When the Moon Shines, Under the Cowshed

New Calling

2012-02-01T20:58:00.003-07:00

About a month ago a member of my bishopric came up to me after sacrament meeting and asked me how comfortable I was with playing hymns. Being the only piano player in the young womens, I play there, play in seminary, and play abundantly at home, so I told him I was pretty confident... I don't know a lot of hymns, but I can play them. He said great! Just curious.
A few weeks later he called me in and asked me if I'd accept the call to be the Ward Pianist.
Hold the phone.
The ward pianist?! Isn't that an old lady job?!
And uhm, crazy scary?!
He said they don't mind that I can't play the organ, just that they need someone to be able to play and they thought I'd be great for the job.
....................................
I said I'd take it, as much as I feel greatly underqualified.
I got a list of the songs for the upcoming week, and imagine my disbelief when all of the songs were songs that I know really well, one of them being I Stand All Amazed, the first hymn I learned. Tell me that isn't Heavenly Father showing me I'll be okay.
When it came time for the opening song, I wasn't even nervous. Usually my hands shake so bad and I can't focus my eyes if I'm reallly nervous, which I should have been. It's the biggest audience times 15 that I've ever played for. Well, I haven't been nervous once. I just know that someone's helping me and that I will have the power to use my talent the way it needs to be used.
When I went in to get my blessing to be set apart I had specific challenges in mind that could come with accepting this call, limits within myself when it comes to the piano. Each of those were addressed in my blessing, even though I had told no one.
I'm overwhelmed with this talent that has been given to me. Sometimes I feel like it's nothing special, I can do no greater than any one else. There's someone out there that can play better than me or hit less mistakes than me. But then I remember how I got my talent. That's a pretty special story. And when these things happen, these "coincidences"... it's clear to me that this is something that I needed to have in my life.
I come from a long line of organists, my mom, my grandma, my great-grandma, I'm sure it goes plenty back. I often hear stories of how many hours upon hours they would sit at a bench playing until their fingers were raw. How amazing they were and just how hard they practiced. Then how much joy they brought to their own houses, as the home was filled with song.
And ya know... I'm kind of excited to join them!:)

My Day??

2012-01-26T16:11:00.003-07:00

a) Got the once and for all "let-just-be-friends" talk. Right before school. Lovely.

b) My best friend's friend tried to commit suicide before lunch.

c) I had an important meeting to be to today and our car broke down. No meeting.

d) My grandparents left for Seattle for an indefinite amount of time and I thought I'd see them before they left (when I got home from school). They left shortly before I got home.

e) $60 was stolen from my bank account.

To top it off, I've lost 10 pounds this week because I've just kept forgetting to eat/been too upset to eat. None of my pants will even stay on.

*sigh*

RIP Phone

2012-01-24T18:56:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time there was an awesome phone that was taken advantage of. It was purple, with pink buttons and a cute pink case.

I LOVED it!! But I realized this too late....

One unfortunate day, my phone screen decided, "Lets play a trick on Kaitlyn and not work!!"

I could receive calls, texts, whatever, I just couldn't see what the heck was going on on the screen. It was really annoying. Bzzzzzz. Oh gee pal, I know youre texting me, I sure wish I could answer!!

Then comes the insurance company. Sure! We'll replace your phone! For $40!! Oh wait. you want your phone now?? You've been without a phone for two days?? Who cares!! It's a holiday weekend. You're gonna get one on Wednesday (the day is Thursday- a whole week without a phone!? Unheard of!!)

Well.. I was pretty depressed. Super. Then one day I was going home with Brandon. He asked to see my phone. He took it, hit it against his leg as a last resort. and TA-DA! It worked!! Simply magic!! Don't even ask me how. I was so so SO SO happy!! I got to read all my texts... and realized some friends sent me texts just to bug me, the stinkers!!

So I had a phone, but we had already ordered the new one. I figured might as well replace it in case my phone decided to do that again. Well... The phone... yeah... I got the black version. With blue buttons. Do they even know who I am?! BLACK!? And they wanted my old one back. And wouldn't let me request a new one in purple. Ugh. I was not happy.

SO! Since my case was broken and I had a warranty on it, I decided to go into at&t to get it replaced. I go in and the guy says, "Oh. I dont know if we have those kinds of cases anymore. Nope only clear, and it's the last one. You're lucky."

Shoot.

"Oh! Wait! Let me see if other places have any that they could ship to us.... hmm... oh! Looks like you could get a purple one!" (fake happiness for me).

I start to mutter my, "That'd be lovely! Thanks!!!!"

Before I can even get the first syllable in he says,

"oh. just kidding. nope. not happening".

..............................................................

So. I got stuck with an ugly black phone with a clear case that doesnt cover up any of its darkness.

Then.. I discovered this really cool thing.

It's called, cut scrap book paper and put it behind the case to make it a little more pretty.

It's not the same.. but on the bright side it's interchangeable, and that makes the sting a little better.

been a long time,yeah?

2012-01-15T18:43:00.002-07:00

Well, life's busy. Life's grand!:) I've been too busy to post, I'm sorry!

Quick Recap?

Sadies was a blast! None of it really worked out, but my date was the best!:)
I got my DRIVERS LICENSE! Finally... at 17 ha. I definitely don't recommend waiting a year to get it.
Christmas was magical this year! Probably the best one ever. Got lots of music books. Kind of weird that I can start getting "grown up" stuff now. Cuz I'm going to be needing it.
Christmas break was fun, hung out with friends a lot.
Work is taking up a lot of my time. Not that I'm complaining. It's been really really super duper good. I LOVE my job!
New Years was fun ;).

Basically I've just been hanging out with friends, going to work, or doing homework. It's pretty great! Being a teenager is fun.

*sigh* I'm going to be 18 this year...

Why Hello

2011-11-14T18:55:00.003-07:00

It's just an ordinary day. My friends and I are going to lunch. I look to the right lane and up a few car lengths away and I see the car that always has the sophomore boys doing Chinese fire drills during lunch. I wonder which boy is going to do it today.

Suddenly, something funny about the basketball team is brought up and I've got my head in my knees laughing really hard.

I look up just in time to catch the boy who is running out. He opens the door, flies out of the car and..

His pants fall down!!

And he's wearing NO underwear!!!!!!

Us, the car full of girls, quickly looked away with rosy cheeks.

We couldnt believe it!

Just our luck! That poor guy. But my goodness....

If you're going to a)run out of a car illegally b)wear loose pants c)wear no belt d)have your pants fall off, then please for the sake of all young women, WEAR UNDERWEAR!

I really didn't want to be mooned!

What a day!

What Does This Mean?

2011-11-06T16:05:00.007-07:00

(Sorry for the white background... if you know how to help me get rid of it, please share!)

For Child Development we played "The Price Is Right" for baby items that every person typically buys for a newborn (excluding big ticket items). There were things like lotion, body wash, bibs, blankets, an outfit, bottles, formula, you get the point.

So one by one she showed us the twenty items or so and gave us three possible prices. At the end she asked us how many we all got right.

"All those that got at least 3 right raise your hand"

"All those that got at least 4 right"

Slowly the hands went down.

"All those that got at least 8 right"

I was the only hand that went up.

Winner for that round!

Then she asked us to find the total including tax. Your total x 1.0625.. I've got this down!

She then told us the total was $120 and some odd cents.

My total?

$117.65

I think I've spent a little too much time in this aisle ;).

Sadies, Here I Come!

2011-10-29T11:54:00.002-06:00

I asked a boy to Sadies two weeks ago, I just haven't gotten around to posting it because I wanted to wait until he answered me back to get it all done in one post!

I put hundreds and hundreds of pennies and candy in a tissue box, then duct taped it shut, then seran wrapped it, and this is the tissue box in a bunch of tissue going into a bigger box to be wrapped up.

I put this on the outside of the box after it was all wrapped up, now I'm kinda

wishing that I would have left it inside the box but oh well!

Out of the hundreds and hundreds of pennies, this is what he had to look for!

He answered me back on Friday. During fourth period I went to class and the teacher gave me a bunch of army men. I asked her what they were for and she said, "I don't know! You'll see!" So the boy next to me played with them, it was kind of funny. Then after school I went to my locker and I saw army people sticking out so I knew what was up. When I opened my locker there were army guys all over and jolly ranchers and a frootie (which my friend ate, I was mad!), and a plunger. Then there was a sign that said, "This doesn't make any sense, but I'd love to go with you!". Then I looked over and saw my friend standing on these little benches we have next to our lockers poking her head out to look. So I laughed and went to the other end of the lockers to peek my head at her and Brandon was back there so I laughed again and went back to my locker and then my friend and him came over to talk about it.

I got it all cleaned up but left a few of the army guys in there, not only for protection but.. they're kinda stuck in the holes of my locker! It was also mildly embarrassing walking through the school with a plunger but oh well!! Memories!

Once Upon A Time, I Fainted

2011-10-23T13:11:00.005-06:00

So, with all my frequent fainting, I think that means I should get a fainting couch/chair, right??;) Thanks pinterest!

On Wednesday my teacher in child development decided we were going to watch three live childbirths and a clip of a placenta. No big deal, right? I can just close my eyes! Uhh, wrong!

I watched the first two, a natural and an epidural, because there was no blood. But then she showed us a C-section so I closed my eyes knowing I couldn't handle it. My imagination went wild though and I started feeling a little lightheaded. That's okay though, that happens all the time and I get over it. Then it came time for the placenta. It grossed me out. It was all bloody. I started to feel really warm. I closed my eyes and rested my head for a minute until the clip was done.

Finally we were done talking about it! I had no worries. But I knew something was wrong. Usually once we pass the gross stuff in class my body quickly returns to normal. Well, my body wasn't returning. This fainty feeling happens all the time and I knew something was different. My teacher began talking about trimesters and fontanels. No problem, there's nothing gross about that.

All of the sudden something changed. I felt REALLLY hot. I started getting dizzy. My imagination was going wild. Stop it Kaitlyn! Nothing's going on! She kept talking so I plugged my ears so I couldn't hear her. No blood was even being discussed. Then I closed my eyes, laid down my head, and tried to get this throbbing dizziness out of my head. It kept escalating and I knew I'd be taken over. Finally I let go of my ears for a second. She mentioned the word needles.

I feel a sharp pain. I can't move. My eyes can't open. I feel myself laying on my back and my legs are pinned, it really hurts but I can't do anything about it. For a split second I'm worried that I'm going to be paralyzed. Did I hurt something seriously this time? I finally decided I should just calm myself down and maybe if I fall asleep again, when I wake up the next time I'll be okay. Even though my eyes are already closed, I 'closed' them and went back to unconsciousness. When I wake up again, I can open my eyes. I realize that my legs are pinned up under my desk all twisted, I had fallen over the bar on the desk and onto the floor. I pulled my legs down and realized the administration were in there. They helped me up after a few minutes and one girl yells out, "Oh my goodness she's white!".

Then they walk me to the nurse's office and lay me on a cot. At this point I a pretty confused feeling. One person offered me juice, another water, one asked me if I wanted a go-gurt, and one asked if I had a phone I could call my mom on. All I wanted was a big nap. Finally the principal said, "wait a second, give her a chance to think. ask one at a time!". So we called my mom and first thing he says is, "This is Mr. ____ calling about your daughter Kaitlyn". How scary of a call would that be?! The principal calling on your daughter's cell phone. My poor mom! Good thing he quickly explained it was just fainting. Then she just laughed at me.

So, I ended up staying on the cot for another hour and I got a Go-Gurt, lots of orange juice (that made me feel like throwing up, I finally just dumped it down the sink), popcorn, a water bottle, and jello. The lady offered to let me take all four cups of her jello ha:). I was taken care of!!

Later on these girls tried to tell me what went on. Sometimes I really wish I could be awake for these moments, the panic in everyone haha, that's so mean:). They said when I passed out a girl stood up and said, "Uhh, Mrs. ____, Kaitlyn fell over!". Just that thought makes me laugh so hard, every time!:). Then the teacher kind of paced around the classroom, then bolted out the door. How funny would that have been to see?!

All in all it was interesting. Scary that I couldn't control it this time. And it left me so so weak and tired. And I also was very confused for the rest of the day and the next day. Kind of different side effects. My dad thought I was growing out of it, but I'm fainting more and more. Oh man, my husband's gonna have to put up with a lot!:)

Grades

2011-10-17T21:54:00.003-06:00

So I have exciting news, I have A LOT to tell you:). Now if I can find the time ;)

Anyways... Here's one thing. I was so SO excited.. I was FINALLY going to get a 4.0, my first since I was in 8th grade (why is it I get a 4.0 clear through school up until it actually counts?! Dang A-'s). I was telling all of my friends about my soon to be accomplishment On the second to last day of the quarter I go look at my grades...

Seminary 0

Medical Anatamy 96%

Choir 100%

US History 98%

Child Development 99%

Social Dance 100%

AP English 88% (B+)

Pre Calc 96%

My grade dropped ten percent!!! I was SO upset. My personal narrative essay got a big fat F. Good thing I looked at it right before I went to class or seeing the red marks across my essay would have made me cry. I came home and had a come apart. It was just too much, the straw on the camel's back. I didn't understand why my essay got a 70/120. 'Didn't meet requirements.' 'It's a list'. Really?? I sat down and wrote out my feelings.

Well, upon further questioning, my teacher agreed that I could rewrite my essay. Those feelings then became my personal narrative. I was hopeful, but hesitant because I didn't want to get my hopes up to have them crushed again.

Well!!! Today I looked at my grades, and would you like to know what happened?!:)

Seminary 0

Medical Anatamy 96%

Choir 100%

US History 102%

Child Development 105%

Social Dance 100%

AP English 96%

Pre Calc 96%

Not only did I get my AP grade up, I got A+'s in two classes! And 100%'s in two others. I am so SO elated:). AND I only missed ten points on my new essay. That's seriously insane.

I am so so SO blessed.

This is one happy girl right here:)

Seriously, So YUMMY!

2011-10-15T00:37:00.003-06:00

Source: food.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

My friend found this via pinterest (basically the best site, ever!). It is so so good! All you do is mix up your ingredients in a mug, put it in the microwave for ONE minute, and you've got yourself something delicious! That's my kind of dessert :).

Now time to go run a few miles ;)

Whats Taking My TIme

2011-09-14T21:10:00.002-06:00

You guessed it... coupons!

It's become such a hobby I've created a little blog with my cousin to track my adventures and deals we score :).

Check it out if you wish!:)

So, I got a job!

2011-09-03T20:28:00.002-06:00

After being 'hired' by Golden Corral for 4 weeks, I'd been getting pretty antsy. Needing to purchase a drivers license, the test to go with it, gas, insurance, eventually a car (why does this have to add up so fast?!), I've been ready to work!

