All the good

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hot Chocolate Face

So, I never finished my thankful list. It isn't because I am not thankful but I have been pretty sick lately. But I am on the mend! I wanted to write about Thanksgiving. For the break my dad asked a really good friend if he could borrow his cabin. So up we went! The cabin was up in Heber. We went up on Wednesday and I came home on Thursday night. My family came home Friday morning. It was a really relaxing time. The cabin was very cozy. And there was defiantly snow on the ground. Of course, Marley made the trip complete. I don't know what our family would do without that little squirt! The first night we made thank you lists. I had bought receipt tape and measured the length of each member of my family. We then wrote our blessings on the paper. It was a really great activity. Marley put happy stickers all over hers! Thanksgiving dinner wasn't too shabby either. All in all it was a great trip!

Marley getting Grandpa ready for bed!

Marley fell in love with my Tinker Bell blanket. She thought I had given it to her!

Sam learning how to knit

Mom making some delicious soup!

Marley and her new BFF! She loves her Uncle Nolet. She keeps asking where he went now that he is home. She made sure that we had a plate for him when serving cake last night!

Little Snow Angel

Marley is obsessed with all things Princess at this moment. She is always putting blankets on her head and saying she is Tangled.

Thankful Day 17,18,19

2011-11-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

I wish I wouldn't have fallen behind but I have. I haven't felt like writing every day this week. I love this blog so much. It is a great outlet for me. I am also thankful for the opportunity to count my many blessings! So on to it!
Day 17- Thursday
Humor. I love to laugh. I find myself laughing more than I probably should. But they have always said that laughter is the best medicine. When in a hard situation, I find it best to just laugh!
Day 18- Friday
Hunter! On Friday night I got a message from Hunter. It went something like this "Um, Aunt Jody, I miss you. I really like you. You are my friend. I wish you would come visit me. It is nice here. I love you." I almost cried when I heard it. I love that little boy so much. No matter what is going on, he can brighten my day so easily. I wish I could hold him and squeeze him right now but he is in a nice place! I hope to be able to go and see them for my birthday this next year! Oh, how I love my KING!
Day 19- Saturday
My Car. I am so thankful for transportation. I am thankful that I can just walk outside, get in my car, and drive away when I need to! I love you car!

Thankful Day 16

2011-11-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for people who are in the medical field. They can handle blood, vomit, and brains! I cannot but I am certainly glad they can! Thank you to those that can handle it and do! Our world be not be without you!

P.S. This post was inspired by Dr. Marie! If you are concerned about her purple hair, just refer back to our Halloween Pictures!

Thankful Day 15

2011-11-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my second graders! I told them the other day that this is my last week in their class. One boy approached me later and said "Are you sure you have to leave on Friday? Maybe you could ask our teacher if you can stay longer." He then proceeded to tell me that I need to come back and sub for their class. It made my day. They are an awesome class and I will miss them so much when I leave! I love them! Thanks for being amazing and touching my life for good!

Thankful Day 14

2011-11-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Shower!

Thankful Day 13

2011-11-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Jody is thankful for blankets. She has like 7 on her bed at all times and is very thankful for their warmth and comfort. Whenever we venture downstairs she is sure to bring at least two. Because she is so very thankful for their warmth... So thank you to all the wonderful manufacturers of wonderful cozy warm blankets. She is especially thankful for the fuzzy purple one, I believe she was given as a gift last year for Christmas.

Love, Marie

Thankful Day 12

2011-11-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

I know I mentioned this one already, but I am thankful for my friends! Old ones, new ones, and to all those in the future, thank you! Yesterday (when I was suppose to write this post) I went and saw an old friend. She was my roommate my first year out of my house. She was one of my very favorites. She has since gotten married and had the most beautiful little girl. She came into town yesterday and it was so much fun to sit and visit with her. It made my weekend! I am so thankful for her because she is an inspiration to me! Thanks Ashton; you truly are amazing. Thank you for letting me have a day off of the madness!

I also wanted to mention those that are my current friends! They have gotten me through a lot of things lately. Even for those that don't know what I am going through, your smiles carry me along way. To my bestie; I don't know what I would do without you. You have come into my life at a most critical time! Thank you all for being apart of my life!

Thankful Day 11

2011-11-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

I am so sad that I didn't write on 11/11/11. But I can still pretend that it is! Today I am thankful for veterans and all those that are currently serving in the military! I have two brothers in the military. My dad is a veteran. My good friend Trey is in Pakistan right now. And there are so many others that I know who fight for the freedom of this country. As the saying goes "freedom isn't free." I am so grateful for these men and women that fight for our country! What a blessing it is to have the rights that we have!
Image from:
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110502161028/charmed/images/thumb/4/40/Proud-to-be-an-american-flag.jpg/628px-Proud-to-be-an-american-flag.jpg

Thankful Day 10

2011-11-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Today has been hard and I don't know quite why. I have struggled with what to write tonight. Of course there are things that I am thankful for but I am trying to find the things that aren't normally mentioned on my list of thanks! It just hit me that maybe I should just list the basics tonight because I am very thankful for them. I am glad to have the basic because not everyone does!
Here is my list:
My family- each and every member of it makes my life complete. Every problem teaches me something new. And ever struggle strengthens me. The good times way out number the bad, so I will just dwell on the good!
The Gospel- I know I already mentioned this, but it is so true! I am ever so appreciative that I know the truth!
A place to live- It is cold! I am thankful for the warmth!
School- Even when it makes me cry, I am thankful for my education!
The scriptures- They carry me through life! I find so much delight in them!
Food- I seem to always be starving or way to full! I am glad that I get at least two hot meals a day!
Friends- Even though sometimes I feel so disconnected from people, I know that I am loved.
Well, that is it for tonight! Maybe I can be thankful for sleep tonight!

