Job Hunting & Home Cooked Meals.

 

I've been home for a month exactly, today. And I'm thoroughly enjoying being home. I may never want to go back to Rexburg again. But, that might change by September. Ah, who am I kidding, I will be going back to school whether I like it or not.

There are tons of reasons I love being home. Here are a few.

1. CLEAN HOUSE. (Probably my favorite. I love you Mom.)
2. MY OWN ROOM. (Personal space is always wonderful.)
3. NO GIRLS. (Except my mother and I of course.)
4. HOME COOKED MEALS. (That I don't have to pay for, prepare, etc.)
5. A QUIET SANCTUARY. (Falling asleep to crickets, frogs, and the circle sprinklers.)
6. HOME WARD. (Babies and backrubs.)
7. MY BEST FRIEND IS ACROSS THE FIELD. (Love knowing this.)
8. MY LITTLE BROTHERS TO PICK ON. (Somewhere deep down I know they missed me.)
9. A HORSE TO RIDE WHENEVER. (I'll go riding for hours around the farm.)
10. PARENTS TO HUG EVERY NIGHT. (I sleep so much better.)

Really, those are just a few things. My list goes on and on and on. I promise that I am very responsible and independent now, but getting to enjoy these luxuries- I'm just livin' the life, really.

Except, not everything has been all fun and games. I've been job hunting for a month know. It's frustrating, but humbling really. It makes me realize how truly important the decision in a husband is, and how important an education is. Even though it's a lot of work, I plan on finishing out school for realsies. It's super important.

I still don't know when Heavenly Father plans on blessing me with some sort of job, but I'll keep doing my part and being patient. Something has to come along. I gotta pay for school somehow. And I really would like to take a car to school. But I guess that's just a side goal. So if anyone hears on a job that you think might be something I should look into, that'd be awesome! Really needing help here.

Life is pretty good right now, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather here in Mo-Town. Everyday, I get to drive our country roads and there's just something about home that can make you smile no matter what.

And what's better than having home cooked meals every single night? Forget cereal, top ramen, poptarts, and popcorn! Wait, no, I love my popcorn. But I actually I ate pretty dang good at college, too, since I forced myself to learn how to be a little domestic goddess. Just kidding, but not really... I wasn't too bad. I can make some mean homemade chicken noodle soup. My crockpot was my best friend at school. But I love now coming downstairs to the smells of homemade rolls and mom's famous dinners. Tender mercies, man.

I think Kyle enjoys having me home the most. And my momma. Landon grew so much. He's so tall, about to pass Joshua up. Since Joshua is losing in the height department, he uses his muscles against Landon. It's cute. Landon has a deep voice and everything. When I got home a month ago, I ran inside and I grabbed Landon first (Ok... they were already trying to run away from me), and I wrapped my arms around him. At first, I was about to ask him why he was on his tippy toes, but then I realized that I was on MY tip toes!! He just sprouted up. Sweet little Kyle is still a little baby boy, hasn't hit his growth spurt and is as gentle and kind as can be. He's a good kid. I'm happy to be home and be silly with my Dad. He takes such good care of us. He missed his baby girl, too, no big deal. And of all things, my dog was even happy to see me! Just sat there whining and wagging his tail. He's a happy, sweet little doggie. And seeing my horse, bringing her home from Grandpa's, and  jumping back in the saddle made it official that I was HOME.

I really can't believe it's been a month already. What a good month. I like Washington much better than Idaho. Here's to the next 3 1/2 months!

 

 

First Year Away- DONEZO.