Well, an opportunity came up for me to work for a lady my aunt and uncle work with and let's just say it's the best job!

She has a business she does on the side and it's sew easy ;).

So far my responsibilities have been,

1. Fill out FedEx labels

2. Put stickers on papers

3. Stick zippers in bags

4. Stick labels and barcodes on bags and package

5. Laminate

6. Put together info packets

7. Put together samples of her products

All the while we listen to pandora

Yup pretty easy.

And some days she'll send me home with work or have me sew for her. So it's a job I'll learn good skills with!

On Thursday I worked from 3:45 (left from school straight there) until 7:30 then I babysat until 12. Then Friday I worked 3:45-10:15. Then today I worked 9:30-1. So that's been busy. I feel like I've had no free time. But it's been good for me. And she even paid me today so I can go shopping for Labor Day weekend. How thoughtful!

Yup... I think I'm gonna like this job:)

Houston, we got a problem

2011-08-28T20:12:00.002-06:00

I'm obssessed. Weddings. Holy Moley I want to get married so bad.

Remember that little girl I was, oh, even 3 years ago. "I won't WILL NOT get married before I graduate and do all this incredible stuff and I'm at least like, 24".

Mmm yeah. She's sorta disappeared. And I want to get married REALLLLY badly.

Not even for a husband necessarily. I just LOVE weddings. I went to one a few weeks ago and I was just dancing jumping skipping the rest of the day so happy. (sure i already told you:))

Also, I'm taking child development. Usually those classes make you NOT want to have a baby. Yeah, not happening. I want a little one so bad!! We watched a movie about children living in orphanages in Romania. Made me want to go over there RIGHT now and adopt them all. Reminded me of when I was a little girl and my biggest aspiration was to open up an orphanage and care for all the little kids. I wanted to be like, the nice version of Annie, singing included.

Anyways. Don't worry, I won't do anything rash. But if you have a wedding that you need help with,, or know anyone that is in need of service with their wedding ie: setting up, serving food, invitations.. PLEASE let me know!! I would LOVE to do it. It'd be so fun. Or if anyone has a baby I could babysit. I'd even do it for free!! I just need a dose of those things.

I've found healing today

2011-08-25T21:00:00.003-06:00

"Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, He sees

us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming"

"For those who are discourage by their circumstances, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day, as long as you serve the Lord this day. The other promise is as long as you servge Him this day, you will feel His love"

New Name

2011-08-23T21:06:00.004-06:00

So, I've turned into a little privacy conservative and knowing that everyone knew my complete full name, kinda freaked me out. And a more creative name has been on my mind, so the change seemed fitting.

The inspiration came from this song.....

okay.. embedding wont work.. anyone know how to fix that?? for now,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_J9kPQ8hwA

It's called KKK Katey, its a war song from World War II and the main part that sticks in my mind is when it goes;

"KKK Kati, beautiful lady, you're the only gggggirl that I adore,

When the mmmoooon shines, Over the cowshed, I'll be waiting at the kkkitchen door"

When I was little, around 4, everyone would sing the chorus of this to me all the time and I'd get so upset, I'd start crying and screaming, yeah, not my proudest moment. But now it's growing on me and I appreciate it, became a little fond memory ;).

Anyways, hence the change!! And I like it :)

Glimpse into my Journal?

2011-08-18T22:57:00.002-06:00

I have been really selfish lately. Granted, I’m doing it cuz ‘others are doing it’, but, it gives me no right, makes the situation worse, and doesn’t improve me any. And the situation remains the same, yet, it spirals downward because we live in this twisted vision of everything having to be even. You complain, that merits me a complaint, which merits Bob a complaint, which merits Sally a complaint, which means you get to complain. It’s vicious.

I hate this standstill of stubbornness. “I need to do better.” “Why do I personally need to do better?!” “If only they would change.” “My changing could do amazing works with Heavenly Father’s help.” “I am capable of anything.” “Heavenly Father isn’t listening.” “Heavenly Father is the only one who understands.” “I am progressing.” “I am failing.” I wish that that nudge would come from within and just, TADA!, I’d do better. Unfortunately, that’s not coming.

I wish that I could magically go back to that positive girl that is in there; apparently she’s playing a really good game of hide and go seek.

I wish that I could understand why I’m going through what I’m going through. Who in my family isn’t? I wish that calm collected girl would return and the one who cries a few times a day at just a thought would disappear. At least I’m coming to terms. I’ve had some really awesome experiences the past little while; I just need to remember to be happy! Remember who’s looking out for me. Remember that in time, all things pass. Remember that no one will remember me, or their opinion won’t matter, in even 3 years.

Don't you love pinterest??

Oh, how life changes

2011-08-07T21:25:00.005-06:00

So many emotions!! I literally.. cannot.. hold.. STILL!! I'm so happy right now!:)

Today was such a spiritual day... I wish I felt comfortable sharing more. But my testimony has grown so much. It's amazing what giving up a little bit of what you want ends up giving you in return.

I went to a wedding reception on Saturday. Let's just say, that was a pretty dangerous thing for me to do. With my recent obsession with them, it just intensified!! I want to get married SO BAD. Err... I want a wedding, the guy can wait ;). I was literally skipping up and down the roads and twirling, I was so full of happiness. There was a little girl who was untying the bows on the back of chairs and I went and fixed them, it made me so joyful, I think I want to look into a job of helping out caterers, that'd pretty much be perfect!! I'd just be pretty hyper all the time;).

Then after church today I sat down and talked weddings and old love stories with my grandma, I was in HEAVEN! So much fun for me to listen to. I love her so much, and the stories made my heart swell. I love these kinds of things!! Plus I had a homemade ice cream sandwich, yum:D.

I also love making these little creations...

I also got to play piano for an hour, how I love that little (big?) instrument!! It gives peace to my soul. And I sang, even though it hurts!

Oh!! Wanna see what I did? $0.00!! Wahoo!!

Does this make sense to you?? This is just my life lately, weddings, coupons, ice cream.. all I can think about.. and not much other than that..

There's so much trial and hardship going on right now but,

I LOVE LIFE!!:)

15,816

2011-08-01T13:33:00.004-06:00

15,816 hours until I graduate... give or take 24... I have a feeling those will fly by

Where does life go??

Dear Future Husband Letter 1

2011-07-11T23:20:00.002-06:00

I've decided to write my future husband some serious/humorous letters... let him see a side of me when I was 16. They may be often, may not, but either way, it'll be funny to go back on and read. :)

Dear Future Husband,

We're gonna have some rockin' meals. Just sayin. I can cook, I've had the best teachers! But... I'm pretty narrow minded when it comes to food. I'm really not picky, I promise. But when it comes to cooking, I only want to cook my favorites.

I hope you're prepared to eat a lot of

ICE CREAM!!! (I'm gonna get pretty fat from this stuff, just sayin)
Rice
Beans
Mashed Potatoes
Pasta
Watermelon
And not a whole lotta meat, unless you want to cook it, cuz it kinda really grosses me out... unless I love you enough, then I'll probably (maybe) cook it for you

Love,

hmm... maybe I should really learn how to cook actual food with these ingredients. cuz i really just eat them plain. last night i had rice, kidney beans, and orange chicken sauce. my mom was repulsed. and i have a feeling that's not going to fly with the husband. ;)

Dangerous Things, They Are!

2011-07-06T16:55:00.002-06:00

it all started with an innocent desire to curl my hair...

which, because of the dang weather, turned out horribly anyways

I was mortified when I saw the little formations of blisters.. surely it couldn't have been that bad!

Then, at the end of the night, it looked like this. What a big little blister on my poor leg.

This... is how it looks now. Boy am I worried about those little things. Sure will hurt if they pop!!

Sorry for anyone that I grossed out over this.. if it was anyone but me I'd be so grossed out to see this, but since it's mine and this is my public journal.. I thought I just better document it!

Happy Fourth of July!!

2011-07-04T23:44:00.002-06:00

4, 4, 4, 4!!

He's a little crazy!!

Who cares, it's the fourth of July!!

She is my BEST friend!! :)

Ande came up with a little cheer to sing to the fireworks as they came boomed

"Pop it big, you can do it fireworks"

Love, the Alexanders

Extreme Couponing?

2011-06-20T21:12:00.003-06:00

My family has always loved coupons but we never really got into it. Too much work, too little time, not enough resources, forgetting, the list goes on. But, the show Extreme Couponing got us all going, and in a big way.
It was kind of ironic how it happened, just all of a sudden my cousin and I dived in and my grandma quickly followed. Now we've made our little coupons boxes, bookmarked the sites, and grabbed our shopping carts! We've even started a tradition of going dumpster diving (and yes, we know what day is the most successful for getting coupons :)).
We went shopping at 12:01 Monday morning and we had so much fun. It was way tiring, but we had a good time chatting it up with the cashiers and getting to brag a bit when we saw our final reciept. When I saw the bandaids were finally in that I've been trying so hard to get I did a little happy dance right in the aisle... good thing no one is shopping at that hour.
We've now saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars and gotten so much for free. I now have enough bandaids to last me 11.7 years, and that's using one every day. Let's just say, some humanitarian aid kits are going to be made... unless I want some pretty funny items going with me when I get married! Don't ask me what I'm going to do with 1,000 pantiliners either!!
It's been so much fun though! It's been such a bonding experience with my cousin and grandma! I'll sure have some stories to tell my kids about their GREAT grandmother :).

Send me to some fields

2011-06-19T22:42:00.003-06:00

I've started listening to country music. I used to wonder how in the world anyone could stand that stuff, but with the alternative, that's where I had to head and I realized just how much I love it!

I was sitting in the car with my grandma other day and we were talking about freckles and somehow the three freckles on my cheek were brought up and my grandma said they reminded her of a country girl...and we had just been talking about how much I love country music, so she called me her country bumpkin :).

My dad records MTV Top 20 and watches it every morning. As a joke I decided to record CMT Top 20 and see if he noticed... He didnt :) (at least, until the songs started).
He actually listened to them all!
My mom and dad said "we got a country lovin girl"
I sure am!! :)

And... this happened awhile ago and a whole funny thing happened and I just never wrote it down... which...now I forgot... and I'm slapping myself for. So, if something good happens... don't wait!!!!

Summer Has Begun!

2011-05-28T16:10:00.002-06:00

So my dear friends Becky, Sam, and Sami jumped into a car yesterday in search of some frozen yogurt. While on our way to Menchies I looked over and saw a minivan full of teenage boys (CUTE ones! Blonds, blue eyed, athletic build, and in a mini van, so they had to be mormons). I turned to my friends laughing and looked over to see they had notice us too. We start laughing hysterically as they roll down the windows and wave at us, we didn't want to look for fear of blushing.
At last our destination arrived and we snuck one last look as they all waved goodbye to us. We turn left and realize the place is way too packed so we turn to go to Krave. All the while we're smacking ourselves for not following them or at least rolling down the window and saying hey. After getting sitting down to eat I turn to Becky and say, "ya know, they couldve gone to Menchies and we just never know!!"
So, we grabbed our cups and headed back over there to search for them without hesitation! We giggled at the possibility of them being there and what we'd even say. Sadly, they weren't there but we thought of all scenarios about where they could be. We drove clear over to Coldstone to search for them. Nope. We saw a silver minivan at Carls Jr. but Nope. Anytime we saw a silver minivan (you'd be surprised at how many there are!) driving down Boulevard our hearts would skip a beat until we realized it was just an old couple driving around. We even found a silver minivan at Krave and forced Sam to go in and to 'throw away her trash'. We didn't know what we'd do if it was them, but we'd come too far to give up! Unfortunately, another Nope. After we dropped Sami off we found a silver minivan in Lins and ran through quickly, hoping to see them in there. We didn't find them there either.
In the end we went home disheartened. We decided we will have to do that again in hopes they will too (who knows a future husband could be in that car!). We're going to live the rest of the summer with no regrets and just have fun. We're going to get out of the house this summer, not just wishing we were doing something. We're going to keep sticky notes in our purses, so we can stick numbers on car doors. Oh how this reminds me of the stories my mom told of her cruisin down the boulevard when she was my age (So she cant get too mad, right?).
We're gonna have some fun. :)

Well that was awkward

2011-05-07T19:49:00.002-06:00

I've been at my grandma's house doing projects for mothers day and her phone rang so I picked it up. A man was on the line and he said "hey what's going on" so I figured he was someone that knew me, I just didnt know him (a great uncle or such). So I said "oh, nothing much just lots of sewing projects". We talked for awhile like we knew each other and suddenly he said "Wait! Who is this?" I replied "Kaitlyn" and he said, "whoops! Wrong number!"

embarrassing!!

The Things Kids Say

2011-05-04T16:21:00.002-06:00

Ande "I'm going to marry Bruno Mars!!"

(Ande and I have a competition to see who gets to marry him, just because she "lubs" him so much I tease her about it)

Me "That's okay, I'm going to marry Eugune"

(Flynn Rider is pretty attractive :))

Ande gasping "Noo!! You can't!! Punzel has to marry him!!"

Maybe I shouldnt add the fact that after I stopped laughing and asked who I was going to marry then she said with a smirk on her face,
"Justin Bieber!!"

This is what we do on days off

2011-04-23T21:16:00.005-06:00

We have picnics consisting of raisins and tortilla chips. We would've

stayed out longer but the bees came out and I was out of there like a bullet.

We have ice cream for lunch

We sing while doing the dishes

We make some nice little drawings on the sidewalk

We put our hair up in crazy ponytails and smile

Then we decide silly faces must follow

We try to fulfill a lifelong dream of Kaitlyn's to do a headstand, but there she is...falling.

We get scared [and scare] sometimes

We jump for joy

We show you some love!

And we show ourselves some love!

I sure do love my sisters :)

(Got to give credit to my handy photographer Steele, without him this wouldnt have been possible. So I love him too!!)

Guess What? 100th Post!

2011-04-19T15:40:00.003-06:00

Well, in honor of a 100th post I don't really want to write something ordinary, yet I can't think of anything really extraordinary. So how about I give you some weird facts about me?

1. My favorite treat is Country Time Pink Lemonade and peach rings

2. I am terrified of bees.

3. I have exactly half and half of my parents. For example, different ears and fingers

4. My eyes change shades of blue, in every extreme way

5. I want to be an 'extreme couponer' so badly! Anyone out there good at this that'll help me?

6. I don't like ice in my drinks

7. Cookie dough ice cream is what I choose no matter what

8. A lot of my body has seemed to stop growing. I have baby hands and feet....they're incredibly soft and, as my cousin puts it, plump. Out of my seminary class, mine were the smallest and my (almost) 12 year old brother's hands are bigger

9. I have the darkest hair in my family, I live in a house of very blond blondies

10. Brown sugar and cinnamon pop tarts are my guilty pleasure. YUMMY!

11. Im pretty OCD when it comes to locked doors at night and set alarm clocks, I check them a few times before going to bed.

