Sometimes your mom steals your camera when you want to post pictures on you blog and you don't know when she will give it back. She bought you that camera for Christmas and you know secretly she wanted it so part of you is thinking you should just give it to her and let her enjoy the present she bought you and the other part of you is thinking that you would hate taking pictures without that camera because you are no artist and all you could really do is draw what is going on.
Sometimes you want to post about your brother's senior night football game and how you think he is so great and has so much great life to live ahead of him but you don't really want to do it without pictures because it is boring without pictures and your mom stole your camera. I love you JD and Mom.
Sometimes you have terrible amounts of homework and you don't want to do them at all but you do anyway because you know that with an awesome Halloween party to attend this weekend you will have little time to really study because you'll be creating your costume last minute.
Sometimes you're on campus from 7 am until 7 pm because you have a night class and an early shift of work and what is the point in going home because your biggest break is an hour and a half between classes. This 7 am until 7 pm Tuesday sometimes upsets you. You really dislike it.
Sometimes you have a fabulous weekend doing whatever you want to do: eating, sleeping, going to the pumpkin walk, watching football, playing games, making treats, painting pumpkins, going out to eat at Olive Garden, visiting Petsmart and wishing you had a puppy, visiting old friends, cuddling, taking naps and going on bike rides. This fabulous weekend makes it very hard to enjoy this "fabulous" week you are going through right now with homework and studying and tests and quizzes and papers etc. etc. However, you are very grateful for your 3 day weekend!
Sometimes you are just simply happy that you have the life you do and you realize this when you are making Rachael Ray Steak Sub Heroes and your husband announces he got a .25 raise and you both get so excited you are making 25 cents more and then you celebrate by eating your dinner you are currently making and studying. You are so grateful for your jobs, chance to attend school, food on your table, warm house, car that works, indoor plumbing, family that loves you, your spouse who adores you and the gospel in your life.
Sometimes...
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
I love this guy...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Why I love General Conference...
- I get to spend time with my family
- I get to have good food that I didn't make
- I get to stay in my comfies on Sunday
- I get to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
- I get to feel the spirit
- I get to hear modern day revelation from God from our prophet and apostles
- I get to be inspired to be better
Another thing I love about General Conference is listening to President Uchtdorf speak. Of course, I like hearing all the talks but for some reason the way President Uchtdorf speaks resonates with me perfectly. I have loved every single talk I've ever heard from him but I really loved his talk on Saturday. I can't re-read it and quote it so I'll tell you why I loved it later but I also loved the talk he gave at the Relief Society session. When reading over this talk I applied it to my life and I'd just like to share how great it was for me.
He gave us 5 things we need to be wise NOT to forget.
#1- Forget not to be PATIENT with yourself
He told us we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses and that the person we think is perfect is most likely not.
My translation: Do not compare myself to others and when I don't get my to-do list done during the day or don't do as well as I would like to on something to give myself a break! I still need to have high standards and expectations for myself but when I don't meet these expectations I need to be patient and realize I am only human and I will do better next time.
#2- Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice
He told us an acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of greater worth. We need to be able to realize when we are foolishly sacrificing.
My translation: Prioritize! I need to prioritize my life so that the most important things happen by commiting by time to things in my life that matter most... My Savior, My Spirituality, My Husband, My Home, My Family, My Callings, My Health, My Schooling
#3- Forget not to be happy now
He said, "There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to appear."
My translation: I have a hard time with this one. I always have something I am looking to in the future that will make me happier. I am excited to be done with school, have kids a home and Clark have a real job, but I need to realize that the small things and our life now can be happy happy things like: cuddling with Clark, making dinner together, learning new things at school, meeting new people, creating new friendships and relationships in this time in our life, playing games on Sunday, going on long runs, bike rides or walks, having serious chats in the car, watching siblings grow up, hanging out with older and wiser siblings and just creating a life together.
#4- Forget not the "why" of the Gospel
He said, "We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why." He goes on to say, "when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet."