    It's April! Springtime. Living in Rexburg for the past 8 months has REALLY helped me appreciate Springtime. The snow has finally melted away, the grass is starting to regain color, and I can go places without a coat. So, I welcome you, warm weather.
    I can't believe it! My Rexburg experience has finally come to an end. I have finals the next two days, and then I am packing up and heading home on Saturday! Okay, well, I might have already begun packing, like last week. No judgment. But, if you were me, you'd be packed up too. Maybe even after like the first month. And I'm not even kidding.
    Alright, I always make Rexburg sound unbearable. Let me not be Negative Nancy for once, huh? I have had wonderful experiences here... and not so good ones as well, that have shaped me into who I am right now. I truly have learned a lot, and have had to push through a lot, but- I have come out of this experience with very valuable life lessons.
     I am ready to go home. SO READY. I think my Daddy is just as ready. I've had my fun here, but we all know Moses Lake is where it's at. The Farm is where I want to be, with all my 20+ cousins. I can't wait to hug my brothers, then annoy them for 5 months. I can't wait to drive a car on familiar streets and country roads. I am ready to sleep in my own bed, in my own room, in my safe house. I'm ready to be loved by welcoming family members. I'm ready to eat my mom's home cooked meals, and NOT have to do my own grocery shopping and budgeting and all that. I cannot wait to ride my horse that I've missed terribly, through the fields and to feel free again. I'm ready to see my excited dog, and meet my Uncle's new puppies. I can't wait to be in my living room, sitting on soft couches and seeing our family pictures everywhere. I am so ready to be back where I come from, where I belong.
     I just have to get through this week. The semester ends Wednesday. Final assignments will all be done and turned in by that day. That makes me so happy. Thursday I will pack up the rest of my things. Roommates will be gone by Friday afternoon. I will see some good friends on Friday evening that are coming up for their spring semester. And then, my parents will get in from driving all day at midnight. I cannot explain how overjoyed I am to see them soon. I appreciate them so much. We'll crash for the night in my empty apartment, pack the car up in the morning, and my parents will take me HOME.
     It's crazy to think that in just a week, I will be in my home, sitting at the dinner table with my family, and eating momma's food. (Ma, this is your hint now, steak would be lovely). So, ask me how I'm doing by next Sunday, and I'll say as happy as can be!
     So, if yal back in Mo Town feel like throwing me a welcome home party- I will gladly accept. Hugs are welcome. Oh, and I need a job. Help a sista out. LOVE YOU ALL. Cannot wait to see yal. XOXO. PEACE OUT REXBURGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

                                           

Lovebird.

      Whoa, am I blogging twice in the same month? This is so wierd. Haha. This post is super simple and not really of  great importance, but I had to share my favorite song that I've been listening to every single day of this new semester. The words mean more to me than really any song. I heard it one day and stopped dead in my tracks and instantly tears were flowing. This song- is so me. I'd like to share it with you!
                                 LOVEBIRD, by Leona Lewis

           "I could lay down next to you, stay in bed all afternoon,
              We were birds of a feather, we were always together.
            And I never will forget all the little things you said,
              In that beautiful summer, you used to call me your lovebird.
            But the time went on, the wind has blown, and I have grown.
              And I started feeling that my wings had been broken.
            I can't believe that I would ever want to be set free,
              But I just can't stay, so your lovebird's flying away...

            Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
              Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
            And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
              Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.

             I want the world at my feet, even if it's bittersweet,
              Want to stand on my own end, with my heart in my own hands.
            Because I've begun to see, that you and me- we're different breeds,
              So I've gotta be leaving, got to get back to breathing.
            And I can't believe that I would ever want to be set free,
              But I just can't stay, so your lovebird's flying away...

           Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
             Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
           And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
             Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.

           And you'll always be a part of me, you made me who I am.
             But I gotta say I'm not afraid to take my wings back.
           They say if you love something, let it go, let it go, let it go.
             Open up the gates, cause your lovebird's flying away...

           Your lovebird's flying away, cause my heart's been stuck in a cage,
            Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy.
          And I miss you every day, but there's nothing left to say,
            Gotta sing my song so pretty, dum dum diddy."

Click here to listen to the song if you haven't heard it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3KotP1V0E8
    
                I just really like this song. If my life had a soundtrack, this would most definitely be on it! Haha. Happy Sunday to all. I guess I should probably be listening to church music today, my bad.....

Flashback through 2012.