12. People watching fascinates me

13. Some people would call me a textaholic

14. I have worn the same ring consistently, never leaving my finger, since 4th grade

15. Sleeping Beauty is my favorite princess, and I'm quite upset she's being replaced. Okay...maybe a little more than quite upset.

Funny Story

2011-04-09T16:06:00.001-06:00

President N. Eldon Tanner told a humorous story about a young boy who had invited several friends to a party. It was scheduled to be held outside, but the weather turned bad and the boys moved indoors. As the noise level reached greater and greater intensity, the mother came up with an idea. She announced a contest to see which boy could make the ugliest face. A prize would even be given to the winner.
After the boys had practice for several minutes, the father came in to select the winner. He walked around the room looking carefully at each boy until he finally said that he was ready to announce his decision. He then stopped in front of one of the boys and said, "You are the winner." The surprised boy replied, "But I wasn't even playing."

I need to learn to present myself better. I always feel happy, but people always tell me I always look bored or sad. I don't want this to ever happen to me though, so I'm going to work hard on it. Even if we aren't trying, we're being an example and so we need to make sure we represent ourselves well so that no one will judge us wrongly or make quick assumptions about the church.

So I Don't Get Discouraged

2011-04-08T19:12:00.002-06:00

Lots has been going on lately.. Mostly regarding my health. Let's just say...it'll be a glorious day when this is over. For now, here's a story I really like. It's from "Living the Book of Mormon"

"Elder Hugh B. Brown and two other officers entered the city of Arras while it was under siege. The city had been evacuated, and Elder Brown thought that no one was in the city. He described what they found when they entered a cathedral:

"There we found a little woman kneeling at an alter. We paused, respecting her
devotion. Then shortly she arose, wrapped her little shawl around her frail shoulders, and came tottering down the aisle. The man among us who could speak better French said, "Are you in
trouble?" She straightened her shoulders, pulled in her chin, and said, "No, I'm not in trouble. I was in trouble when I came here, but I've left it there at the altar." "And what was your trouble?"
She said, "I received word this morning that my fifth son has given his life for France. Their father went first, and then one by one all of them have gone. But," straightening again, "I have no trouble; I've left it there because I believe in the immortality of the soul. I believe that men will live after death. I know I shall meet my loved ones again." "

She lost 6 members of her family...all of her family...yet she was okay because she dropped off her troubles and had faith. What an amazing testimony. I definitely don't have troubles like this going on in my life. And I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and there's a reason why I'm sick and in the end it'll all be for my benefit. Because, that's the way it always is :).

A little trip.....

2011-03-26T21:16:00.003-06:00

On Monday I was feeling really sick. Well, lets be honest, I've been feeling sick for a really long time. But, this past week has been especially bad....especially with my coughing. It got to the point where I was past exhaustion and I couldn't breathe. With the pageant coming up and end of level testing, along with the fact that I just need to get better my mom decided something needed to be done.
We went to the emergency room and checked in. We were immediately helped, which surprised my mom, but then it took forever until we could finally get back to a room.
The nurse took me back and hooked me up to all these heart machines so they could see if they could catch one of the heart palpitations that I've been having.
The doctor came in and first thing he said was, "Oh wow! You're young, really young. 100 years younger. No, 1,000 years younger than all my other patients". Then he walked to the machines and looked at me and said "Woah, she looks pale, does she look pale to you?" to my mom. I looked just the way I always do, ha! Then he told me everything that was gonna happen to me.
I got 3 vials of blood taken. For any of you that really know me, you know blood and I most definitely do not get along. I faint at the sight of it. But, I survived! My mouth tasted really salty and I felt sick, but I didnt faint. Then I got my first xray, an xray of my chest to see my lungs. The lady asked me if I was pregnant and I laughed out loud. I felt bad and she said, "yeah I know, I just have to ask, I'm sorry." I also got the nose swab test, which was really uncomfortable, but I survived!
So, after sitting there for another 45 minutes waiting for my results the doctor came back in. He said "well, it's nothing that'll kill you", but he looked really sad. Turns out I have bronchitis and mono...which explains why I've been so stinking tired all the time! Nothing can be done about the later but the first I have to take antibiotics which are no fun...and also yucky cough medicine.
Here's a tip...and I dont know why I've gone through my entire life not doing this! Eat a piece of candy after taking that nasty medicine. Washes it right away. First time I had two M&M's and the other times I've just been eating Mambas...works like a charm! I can finally handle taking it. :) I think I'll avoid a lot of problems with my own kids in the future knowing this now ;).
I've just been lazying around the house all week, I miss school like crazy! It's really hard for me to sleep which stinks because I am so tired, so it's pure torture to just sit there and lay in bed unable to do anything about it.
The first few days of being sick I was craving brownies like crazy! I wanted that or orange chicken. My sweet friend Ashley found out and made me a plate of brownies and wrote me a nice little note, it made me feel really loved! I'm so thankful for thoughtful people.
So, to wrap up this boring post...finally found out what's wrong, and had a fun adventure the last day of spring break. If I'm less than enthusiastic about things for a while, please forgive me...I still love you!

Sob Story

2011-02-28T16:17:00.002-07:00

I open my window (browser that is) and pull up my email. Normal stuff, facebook, spam, Aeropostale and American Eagle advertisements. Boring! Delete, delete, delete.

Then, I see a little email from "anonymous'. "YES! Someone loves me!" My heart proclaims and my mind wanders as to what it could say. But, I wanted the tension to rise...making it even more meaningful. So I went and quickly checked my junk folder then went back to read the comment someone kindly left on my blog.

Well, it wasnt so kind. Not even thoughtful.

Just spam. On the weightloss pills.

That's exciting...since I need those, ya know? Having a hard enough time keeping me up at the weight I am, thank you very much.

Life is not funny. Or maybe this is a joke.

If you're sending me these things, you better have some pretty hungry kids at home so you have a reason to kill my hopes.

Well, then that'd be pretty sad. So...I dont wish that upon you.

Just, I dislike those ads...a lot.

So, would you mind not posting them so frequently on my blog?

Gracias!

My Future House Treasures

2011-02-26T16:05:00.007-07:00

I found this website while reading Made and my goodness, do they have treasures!

Rather than try to explain, just please enjoy their pleasures :)

Booster Seat

Silly Face Plate (play with your food!)

Measuring Cups...labeled neatly inside

Nail Party Picks for your food

Table Saw...for cake or for lettuce

Handy Dandy 9 in 1 tool

I have the cutest sister!

2011-02-17T17:19:00.002-07:00

The other day I was doing dishes by myself. My sister (3) pulls up one of our big heavy dining room chairs up to the dish drain, grabs a rag, and starts drying. First star for her! What a sweetheart to just step up to the plate (literally even!) and help.

Later on she turns to me and says "you're helping me!" I said "no, YOU'RE helping ME!". She gets this big grin and says "well...that's what it's all about!". How do little girls get so smart?

Then she says "I don't know how to dishes!" and I said, "Nope, you just know how to dry them, huh?!" and she said "Yup! With a rag!". What a little stinker.

I love her!

Arent you proud? Another post!

2011-02-13T18:28:00.003-07:00

Disclaimer:
This was written in approxiately 3 minutes. It probably makes no sense.

Holy Guacamole!
Yesterday was a busy day. I had a pageant workshop I had to be at by 10, then I went home, grabbed my stuff and hung out with my friends at the park, then I went to a friend's house, then went home, grabbed my karaoke machine, and went and did service at the church and got home at 9, when I could finally eat for the day.
I feel like I never slow down!
I'm doing the pageant though, and that's going to take a lot of time. Especially towards my talent, a 2 1/2 minute memorized song (and I'm quickly realizing, the opening number).
I had a lot of fun with my friends. There were a lot of us there, so we all split up and ended up leaving different places from the park, but it was still fun! I did get hit in the head with a frisbee...ouch! My eyes went black and I felt so dizzy. Everyone said my head looked normal so I put my bangs back down and carried on. When I went to the church I had pulled my bangs back and when I passed a mirror I noticed a huge thing underneath my eyebrow....a pretty little gash. Quite honestly, it looks like a nasty picked at zit....lovely. Thank heavens for bangs!
This week (weak may be more appropriate) I tripped and twisted my ankle, bumped my knee and got a big bruise, was so sick I couldnt walk, got hit in the head with a frisbee, got sunburned, I'm feeling so beat up! :)
We also set off the firealarms at our fundraiser event at the church....too much fog going in that fog machine! The doors all shut at once and this voice came on saying "danger, leave the building" etc etc. It seemed so official and over dramatic :).
Anyways, I must go finish my valentines! I've been working on them all day. Can I ever have a breather? ;)
Have a fantastic day/week/month....however long it takes me to get back on here.

just kidding.
Have a good week...we'll shoot for that :)

Quick Tags, Simple Post

2011-01-30T17:29:00.003-07:00

Want a quick recap? :)

January
First date, first prom, dresses, dinners, cheesecake, corsages, new makeup, high heels, dancing, slippery floors, pictures, late night, ice cream, pictionary. lip gloss missing left and right, small pockets, lockers being broken into, sadness, karaoke friday, first night, COLD, fireworks, happiness, laughing, friends, callings, singing.

December
Christmas, laptop, mouse, accesories, 2 week vacay, parties, love, gifts, 'sitting', madrigals choir trip, salt lake, cousins, coughing spell, losing voice, being in the presence of those who met the prophet, carriage rides, new blanket, boots, gloves, scarf, finished The Book of Mormon.

November
BIRTHDAY!, 16!, cell phone, cake, ice cream, homemade streamers, Peter Pan, closing night, Denny's, performances, late nights, Argh!, piano, matinees, stresssful times, slipping grades, cutting hair, Phantom of the Opera, Celeste visiting, new friends.

October
Daily play practice, final football game, UEA, 80's hair, ladybugs, crisp air, Halloween, stress keeping caught up, finished Doctrine and Covenants.

My friends complained of me being neglectant...and I really do miss it. I promise I post things in my head. I'm just too embarrassed to get on here and post things since the poor thing has been so forgotten. I wanted to do another resolutions post, and all that fun stuff. But obviously, that hasnt happened.
Life has just been so busy for me! Now that I have a phone people contact me and I go out and do a lot more than I ever have. High school life is definitely different than anything I've done before! I appreciate it so much though! What a fun time of life :)

The Quote of the Week :)

2010-09-20T18:43:00.005-06:00

So, I'm sorry I havent been posting, busy busy times these are :)

I have a book, its called "A Young Women's Quote Book"

It's a pretty great book, one that all young women would benefit having. One of the quotes that stuck out to me this week was,

"Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything"

I pretty much love this quote. I have it written on my mirror to remind me every morning and I think about it through out the day to remind myself of who I am and what I should be doing. It's so important in these years to stand up for what I believe in because others may not. Also, I am representing a large group of people (LDS). Plus, I've not stood up for what I believe in before and I promise you, I feel it...the guilt and sorrow really kills.

I also need to discover now what I believe in and how to stand up for my values. I dont want to be a person who goes with the flow and floats through what they want. As I stand up for what I believe in I will not fall for wordly things and the way satan is trying to sway me. I dont want to be a person who doesnt have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and falls for anything someone suggests.

I challenge you all to make a change this week. Look for an opportunity to stand up for what you believe in. Whether its defending your family, helping someone who is lonely, or finding a missionary experience, we all can do this. As we each take another step towards being better in this area, it will become easier and more natural. People will look to you as a role model.

And remember, pray for help, dont do it alone!

Lists :)

2010-08-28T21:15:00.002-06:00

1. Personal Progress should be done in TWO WEEKS :)
2. I'm in Peter Pan, the play our school is doing this year. I'm also helping with sets and publicity.
3. We are moving...in three days that stress should be over.
4. I'm starting a singing service thing. I dont know how to explain it.
5. I'm finishing the Book of Mormon and D&C by Christmas.
6. I'm meeting some pretty AWESOME people :).
7. I LOVE MY SEMINARY CLASS!!!!
8. I have a lot of "play dates" set up. YIPEE!!
9. Going to football games, yay that the season has started!!!
10. I'm changing myself for the better!

Ahh, life is good :). Keeping busy is really good! And I'm so glad that I have some people in my life right now....now I just have to let them know in a non-stalker like way how much they mean to me...since they probably only know my name ;).
Unexpected, hard things came up, but so much is out there to be grateful for!

Quote from Bono (U2)

2010-08-20T20:32:00.002-06:00

"At 16 you think you can take on the world...and sometimes, you are right!"

I love this quote! I think I'll try and remember this when I feel down....I've got just as much potential as anyone and I can start ANY time I want to, just because I'm a teenager doesnt mean I have to be held back!

Piano

2010-08-13T20:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I was so mad at the piano! I couldn't get anything done it seemed, and I was playing horribly...this was the end point of a long tedious summer of playing the same old songs and not being able to play new ones. I was so frustrated I thought, this is the end....I dont want to try playing piano anymore. Then I had quick inspiration that I was so grateful for. I was reminded how fortunate I am to have my piano talent, Heavenly help was definitely behind it. I've only been playing for 2 1/2 years and I can play plenty of hymns and the Phantom of the Opera. Everything I know, I basically taught myself. I was so grateful and felt so blessed that I was able to remember that and how lucky I was I didnt quit, that decision would have changed my life.
Today, I had a great time sitting at the piano making up songs. When no one is home, I love to sit down and pound away. I came up with a pretty song, it reminds me of the spring when the earth is coming back to life. I doubt tomorrow I'll remember it, but I played a bunch of variations of it today! The feel of piano keys on my fingers was wonderful and the energy that feels my spirit is unreal. I think playing piano like that is what I imagine drug users get from their high, pounding away is my addiction.
I cant wait until more time is between the starting point and where I am, so my talent is more fully developed. I've got a long line of players ahead of me, and I hope one day I can be half of what they were, because they are all amazing! I'm lucky I have many I can ask questions and get support from, because piano is hard.
But for me, piano is so worth it!

More Happenings

2010-08-12T17:45:00.003-06:00

Well, I know I promised you I was getting back to posting...life has just been so busy!

I went to youth conference and had an amazing time! We went to raging waters the first day and had a blast. The next day we went to Welfare Square, The Humanitarian Center, the Conference Center and around Temple Square (all of those places I learned a ton about the church, what a neat opportunity!) The last day we went to the cemetery and had a long fun ride home. The car rides were the best!! What a fun group of girls.
I also started school. Yuck Yuck Yuck. I suppose I'll survive this year, but things are changing, and I just dont want to go through the motions of this current high school. I got my pictures done....what a lot of pressure! 20 years from now my friend's kids will look at those, you've gotta look good! I was wearing an orange shirt and lots of blush cuz pictures usually make me look very white....well, my picture looks orange. Oh well! Its probably one of the cutest of my entire education life. I dont take well to those awkward pictures.
I dont know why I made a bulleted list, that's all I really have to say!
Hasta la vista!