Thankful Day 9

2011-11-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

My Boss and I at a luncheon that was held right before I went on my mission.

After working in my second grade classroom today I got in my car and hurried off to work. It has been very busy and crazy at work because of being in the schools. I am down to working only a few hours a week! But these leads me to what I am so grateful for. My boss is so willing to work with me. He lets me work when I can and picks up when I can't. Today one of my coworkers made me smile so much. She was so sweet to listen to my complaints. She cracked jokes with me. She reassured me that it would be better. I also love the people that I deliver mail to. They are such good friends to me. They always say hi and they usually have treats for me! I love it! I couldn't ask for a better job!

Thankful Day 8

2011-11-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

MARLEY!!! You make me smile just by saying my name. I couldn't ask for a sweeter blessing in my life! I love you! Here is a little tribute to you and I!

Marley and I just a few days after I got home from my mission

Marley April 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

April 2011

May 2011

July 2011

August 2011

Thankful Day 7

2011-11-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Todd with Marley 04/11

I started writing this post and realized that I had already said how thankful I am for my mentor teacher. So, I thought of something else quick! Today I am thankful for a whole lot of things. It was a really good day! But what made my day complete was my brother Todd. He called and texted me this afternoon to tell me he loves me. It was so sweet of him. Since the time I was a little girl Todd has called me Babe. Today when he left a message on my phone, he called me babe. It made me giggle and smile from ear to ear. I love you Todd! Thanks for the phone call!

Thankful Day 6

2011-11-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

Giggles! That is what I am thankful for today. Yesterday I played with my cousins children while him and his wife were out for awhile! The oldest thought it would be boring with me. But when his parents got home, he told them it was awesome! Mission accomplished. We watched movies for the most part. But my favorite part of the whole afternoon was the giggly girls. The youngest poked me for hours on end. Every time she poked me she would look up at me, giggle, and run away! She has the cutest giggle in the world. Then we, the little girls and I, took funny pictures on my computer. The giggle couldn't have been louder. I promise you, it was a giggle not a laugh! Oh, the joy of children. Can I be thankful for two things in one post? It is my blog so why not. I am grateful for the children in my life and for the bright light they are! I am also thankful that Heavenly Father gave us laughter. What a joy life is!

Thankful Day 5

2011-11-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my mission and for the opportunity I had to go back this summer with my mom! I am thankful that I will always be a missionary. Even without my physical tag, I can help others as well as myself to come to the gospel!

Casey and Ember 2011

Ronnie and Melissa 2011

Bella and Aloisa with our bags and tags 2009

Sister Brozak, Sister Larson and I 2009

Kids from the ward 2009

Brent's Baptism 2009

Trey and Casey 2009

Egg Head Missionaries 2009

Dave and his baptism cake

Sister Harash and I

Bryce's Baptism

Sister Stewart and I with leis from Hawaii

The Sisters and I at the MTC

The gorgeous Orlando Temple

Thankful

2011-11-04T18:13:00.001-07:00

This is what I am listening to right now! I love it! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays!

Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for

What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more

There's so much to be thankful for

Thankful Day 4

2011-11-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for Sally the Service Snake. Who is Sally you ask? Sally is a snake that is left at the scene of good deeds. A couple weeks ago, Marie and I took my cousins little girls out for ice-cream and a Wal-Mart run. When we went to pick them up, Makadee was playing with Sally. She had gotten Sally from her primary teacher who had made it for her primary children to remember to serve others. Kirstee and Makadee decided to give Sally to Marie with a Halloween Bag of Candy. They were both so excited.
Well, Sally will eventually make it back to Makadee, but for now Sally is living with us. Last night was a pretty bad night. I was really sick and knew that I had a long day ahead of me. I was sound asleep when I was suddenly awoken. My roommates were being a little bit louder than they probably thought they were being. After being woken, I couldn't get back to sleep. I was sick and just couldn't close my eyes. And then my alarm went off. I knew I had to get up and so I did. When I got to my school, my teacher said I looked unwell and should probably go home. I stayed for half a day and then went to my parents to sleep. It was lovely to get some rest. I came home and my bed was made and my night stand was cleaned. I knew it had to be Marie that did it. I lay on my bed to do homework and found that something was in my pillow. Can you guess what it was? You're right! It was Sally the Service Snake. I was so touched and cried. It made me smile for the first time today. And it continues to make me smile. Thanks Sally! (And Makadee and Marie)