Heyyo!
       So, I was thinking. We're about 17 days into the new year. It really does feel like a new year. I just started my second semester of college here at BYU-I. It's full of mixed feelings. I came to really love my roommates last semester, met new people that I eventually came very close with, and discovered how much I can truly handle. And now that's all gone. Along with a new year, came a new track of new roommates, new people that I haven't connected with, but... I'm still learning how much more I can handle... and what I can't. But today as I was walking home from campus, I thought alot about my 2012. The people that came into my life, and the people that left my life. The memories I created, and the memories that still hold great value to me. The hardships and trials I somehow survived. And every single experience that made for one heck of a year.  I really can't believe that it's a new year. Where did 2012 even go? I would like to list the things I experienced, felt, and learned.
              At the beginning of the year, I got to be a member of the Molahiette Dance Team. That had been a huge dream of mine since I saw them perform for our school my freshman year. In 2011, during the summer, we had worked our butts off, I swear- like every day. As we came into the new year, it was competition season. Was I scared? Nah... maybe a little bit. I've never known the feeling of confidence like I did on that team. With each daily practice and monthly competition, I learned the important lesson of hard work, dedication, and courage. There was nothing that could compare to the way I felt walking on with my team each time to perform. I was never scared that we would make fools of ourselves, I could feel the confidence and excitement just surging through each of us as we danced. It was THE COOLEST thing I've ever felt. And it only took us on to State and Nationals, where we walked away with happiness and, oh you know, championship titles. There are a lot of people that don't understand why we feel the way we feel being a part of that team... only my former and fellow Molahiettes can completely relate and undertand. So, 2012 gave me the opportunity to do what I love and gave me experiences that made my Senior Year so special.
           Also, at the beginning of January, I was accepted into BYU- Idaho. And at that point, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I was so happy to recieve that acceptance letter. My Mom and Grandma cried. I can't believe that's in been a whole year since I've been accepted. My whole senior year I prepared for college and tried my best to stay focused on my ending career of high school. I remember that last stretch, I was so excited to graduate, and to move on to BYU-Idaho.
          Graduation day came. June 2. I had done it! Four whole years. Bleh. I just remember being unbelievably happy walking with my cousin Maren down the field. Okay no, we skipped and danced and victory bumped all the way to our seats. The graduation ceremony was windy and crazy and so fun. We stood up at one point and did a flash mob. Except of course, our senior class being as lame and too cool as we are, only like 50 people stood up and actually did it. I did it proudly. I was recognized that day as a Molahiette and for the State and National Championship. Another proud moment. As the ceremony closed, we turned our tassels and threw our hats in the air. I lost mine. So I went searching for it, knocking down chairs. That was my hat. Haha. Afterwards, flowers and pictures and hugs and congrats were everywhere. Later that day, Maren and I got to share our graduation party. There was so much food and fun and presents and foooddd. That night, I didn't come home. Partyyyy.
          During the summer, I turned 18! That was a big step. I got to share it with special people and was treated well. And now that I was 18, along came so much more freedom. Summer was good. Really good. I miss summer. And during that time, my room became more and more cluttered with college stuff and boxes and suitcases and all that I would need. It started to be exciting... but I also started to get scared out of my mind. A good scared.
           The day I left for Rexburg, Idaho, was one of the hardest days of my entire life. Saying goodbye to my brothers was harder for me, because I think for them it hadn't set in yet. It wasn't real for them until I was actually gone. As I got in the car, that was jam packed with my belongings, I cried and cried. And my mom thought it'd be funny to take a picture. Real funny, ma. I forgave her. Though no one will ever see those pictures. Saying goodbye to my dog was even difficult! Driving out of my driveway... I am pretty sure I almost died. But I made it to Rexburg eventually and it has become a second home. Kinda.
           First semester took me for a spin. I'm not exactly sure how I'm still alive and breathing after it. I found out who I am.... and who I wasn't. The things I won't ever be. I found out what is important. And Heavenly Father took me from the path I was on, to this new path I'm still trying to figure out how to walk on. It's kind of humorous.... how Heavenly Father works. Obviously, I don't know my plan at all, so I'm just blindly following. Faith is key, I guess. But first semester, even though it was the most tough, crazy, and difficult start..... turned out to be the most wonderful experience I could ever have at college. I guess that's why I find it so hard to adjust to this new semester.
          Going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas made me realize how much I love home and where I come from. I am so extremely blessed and I am eternally grateful for the life I live. During Christmas break, our family watched home videos, and I was so happy to just know that I have one of the greatest families on this earth. And this great family gets to go to heaven together to be an eternal family. Through thick and thin, tough times and happy times, they're the only people I run to, and I feel so safe whenever I am home. I can't wait to see them in April.
          My last wonderful experience of 2012, was New Years Eve. I had been pondering in my head a lot what I could do to free myself from past experiences and memories that were weighing down on me. I made the concious decision to stop letting certain things control me- that I could be sad and think about whatever I wanted, but that I had to let it all go.... and move onward. And I did. As soon as it hit 2013- I was free.
        I am so happy to be who I am. For what I've experienced, known, and for whatever is up next for me. It could be a mission. It could be more school. It could be whatever else. I don't know! Maren was saying the other day in a letter, that we're at the age where we can do anything, be anything, choose anything, and try anything we want! Whether it's making the huge decision to go on a mission, study abroad, switch colleges, or you know- just maybe find the one and get hitched and start a family! It's so wonderful because it's our choice. And that's also why it's the most terrifying thing in the world. So here's to a new year. What's up next for me? I don't know. I turn 19 in July. Maybe I'll go serve the Lord by going on a mission? Maybe I'll do more schooling? Maybe I'll like, out of the blue, meet my husband? Haha, not likely, but YOU NEVER KNOW! But Heavenly Father does. So this new year is a year of faith, and true dependance on Him, to get me where I need to be. Peace out 2012. Hello 2013.