Adios

2010-07-18T12:04:00.004-06:00

Well, yesterday was a very sad day.

We woke up at 4:30, hopped in the truck at 5:15 and drove within miles of Texas to take my cousins halfway home. The drive, although I was exhausted from 5 hours of sleep, just felt like a normal Sunday drive, I didnt get "jet lag" or anything. Just felt natural....weird.

Up until 2 weeks ago I didnt even know my cousins existed, now it's going to be so sad not to talk to them! At the beginning they annoyed the heck out of me, now they're like my brothers.

It was worth the 15 hour drive to go down and drop them off but gosh was it hard to not cry as we drove away. Hopefully I can come back in December when they're visiting, otherwise it may be a long time before I ever even talk to them again!

What fun memories that were created this summer!

Kaitlyn, Mike, and Little Jo

15, 15, and just about 14

Ready For IMAGE OVERLOAD?!

2010-07-14T19:15:00.010-06:00

What I've been doing this SUMMER!

Climbing up waterfalls....in flip flops

Looking at rivers.
Going on walks on fast roads.

Seeing Ted Pass Out
Looking at funny signs. (Mother Kluckers)
Observing what God created for me
Hanging out with monkeys

Climbing up steep mountain paths

Dealin' with Texans

Having fun in antique shops.

Looking at the beautiful sky.

Taking pictures of water

Looking at old mines

Looking down at home sweet home for the summer

Still with me?!

Why Hello :)

2010-07-14T19:12:00.002-06:00

Well, apparently three people want to read my blog, and I'm excited about that. Having people leave comments and comment about me posting away from blogspot got my heart pumping and the love started coming back into me. I'm so excited :).
So thanks to all your comments....and Shai, thanks for your post! ha.

Today we went river rafting, and we're headed off there again tomorrow. So I'll post more later. Just know I'm having tons of fun :).

Youv'e been hacked!! Just kidding!

2010-07-14T01:12:00.002-06:00

Oh no! Who could it be!? Oh, no need to worry...its just me, shai! I just wanted to say now you don't have an excuse not to post!!!:)
Love,
Shai!:)

Dusting Off

2010-07-09T14:56:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm sure nobody will even read this blog or check it anymore, but here's me apologizing.
I went to Idaho in the beginning of March for three weeks, and that caught me on a spiral of not wanting to write on my blog anymore. Since then it's been a "oh its been too long since I wrote" and I just haven't.
Life has been crazy lately.
I can't promise how often I will post on here, I will try and write though.
I forgot how therapeutic it can be, and I most definitely need that in my life!

I Learned Something New!

2010-02-17T17:29:00.003-07:00

When I first read this I was shocked...and felt lied to...but as I got thinking about it, I've never been taught in church about this idea. I think it's something interesting to note, and it's a big "mormon myth" that most people in our church believe. This is quoted from the book "How Do You Know When You're Really In Love?" by Robert K. McIntosh

"Some young people spend their dating years looking for the person they chose in premortality-their so-called "soul mate." They believe that when they meet this person there will be an immediate attraction because the have already selected each other. Such young people believe that marriages were made in heaven. Consider an experience Brother Truman Madsen once had with President and Sister Joseph Fielding Smith.
"I was in the Church offices when I ran into his wife. Since she was going into his office, she took me with her. 'Let's go see Daddy,' she said. I knew who Daddy was. As the great Church scripturalist he overawed me. He looked up with a smile and said, 'Brother Madsen, you can have one question.' So I asked, 'Bother Smith, do you think marriages are made in heaven?' Well, I had him over a barrel-his wife was standing there. And he hesitated, so she kind of punched him. 'Daddy, Daddy, don't you think our marriage was made in heaven?' Now, he had to be honest. So he said, 'Well, it's in heaven now.'"
"Here is what Joseph Fielding Smith taught publicly regarding this myth: "we have no scriptural justification, however, for the belief that we had the privilege of choosing our parents and our life companions in the spirit world. This belief has been advocated by some, and it is possible that in some instances it is true, but it would require too great a stretch of the imagination to believe it to be so in all, or even in the majority of cases. Most likely we came where those in authority decided to send us. Our agency may not have been exercised to the extent of making choice of parents and posterity.'"
This book was so interesting! I wish I could type it all up and let you all read it! Even if you are married I would still recommend you read it because it has some great tips on marriages and improving yourself to be the best companion you can be. I think as I get older this knowledge from this book will really help me be prepared to make good choices and prepare for celestial marriage.

When Life Knocks You Down

2010-02-15T19:29:00.004-07:00

Two buckets were sitting on the edge of a well. One turned to the other
with mouth drooping down, "All I do is go down and come up and go down and come
up all day long. No matter how many times I come up full, I always go down
empty."
The other bucket gavea warm smile. "That's funny," she said. "I do
the same thing. All I do is go down and come up and go down and come up all day
long. But no matter how many times I go down empty, I always come up full"
-Bits and Pieces.

I've been thinking about this and I just thought it was a funny coinicidence that I found this story. I hope that everyone will remember this...I know a couple of people that I should share it with. Remember that with every trial there is a learning experience and it will all work out for the better and we will all be made such better people through all of it. God will only give you as much as you can handle and you just have to turn yourself to him and trust that He will know where that line is. I look back at situations where I thought I'd rather die than go through with what He was putting me through, and those situations are where I have had my life changing growing points that have made all my good qualities today. So if you are ever down just remember, every time you go down you must come up. And when you are up be prepared so that next time you go down it wont be so hard, and you can remember that in due time you'll be up again, and have another chance to prepare.

I missed it...

2010-02-12T23:11:00.001-07:00

I missed my music so it's back...I hope you don't mind...just scroll down and shut it off if it gets annoying.

Wanna see what I did today?

2010-02-11T22:13:00.004-07:00

Today my grandma and I whipped out some scrapbooking stuff and made some v-day cards. We started making them so fast it was like we were mass-producing them. I found out I have a grandma who thinks she is hilarious, maybe she is...she was sure laughing at herself. Her sixteen year old grandson's card has a key and a locked heart on the front...she wants to write 'Don't you wish you had the key.........to my CAR" on it.
The pictures are in reversed order...so please start from the
end or pretend you read it the other way

Grandma's card to her sweetheart...bottom left is the card to the grandson

Insides of the cards

Semi close up to some of our favorites

Here's the majority of them, that blue one is for Celeste...she insisted
on blue, no pink..yeah right.

I'm so happy with them. I hope the grandkids like them and my
friends like the few I made for them.

This Month

2010-02-04T15:26:00.004-07:00

This week has been really hard for me. I have all the reasons to be happy right in front of my face, but for some reason, I can't grasp it and I can't be happy. It's so disappointing, since I just don't know why in the world it won't *click* and I will be happy.
A couple of things happened this week that had me down...most too personal to share here. Just know it has to do with family. To top it off I haven't been able to talk to Celeste, and the two seconds that I got with her last night were cut short....I was pretty frustrated. So I wrote my friend a much needed note. We usually write each other notes when we need a place to record a journal like entry, but need someone to read it and I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I thought that would be all I needed, just someone to see my pain. But then my mom came into my room and it all just fell apart.

I couldnt stand holding this burden by myself any longer and I told her how I just can't find happiness. I told her how despite the hardships of the past month I had been able to be happy and now its vacant. I have been disappointed by certain people in my life the past week and I told her all about them and how its just not right at this moment. Everything that can is going wrong and it has no reason to! I see and can count all of my blessings and I would dare say I am one of the most blessed in the world. This is a little awkward balance of the scales. But my mom knew exactly what to say and it made complete sense.

I have a set date for my patriarchal blessing. Because the patriarch was hurt, I have to wait six weeks from my interview date before I can get it. Getting this blessing is a huge step in spiritual maturity, a step Satan would hate me to take....and he will do anything to stop me from getting it. She thinks getting the blessing is up there with going to the temple and going on missions. When people have those dates set, Satan is working his hardest in the days that lead up. She also explained that, while I should not take this in a conceited way or feel like I'm responsible for everyone, I have a lot of people who look up to me. I give a lot of people advice and help them through their day to day problems. I have siblings who I need to be an example to. If I allow something to bother or hurt me, people who are watching will see that even though I was strong before, I wasn't strong enough and that is a ripple effect that will hurt those secret people. Not that it's my fault, but satan knows how to work things. I need to let that inner happiness shine through so that they can see I know it's there and I can get through it. Afterwards, she let me read her patriarchal blessing. It was nice to be able to see what type of person she is in the eyes of God and see how mine will sort of be.

So, I have a feeling this next month is going to be challenging. I will get thrown whatever is possible at me; friends, school, feelings of not being good enough, whatever....Satan knows my weaknesses. I'm going to have to be strong and do everything possible to choose the right. I'm going to need to surround myself with good people, ways to spend my time, and spiritual encouragement. In the note to my friend I told her that I know I'm being whiny but I'm going to need her help this month to be patient and encouraging. I hope that everyone will be understanding, and I also hope that I don't use it as an excuse. I can't wait until I prove to Satan I am prepared, I am ready, and I've got a solid testimony. Getting that blessing and getting through these months will make me such a better person, a person more prepared to be with her Heavenly Father.

I ended my night by getting a priesthood blessing. The blessing was nice and I hope it gives me the boost I need. Afterwards I knelt down and just pondered while I prayed. It's the most sincere prayer I've said in months. This morning I felt happy, joyous even. My heart was light and I felt peace. I know that this month will be very difficult, but I'm ready.

A Negative Post

2010-01-26T21:41:00.003-07:00

Most likely, you wont want to read this....it's all negative.

I wish I had something inspiring to say. I wish I had some enormous wonderful experience to tell you about. I wish I had at least some content for you to see from me, but I dont.

I'm just not feeling up to par.

I've had a dragging sickness for the past month or so. The thought of food makes me want to throw up, and if I can find something that I want to eat, a couple of bites is all it takes to fill me up. Some days I'd eat string cheese and have some water and I was full. Just not hungry.

Then to top it off, I couldn't sleep through the night. I'd wake up every hour or so and just not fall asleep. Long restless nights where you are tortured by your thoughts. Days have become more and more challenging. I guess third quarter is the hardest for this grade.

I've been losing weight a bunch too. It was going to be time for me to even back out since I haven't grown length wise for 3 years, but twenty pounds seems a bit excessive.

I'm getting sick of this feeling of not being able to stand up without passing out, and this feeling of emptiness.

The good news is is its almost going away! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm able to eat better now. I'm able to run the mile with my class, and that was a huge blessing I was so grateful for.

I'm sorry for the pity post....and the excuses, but please bear with me.

Just Some Thoughts

2010-01-19T20:36:00.003-07:00

It's so much easier to just forgive and not hold onto things. It'll save you the heartache, the person involved a heartache, and you're sanity.

Assume the best in people, just smile and know that they are going through things just like you have and will go through things, and in a while (days or years) they will be over it.

Know that you don't have to be everyone's friend and invite your enemies over, but if you have a chance to help someone, you better do your best to help.

Love them like your siblings and you WILL get that love back, or at least it'll become easier for you to spread more love around, even if those people don't accept it.

I love you all, I'm thankful for this life. I love God. I know that He is there listening to me, waiting for me, and loves me. I know Jesus made an ultimate sacrifice for us. I'm so grateful that He cared enough for me to do that. I will not take that sacrifice for granted. I love that I have so many abundant blessings. It astounds me as I recieve more than I thought I could ever handle. I know that if you diligently try and get through your trials, He will bless you beyond comprehension. He loves you, I have no doubt about it. He is waiting for you. He can't wait until you kneel down and tell Him about your day. He can't wait until you return home to Him again. And He loves you enough to give you this body, send you away from Him, and let you make your own choices, even if it means you won't return to Him, (but I believe all of you are good enough people to make it there). I hope that you wont be afraid to do your best. Take that courage and perform your best. Smile with nothing held back. Love like they are your family. Live how you want everyone else around you to live. Finally, continue being the great example and image of God that you are.

What Two Months Has Brought Me

2010-01-15T19:23:00.003-07:00

It's often hard to live in this world. It's full of poverty, full of war, full of hate, full of evil. The last couple of years of my life I've spent them in what I thought was a testimony. Spent in months and months of "knowledge", "faith", "love", "charity", "hope", and anything you'd like to insert here ______, you can bet I'd say I lived with that. My life, body, and spirit was filled with hatred, insecurities, and pride, even though I'd never admit it, and I doubt I'd notice it then if I was watching out for it. I thought I was a good person, and I bet I was.....to an extent. I thought I knew the gospel, and I did.....to an extent. I thought I was a friend, and I was.....to an extent.

Life gets you down. The world will consume you. If you have it hard at home, it will consume you. If you don't keep your eye on the prize....it will CONSUME you. I allowed the world to train my thinking. I went with the flow. I followed whatever testimony was convenient for the day. I closed my heart, but I wanted Heavenly Father to solve everything for me. I wanted to rid myself of pride, but I wasn't able to humble myself. I wanted the celestial kingdom, but I was doing hardly anything, except for routine, to get me there.

Now don't get me wrong. My whole life hasn't been a lie. I believed in the church, as much as I could. I loved with all my heart, as much as I could, and I did all that I thought was capable and necessary. In my heart, I was being good. Except....I knew I was capable of SOO much more.

I began praying. Studying. Searching. Pleading. Loving. Asking real questions. Talking to great people. I found the answers. Just what I was looking for. I wanted to be a better friend, daughter, example, sister, Daughter of God. I started a ripple effect.

I began by praying, reading my scriptures, thanking not asking. Then, I started noticing my blessings. Pretty soon, I had a testimony of one subject or another. Then I received more, then I grew my testimony, then I was a new person. I just can't get over how blessed I am, and how quickly it happened.

One thing that I prayed for was to be a friend, make friends, and be confident. I wanted to feel the love God has for all of His children. I wanted to make friends and let everyone see this new me. Then I had a change of heart. My prayer was answered. Now I feel like I would do anything for anyone if I can, just because they are a child of God and deserve that, and He LOVES them.I feel connected to someone the moment I meet them, I can feel that love that He has for them. I love that He trusts me with this love, and that I can share it with everyone else. It's a great responsibility and gift. Now I am a friend. I have confidence. I'm not afraid to put myself out there. I am gaining friends. People trust me. I am helping people. I am recieving blessings. I'm happy beyond belief. No matter what is going on in my home life or school life, it can't get me down, because this testimony is just so strong right now. I feel blessed. I'm finally doing what I feel is my mission in life, change people and let them know of God's love for them.