Thankful Day 3

2011-11-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for the mentors that are helping me in my program. First of all I have support from BYU. She is an awesome lady and has helped me learn so much about being a great teacher. Not only has she said it in word but she has also taught me by example. She was my older brother's teacher when he was in 5th grade! Then their is my liaison between BYU and my school. She is always positive and upbeat. She is the one that observes me. At first I was so scared to be observed, but she has made me feel so comfortable. Then there is my facilitator at the school in which I am teaching. She is also coming up with great ideas to help me learn and grow. She has awesome suggestions! As if this wasn't enough support, I have a mentor teacher who is helping me as well. It is her classroom that I am in six hours a day. She is the perfect person for me to work with. I don't know who paired us up but it was a perfect match. She is great for me. She always lets me do whatever. She is great at giving me ideas. She is always thinking about me and how she can make my experience better! I love her.
All in all, it has been stressful but having all this support makes it great. I feel that I am learning a lot. I also feel that I will be a great teacher one day, even if I make mistakes.

Thankful Day 2

2011-11-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for my roommate who is in the next room listening to Pandora. Every song that comes on she says "I LOVE this song." And the volume is getting louder. It is making me giggle. And she keeps singing a song, one line from a different song! I am also thankful for her because she saves my life on pretty much a daily basis. She lets me cry on her shoulder and makes me laugh so hard I have to pee my pants. She also makes me do things that are scary that make me want to pee my pants. Her head also hurts tonight. What isn't to love about her! I am so thankful for her! I love you Marie! You make me so happy with all your medical terms and fire code violations!

P.S The costumes in the above picture were all made by Marie's sister Emily. She is the one in the green. If you don't know who we are, we are Rainbow Brite and her color kids. From left to right: Patty O' Green, Indigo, Rainbow Brite, Shy Violet, and La La Orange. Thank you Emily for the costumes!

Thankful Day 1

2011-11-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do the same thing I did last year and say something I was thankful for everyday of the month. This will be a definite challenge this year because I am swamped right now with being a full time student, a full time teacher, working part time, and living 30 minutes away from it all! But I want to count my blessings; I know it will help to relieve some stress!
The first thing I am thankful for is the gospel. The other night I was sick about having to start teaching full time in a second grade classroom. I hadn't been sleeping well because of the stress and thought of having to manage it all. I woke up in the middle of the night and starting reading an old journal of mine. I read about a time when I received a priesthood blessing. In the blessing it said that I should go forth with confidence knowing that I was in the hands of the Lord. What comfort this small sentence gave me! I have been doing well in my classroom. I had my first observation today and yes, there is a lot to improve on. But the people that observed me were so nice. They said such nice things. They aren't as scary as I thought. I am grateful for the Lord and for His words of comfort and peace!

Number 32

2011-10-18T12:43:00.001-07:00

My last post was #32 which happens to be the number of posts I have had for the last three years! The first year I had this blog, half way through I left on my mission. The next year I was on my mission. And then the next I just wasn't motivated! But this year I feel that I have been very motivated. What has motivated me? I found out that I can make a book out of this blog! I really love the thought of making my blog into a book. There are so many times that I say that I need a picture of this for my blog! I love my blog, even though I am pretty much the only one that reads it! I love reading it and looking back on my memories! Here's to 32 more wonderful posts!

HERE and NOW

2011-10-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to my mission reunion. Marie was nice enough to come along. I really didn't want to go but then one of my companions talked me into it. I don't really know why I didn't want to go. Anyways, this year they started the reunion with a devotional given by the Mission President and his wife. I felt as though I was at zone conference again. President Colton asked us "Where are you and what time is it." On the mission he used to ask this question. I forgot about this and answer that I was in a church building and that it was 6:45. But others remembered and answered "Here and Now." Where are you- HERE! What time is it-NOW! What a powerful message in such simply questions!
Today it hit me, once again, to be grateful for the here and now! Never again will I get the opportunity to be here. There will never be another time like now. Even though there are so many things I want to do in the future and so places I want to go someday, for now I am content with the here and now! I wanted to write this post to remind my self of the great things that are happening in the here and now. So here I go, things I am thankful for in the HERE and NOW:

Roommates that I really like
Being single which means I can nab Kirstee and Makadee and do pretty much anything, watch Marley most of the time when I am needed, go to the Singles Ward, become more prepared for being a wife and mother, go to school, and so many other great things that might be different when I am married
Going to school; it challenges my brain everyday
Crying for joy- for awesome sunrises and beautiful skies when the sunsets
Crying from pain- I am learning so much about myself, my family, and how to be a better contributor to society
Time at work to type on my blog
Time at work to struggle with my math homework
Sugar cookies that an awesome family made for Marie last night
The Fall season
The beautiful color of the leaves
The smell of mail in our little mail room
The opportunity to be going into the elementary schools next week
My awesome boss that is letting me work around my CRAZY schedule
Great Pandora stations that play my favorite music
Hunter wearing his "King of the Sandcastle" shirt on his first day of Kindergarten in AZ
Texting my good friends to keep up to date on what is happening in their lives
Making a cute costume for my mom for Halloween
For those that can look behind my smile and see the sadness in my eyes and then wrapping their arms around me
Being able to Skype Michele and Anna May (she is even cute when she cries!)
For sleeping at night
My mom that helps give me great ideas for my many lesson plans that are due
The girls and boy in my program that encourage me to go on
My teacher, that taught Todd in 5th grade, that always has a smile on her face
Cell phones that go off (this means we get treats in our class)
Marley singing the turtle song in Sacrament meeting last Sunday
Rain boots, scarfs, mittens, and a new coat! Thanks Dad!
Yogurtland on Mondays (Pumpkin Pie is the greatest)

