If you had a bad day like me...

Inspired Guidance

In October 2012 the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President Monson, opened up the 182nd Semi-Annual General Conference by announcing that the church would be lowering the age requirement for missionary service both male and female.  My reaction was in line with all those who heard this shocking announcement, I was overjoyed.  This put going on a mission on my list of options to consider for my future.  After much prayer and studying I have come to the conclusion that for now I am best off staying where I am at and serving the Lord in different ways.  This has been a very difficult decision for me.  I have slowly watched one by one as my dear close friends who I counted on being in my life for a while longer have received that white envelope in the mail and discovered where they will be serving 18-24 months of their young lives. I have slowly watched them start to leave. And this is hard! I am so proud of all my friends who have decided to serve full time missions.  

After this announcement it was so easy for people to say they would serve a mission. While I am not saying that staying home will be harder then serving a mission but I know I am in for a struggle.  I am excited for the challenge saying goodbye will bring.  I am excited for the challenge of devoting myself to the service of our Lord and Savior back here on the home front.  I am excited to watch all my friends grow and to learn from them. I am excited for the progress of the True and Everlasting Church here on the earth today.  I am excited to be a part of the chosen generation given the great task of expanding the work. I am excited to discover the Lords plan for me to do so. 

Blessed Beyond Words

Today while walking around campus I was hit with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am so very blessed. Coming up to Utah State University was really hard on me. I've had my fair share of trials over the past few years and moving out was one of them. However today I realized that I have been very blessed as well. I have met some amazing people and have learned so much from them. I am also surrounded by incredible beauty. It has been snowing for a couple days up here and despite the sub-zero temps everything is beautiful.

YEAH-E-YEAH-E-YEAH-E-YEAH its a party at UTAH STATE

Karaoke Night.
nuff said.

But really. Tonight was a much needed break from life

no stress

no drama

no dishes to clean up after I ate

And as pathetic as this is while dancing on chairs at Pizza Pie Cafe this evening it hit me how lucky I am to have met such amazing people up here at USU who are as crazy if not more so than I am. 

I mean these are people I met just a few months ago who let me call them babe and doll face. 

The greatest people in the world go to Utah State.

don't get me started on the snow.

Something I have been dreading

I have neglected my blog.
I was thinking about this fact today and I discovered what I think is the reason.

I have nothing to say.

So here's a video of a moment that I dread but that hopefully will turn out as wonderful as this...

I've said Hello and Goodbye

It has finally (almost) come to an end. The first semester of my college experience.
This semester has been quite eventful. I have met so many wonderful people and made many lasting friendships.  At the same time I have said goodbye to some amazing people.  One of my best friends passed away.  I am also getting ready to say goodbye to many people I have met up here.  I feel like I just met them and it is already time to say goodbye.  I am so grateful for the lasting friendships I have gained over the past few short months. Also this semester I have had one job, quit that job, gotten a different job, been accepted to be on A-Team next year, had a calling, and I have also learned a lot about myself.  I am so excited to continue going to school up here.  Utah State University has literally been the best decision I have ever made.

The boys gave each other haircuts

My dear friend Elder Johnson

Went and saw I Believe in Christmas with some amazing friends

Christian, one of my first friends up here was an elf in the play

Missed this kid a lot and was so happy when I saw him again

we have lots of fun... and Christian stole my phone

My roommates enjoying the pleasures of an evening to relax

Another dear friend Elder Lant, Had to say goodbye to him

met one of my hero's Michael McLean

Went bowling and surprised myself with my score

Some amazing people, the last time all of them will be together

Date night gingerbread house decorating contest

late night McDonalds run

another boy I have missed a lot since moving

life is good

How terrible it is to love something death can touch

Today I lost a dear friend.
Tiffany was and is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing.  She had the brightest smile and was so caring.  I loved going to lacrosse games with her and seeing her when she would come visit my sewing class.  She was such a sweetheart.  I love her to pieces and know I would not be where I am today if it weren't for her. She helped pull me through the passing of my father and she taught me how to be happy through the hardest times.  Word cannot describe the pain I have felt hearing of her passing.  Tiffany touched my heart, and I have been forever changed.

I love you Tiff!

How terrible it is to love something death can touch.