And if I only changed one person, it'd all be worth it.

Goals for 2010!

2010-01-13T17:51:00.002-07:00

Gotta write them somewhere or I will forget

1. Finish Personal Progress

2. Get my drivers license

3. Listen to better music

4. Become close friends to 10 new people

5. Go to Idaho and create strong friendships

6. Get my Patriarchital (spelling?) Blessing

7. Finish a quilt

8. Make the difference in someone's life every week

9. Gossip less

10. Strengthen my relationship with Chloe and Steele

Nothing I can't accomplish!

When I Meet My God

2010-01-07T16:38:00.006-07:00

While talking to my baptist grandma we got into a conversation of how we would greet our Father in Heaven. Her opinion is He gives us our trials to bring glory unto Himself. I told her I think that His main purpose in not for the glory, although I could be mistaken. I believe He's an unselfish God who loves us so terribly much that'd He'd do it purely for our benefit and for us to gain a body and earthly experience. I just cant imagine He'd want people kissing His feet and praising His name when we return. Rather, them giving Him hugs and saying "thank you" and talking to Him like they'd talk to their father.

She then asked me when I see Him what I will do to show my love to Him. I believe I would give Him a huge hug, sit on His lap and tell stories of my worldly existence, thank Him for everything, and have my life be a testimony that I loved Him. I think He would be uncomfortable with people bowing down and kissing His feet, because He's our father, not an idol. I believe He'd want a huge hug from His child, just like a father here on earth wants that from his child. I think He'd say "Come child, sit on my lap, tell me about your life, and let me teach you."

Now, this doesn't mean that I will be too prideful to bow before Him. I won't know until it happens how it will be to see the face of your creator, the person who gave you your body and life. I may be so overcome with emotions I couldn't feel before that I would do things I wouldn't think of. It's just my own personal belief that He is so unselfish, giving, loving, caring, and wonderful that He'd want His children to gather around Him in thanksgiving and love for a Father, and not in praise and bowing before Him and kissing His feet.

I love my Heavenly Father and look forward to the day of seeing the perfect example of love standing before me. I can't wait to give Him a huge hug and thank Him for always being in my life. I cannot wait to see how everything has turned out. I can't wait for Him to say "Come child, let me teach you.", and spending the rest of eternity learning from the best teacher, the best example, the best and ever constant loving God.

Please look at my sidebar and see that loving picture, that fits in with my life so perfectly, for a perfect visual for my post.

Adventures in Babysitting

2010-01-04T18:56:00.002-07:00

It's very long, and I didn't proof read, I'll do it tomorrow....sorry!

The day started off at 2:00. We promptly began Wii Fit, where I won most of the games, my first time. It was a ton of fun, just a lot of concentration and balancing. We did have an unfortunate accident where we were playing baseball and the 6 year old swung his remote into my remote. OUCH! We decided to take a walk and get some fresh air. When we returned we made some frozen pizza and drank tons of Hawaiian punch. Spongebob made his first appearance as he graced the kitchen table in the game "Sorry" form (and shortly later he appeared in the snack form of cheese crackers). We played but once the little boy got "sorried" he didn't want to play anymore. He told us that he was done and whacked his pieces off the board. Shai and I finished and Shai won....): My moves always seemed to benefit her.

After that we rocked out to some rock band. Unfortunately the yellow drum didnt work, and since the beginner level always had at least 50% of them yellow, we always got booed off the stage. We sent the little boy to bed and kept eating kiss after kiss in a little jar (by the end of the night they were basically gone....whoops!)

As the midnight hour crept closer we wore our "Happy New Year" 'crowns' (cuz Shai and I were princesses and the little boy was a wizard) and got in the festive mood. The 6 year old wanted to pop the poppers and release the streamers but we kindly explained to him that we weren't going to do it until midnight or until he was ready to go to bed. At 7 he exclaimed he was more than ready to get to bed.....but we didn't want him to go to bed yet. So we said "put your pj's on for 15 minutes and if you're still ready then we'll do it." We went to put the baby in his pj's and the 6 year old came out in SPONGEBOB PJ'S! Then the little brother realized he was wearing them, and pointed to his very own spongebob pj's right next to the changing table. He wanted to match!

About 20 minutes later the older brother still wanted to do the minifireworks so he said "okay I'm ready!" We made him pinky promise he'd go to bed, but of course right after we were done he exclaimed "JUST KIDDING!". Luckily Shai and I saved some for us to do at midnight.

After we had finally gotten the kids to bed, about 9 for the baby 10 for the 6 year old, we decided to make cookies, since nothing was good on TV. We whipped up a batch of soft chocolate chip cookies and Shai wanted to run some next door to the boy she wants to marry's best family friends. We quickly digital scrapbooked a tag, wrapped it all cute in tinfoil, and ran over the cookies. Shai thought we wouldn't really did it, but in the morning they were gone from the house and the neighbors front door step, so we must have done it!

While the little boy was in his bed and we were scrapbooking we heard "Shailynn, Shai, Shai, Shai!" We thought he was going to come out, and the house was a mess from making the cookies so we just laid down in the bed and waited for him to come out, and we were going to blame it on the elves. We didn't find out until earlier that morning that he didn't really come out of his room, he just yelled for us.

While we were in the process of making cookies Shailynn was trying to spray Pam on the cookie sheet. She kept it really close and was spraying huge globs on it so I took it away from her to show her how to do it. She wasn't going to give it up without a fight so she kept grabbing for it. I threatened that if she was going to continue doing that I'd spray it in her mouth. She told me "Okay go for it!" and I did. Pam sprayed right into her mouth! We both were basically rolling on the floor in laughter after that point. YUCK! After that she got the nickname kidnapper (cuz she was trying to take poor Pam) and I was called Pam Mam, helping Pam's around the world stay safe.

Later that night we watched the ball drop, although it didnt exactly show the ball drop, it just showed gay people kissing, and we banged pots and pans. Shai broke a wooden spoon and we hit the pans to our hearts content. People were outside yelling happy new years to us and then we went inside to make a midnight snack and pop our fireworks of sorts.

I made my special gourmet Top Ramen, although it didn't taste good because we had to eat it out of Tupperware so it didn't taste as good as it should have. Then we watched some Barney and little kids shows, cuz that's the only thing that is appropriate at 1 o'clock in the morning. We were going to watch a movie but we could get the TV to work, even though we did our awesome ninja rolls from one side of the tv to the other. Finally we went to bed.....

The next morning we had a huge mess to clean up! One silly thing that happened was we we came into the entry way to find a VERY happy baby. He was shaking baking soda all over himself and he was rolling in it like it was snow. He loved it. That was the biggest smile I've ever seen on a baby. We cleaned for about an hour and made some yummy yummy waffles. The only down side is we had to have sugar free syrup on them. At that point we found out that the parents wouldn't be leaving Las Vegas for at least another hour.

We played some more Wii and then ditched the electronics for an old fashion fun game of Hide and Go Seek. It was a lot of fun, and filled with lots of fun spots to hide. We then decided to do some rough housing and the little boy loved attacking us and chasing us around the house. We decided to pick him up and I had the arms and Shai had the kicking legs. I was laughing so hard I could keep him up so I slowly lowered him but due to his kicking or something he fell a little faster than expected so I hurried to catch his head and somehow he got hurt (for the third time poor boy, he must hate me). He complained his elbows were hurt....I think. Then the mom called and said she was just leaving Las Vegas.

I went into the bathroom to wash my hands and realized that there was some toilet paper in the toilet so I went to flush it and it clogged! How embarrassing. What was worse though, is we looked all over for the plunger and we couldn't find it ANYWHERE! Finally after lots of embarrassment and stress we found it in the cabinet of the boys bathroom. That was lucky!

So we turned on some music and had a huge dance party. We switched from rap to 70's, 80's, 90's, swing, tango, and broadway. We rocked out to the rockband accessories and just plain had fun! Then somehow the poor boy got hurt again and ran into his room. Then on the 90's station this really weird rap came on, right as the parents came home. It was pretty embarassing.

Then....I went home.

Phew

2009

2009-12-31T11:12:00.003-07:00

This year has been a great year!

1. January, moved to the clearer side of life, Contacts!

2. May, finished up a long school year

3. June, spent the best month of my life in Idaho

4. August, started high school

5. September, Ande turned two

6. October, Halloween was the funnest time for us all. Ande was so excited

7. November, I turned 15! I should have my permit....grr.

8. December, party month!

Okay, maybe that doesnt give a great overall feel for the year, but hey! I tried. Now I'm off to babysit overnight starting at 1. I'll be back to share my goals!

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T13:39:00.002-07:00

What kind of teenager would I be if I didn't post every thing I got for Christmas?! Here it goes......
1. $100 for after Christmas sales
2. Scarf/gloves/hat. They're really cute and red
3. My own copy of Music and Lyrics! YAY!
4. Pink shower radio. So excited for that haha.
5. Hollister body spray with corresponding lotion and body wash. Smells so good, cranberries and vanilla!
6. Odd school supplies like notebooks, locker magnets, and a journal.
7. A build a bear thing haha. Its a sparkly light brown and its so cute! (Kati Bear is my nickname)
8. A sewing calendar with a new pattern for every three days of the year.
9. LOTS of junk food. Sorry Celeste, apparently I'm going to be a fat unhealthy adult (:
10. I'm forgetting something important!............

1. And for our family gift we got an Xbox 360 with lots of games. Only all of the games are too hard! Darn it..

Christmas was great. It started out with none of the kids wanting to get up (in hopes of staying up LATE that night) while my dad jumps up and down wanting us to go. Ande thought it was so magical, she was so excited for the tiniest thing and didnt know what hit her with each new present. She was a spoiled little girl.
Our Christmas tradition is as long as we dont fight or take a nap we can stay up as late as we want. I had to beat last year's record so I stayed up until 6! My first all-nighter. Next year I may not get to go to bed, that's going to be hard!

I wish I had an insanely cute picture of me opening my gifts/with my gifts, but no such picture exists.....sigh....I hate pictures of me in the morning.

Christmas Tag!

2009-12-20T20:21:00.002-07:00

The Christmas Edition of getting to know your friends.Okay, here's what you're supposed to do:Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post that you can put up on your blog. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, it's fun to open things and be surprised.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I've never had an real tree. I've heard that they are a mess though.
3. When do you put it up? Whenever, we feel like it. We still dont have ours up yet.
4. Favorite Christmas theme? Define theme, red, green and silver?
5. Do you like eggnog? BIG NO!
6. Favorite gift received? contacts, or what I'm getting this year, a plane ticket!
7. Hardest person to buy for? It's generally easy for me to buy gifts for people
8. Easiest person to buy for? Everyone is pretty easy.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, it's fun to hold a card.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't say.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'm not quite sure.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I have money!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Sure!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pumpkin pie, even though its Thanksgiving. I also love mashed potatoes.
16. Lights on the tree? Of course, that's what makes it festive!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night, any sort of lullaby Mary sings to Jesus
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? you know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, then Rudolph and "Olive".
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Whatever we use that year.
21. Open the presents? One on Christmas Eve (pj's) and then the rest on Christmas. And you cant open ones you get in the mail until Christmas day!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Not having enough money, the cold, or not getting things done in time.
23. Favorite ornament or color? Silvers and deep reds.
24. Favorite for Christmas Dinner? Whatever we have to eat haha.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Well, materialistic wise I'm getting a plane ticket for this summer
26. Tag. Shailynn and Madie

Taylor Swift Monologue

2009-12-17T21:32:00.001-07:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Today

2009-12-15T20:39:00.002-07:00

Can I just say today is unbelievably the best? Today I'm just happy. I want to climb the Red Mountain and shout it to the world!
TODAY IS A WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL DAY!
It must have been me listening to 80's music and christain rock all day. Plus eating Del-Taco red sauce bean burritos and playing carpet. (Don't ask me to explain, I don't think I could, you just play it with cards). AND, I didn't epically fail my scripture mastery test. Some of the best in the class got 5-10/100. I got a 93 (: (: (: (: (I don't like putting smiley faces on here, but I'm happy, so why not).
I don't even care that I have maybe 9 readers of this blog, because today is beautiful.
I got to see the SUN!
It was WARM! 50 degrees, eat that potato lovers.
I got to talk to some amazing people.
I met the most amazingly poliet guy EVER, seriously, you'd all love him. No worries, I'm not 16.
I cleared up my future, I can see it now.
I don't have a care in the world, just shrugged it off my shoulders.
Christmas break, here I come!!!!!!!
I'm being a dork and I dont even care.

Christmas is coming, hope you all are wonderful and have an amazing holiday season.

Have you missed me?

2009-12-06T22:01:00.004-07:00

I haven't been on the computer, except for an occasional homework session here and there, I've been busy and working!
On Friday morning I woke up and ALL the leaves fell, overnight. Pretty amazing. So on Saturday I raked up 6 bags worth of leaves, it took me three hours (I hate bagging them) and there is still three big piles to rake up. Fun, but very time consuming.
This week I have 3 essays due, 1,000 reading pages (done), and a review for a book, more on that later when I have time. Let's just say DO NOT READ IT! Plus, I have a 3-5 page report rough draft due, so I'll be busy. Oh, and a 4 minute Spanish skit to do on Thursday. I'm a tequilla drinking taxi driver who always hits happy hour, you can see me doing that right?
On Thursday I went to Dicken's Festival and got a pretty bow and headband, for $5. The singing was alright, but the trip was a blast. I listened to my iPod and sang on the bus, I didn't care who was listening. Plus I got to carry around my new cute purse! Plus a really great scone for $4, with honey butter, it was very tasty.
Wednesday I read the entire driver's manual in hopes that I could get my permit on Thursday, but no such luck. I also did a fun service project for mutual, but I can't go into detail about that.
On that note I need your help. I'm in charge of the combined activity in January. I want it to be really spiritual and introduce the theme really well. Any fun ideas?

I'll post as soon as I get a second! Don't lose faith!

Feeling the Birthday Love

2009-11-23T20:04:00.004-07:00

First off, thanks for all the warm wishes. Just a little hello, happy birthday, adds up and makes a birthday that much sweeter. Second off, I received the BEST gift I could EVER receive, a SEWING MACHINE! Ohh, I'm sooo too excited.

Another great gift was I won a blog giveaway. I have the button on my sidebar, but I dont know if you've noticed. It's over at Leelou Swag. It's the "favorite things" giveaway, and you can win something small and simple like a candy bar, or something big (it hasn't been offered yet). I won this cute little bracelet, and on my birthday, pretty sweet. Thanks Savvy Girl

At least I hope I won it, it said I won, but I haven't gotten an email back yet.