The list could go on and on and on, but I think I will stop with this for today! My life is truly blessed! I love the HERE and NOW. I want to start living more for today. I want to remember to be happy where I stand. I want to stop worrying about the future and the past, and start living more in the present!
This is just a fun picture of Marley. I want to savor every moment I get with her because I know that one day I won't get to see her as often as I do now! She loves the Sunday comics. She will pull the paper open on the floor and "read" them. She will point to a comic and laugh. Her laughter is followed by "So funny, Jody." Or something like that. She knows she is suppose to laugh and so she does! How cute can she get?

Life is Beautiful!

2011-10-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

For a long time I have wanted to see this movie. Marie came home the other night with a stack of movies and this was one of them. I am not going to lie, it was late and I was tired. When I saw that this movie was almost two hours long, I didn't necessarily watch it then. But Marie said I would love it. I grabbed a box of tissues and some blankets and we started the movie. It took us three nights to finish it all but it was a wonderful three days of bliss. I think this has become my favorite movie. What a wonderful message for when times are hard. What an amazing example of how to live when it is simply hard to breathe. If you haven't seen this movie, check it out today!
The main character in this movie was such an amazing person. Guido always looked on the bright side of things. He believed, even during the horror of his time, that the world could be good. And he did it all for his son. I am crying as I type this! It was a beautiful movie and it changed my life.
(Source: http://blog.badmotorfinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/life.jpg)

Marie

2011-09-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

I moved!!! Yes, it has been really exciting. I am living in a house with four other girls from my singles ward. It has been quite the adventure. One of my roommates is truly one of the most Christ-like people I have ever met. The very fiber of her being is love and charity for others. I love being around her because she reminds me that I am loved. When I look at her I can see my Savior. She is a great example to me.
It isn't so much that she is splitting the Red Sea but it is in the small things that define her character. I see her character defined when she goes to her meetings faithfully, without one murmur, after 2 or 3 hours of sleep. Or her sitting on my bed as I cry another night. It is when she is called out on the ambulance in the middle of the night and goes without complaining. I see the love of my Savior when she keeps up with my homework so that she can help whenever. Her love shines as she helps everyone else with their homework as well. She literally would give her right kidney for you! It is her funny texts she sends to brighten my day. It is listening and not getting mad when it is my ears that need to be cleaned! Almost every thought she has is about someone else and what she can do to help them.
She truly has been an answer to my prays in this difficult time. I thank my Heavenly Father for her daily. Every person should have a friend like this in their lives.

Tears

2011-09-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a difficult couple of weeks. A lot of change has occurred. All good changes but hard to make all the same. When I woke up this morning I was overfilled with gratitude. I just can't believe how much I have been blessed. I don't know how I deserved these blessings but I am thankful for them. Many tears have been shed lately but today the tears were because of gratitude.
I feel like a rope that has been braided in a certain way. Lately I feel that that braided rope has gotten tighter and tighter. The tighter it got the more organized I felt my life was. But now that rope is so tight, and I was somewhat comfortable with life, that it has quickly started to unravel. I felt the other night that my life was spinning out of control. After praying it hit me, Heavenly Father is braiding me in a different way now. My life isn't spinning out of control because He is in control. I am learning and growing so much. I am learning, slowly but surely, to submit to His will. The less I try and control things the easier it is for Him to mold me. I am becoming more like the Savior. Yes, there has been hard tears to cry (and really good ones too.) But if I look at the overarching picture I see that I haven't been unraveling but rather blossoming.
(P.S As I was writing this post, I went looking on the internet for pictures of ropes unraveling. I found this picture on a blog with a post entitled "Unraveling Rope or Blossoming Tree." I thought it was so appropriate! The link to the original blog with these pictures is
http://www.alligatorboogaloo.com/mengshui/?p=140. One of the comments on this blog says "... or a rooting tree." How beautiful!)

A small bag of tomatoes...and a few peaches too!

