping up with my blog. But here's my life from the past couple of weeks

as told through some instagrams.

Graduation! So fun to graduate with my brother.

Visit to Virginia to see my girls.

Finally visiting the new City Creek Center.

AVENGERS!

Rugby National Championship!

Memorial Day weekend at St. George and Tocquerville Falls.

Visiting CATH in California!

Late Birthday celebration for Chlo!

The Waiting Game

I don't want to sound mean or bratty but I just have to admit that when people ask me over and over "WHEN DO YOU LEAVE?" it annoys me a little. Okay, maybe it's not the question, but rather their response when I say "Oh, well I've got about four months." and their real smiles fade and they kinda go, "Oh." and a fake smile returns with over exaggerated excitement. It takes about that long for a visa to be approved, if it ever gets approved. Yeah so I'm playing the waiting game. And I'll admit something else...it kinda sucks. However, as I am writing this post I know that it'll be okay. I'm sure every pre-missionary goes through this kind of anxiousness and annoyedness (that's not a word, but i'm still using it). I'm sure they all have this feeling of whenamievergoingtoleave or isthisstilltherightthing or ifeellikeimjuststagnantbutimsureitwillendsoon. It's just like with everything we go through. We need to keep pushing along and know that everything will be okay. It will all work out. I know it will happen. But right now it's not the right time. Right now I have other things I need to do. I need to enjoy the journey and in four months it will be the right time! Yeah, sorry this post is all about my feelings.  Sometimes you just gotta let them out!

Oh, and a few things to look forward to this week and to the months to come:

1) Parents come into town this week

2) Friday I go to the temple

3) Hunger games movie!!!

4) My BIRTHDAY

5) Chloe is home...finally!

6) Graduation

7) Virginia to see my sister

8) Black Keys concert

9) Southern CA to see Brooke and Cath (hopefully!!)

10) Girl's trip with my sister

11) Yosemite with the fam

12) Head to Brasiiiiiil for a year and a half!

a hug and a kiss?

So here's a funny little story:

There's this guy, bless his heart, who is just kinda off his rocker. He's a little strange. Anyways, he comes to the desk a lot while I'm working (or any other girl for that matter) to make a joke or say something. So today he comes up to me and this is our conversation.

Guy: "so you know how it's Valentine's?"

Me: "oh, like how yesterday was Valentine's day?"

Guy: "yeah, but it's Valentine's week..."

Me: "oh." (ummm sure?)

Guy: "well, so, I was wondering if I could give you a hug and a kiss then..."

Me: "uuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" (panicking, what the crap? what do I say? this is awkward!)

Guy: "here! a hug and a kiss!" (handing me chocolate hugs and kisses)

Me: "haha" (awkwardly laughing and taking the offer)

Annnnd he walks away. I mean okay, it was really nice of him. But seriously. I don't get awkward that easily anymore. But let me tell you, I felt extremely awkward!!! At least the chocolate was good ;)

BRASIL!

So it is official! I will be serving a mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am going to...the BRAZIL SALVADOR MISSION! I will be teaching in Portuguese (holy shnikes) and I report July 18th to the Brazil MTC. I couldn't be more shocked, excited and happy! So grateful for my family and friends who are so supportive and loving. It was so fun! I was so glad to share this wonderful experience with so many of my loved ones. About 25 of my friends came over and I was able to FaceTime with my family including my parents, brothers and sister. Even though they are far away, Catherine and Chloe were there via FaceTime and Skype! I am so blessed. WOW and I don't even feel like I deserve it! I cannot wait to go to Brazil. I know that is where I am suppose to go and so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary!

Oh, and here is a video my good friend Nick Walter made! Yup, I'm a crier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ3_hsiD2BI&list=FLWPb6BdEyzpUrW3AynOCDEw&feature=mh_lolz

5 things

1.) sorry AGAIN I've been slacking on this blog. life gets pretty busy sometimes, and at other times there isn't much to post about. 

2.) one of my biggest pet peeves happened today, a man came up to the desk at work and sarcastically said, "don't look too happy today!" like really dude, I am actually really happy, but sometimes I can't wear a big smile all day long. it makes my face hurt. and also if that was a pick-up line, find a new one.

3.) Oh, and just because the sun is out doesn't mean its HOT outside. So wearing sandals is just crazy. It's winter and welp, we ARE in Utah.

4.) I went to Disneyland last week with my parents, sister and her kids! Let me say it was a much needed distraction and we had a blast! I love seeing the girls dressed up as princesses and everyone thinking they are so cute because well they are! :)

5.) last, but not least and probably the most exciting and anticipated news is my mission call should be here TOMORROW. crazy huh?! I can't wait to hear where I'll be sent!!!