My translation: I need to remember why I am doing what I do. I need to remember that I keep commandments, go to the temple, go to church, take the sacrament, pay tithing, visit teach, read my scriptures and pray because it will truly give me happiness now and in the eternities. I am doing these things because I was raised and taught to do them but I am also doing them so I can be on good terms with my Heavenly Father and Savior and have eternal happiness.
#5- Forget not that the Lord loves you
He said, "Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love."
My translation: I am not forgotten. I am loved. I am a daughter of a King and that makes me a someone who is VERY important. He loves us all individually.
I love general conference. I also love fall and October. I am excited for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year and it gets to begin with general conference. I am one lucky girl.
- I get to have good food that I didn't make
- I get to stay in my comfies on Sunday
- I get to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
- I get to feel the spirit
- I get to hear modern day revelation from God from our prophet and apostles
- I get to be inspired to be better
Another thing I love about General Conference is listening to President Uchtdorf speak. Of course, I like hearing all the talks but for some reason the way President Uchtdorf speaks resonates with me perfectly. I have loved every single talk I've ever heard from him but I really loved his talk on Saturday. I can't re-read it and quote it so I'll tell you why I loved it later but I also loved the talk he gave at the Relief Society session. When reading over this talk I applied it to my life and I'd just like to share how great it was for me.
He gave us 5 things we need to be wise NOT to forget.
#1- Forget not to be PATIENT with yourself
He told us we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses and that the person we think is perfect is most likely not.
My translation: Do not compare myself to others and when I don't get my to-do list done during the day or don't do as well as I would like to on something to give myself a break! I still need to have high standards and expectations for myself but when I don't meet these expectations I need to be patient and realize I am only human and I will do better next time.
#2- Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice
He told us an acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of greater worth. We need to be able to realize when we are foolishly sacrificing.
My translation: Prioritize! I need to prioritize my life so that the most important things happen by commiting by time to things in my life that matter most... My Savior, My Spirituality, My Husband, My Home, My Family, My Callings, My Health, My Schooling
#3- Forget not to be happy now
He said, "There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to appear."
My translation: I have a hard time with this one. I always have something I am looking to in the future that will make me happier. I am excited to be done with school, have kids a home and Clark have a real job, but I need to realize that the small things and our life now can be happy happy things like: cuddling with Clark, making dinner together, learning new things at school, meeting new people, creating new friendships and relationships in this time in our life, playing games on Sunday, going on long runs, bike rides or walks, having serious chats in the car, watching siblings grow up, hanging out with older and wiser siblings and just creating a life together.
#4- Forget not the "why" of the Gospel
He said, "We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why." He goes on to say, "when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet."
My translation: I need to remember why I am doing what I do. I need to remember that I keep commandments, go to the temple, go to church, take the sacrament, pay tithing, visit teach, read my scriptures and pray because it will truly give me happiness now and in the eternities. I am doing these things because I was raised and taught to do them but I am also doing them so I can be on good terms with my Heavenly Father and Savior and have eternal happiness.
#5- Forget not that the Lord loves you
He said, "Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love."
My translation: I am not forgotten. I am loved. I am a daughter of a King and that makes me a someone who is VERY important. He loves us all individually.
I love general conference. I also love fall and October. I am excited for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year and it gets to begin with general conference. I am one lucky girl.
Friday, September 30, 2011
My #11's...
So... we are back in school and I just have to say. It has been one busy semester so far. We are one month in and this past week felt like finals week. You know how finals week feels when you are so tired because of lack of sleep from studying and working and going to class and then you are malnourished because you don't have time to buy groceries and under-exercised because you don't have time for that either. Well... add a football game at west side to all those feelings and you have my week in a nutshell. I had 3 tests. Clark had 1 and it was no fun!!!!
Now... on a lighter note. I did get to go and celebrate my Addie's 14th birthday with her on Thursday. We watched her game and gave her cupcakes and then we went to JD's Senior Homecoming game. I just have to say I have some amazing siblings. Whenever I see or hear the things that they accomplish I am always so proud to be their sister.