2011-09-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you will hear me complain about my job. This isn't because I don't love my job but because I get so bored with it at times. I work in a mail room on campus. And I truly do love it. Actually I adore it. Let me explain why I love it so much. The number one reason is the people that are in the building where I work. They are great. I haven't met one yet that I haven't become friends with eventually. It takes me longer to do the routes than the other workers simple because I love these people and talk to them often. I wanted to talk about some of these people and how they have touched my life.
A couple weeks ago a lady from our building asked if we had ever been to the Farmer's Market on campus. We said we had not. This sweet lady then invited us to come and visit her there. So I went to the Market. When I got there I found her. Her and her daughter were selling tomatoes and peaches. She handed me a bag full of peaches for free. She refused to let me pay her. I was so grateful. What a sweet act of kindness that will always be with me.
Last Friday as I did my route another lady waved me into her office. On her desk was a small bag of grape tomatoes. I love grape tomatoes, they are my very favorite type of tomato. This lady is always very kind to me and my coworkers. She knows all of our names and always uses them. She was on the phone, when she gave me the bag of tomatoes, or I would have hugged her. It was so thoughtful of her.
Many others have invited us to parties, given us candy when we walked into their office, or simply just said hi. Their is one lady that keeps a bowl of pretzels on her desk. If it is empty when I walk in she fills it up right away. Another gentlemen in the building always asks about our schooling and boyfriends. And yet the student workers are always gracious to us as well.
I love the people in the building where I work. I am very grateful for my association with them. I will never forget the kindness of a small bag of tomatoes and a few peaches!

HUNTER

2011-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Who's the leader of the club that's made for me and you?
H-U-N-T-E-R C-O-M-T-E!

I love Hunter. Everything about him makes me smile. Deedra has been great to let us have him over for sleepovers quite a few times this summer. He is such a joy. He is really funny too. He says the cutest things and I always forget them before I write them down. He got to stay with us this weekend. Hunter thinks it is great to watch movies on my laptop even though he could watch them on a big screen. I told him the night before that I would make him caramel popcorn and so I did. He picked out "How To Train Your Dragon" for the movie to watch. He LOVES his Grandma Clea and at one point during the movie I looked over at them on the couch and he had his foot under Grandma's arm. It was so cute!
On Saturday, mom went off to do errands which left Hunter with me. The Utah County Fair was going on just a few miles away, so I decided to take him. There wasn't a whole lot of people there. It was nice to just leisurely stroll through and see everything there was to see. Hunter's favorite parts, I think, were shooting off rockets and making a marshmellow gun! He thought Grandpa's belly was great target for his mini marshmellows. Hunter made a rocket out of paper and then got to shoot it off. We did this twice because he loved it so much. When we were coming home he groaned in the back seat. I asked what was wrong and he replied "I should have yelled fire in the whole when they shot off my rocket." He was really disappointed that he hadn't done this!

Throwing a tomahawk

Launching off his rocket!

Nashville Tribute Band

2011-08-21T17:21:00.001-07:00

The band sang Acapella for the first song

On my mission I was introduced to the Nashville Tribute Band. This band is comprised of multiple people and they are an LDS group. There first C.D is entitled "Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith." I love this c.d. Every song is tied to a memory from my mission. I cry during most of the songs. I have gained a greater testimony of the prophet through this music. It is simply beautiful. There next C.D is entitled "Trek: A Nashville Tribute to the Pioneers." I love this c.d as well. I feel like dancing to it. It has given me a greater understanding of what the pioneers did for us.
On my mission we use to always say that they should do a tribute to the missionaries. Well, they did. A Bishop from one of my area's knows the band really well. He said he would take our picture and that we could be in the pamphlet of the c.d. We didn't know when the c.d would come out but I couldn't wait to see if my picture was really in it.
A couple of weeks ago I saw an ad for the release of their new c.d. The band would be doing their release concert on August 4th. I bought tickets as soon as I could and invited Deedra to come along with me. Deedra had never been to a concert before and was pretty excited. The concert was the most amazing concert I have ever been too! I loved everything about it, even when we got rained on. Their new c.d is entitled "The Work: A Nashville Tribute to the Missionaries." I love the new c.d even though I am not in the cover of the album. My favorite part of the night was when they sang one of their new songs with a missionary choir behind them. It was beautiful and I cried through all of it! The choir sang Called To Serve after the song. I couldn't sing because the spirit was so strong. Deedra loved it as well. I am so glad that I went with her. It was so much fun to be together. We got to meet the band afterwards. I had a very bonding moment with the lead singer of the band. He has a great spirit about it. We cannot wait to go to the next concert! If you want more info on this great band for your family to listen to, visit their website. I can't remember it so just google the band name.

These two little girls sang a duet. The oldest one started the concert with "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission." It brought tears to my eyes. Their dad is a member of the band

Deedra and I after the rain. We weren't too wet.

Jason Deere is the lead singer of the band. He is awesome!

Deedra and I with our yummy ice cream bars

Billy Dean (who isn't a member yet) sings a song on their new c.d

The missionary choir that sang with the band

Apricot Picking

2011-08-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

My least favorite thing in the whole world is picking up gross apricots off the ground. We have an apricot tree in our backyard. I have hated it since I was a child. Why, you ask? Because we have to pick up the bad ones that have fallen from the tree. Some are rotting, some are so soft they squish when you pick them up, some have bugs in them, some have been stepped on, all of them are disgusting. Well, it's that time again. This year our tree was very full. I was putting it off till the last minute which makes the apricots even worse on the ground. We were able to get a ton off the tree though before they dropped. I gathered up the neighborhood kids to help me. Our neighborhood kids are AWESOME. They are so willing to help with whatever needs to be done in the neighborhood, with no pay but usually a cookie! So we went to work. We covered a lot of ground in about an hour and a half. We picked a huge box of apricots and picked up all the nasty ones on the ground.