Upcoming Events

2009-11-19T16:36:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry that I've rarely posted lately, but it's going to get even worse with the upcoming events

1. My Birthday is in a couple of days

2. A big dance

3. Family from Washington is going to be here

4. Thanksgiving

5. Black Friday Shopping

6. My birthday party

7. Christmas Festivities will begin

I won't leave you completely I promise!

My Personality

2009-11-17T16:29:00.003-07:00

So I took this quiz on facebook, but it's not just any old quiz, it analyzes your personality by answering around 30 questions. It was put together by a psychologist from a university in the east somewhere. It is required in Idaho to take this quiz for a psychology class (my favorite subject). Anyways, this was very interesting to me. If you have ever wanted to know about me, read this. I can promise that if you know me well you will be shaking your head yes the entire time in agreement, and if you don't know me, well then read this cuz you will learn more than you'd ever need to know about me. Now, it's kinda long, (mostly for my record) so I wont cry if you don't read it, but if you have time its very interesting. Or you can just take the quiz here.

Extroversion
Very Introverted. You are very reserved and quiet. You enjoy solitude and solitary activities. Your socializing tends to be restricted to a few close friends.

Agreeableness
Very Agreeable. You have a strong interest in others' needs and well-being. You are very pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative.

Conscientiousness
Disciplined. You set clear goals and pursue them with determination. People regard you as reliable and hard-working.

Emotional Stability
Somewhat Stable. You are generally able to cope with stressful and frustrating situations, even though you find them somewhat upsetting.

Openness to Experience
Somewhat Traditional. You enjoy tradition but are willing to try new things. Your thinking is neither simple nor complex. To others you appear to be a well-educated person but not an intellectual.

Your Good Side: Humble
Humble Types are peace-loving, somewhat timid, and seek social acceptance by going along with what others want. These individuals are described by others with terms such as calm, agreeable, cooperative, composed, warm, preserving, and submissive.
Your Bad Side: Gullible
Gullible Types follow the crowd rather than thinking for themselves. They are described by others with such terms as simple, down-to-earth, dependent, easy-going, and servile.

As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.
ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.
ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.
More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.
Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.
The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".
The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

ISFJs place a great deal of importance on their personal relationships. They're generally very giving and loving people, who place the needs of others above their own. They sometimes have a problem with becoming overly emotionally needy, and with keeping their true feelings hidden from others. They take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships. ISFJs are extremely dependable, and put forth a lot of energy into keeping things running smoothly. They sometimes have difficulty saying "no" when asked to do something, and therefore may be taken for granted.
ISFJ Strengths
● Warm, friendly and affirming by nature
● Service-oriented, wanting to please others
● Good listeners
● Will put forth lots of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations
● Excellent organizational capabilities
● Good at taking care of practical matters and daily needs
● Usually good (albeit conservative) at handling money
● Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships ISFJ Weaknesses
● Don't pay enough attention to their own needs
● May have difficulty branching out into new territory
● Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism
● Unlikely to express their needs, which may cause pent-up frustrations to build inside
● Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship
● Have difficulty moving on after the end of a relationship

ISFJs as Parents
Parenthood is seen as natural state and duty to the ISFJ. They are responsible about ensuring that their children have their practical needs met, and try to teach them the rules and observations of our society so that they grow into responsible and independent adults.
ISFJs may have difficulty administering punishment or discipline to their children, although most are able to overcome this discomfort because they feel it is their greater duty to instill their children with sound values. As individuals who value order and structure, they're likely to create well-defined boundaries and roles for their children to live within.
ISFJ parents have a very difficult time if their children grow into "problem" adults. They tend to believe that it is their responsibility, and that they didn't work hard enough to raise their children well. This may or may not be the case, but usually it isn't. ISFJs usually put forth a lot of energy and effort and don't give themselves credit for doing so.
In many ways, an ISFJ makes an ideal parent. Their children will not lack for structure, appropriate guidelines, or warmth and affection. Their children will remember and value the ISFJ parent for their warm natures and genuine efforts on their children's behalf.

ISFJs as Friends
Although the ISFJ is likely to place God and family above their friends in their priorities, they genuinely enjoy spending time with friends and colleagues. In fact, ISFJs usually feel a strong need to talk problems and issues over with people before making decisions on their actions. Some ISFJs like to discuss things over with their friends, rather than their families.
ISFJs enjoy spending time with most other types of people. The love to observe people's reactions and emotions in situations, and so enjoy being around diverse types of people. The ISFJ usually remains reserved around others, and does not open up very much. However, since they have a need to talk things over with others in order to make decisions, they do really need some close confidantes in their life. Their preference for these companions is other Sensing Feeling Judgers. They really enjoy and respect the company of Intuitive Feelers as well, but are not able to relate to them quite as well.
Friends of the ISFJ will value them for their warmth, dependability, depth of emotional awareness and understanding.

Still with me?

Troubling My Soul

2009-11-09T20:54:00.002-07:00

How do you begin to help a person? When their mom died 2 years ago while she was pregnant, and now their dad's body is taken over by cancer and he's told he has 6 months to live, laying on a hospice bed. Now they will have to move to a new school in California, and they have no knowledge of the gospel, don't know families can be together forever. How do you begin?

My dad's friend is this man, the one dying. His daughter is in 8th grade and his son is in 6th if I am correct. This girl is a social outcast, died her hair black, Walmart clothes, poor hygiene, and people don't like talking to her. Now that is TRUE testimony you CAN'T judge. I can't imagine not being LDS and having your mom die, and now she found out she has 6 months left to be with her dad. I think maybe I'll write my testimony in a Book of Mormon, and highlight some scriptures, and then pull her aside one day in the hall. At the same time, I don't want to be someone pushing religion at this hard time in her life. I don't know how to proceed. Oh I need help!

Piano

2009-11-09T19:15:00.002-07:00

Well here are the current stats.....
Accompaniment: 11/20
Top Hand: 52/50
Recognize: 57/100
I didn't realize I was this close! About everyday I learn a new accompaniment! The hardest part now is going to be learning 40 more hymns that I will recognize the tune to. This got a little easier because I decided to let Christmas songs be included, but still I think I'm doing good for only playing for a year and a half! I think I'm on track to getting it done!

What Makes Me Lovable

2009-11-08T17:42:00.001-07:00

That is the topic for today's gratitude challenge. I think most of my lovable qualities are my divine qualities, they kinda crossed over. I don't have much to say other than that. I don't want to focus on me yet again, so I'll leave it at where it is.

Gratitude Challenge

2009-11-08T17:40:00.004-07:00

Yesterday's was do random acts of service. It was great because the day before I randomly got a call for a service opportunity the next day. I went and put flyers out to raise awareness about a 5K run/walk for a lady in my ward that has cancer. It was great being able to help her out. I also did random acts of service around the house and through my words.
That's about it.

Flashback Friday Time

2009-11-06T15:56:00.002-07:00

I was able to scan this in my computer tech class after finding it on Wednesday. It made me sooooo happy.

Kaitlyn and Celeste Age 6

At (my) Great Grandparents Home

GC Day 16

2009-11-06T15:54:00.001-07:00

Today's challenge is to look in the mirror and find some things I love about myself. I'm not going to share that, but one thing I do want to share with you is.....
When I first started this challenge I went onto the website and got the widget code so it could be on my blog. What I didn't realize is the sentence on the widget is only a fraction of the actual challenge. They go into much more detail on the site, you click on "download challenge" or something of that nature and it opens an adobe window. Imagine how disappointed I was to find out I've only been doing half of it. I also realized that each week has a theme....bummer. So if you are doing it, make sure you check that out. Or maybe you already did and I'm just a dumby.

Divine Qualities

2009-11-05T15:34:00.003-07:00

I'm starting to feel really concieted. The next 4 challenges I believe are all about me. I hope I don't start sounding like a self loving person, because that's the opposite of what I'm trying to become right now.

Today's challenge is to identify divine qualities in me.
1. Testimony: I have a strong sense of who I am and where I am going. I know without a doubt that I'm a child of God, He loves me, and He wants to see me again.
2. Scriptures: On the whole I love the scriptures. I know they are there for my knowledge and help.
3. Faith: I know without a fraction of a doubt that if I pray Heavenly Father will give me the answer He has ready for me. Time and time again I have been a witness to that.
4. Desires of my Heart: Everything I strive for I try to do with a mind set of what I'm trying to achieve, eternal life with my Heavenly Father.
5. Homemaking Skills: I love learning about things that I can use for when I'm a wife and mother. At least once a day I'm baking deserts, cleaning, making dinner, playing piano, learning how to mend clothes, or caring for children.
6. Advice: I've been told I give great advice. I focuse on the future and not just here and now results. I focus on how Jesus can help us through it, and not trying to do it all yourself.
7. Loving/Caring and Understanding: I think one of the reasons I want to be a psychologist so much is because I understand people. I realize what they are going through even before they tell me about it, just because of how I observe. I realize that everyone has challenges. I've also been told that they feel genuine love from me. I try to give the benefit of the doubt, something I've learned from my grandma. I try to let everyone know that they are of worth because they are a child of God.
8. Love for my Heavenly Father: I feel like I know Him on a greater level than most kids my age. I know that He has a plan for me, and all of my faith is in Him.

Effect of the Challenge

2009-11-04T16:02:00.004-07:00

This challenge has for now, changed my view for the better. I give a lot of benefits of the doubt, look at the brighter side of things, give compliments, and I work around what life has given me. I appreciate the reminder everyday to challenge myself to become more grateful. I think that this challenge is going to become an annual, semiannual, or maybe monthly thing. It's a great reminder, and although there are some things I'd change, overall it's good. I still have 7 days left. Let's see how it goes.
P.S. Did anyone else decide to do it with me?
P.P.S. If you didn't, now is a great time to start, you'd end a day before Thanksgiving, basically perfect timing!

Thanks to the two people that voted, you others out there reading, please vote, it's all anonymous and it'd really help me.

Touched Today

2009-11-03T17:41:00.003-07:00

It's kind of long, but keep reading.

Lately I haven't wanted to read the Book of Mormon. I've thought "it holds no power for me". I also think back to the great experience I had in August, but it didn't matter, I just didn't want to read it. Lately I've become so overwhelmed with life that I've felt like I can't do anything. I KNOW that is the devil, but I can't help but host the thought. So many principles in the church can't be applied to me right now either because of my age or my family situation. That makes me feel so upset and I sometimes wish I could control people, but not for long, because I remember that that's why Jesus is our Savior. I guess I'm a little scared to succeed in too many things because I'm afraid I'll become prideful, I haven't learned how to be humble yet. So life has just been scaring me in general.
Today in seminary we had a lesson about how the devil works. Afterwards our teacher told us why he wanted to be a seminary teacher. He said it was because he wanted to see if kids had experience a mighty change of heart. On one test we had we had to write an essay about the Book of Mormon. So he said that while correcting them, he could tell that students had indeed experienced a mighty change of heart. He proceeded to read some to us so we could understand how other kids in our class were doing. After reading about 4-5 he said "I'd especially like you to hear this one, it's really well written". It said,
"The Book of Mormon is an important book to read. It can teach us about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. It teaches us the steps Heavenly Father needs us to take to return to Him. It helps us know what steps we need to be taking to be happy in life and be the best we can. It's just a great comfort to know that Heavenly Father took the time to have this book written for us. This book could have a huge impact on one's life if they allow it to. They can learn that someone out there loves them and wants only the best for them. It can change some one's life completely around. Instead of heading to a place of sadness, they can head to eternal happiness with their families. After reading the scriptures they learn how to live their life following light. There are a couple of steps that you must take to know its from God. The most obvious answer is to pray and ponder. You must ask Heavenly Father to help you know it is right. You have to understand what the scriptures are teaching and try to learn with an open heart. Finally, you must follow this scripture, Moroni 10:4-6.
While reading my scriptures I try to follow these steps. I pray and diligently search to know the scriptures. I do my best to have an open heart and follow his commandments in the scriptures. Many times I have prayed to Heavenly Father that He will give me direction in what I need in life. After praying I will randomly open my scriptures and the scripture will teach me exactly what I was looking for. I love the power the Book of Mormon holds for this generation."
It was mine. After reading it I was almost in tears, along with my seminary teacher. He testified to us that God loves us and that the scriptures will remind us of that and when we read them, Satan will have no power over us. After class I walked up to Him and asked Him if I could take my paper, so I'd always have this reminder.
After wards it was lunch and I had a somber heart and it was hard for me to go back to the busy ways of the school. I quietly pondered the things in my heart as the noise of the world was around me. I truly felt in the world, but not of it.
I was definiteley touched today.

Family History

2009-11-01T16:32:00.002-07:00

I didn't want to post any more today but I have to write about this, and Shelli I hope you are reading this and you will tell Brother Campbell.
We had a lesson in Sunday school about family history and temple work. Now, this is a tender subject with me because on my dad's side of the family we are the only LDS family as far as I know in the entire line, they are all baptists. I know my parents aren't going to do this, so I feel like it all rests on me. With all the hype of not waiting and being prepared and that the second coming is nigh I feel like I should be constantly doing something to prepare myself for it. So I was so overwhelmed I started crying, I just couldn't fathom doing ALL of that family history, plus getting the work done, plus doing everything else I'm working on for my own sanity. It was too much. But I couldn't just do nothing, especially since I found out this is a commandment.
Just for the kicks of it, I asked my dad's mom if she happened to have any family history done. (I don't know a thing about her family, I know her and her new husband, but that's it, no parents or anything. And my dad's dad, I know him and his parents but that's it. And I know not one thing about my step grandparents at all.) Well, she told me that not only would she tell me their information, but she has THIRTY BOOKS full of stories, pedigree charts and records. That means, I really don't have any work/researching to get done, just the temple work, getting them baptized and their names in so they can be sealed.
Now there is a true blessing that brought me to tears yet again today.