 

 

 

 

                                               



       

30 Things I am Thankful For.

Well, there are 30 days in November, and it's basically the month of thanks. And I'd feel completely selfish if I didn't express my gratitude for the things I have, and things that have happened this year. So, here goes! And there will be simple, silly things... but I am super thankful for those too.

                                                                   1. My Family

 

2. My Sister Maren

 

3. My Best Friend, Liza B

 

4. My Horse Preza

 

5. T-Swizzie

 

6. My Wonderful Roommates

 

7. Having Chayla at College With Me

 

 

8. My Brothers that I Miss Terribly

 

9. The Rexburg Temple

 

10. My Home

 

11. My Dear Mom

 

12. My Amazing Dad

 

13. My Dog Zeke

 

14. My Beautiful Friends

 

15. The Portland Temple (Because I'm getting married there someday.)

 

16. BYU-Idaho. Yes, I'm thankful to be at college.

 

17. My Glory Days

 

18. My Grandpa Who Survived Some Major Health Problems & Surgery

 

19. My Little Sha-Rae-Rae Whose Getting Baptized This Month

 

20. Dove Chocolate.... Not just for the chocolate, but the quotes.

 

21. Cows, because they give me steak.

 

22. My Roommate Kelsey, For Setting the Example and Going on a Mission! (Her call should be here VERY SOON).

 

23. SO GRATEFUL for Graduating High School. Peaced Outta that Place.

 

24. My Extended Family

 

 

25. Both sets of Grandparents. I Don't Have a Picture of My Other Grandparents, For Some Odd Reason. I Love Mimi and Bampa, and Grandma and Pa!

 

26. Getting Care Packages, Oh so Often. (From so Many Family Members.)

 

27. Kid History, For It's Clean and Hilarious Humor.

 

28. Olive Garden, For It's Tasty Food.

 

29. America.

 

30. My Savior Jesus Christ.

 

This one is probably my favorite...

 

There are so many other things I am grateful for in my life, and I know that I cannot count them off because there are so many. I am so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving Month!

 

Ps. I can't wait to be home with family in 10 days!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somehow survivin'.