FAMILY

2011-08-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Jazzy, Skye, Diana, Paje, Me, Aunt Donna, Mom, Tessa, Shane, Aunt Cindy, John, Dad

Most of my dad's family lives out East. We don't get to see them very often. The day I got home from MAT camp my Dad's family came into town! I was so excited to see them since it has been 20 or some years since I last saw some of them. There were nine people that came: my Aunt Cindy and her three daughters (Paje, Jazzy, and Skye), my Aunt Donna and her daughter Diana and her husband John, and their two children Tessa and Shane were all on vacation and stopped in Utah. Our house was full and it was wonderful. We had so much fun! I love them and hope to get to see them again soon!
The first thing we did was have a family BBQ with all of them, Ryan, Sam and Marley, and Deedra and Hunter. The food was so good. We laughed so hard as a family. Diana, John, Tessa and I then went to Spanish Fork Fiesta Days and walked around the craft fair. We bought flower headbands for the girls. The next day we went up into the canyon and had watermelon. I think we went through 3 watermelons in the three days that they were here. On Monday we went to a parade and the carnival. We then went back up the canyon to have dinner. It was so sad to see them leave the next day. What a lovely weekend it was!

Jazzy with her new headband that we bought at Fiesta Days!

Skye with her new headband

Paje with her new headband

My cousin Diana and her husband John

Sam made this amazing dessert for our bbq

My Dad and Aunt Cindy

Deedra's arm, Shane, Aunt Donna, and Diana eating at the family bbq

Tessa and Paje

Marley with dessert on her face

Jazzy helping Marley eat

Jazzy eating watermelon
Cindy and Skye

Me, Jazzy, Paje, Tessa, Skye

Paje up the canyon playing in the water

Skye enjoying the ride!

Skye, Jazzy, and I rode the swings at the carnival!

Skye and her pouty face

Watching the parade

Paje LOVES watermelon!

MAT Camp

2011-08-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Two days after I got home from Florida, I left for Music, Art and Technology Camp in Wyoming. My aunt is the executive director of this camp. When I was a young girl and teenager I went to this camp but it was called Music Camp back then. I taught 6 craft classes a day from Kindergarten to 5th grade. It was awesome! I loved every minute of it. There is seriously not one minute that I look back on that I didn't enjoy.
The Saturday before I left my family was great to help me gather all my supplies. My mom and Deedra went to one store and ran errands in Payson. Hunter and I went to Provo and did the errands there. Scott helped gather everything that was at home. Their were supplies all over our front lawn as I organized everything into bins and into the car! I am so grateful for my family and for their help!
I really have to give thanks to my neighbors the Barnum's. They were at camp with me. I took two of their kids with me up to camp and then back home because I didn't want to drive by myself. They helped me unload my car and entertained me for the drive. Norma helped me in my classroom and acted as my surrogate mother all week! I know I could not have down it without them. They have always been so good to me and I feel that they are more family than friends!

My first class of the day was called Ocean Commotion. We made all sorts of Ocean Crafts. My favorite was the Socktopus. We took a sock, filled it partly with rice and then cut the rest of the sock for the legs. I didn't get any pictures because I was busy doing the craft but trust me they were cute!

My next class was Comte's Corner. We would read a book and then make a craft. I loved all of the crafts we made. My favorite though was paper bag hats and pirate hats. I only had 6 kids in this class so it was easy to keep it under control.

After lunch I taught four classes in a row. My first was flower clips, then making musical instruments, my food class, and then a science class. They were all pretty successful. I loved seeing the kids faces light up! I think the most successful projects out of these classes were volcanoes, geyser, and fake sushi.

All in all it was grand. I can't wait till next year. If you read this blog and are interested in maybe bringing your kids or yourself next year, you can find more information here: http://youngmusicians.net/. The camp is for ages 4- 99. They have a wide range of classes and they are all great. I highly recommend this camp if you want something really fun to do in the summer!

Second Stop: Florida!

2011-08-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Florida was awesome! As we landed I cried. I felt as though I was flying home. We had a great time in Florida. The people were awesome. There were many that fed us, many that let us stay at their house, and many that open their doors for us to visit with them. It was great to see how the areas I had served in had grown. It was also sad to see how some areas had died. But for the most part it was really a happy time for me. I want to thank those that were so sweet to me and my mother. I really appreciate my Florida family. They give me inspiration everyday! I love you all so much! We didn't get to see everyone that we were planning on or that we wanted too. But that just means that we have to go back! Here are a few pics from the trip. The last couple of pictures are of when Mom and I got stuck in Denver for about 24 hours. Our plane was damaged in a hail storm. We slept the night on the floor and barely got home the next day! What an adventure!