Why I Blog

2009-11-01T15:57:00.003-07:00

The last couple of days and weeks I've been trying to think of why I blog, is it for me or the readers, is it for a place to vent or a place to count my blessings, why is it there?
I think the very first thought that came to mind when I started my blog is "I want to be like them", them meaning all of my family members out there who have popular blogs that are read regularly. I wanted to be popular on the blogosphere and have people look to me for inspiration, their daily laughs, or whatever. Now I'm realizing, that is a bad goal to have in mind. Here are my goals that I think I have for my blog.
1. I want it to be a place where people can know what I believe. I want it to be a place where I can share my testimony and a place where I don't have to be afraid to express that. How lucky I am to be in a country where I can do that!
2. I want it to be a place where people can be inspired. I don't want it to be a place where there is a bunch of negativity, although I'm not going to limit myself (I have my bad days). I want to share uplifting things in the world that is so full of bad things.
3. I want it to be a journal. So many things happen that are great to have a record of. It's exciting to go back and read what I've written and see how I was feeling, and see how my style has changed or improved.
4. I want it to be inviting. I want to keep it changing and a place where it has an inviting mood and is fun to look at so people want to read it. (this is kind of starting to sound like a house, maybe that's why I like it, it's MINE and I can do whatever I want with it and if somethings wrong with it it's my problem, not because of what a family member did.) I want the music to be positive, the language to be clean (though, can you really see me swearing in real life, let alone on a blog?). The whole look of it needs to be appealing, not to pick on anyone, please forgive me if your blog is like this, but I can't stand the blog backgrounds that are all about trends, peace signs, dark hearts, twilight backgrounds (though I'm a fan as much as anyone else), neon colors, etc. Keep it simple and clean, that's who I am.
5. I want to have it be dependable. If you look at my archive I have really REALLY stepped it up when it comes to writing. When I first started I wrote 3/4 posts a MONTH. Last month I wrote 22! That's only 9 days I missed that month. I am doing better than those family members I looked up to for regular blogging. I want it to be a place where you can count on me being there.
6. I want to be an example. I want people out there to be able to look at my blog and say "hey, not all teenagers are into icky stuff, some actually know what they are talking about, some have dreams and goals and know who they are and realize they aren't the only person in the universe". I was going to start into something but it has to be for a later time. I want it to be a place where people can see the benefit of the young women's program and what a difference it makes in MY life, can't even mention all those around me. I want those reading to know I'm just like you, I have trials and strengths. The thing that is getting me through is my faith in Jesus Christ and the church, that's the difference. And I hope that by blogging you can see that.

Anyways, hopefully my blog posts will be for the benefit of those.

I am soooo excited for coming blog posts! So many great posts, I'm finally accomplishing things in my life.

See the World Through the Eyes of a Child GC

2009-11-01T15:49:00.002-07:00

Well, I think I've already been doing that through Ande and my posts, like the one of me going on a walk with her, and then yesterday's post about Halloween. But one thing I'm really looking forward to is the Christmas season. I cannot wait to show Ande the magic in Christmas. The bright lights, the elves, the music, hot chocolate, trees, decorations, and SANTA! This will be the first Christmas where she finally knows of these things and gets to see how truly magical this time of the year is. I wish she was old enough to know the spiritual aspect of it.
I am jumping in my seat thinking about all the festivities that are coming up where she can find joy and she can learn and her eyes can become bright with the sweet spirit that is around this time of year.
I simply can not wait.

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T23:59:00.003-06:00

Well, our camera didn't work so I'll have to describe this years costumes

Kaitlyn-Cute Witch:
I wore a black hat with black feathers with little silver strings on it. I had a gray cardigan with a white shirt and a black full circle skirt and gray leggings with black ballet flats.

Steele-Jason:
I made his costume and I was so proud of how it turned out! I took a white tank and rolled it around in some dirt. Then I cut it up and added some "blood". We took a reddish blue plaid button up shirt and left it open so you could see the undershirt. Then he wore some old Levis, his hockey mask, and had a machete

Chloe-Dark Fairy:
We bought her costume at Partyland and it was black with gold star detailing around the bottom. She had on some black leggings and the costume originally came with some fabric for a choker but I talked her into wearing it as a headband for trick-or-treating, which I think looked too cute. We three-barrelled her hair and did "dark fairy" makeup (dark eyeshadow and mascara).

Ande-Tinkerbell:
She had on a purple/lime green tutu with a dark purple crotchet headband with a tulle circle thing that was a barrette, white tights and silver shoes, and of course a magic wand, that she thought really worked. She has just enough broken hair for some cute bangs, and we curled the back of her hair, TOOOO cute. She was a doll. This year Halloween was magical for her. She was running and skipping and talking about "spooky" things. She was soo excited for candy. She would basically go in the houses for it. If they put the bucket down for her to get candy she'd grab a huge handful and go in for seconds and when we'd tell her no the home owners would say "Oh no, she's alright" and give her some more! What a smile she had after that! She'd get scared at the creepy masks but she'd just come and hold our hand and be good. There was one house that was all decked out in zombies and strobe lights but she just had my dad hold her and she was happy, especially since you got a full size candy bar at the end! Towards the end of the night she got really tired and would ask my mom to hold her between houses and lay her head down, but once we got to the driveway, she was up and happy and showed no signs of tiredness to get that candy! Her bucket was the fullest and heaviest out of all the kids.

It was soo enjoyable to see the season through her eyes.
This day was truly magical.

P.S. I'm still doing the gratitude challenge, it's just been things I can't post about, and today's was write about one of your five sense you are thankful for, but I've pretty much already done that in my others, so I don't want to bore you.

In Honor of Halloween

2009-10-30T18:54:00.002-06:00

Today's Flashback Friday is a very special post about one of my favorite Halloween events.

When I was probably in fourth grade my great-grandma was staying at a nursing home. That Halloween they decided to have a party, but for some unknown reason my great-grandma didn't have someone to attend it with her (maybe she did, but I was just lucky enough to just get to go, or maybe she requested I go, I don't remember). That year I didn't have a costume ready yet so I was feeling really bad. Right before the party we quickly threw together a witch costume and called it good. At the Halloween party I got to meet all of my great-grandma's friends while eating dinner and treats with them. I just remember the joy of meeting them all, even though I was wayy nervous before I went. At the end of the party they had a costume contest and I won for my age group (a space of five years...I think) and I was so shocked because the costume was so last minute. I remember going up and getting my prize (the Addams Family DVD) and coming back and all of my new old lady friends were clapping for me and saying they voted for me. I was soo happy. I don't remember what happened after this, but that was a pretty good Halloween in my book.

GC Day 7

2009-10-28T15:33:00.004-06:00

I hope this isn't a concieted blog post, but today I'm supposed to take a picture of something that makes me grateful. Well, I'm getting some pictures I have on hand, me! I am really reallly EXTREMELY thankful lately for my body.

1. My Voice: I can sing, I can talk, I can bear my testimony

2. My Fingers: that play the piano for me

3. My Eyes: that let me see the world around me

4. My Ears: that help me hear the sweet works of others

5. My Nose: to smell the sweet smell of earth

6. My Body overall: I can run, dance, walk, move around, take care of myself

7. MY BRAIN: I can gain all the knowledge I was sent to earth to obtain

I'm so thankful to Heavenly Father for giving me this body so that I can do all these things, and for the decision I made to come here and be able to get my body again.

After thought:

This also makes me EXTREMELY thankful, just thinking about what gets done in these holy places of the Lord.

The BEAUTIFUL St. George Temple

GC Day 5

2009-10-27T10:18:00.002-06:00

I was MIA due to no internet yesterday so here is yesterday's, today.

1. family (grandparents, siblings, etc)
2. church
3. friends
4. holidays/traditions
5. music/piano/my voice
6. senses (eyes, ears, nose, hands, etc)
7. school, education, good grades
8. health
9. my attitude
10. LIFE!

GC Day 4

2009-10-25T21:54:00.003-06:00

To be honest with you, I can't think of one thing that is negative in my life that I can think of writing about. There's quite a bit of things that are not positive, but I don't want to share them with the internet. And some little things that are negative, well they'll pass, and I think that's positive in itself realizing that. I guess I just wrote/thought about it in my head for this one. So, this really is a pointless blog, but I have to write about it to stay with the program. Anyways, have a happy Monday!

GC Day 3

2009-10-24T17:21:00.002-06:00

Today I feel grateful for......
Sanitation/ways to take care of myself.
I'm so thankful that I have clean water to drink, cook, shower with, etc.
I'm so thankful that I have disinfecting wipes to keep me healthy this flu season
I'm so thankful for brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion
I'm so thankful for washing machines and dryers, and dishwashers, vacuums, and mops
I'm so thankful for living in a country where I can be clean!!

Gratitude Challenge Day 2

2009-10-23T17:34:00.002-06:00

Day 2, use the alphabet to take note of what you're grateful for.

A-Angels. Beautiful spirits watching out for you, prepared to give you guidance and protection when needed.
B-Book of Mormon, the chance to hear testimonies of those before me I love it!
C-Chocolate, has to be there somewhere. Plus the joy Cooking gives me
D-Diligence, Determination, getting things done and being proud of what I've accomplished
E-Eyes! I can't imagine not being able to see this world. Trying to see without contacts and glasses makes me sooo sad, and I still can see color. Can't imagine being blind
F-Family, Friends love that comes from them
G-Grandparents, I learn so much from them
H-Home. A house where I can come home, relax, do my homework, and sleep safely
I-Inspiration. Just looking around and realizing what I can do, or recieving an answer to a prayer I've needed answered
J-Jesus Christ, his ultimate sacrifice and personalized love
K-Kaitlyn, I'm thankful for this body named Kaitlyn, so I can learn and grow and return to my Heavenly Father
L-Life, living, positive attitudes, knowing life is good
M-Music, I have to love the mood music can put me in. I love hearing hymns/calm music that makes me feel good
N-Nice people, they're just a joy to be around
O-(an) Open heart one that is ready to accept love and give love and not judge and give help where its needed
P-Prayer, this one is easy, the opportunity to talk to God
Q-Quiet moments to ponder my life and recommit myself to what I need to
R-Rain, for the kind reminder to be clean and pure
S-School. Did you know only 7% of the world population is educated at a secondary level (7th grade and up) That's something to be grateful for!
T-Temples, all that's done in them, and the beauty it brings to my little town
U-Unified families, friendships, schools, communities, states, countries, world. A dream I (and all of us) can hope for.
V-Vacations, being able to enjoy everyday no matter what and being able to be myself knowing nobody will remember me in the next couple of weeks. And the R & R.
W-www I love being able to stay in touch with family, friends, and meet new people. And being able to keep an electronic journal and find tips to help me in life
X-X-rays? Help get a bone fixed.....since there are only four words in the dictionary that start with that letter.
Y-You out there reading this, that means you care for me enough to read what I have to say, Thanks!
Z-Zippers, zoos, you can take your pick

As I was writing this there was soo many I had a couple for, and I wanted to add them, and for some reason I didn't. Instead I kept changing until I had the best one. This was a great exercise for me. I had an overwhelming spirit of gratitude come about me,
and it was a very pleasant feeling.

Gratitude Challenege

2009-10-22T22:06:00.003-06:00

I'm going to take part in the 21 day gratitude challenge! I'm not sure if I'm going to start in now, or in November so that it will be during the month of gratitude, up to Thanksgiving, but here's me doing day one, making the commitment.
If you'd like to join me you can by scrolling down to the left and clicking on the link or I'll try putting it here. It looks soooo much better on some other blogs, because its like a slideshow and you can just scroll through each day on your own blog but I can't figure it out yet, so for now, here we go..

Gratitude Challenge

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More for Me then You

2009-10-22T19:44:00.002-06:00

Shailynn and I were taking pictures in a field in my little town in Utah. And we were harmlessly by some sprinklers having fun as the sun went down. We started walking to our bikes by the street because Shailynn needed to get home. As we were walking two ladies drove up and I started to feel my heart beating faster (we were worried from the beginning that something like this would happen). The drove up to us and said
"Hey! What are you doing in that field?"
"We're just taking pictures"
"Well this is private property, you need to leave"
"All right! So sorry!"
It wasn't even the owners of the field, and I happen to know the owners, and they wouldn't mind if they knew it was me.
So we stayed for about 5 more minutes until we were ready to go.

Sometimes I hate having the title of teenager, because old ladies like these (or old men, or people in general) always think you are up to no good. We were being totally respectful and we didnt even hardly walk in the field, just went to the nearest sprinkler. Sometimes I wish people could just see that all teenagers aren't these loud obnoxious kids who think the world revolves around them. And I sure hope that I'm not going to ever become like that.

Conversation with a Two Year Old

2009-10-19T11:18:00.003-06:00

It was 11 last night and Ande was sleeping with me so I was sitting on my bed and she standing on my bed dancing and jumping off and on.

Ande looked at me and said "I did it!" and after a couple of times I said "you did what?"

and she proceeded to tell me

"I did it, my shoulders and mommy said what you doing there" and finished with a laugh, (you have to hear her say "what you doing there" its hilarious)

Then she told me all her body parts from head to toe, she told me "Mommy's went night night in her room"

"Mommy was tired, huh"

"Yes, mommy tired"

Then she sang me a song something about her shoulder, her mouth, bapa, candy, being tired, mommy, her baby, etc

Then I asked her where the dog was.

"outside"

"The dog's outside?"

"yes the doggy oustide, sad"

"Why's the doggy sad?"

"Doggy has an owwie, foot, see?" (and she pointed to her foot)

Then she said

"mama [grandma] is sad"

"why's grandma sad?

"cuz bapa's sad"

"why are they all sad"

"they need babas!! They went in the car"

Then she realized that Chloe was in the room sleeping

"Hi Chloe! (waves) Hi Chloe! Hi Chloe! Chloe tired?

Then she saw a unicorn

"Unicorn night night. (grabbed a book and started reading it) then she layed the unicorn on a pillow and said

"unicorn bed, doggy (new stuffed animal) bed, night night."

Then I decided it was time for bed,

after a tickle war of course!

pretend the image is edited, I didn't have time to, but this is her smile, she has it perfected now, this was in May.

Mint Chip Rice Crispy Treats

2009-10-16T16:00:00.002-06:00

Here's the first post! There's soo many people and memories that I could write about, but today I just wasn't feeling the blogging spirit, until I was making my daily blog checks and I found this. In case you don't want to look at the blog, its a recipe for Frakenpops, using mint chips. They are just like chocolate chips, only using mint, and they're green. So, after some background information here's the memory.

When I was 8ish I would go over to my Great Grandma's house. I would help her clean or we'd play connect the dots....or make Mint Rice Crispy Treats. One time is etched in my mind. I was sitting on my grandma's lap doing the connect the dots and she told me that we could make the rice crispy treats. So we get everything rounded up and start making them. She was so kind and patient and let me do most of the work, which made me feel so very special.
We could hardly wait for them to get done cooling and they were so good when done.
From then on it was our special treat, or at least I thought so. I must have made them with her more than once.
This isn't really a big memory, but it's etched into my mind of one of the best with my Great Grandma.
You can be sure more will follow about her.

If you want to make Mint Rice Crispy treats all you do is add a bag of the chips with your marshmellows while melting.

Goals for Piano

2009-10-15T20:44:00.002-06:00

I figure that if I want to get this done, I'm going to need people monitoring me and giving support, otherwise I may forget my goals, or lower them, or just change them. So here they are;

1. Be able to play the accompianment to 2o hymns
2. Be able to play the top hand to an additional 30 hymns. (Making my grand total of playing 50)
3. Recognize a total of 100 hymns.

Now granted, if I recognize a hymn, I will probably know how to play the top hand, so I'll probably know how to play a lot.