Well, I started to write a blog about when I went home two weekends ago, and I got all the way to the end of that blog (and might I add, I worked SUPER hard on it, and put a ton of effort into it) AND IT SOMEHOW DELETED ITSELF. I was very upset. Soooo, lemme try again?
                                             THE WEEKEND I WENT HOME.

 

Supermodel shot at Butte, Montana rest stop. Hah.

 

 

I am so grateful that these girls let me tag along.

 

 

After surprising my family at the Moses Lake football game on Friday night, I got to sleep in the next day, AND my little brother Landon made me some breakfast. :)

 

 

Got to visit my sweet little Preza. Or as Maren says, Prezzy Dezzy.

 

 

Caught up with my grandma, she makes sure I got some snacks in my belly.

 

 

Got to see just a lil' bit of our home sunsets. Tugged at my heart a little.

 

 

Meet my best pal, Daddy.

 

 

The always handsome brother Joshie on his big night. So glad I got to come home to see him all fancied up.

 

 

My beautiful cousins. (I was all dressed up from a baptism.)

 

 

The truth about our relationship. I adore him, and well, he adores me too.  ?

 

 

bwahaha. (yes Maren, sound it out.)

 

By far, it was one of the best weekends of my life. I got to go home, surprise the family, be with family, and just enjoy the comforts of home. I got a spiritual reboost, and found peace there in which I had needed. Families are forever. I am so blessed. Knowing that I have this home to return to, and this amazing family to call my own, makes everything all better. I may not necessarily be "homesick", but I'll be more than happy at anytime to go home. In fact, I'm going home in two weeks. :)

 

Now. Not only did I get to have the home weekend, I got to have the Maren weekend. Just about 42 hours ago. And may I say, what an amazing weekend it turned out to be. I'll let the pictures speak for itself!

 

 

Reunited. <3

 

 

The long, awaited hug.

 

 

She's still the cutest lil' girl.

 

 

I got to meet this amazing girl Miry, also known as... Mae Mae. This is the sweet girl who took care of my Mare during their summer semester. She is the coolest. I was actually REALLY sad to leave her. Hence the saddness in my face. I love Miry Mae Mae. Maren was right, she is one of the most awesome girls we'll ever know.

 

 

I even was able to spend one night, all of us together, minus some, but still together.

 

 

And then the weekend was over, and it was time for me to go. :( Saying goodbye is STILL hard.

 

 

But... on the way back to Rexburg, we stopped and admired this new, beautiful temple. Brigham City. Moses Lake next?

 

 

Just feeling thankful and full of gratitude!

 

It's strange, I've been having a lot happen to me in my first year of college. Whether it's hard things or happy things, or just flat out dumb things that I can't control- Heavenly Father hasn't been letting me suffer. Like at all. I've had a lot change in less than two months. More just less than a month. Different things have broken my heart, or put me to the test, but for some bizarre reason, I'm okay. Guys, I'm surviving! Haha. Just recently my life has become hectic and things that I never saw coming are just happening left and right, but Heavenly Father has just been handing me opportunities to feel okay. I got to go home and recieve guidance and love from my family, and this past weekend I got to have fun with my friends and meet new people and know that there IS life outside of mine. Life goes on. And through it all, I've had Heavenly Father to lean on. If there is one thing that I learned from General Conference this weekend, it's that OUR time isn't the LORD'S time. He has a plan for us that we can't see, and we just need to put our trust in Him and that's exactly what I've done. I've left it up to him. He'll take care of me and keep His promises, if I will continually try to better myself and have full faith in Him. I do not need to fear or be unhappy, because Heavenly Father is stirrin' up some big plans for me. And I can't wait to find out what that is. He knows what I want, and He will wait til He sees what is fit for me at the right time. My testimony is growing stronger and stronger by the day, and I know He listens to me. I may think that a certain something needs to be in my life at this time, but He might see it a little different. He knows what's best, and that is all I want. I am extremely grateful for the power of prayer, and for the blessings and answers I recieve. Life is just fine. Life is good. I'm growin', I'm survivin'.

Somehow.