First Stop: NEW YORK

2011-07-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to start! New York was a dream come true. I never thought that I would really make it there and then it just happened. My mom and I flew out on June 28th. My cousin Michele, met us at the airport and our adventure began. We loved every part of New York and we cannot wait to go back! I don't know how to fit all of our trip in (hence why it has taken me awhile to post about it). So I will just put up the highlights or what you might call a run down of our trip because all of it was a highlight! And a slide show.
On the first night we went for a nice little walk with Michele. We got to see the George Washington park and Bridge. This bridge connects New York to New Jersey. It was really beautiful! We also gave Michele some baby presents that had been sent with us. It was a really nice evening to sit and chat.
The next morning we went to the Natural History Museum. This is where Night at the Museum was filmed. We went to an IMAX movie and a really cool exhibit about the brain. Their was one part of the museum that was a quiet gallery. My mom really wanted to see it but Michele and I just wanted to sit down. Michele and I were just gabbing away and laughing when I guard stepped into our view and told us to be quiet. We had to leave at that point because we were having too much fun for the silent gallery. I also learned that why I am so picky with my food could be because I have an overactive nose! The three of us took a movie of us flying in a hot air balloon over an African desert and got to send it home. I think my highlight of the museum was being with Michele. I haven't laughed that hard for a long time. John also got to be with us after lunch. After the museum we walked a little in Central Park. We then went and had scones at Alice's Tea Cup. It was a cute little restaurant and the scones were good! That evening we went to Trader Joe's or, as some call, it Traper John's for some more groceries. The stores in New York are really small so they are usually more than one floor. To get your shopping cart from one floor to another, you simply put it on a special escalator. It is so cool. I was really enamored by it. After groceries, we went to see the temple. We then walked all over New York just taking it all in.
First thing on Thursday we went to get onto the Staten Island Ferry. This is the cheapest way to see the Statue of Liberty and to get a really good view of it. It was beautiful! I think both mom and I cried as we passed. We are so grateful for our freedom and for those that fight for us. We meet this really cute kids on the way back and I held the one up so he could see over the edge of the ferry! After the ferry ride we walked around the shoreline and looked at a few things that were around there. We then meet John for lunch at La Mela. La Mela was my favorite eating out place. It was Italian and I had Gnocci with Ham. It was delicious. After lunch it was time for a walk. (Actually, come think of it, most of what we did in NY was walk.) We then walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really fun to look out and see the view of NY from the bridge. Cars were driving right under us which was also really cool. Lovers will bring a lock with them onto the bridge. They put up the lock on the side of the bridge and throw the key into the water. This way their love will be forever. I thought it was a cute idea! We then walked to Chinatown after the bridge. We went to the lest touristy side first. It was fun to sit and listen to the people in the park make music. It was the most relaxing time of the day. We could have set there forever. But we of course had too many other things to see. We walked around for awhile just taking in the wonderful cultural experience that was going on around us. I thought that the fruit and veggie stands were awesome. It was fun to look at all the different food that I had never even seen before.
From Chinatown we went to a museum commemorating 9/11. This year they are opening the real memorial for those that died that horrible day. Just walking downtown brought tears to our eyes. We were reminded once again of the freedoms we have and the love we feel for those that fight for it. It was really neat to see what sacrifices people made in a split second that day. The stories touched us deeply. There was a really neat spirit in the building. This was defiantly a highlight for my mom. She loved it and could have stayed longer. We then walked over to where the towers use to stand. At this point you can't really see anything because Ground Zero is a construction site. But we did get to see a model of what they plan on doing. On Friday we got to go into a high building and look down into the construction site. They have built fountains where the Twin Towers use to stand. The fountains are done now but don't official open until 9/11 of this year. The one fountain was working and the other one was being cleaned. It was a really awe inspiring thing to see.
Friday morning we woke up and got ready to go to the temple. I don't know why we didn't take a picture of us going to the temple. This was for sure my mom's favorite part. We were some of the only people in the temple that day, so we got the full tour. It was beautiful and magnificent. The temple is in a very busy part of town. But once you step into the temple, peace and tranquility transcend. This is accomplished because the temple is double walled. Nothing can be heard from inside the temple. I remember thinking when we walked out that the people on the streets and in the cabs on the road, didn't know the truth. I had the strongest desire to share it with them.
Also on Friday Morning we went to see my friend Marisa and her baby. She just moved to New York about a week or so before we visited. It was so fun to see her. Her baby is so cute. We chatted for awhile, I wish it could have been longer. Marisa will always be one of my dearest friends. She is a really awesome example to me. I was so happy to see her.
That afternoon we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I don't remember much of this museum because for the most part I was sleeping. I just found a bench and crashed. But my mom and Michele loved it. It was fun to see some of Van Gogh's paintings and others that I had studied in school. But I was just so tired at this point.
We then went to F.A.O Schwartz. This is a HUGE toy store. It was wild. Anything you would ever want was there. Michele and I played on the BIG piano and made stickers. You can only guess where my mom was; the bookstore part. I love that no matter where we are my mom is thinking about her kids at school!
The last part of the night we walked down 5th Ave. It was interesting to see so much money. We went into a few stores and didn't touch anything! We then went to Rockefeller center. All the stores were closed inside Rockefeller so we got back on the subway and had NY pizza for dinner.
Saturday we went to WICKED!!!! I was so excited. WICKED was every everything I thought it would be and more. John and Michele wanted to go to WICKED with us. So they put into the WICKED lottery which means you can get tickets for cheaper if they pull out your name in the drawing. We didn't know if they would win but we were hopeful. John was the first name called. We were all so excited. Their tickets were on the front row. So, for the first half of the musical we sat in our seats in the back and then we sat up front. Thank you John again for letting us take your tickets. You are awesome! I felt like we were part of the show we were so close. I defiantly cried of happiness and because some parts really touched my heart. I loved it so much and hope to be able to go again! I was so in awe of it all, I didn't sing one word of any of the songs! I can't describe how great it was!
Times Square was so much to take in. Our favorite part was the huge "I am a Mormon sign." I yelled out "I am a Mormon too!" It was cool to see a good representation of us in the middle of the world. We also ate the most delicious sandwiches that afternoon. The whole day was amazing! We ended the night with a walk through Central Park again and eating Soul Food at a famous restaurant. It was great!
It was then time to fly to Florida. It was so sad to leave. But we are really praying to get back soon! It was so great I can't explain it. Thank you so much to John and Michele. They made our trip what it was. I know we wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without you. We loved being with you and think you are the greatest for letting us come! Thanks!
Onto Stop#2!