JD-
Click Here!
To hear about my brother being famous. He has a great football team this year that he is the quarterback of and it is so fun to watch him play, but I need to tell you the real reason I am proud I am JD's sister.
From the moment JD was born he has: loved loved loved sports and had a defective body. Now when I say defective body I do not say it lightly although it is funny to say your brother has a defective body. He really does though. He has had numerous knee and ear surgeries and he has had to have a surgery to extract a tumor from his face. Yes folks... his face. And when I say JD has loved loved loved sports. I do not say that lightly either. He has played basketball, soccer, football, baseball, ran track and wrestled. He has loved everything about them too.
As the oldest sister I have had to sit through numerous ballgames and also a lot of surgeries and with everyone there has been heartache and rejoicing. JD has had a constant battle with his body and has never felt completely good. He has never had a day he hasn't endured some type of pain. His body, like I said, is defective. I have watched JD though and he has grown through all the trials with his body and he still plays. He still loves every second of every game. He still would choose shooting a ball or scrimmaging over most things and I think that is amazing. I think it is amazing that I am related to someone so strong. He is absolutely unstoppable. And it isn't just his victory over his body that I have been amazed with. It is his ongoing desire to be good. He is a good kid. He is kind and funny and smart and good and that is why I am so proud to be related to #11.
Addie-
I have never ever had the pleasure of meeting someone as pleasant and kind as my sister. She is one of the best people I know. I got the opportunity to watch her play volleyball a week ago and wow can she hit that ball. She is very athletic but I noticed something after the game. She went up to the line judge and thanked her. What player have you ever seen do this? Go up to a line judge and thank her. I have never seen a volleyball player do that nor have I seen a football player thank the chain gang either. I was so proud to see my little #11 do that.
Besides being kind and practically perfect, Addie is the most naturally beautiful girl I know. She can even pull off braces. She is also so funny and so fun to hang out with. She is always up for an adventure and she is the most creative girl you will ever meet. She has also gotten her Young Women's Medallion and is very faithful in reading her scriptures every night.
I am so happy to be able to know someone of such a high caliber. She is one of the most genuine people I know and I am proud to be her sister.
Brigham-
The more I watch Brigham grow up, the more I like him. He is one of the funniest boys I know. He is extremely smart too. He is tight end on his little football team and also #11. He is great and his team has lost all their games but he is so hopeful and happy that he gets to play football. (He makes touchdowns like their going out of style too.) I have a story that I love about Brigham though. One night Clark, JD, Addie, Brigham and I were sitting at the house and I suggested we play 500 outside. Brigham was it during one point of the game and calls out "mystery box" and when I get the ball he calls out freeze ray. (Hello, I didn't know that the rules have been revamped! You seriously can do that these days now... call freeze ray and get away with it. So I was frozen a whole turn.) Well... JD soon becomes it and calls "mystery box" then Brigham gets it and he says "glue bum". Brigham had to sit on the wet grass and the rest of the game everyone was getting glue bummed. It was pretty intense. At the end of the game Brigham was way mad because he lost and was getting pushed around by all of us bigger kids and he ran into the house. Well a few weeks later we were talking about that game and Brigham said, "When you have kids, I'm going to play 500 and give them glue bums all the time." To which I replied, "I'll tell mom." And he said, "she can't do anything about it, I'll be bigger than all of you."
There are 2 things I love about this story. 1- I love that Brigham pictures being an uncle to my kids and playing with them in the yard. I love that he wants to be an uncle that plays with his nieces and nephews. He is going to be a great uncle someday. 2- I love that he is so optimistic about the future and that someday he will be bigger than all of us. I hope he is. I will always be proud to be his big sister.
As you can tell, I love my family. I love who I get to spend forever with and even when tests wreak havoc on my week, I can find the good in everything and love the life I've been given.