I'm doing this for my knowledge personal progress project so it has to take me at least 10 hours, and I haven't started keeping time for it yet, so I'm going to start fresh.
Wish me luck!!!

Random Tuesday

2009-10-13T10:12:00.005-06:00

Random Tuesday is getting really hard for me. And Random Tuesday just isn't random if it's planned. So I think that idea is going to be abolished. You'll still see random posts, just, most of my posts are random so they'll be different. Instead, the idea is going to be replaced with Flashback Friday. I'm going to post memories I have and hopefully it will help me remember them when I'm older, since most of my memories aren't in a journal. Hopefully that will be fun to see memories about people I love, maybe some will be about you, and see some of the fun things that has shaped my life today.

So on this Tuesday, here is the last random post.

I love rain.

I love how it cleans the earth.

I LOVE the smell. I love the look.

I think it's beautiful.

I love running around in rain, especially the warm warm rain of Southern Utah.

I love the rainbows and the pureness of everything after it rains.

I want it to rain on my wedding day. I know people think that's bad luck, but it'd be the best for me. As long as it was a light sprinkle, and not a downpour.

I think it's wonderful to wake up with a cloudy day, it makes me feel secure and loved.

I love watching lightening and listening to thunder (as long as I don't get woken up by it, then its scary).

I love seeing the sky light up and feeling the shake of the earth.

Maybe I love it because it's so rare here. It's like a summer treat, the August monsoons. A lot of people say they hate the rain, but they just don't appreciate the cleanliness and beauty of Mother Nature's way of purifying and washing clean our earth. I love the thought of naturally scenting the earth with clean earthy smells. I think this song puts it best.

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
That's what rain reminds me of, and what's wrong with being reminded of living the best you can and living with God again?

Picture taken of a road in Snow Canyon Park after a storm.

Bangs

2009-10-11T21:56:00.009-06:00

I'm ready for a hair change!

Now, there are a LOT of possibilities when it comes to bangs, and it's a fairly permanent transition (seeing as they have to grow out which can take years to make it look all normal again, depending on hair length and it just so happens mine is super duper long). So I need my fellow loved ones and blog readers to give me some suggestions.

Option A

I love her bangs, only I love to tuck my hair behind my ear, and I don't think I could stand that one little hair being in the middle of my nose. Although, that could just be the picture so I don't know. But I love the wispyness (is that a word?) of them, and how they blend into the hair.

Option B

I really like these, I love how they aren't thick like the bowl cut. But I don't know if my face shape would go with them, and I don't know if I want them, since everyone is getting bangs like these.

Option C

I really like this "peek a boo" style. It's kinda a mix of both. Only problem is, would my hair actually keep these in place. (Can I just add, you can totally tell her eye whites were edited.But she's still gorgeously pretty)

Option D

I really really like this whole hair do. It looks so fun. I like the bangs but I cant think of a particular reason why or why not.

After doing this, I'm pretty sure what kind I want, but I WANT YOUR SUGGESTIONS. So click right under here and leave me a comment and show me you care (:. Tell me what option you like/dislike or whatever else you want to tell me. And should I dye my hair a shade lighter/darker? Oh! Just so many options!:) Thanks!

I'll still love you if you don't help me out.

Beautiful Video

2009-10-10T20:11:00.002-06:00

There's really no way around it, just watch it (:. Just kidding.
But, it's a breathtakingly beautiful video that made me want to cry. The images captured my attention, and gave an extra shove to my testimony. Truly lovely.
I'll probably watch it a couple times a day for awhile just to get that extra boost I need.

If you don't have anything nice.....

2009-10-09T19:08:00.005-06:00

Some people were mean this week.
I noticed lots of disapproving glances.
One person told me "Your hair is greasy"
Another person told me that I needed to "humble myself"
One exclaimed to another girl "Why are you wearing that? You wear that ALL the time"
And another person seemed to find fault in everyone around her.

But there are some that were so very kind
One girl said to me "Kaitlyn, your eyes are soo pretty, they are my favorite shade of blue"
Another said, "Kaitlyn, I love how you randomly smile. Its so pretty and makes me smile"
I got countless compliments on my jackets this week.
And quite a few on my new hairstyle.
And during seminary a girl (who sits two rows over to my left) came up to me after class and said "you have such a beautiful voice, thanks for singing"

Those really made my day.

One does not know (okay maybe they do) the power a comment from your peers (or family, strangers, etc) can have. The compliment made me smile and it made me want to compliment others back. It made me want to make the world a happier place, one radiant smile at a time. The negative comments I heard made me miserable. It made me self consious and wonder what others were saying about me, and just not mean enough (or too scared) to say to my face.

The kind people are people I need to look up to. They are such good examples of positive feedback. I love seeing their cheerful attitudes and grateful outlook on life. I love seeing their light and example of Christ coming from within. And have you noticed, these people are SOO much prettier than those who sit there and complain all day about others?

It is REALLY hard for me to give a compliment. I'll tell my friends "Hey, she looks cute today" or even think in my head what a great person she is. And there's hardly an hour that goes by that one of these thoughts don't cross my mind. But I rarely if ever (1/1,000) tell it to the persons face. It's just really hard for me to approach someone to tell them that. Everyday I go to bed guilty of not expressing the positive attributes of those I see, and deserve to hear how great they are.

So I think that's going to be my goal for awhile. Speak less negative and recognize the beauty of God's creations.

Dream

2009-10-09T15:40:00.004-06:00

If you don't like graphic or disturbing things, you probably won't want to continue. I just want to have this documented.

We (Chloe, Steele, and I) were at a park and there was a ride. It was a big red "couch" like thing that you sit on with a couple of people. It span you around really quick (in a full circle, going upside down) and so they didnt have seat belts, because of that law of gravity. I don't remember it, kind of like how you can spin a bucket and water wont come out of it. Anyways, so Chloe got on the ride and went around once and was having fun. Well it went to go around a second time and I could tell she was going to fall off but I thought to myself "Oh she'll be okay, she'll know to scoot back on" but then I thought more and more, "oh no, she'll fall off. No she'll be okay, No I better tell her."
Well, the ride started and all of a sudden you hear a body splat on the ground (we were standing on a "stage" so to say and the ride went out to spin, with about a 100 foot drop).
I immediatly panic and I look over and there is Chloe, her skull is crushed and you just see a steady stream of blood coming from around her body. I hurry and look away and scream and run away to my house (we were visiting somewhere, but it was kind of like Idaho. Only the park was were the blue hole was and then the house was like I was visting Celeste's, if that makes it easier to visualize for any of you).
My mom was working so I go and tell my grandpa what happened. We immediatly jump in the car to go get my mom and find out about the situation. I tell my grandpa I felt so bad because I had a feeling I should've told Chloe to move but I didn't. So he yelled at me and said "well that was stupid! You should've listened." (My grandpa would NEVER say this, don't worry).
So we head over and grab my mom, although that part of the dream is blurry, then we go to the park. The medical workers there proceed to tell us that it wasn't their fault, that Chloe had been reading and so she was distracted and she shouldn't have been doing that on a ride. I was furious.
I woke up crying, and then get teary-eyed quite a few times throughout the day. I cried writing this down. I don't know why I'm so shoken up about it. Maybe because it was in color, scientists always wonder about this, but I remember the vibrant reds of the couch and blood. And Chloe's blonde hair. But I think the biggest part about it all is remembering that I could've prevented it and the way she died. How horrible would it be to die while thinking you are on a harmless ride and then falling to your death? I kept telling myself in my head throughout the dream "it's alright, death is only a temporary seperation, I'll see her again". But I couldn't get over the fact that I didn't tell her and she had to fall.

I think the moral or this story is I need to listen to the Holy Ghost and remember how much I love Chloe.

Autumn!!!

2009-10-08T15:54:00.002-06:00

YAY FOR AUTUMN!!! I love fall!!!! YAYAYAYAY!
It's the most, wonderful time of the year. In my opinion.
I love making my house smell like cinnamon (only not too overpowering) and berry spice.
I love cleaning and making it feel nice and clean and warm.
I love the crispness of the air.
I love the leaves, and the ivy on the side of my house that turns brilliant shades of orange.
And I LOVE BAKING!!! Oh my gosh, so many festive things to make this season. So far, I've made sugar cookies (ghostly shapes of course) and bread. Then on Tuesday, I decided to experiment. I made sweet and sour chicken. Let me tell you, it was tasty. Only we had brown rice, so it kinda made you feel sick. So I finished it off the next day, with no rice. I can't wait to make cinnamon rolls this weekend! YIPEE!
I'm such a horrible person though. I haven't made pumpkin cookies yet. Shocking, since it's been fall for two weeks now! Most of you probably don't know this, unless you are my grandma and mother, but last year I would make double and triple batches of this delectable treat and it would be gone within a day or two. We ate those like crazy. AND I don't feel guilty at all.
So, today I had the brilliant plan to go make pumpkin cookies. And guess what?!!? I used up ALL the pumpkin. Yes, we had about 10 of those HUGE cans of pumpkin last year. And sadly, I used them all up with those cookies and making pumpkin pies. Can you believe it?! You probably can't, unless you know my grandma, who keeps a very stocked pantry full of cans of food. Yup, I used all of those! So, now I'm gonna have to put pumpkin at the top of the grocery list.

Sorry, I tried hard to make this post funny, and I failed horribly. Please excuse it.

Random Tuesday Quote

2009-09-29T10:41:00.002-06:00

"Return home with more that with what you left"

I first heard this quote a couple of months ago in a book (from a respected author and organization) and I was appalled that they said this. Then, I got thinking about it and I think I understand what it's teaching. Now it's one of my favorites and I have it in my room. It can take so many meanings, it just depends on how you look at it. I'd love to hear your take on it. In a couple of days I'll share with you the couple of meanings it has in my life

Devotional

2009-09-26T16:45:00.003-06:00

So I wrote a devotional for seminary on Monday and I'm so excited to give it I decided to put it on here. I just got a bunch of quotes and put them together into a 'lesson' so to say. Hopefully it makes sense, it's a very rough draft. I'm very open for suggestions.

Italicized words are from me and my thoughts. Regular words are quotes. Hopefully it makes sense.

We all chose to come to Earth with a divine purpose. We all wanted to increase in knowledge and become like our Heavenly Father. Throughout time we have seen examples of great heroes, through small or great things. We all have potential to be just as great as a Child of God. We all were strong and valiant before coming to Earth and for that, we were chosen to come to Earth at this time. Heavenly Father reserved us for nearly 6,000 years so we can serve his purpose.

“God reserved spirits for this dispensation who would have the courage and the determination to face the world and all the powers of the evil one and who would build up the Zion of our God FEARLESS of all consequences.” Sheri Dew

We were all strong spirits who showed immense dedication to our Lord. We were sent to Earth as some of the strongest spirits willing and able to stand up for truth and right.

“Fear shall come upon all people, but you and I know that the Lord has prepared places of safety to which He is eager to guide us” President Henry B. Eyring

Those places of safety are simple steps we can take to prepare ourselves for temptation and build our testimonies up. Little steps like reading our scriptures, praying, going to church, heeding the teachings of the prophet and our bishop, and being an example. These may seem small and insignificant, but Alma 37:6 states; “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass”

“God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest children who will help bear off the Kingdom triumphantly for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short time, a short period, as it is of us.”

We have so much given to us, but we can't take it for granted. Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful land for us to live in where we can practice the religion we choose. We were given the location in this beautiful land. We didn't have to cross the difficult plains and plow them. We were given the gospel and words of the Lord. We have a lot to give back. We have to complete our temple work, be a missionary and spread the gospel, and continue to be an example of the believers.

“As the challenges around us increase, we must commit to do more to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Casual prayer won't be enough. Reading a few versus of the scripture won't be enough. Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks of us won't be enough. This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the church. You must learn to be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so we won't be deceived.”

Do any of these excuses sound familiar? “I'll read my scriptures tomorrow” “I went to young womens last week” “I'll go to the temple next time.” “I'm too tired to pray” “I don't want to sound pushy by talking to them about the church”, “I'll skip Sunday school just this time” “I have to have that extra 10% to buy that shirt because I need it”. We need to remember that each activity, scripture, teaching, and opportunity to pray and serve our fellow men are there for a reason, and we need to take advantage of each opportunity to grow and become like our Heavenly Father. One of my favorite quotes is

“I want to live a life so that when I rise in the morning Satan says “Oh no, she's awake”.

We all want to live a life knowing who we are and where we are going, and we are doing everything we can to get there. We must step up and be the best we can be and make Satan afraid of the final battle.
If we were told tomorrow was our last day, we'd want to be able to continue living the way we are now, not making those last minute adjustments we should have been making a lifetime ago.

I'd just like to end with a quote by Thomas S. Monson-
“We know not the day nor the hour of His coming, but of this you may feel assured. You stand close to the great day of the Lord. In his words of modern revelation we say to you “seek the face of the Lord always.” You live in the midst of economic, political and spiritual instability. When you see these signs unmistakable evidences that his coming is nigh. Be not troubled but stand in holy places and be not moved until the day of the Lord come.”

And I'll end with my testimony.
Any suggestions?

Ande turned TWO!

2009-09-21T10:48:00.003-06:00

Last night Ande came up to me and said
"Daddy sleeping?"
I said "No daddy buh-bye".
"Oh daddy buh-bye outside"
"Yes, daddy is gone"
"Where's Luna...outside?" (Luna is the moon to her)
"Luna's sleeping"
"Oh! Luna outside sleeping?" (at that point she brings up her two hands to the side of her face)
"Yes Ande, Luna's sleeping outside, you smarty"
Then she laughed and went on with her day

She can now count to three, sometimes both ways.
Whatever she does, she has to give it to everyone in the room (high fives, hugs, kisses, etc).
She tells me her name, and shows and tells me how old she is.
She gives us high fives, "bams" our fist, and tells us "peace out, dudes"
She can name basically everybody part, even back which shocked me when she said it.
She can name and make a lot of animal sounds.
She loves Tinkerbell, and wants to watch it everyday, and will look for her wherever we are. She also loves 'oobby oo' (Scooby Doo) and tells us about Ariel.
She has pride in the fact that she can jump.
She knows all of the close family members, and she asks about "bapa, mama, and doggy" frequently.
She loves being outdoors, and taking in all of the sites.
And she still loves her baba, and sleeping with her sisters on weekends.

Now we just need to work on potty training.

Texting and Driving

2009-09-14T17:17:00.004-06:00

I strongly reccomend you check this out! It gave me a headache but still try to play. It made me realize how hard it would be though. I couldn't even drive (let alone text) because of the set up of the game. Hopefully its because it was going really fast and the buttons were weird and it had nothing to do with me and how I would drive.

Anyways, don't know what more to say about it. Have fun.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/19/technology/20090719-driving-game.html?ref=technology