Now... on a lighter note. I did get to go and celebrate my Addie's 14th birthday with her on Thursday. We watched her game and gave her cupcakes and then we went to JD's Senior Homecoming game. I just have to say I have some amazing siblings. Whenever I see or hear the things that they accomplish I am always so proud to be their sister.
JD-
Click Here!
To hear about my brother being famous. He has a great football team this year that he is the quarterback of and it is so fun to watch him play, but I need to tell you the real reason I am proud I am JD's sister.
From the moment JD was born he has: loved loved loved sports and had a defective body. Now when I say defective body I do not say it lightly although it is funny to say your brother has a defective body. He really does though. He has had numerous knee and ear surgeries and he has had to have a surgery to extract a tumor from his face. Yes folks... his face. And when I say JD has loved loved loved sports. I do not say that lightly either. He has played basketball, soccer, football, baseball, ran track and wrestled. He has loved everything about them too.
As the oldest sister I have had to sit through numerous ballgames and also a lot of surgeries and with everyone there has been heartache and rejoicing. JD has had a constant battle with his body and has never felt completely good. He has never had a day he hasn't endured some type of pain. His body, like I said, is defective. I have watched JD though and he has grown through all the trials with his body and he still plays. He still loves every second of every game. He still would choose shooting a ball or scrimmaging over most things and I think that is amazing. I think it is amazing that I am related to someone so strong. He is absolutely unstoppable. And it isn't just his victory over his body that I have been amazed with. It is his ongoing desire to be good. He is a good kid. He is kind and funny and smart and good and that is why I am so proud to be related to #11.
Addie-
I have never ever had the pleasure of meeting someone as pleasant and kind as my sister. She is one of the best people I know. I got the opportunity to watch her play volleyball a week ago and wow can she hit that ball. She is very athletic but I noticed something after the game. She went up to the line judge and thanked her. What player have you ever seen do this? Go up to a line judge and thank her. I have never seen a volleyball player do that nor have I seen a football player thank the chain gang either. I was so proud to see my little #11 do that.
Besides being kind and practically perfect, Addie is the most naturally beautiful girl I know. She can even pull off braces. She is also so funny and so fun to hang out with. She is always up for an adventure and she is the most creative girl you will ever meet. She has also gotten her Young Women's Medallion and is very faithful in reading her scriptures every night.
I am so happy to be able to know someone of such a high caliber. She is one of the most genuine people I know and I am proud to be her sister.
Brigham-
The more I watch Brigham grow up, the more I like him. He is one of the funniest boys I know. He is extremely smart too. He is tight end on his little football team and also #11. He is great and his team has lost all their games but he is so hopeful and happy that he gets to play football. (He makes touchdowns like their going out of style too.) I have a story that I love about Brigham though. One night Clark, JD, Addie, Brigham and I were sitting at the house and I suggested we play 500 outside. Brigham was it during one point of the game and calls out "mystery box" and when I get the ball he calls out freeze ray. (Hello, I didn't know that the rules have been revamped! You seriously can do that these days now... call freeze ray and get away with it. So I was frozen a whole turn.) Well... JD soon becomes it and calls "mystery box" then Brigham gets it and he says "glue bum". Brigham had to sit on the wet grass and the rest of the game everyone was getting glue bummed. It was pretty intense. At the end of the game Brigham was way mad because he lost and was getting pushed around by all of us bigger kids and he ran into the house. Well a few weeks later we were talking about that game and Brigham said, "When you have kids, I'm going to play 500 and give them glue bums all the time." To which I replied, "I'll tell mom." And he said, "she can't do anything about it, I'll be bigger than all of you."
There are 2 things I love about this story. 1- I love that Brigham pictures being an uncle to my kids and playing with them in the yard. I love that he wants to be an uncle that plays with his nieces and nephews. He is going to be a great uncle someday. 2- I love that he is so optimistic about the future and that someday he will be bigger than all of us. I hope he is. I will always be proud to be his big sister.
As you can tell, I love my family. I love who I get to spend forever with and even when tests wreak havoc on my week, I can find the good in everything and love the life I've been given.
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