Lots of Updates!

2011-07-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have so much to update about I don't even know where to start! It has been an incredible summer and is still going. I have had many wonderful opportunities and am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for making it all possible. It has been hard to be on the go constantly for the last month or so, but Heavenly Father has carried me through. Many others have greatly helped along the way as well. Most of all my family. They have been very supportive through all my adventures! Thank you to the countless others who have made my life so sweet in the last little while! I love you all!
Now, on to the retelling of this great journey!

How far is Heaven?

2011-06-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about my Grandma lately. Yesterday was one year since she has been gone. I really wanted to do a post about her but haven't quite figured out how to properly do it. She was such a marvelous person and I don't quite have the words to sum her up. I wanted to post the slide show that was made for her funeral but I can't get the movie to copy to my blog.

I miss her greatly and so do all of her family. But I smile every time I think about her in heaven with her sweet husband and child. I am also very grateful for her example in my life. She will always stand as a beacon of light and truth in my life. I know that heaven is not far for I feel her spirit still in my life. Grandma, if you can read blogs in heaven, I love you. Thank you for your heritage of love, service, light, and truth. Until we meet again, I will keep your legacy going as many others will as well! I love you!!!

My Grandmother.

My Grandmother and my Great Grandmother.
Vonnie May Furniss Bowen and Sadie Ann Furniss.

My Grandmother as a teenager

My grandparents came to visit my family in
Germany when I was blessed. They also visited the Swiss temple while there.

My Uncle Deans Wedding.
From Left to Right: Nolan, Vicki, Brent, Grandma, Grandpa, Clea, Beverly, Ned.
Uncle Dean and Aunt Carolee are in front.

My Mom with her Polyester pants with her siblings.
From left to Right: Dean, Clea, Nolan, Beverly, and Brent. A wonderful
picture of my Grandpa. In almost all the pictures we have of
him, he is in bibs!

I wish I could get these pictures bigger, but I don't know how too. The top left is of my Grandmother with her oldest child, Nolan. She looks so happy in this picture. The next one I don't know about but the bottom picture is of my grandparents with their youngest child, Dean.

My Grandma was a teacher! Are you surprised?
This was her first class. I knew it ran in our blood.

My Grandma with her favorite cousin. She is the girl in the middle of the ones standing!

My Grandmother at her family reunion. This picture sums up my Grandma. Wisdom, love, devotion; this is a face of a well lived life.

My Grandparents before going on a mission to South Africa.

My Grandparents

The Grandchildren at Grandpa Bowen's Funeral.
I am in the front in the turquoise dress. I was 6 years old.

My Grandparents and their children in 1991.
From Left to Right: Dean, Nolan, Grandma, Grandpa, Brent, Beverly, and Clea

Grandma and Gavin. I LOVE this picture!

Grandma and all the great grandchildren in 2006.
There are many that are not included in this picture.

My Grandparents when my mom was a baby.
L to R: Nolan, Grandma holding Clea, Grandpa, and Brent

The whole family got together for a picture in 1984. L to R: Back Row; Jeff, Brent, Lyle, Grandpa, Nolan, Ned, Dean, Chad. Middle Row; Kerri, Vicki w/ Clayton, Clea w/ Todd, Grandma w/ Michele, Beverly w/ Heidi, Carolee w/ Devin, Krisit w/ Ryan. Front Row; Dallin, Brian, Julie, Eric, Tyler.

My Grandmother before going to serve a family history mission in Chicago.

Night Owl Sleep Over Party

2011-06-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

A year ago I promised Kirstee, Makadee, October, and Michelle (my cousin's little girls) that we would have a sleepover together. A promise is a promise so when the girls made a comment about it a couple months ago I knew that if I didn't start planning I would never do it. So off to work I went. I have a thing for owls, I just think they are so cute. I found an owl party online and it spark the idea for a night owl sleep over.
My ideas came from http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2011/02/night-owl-party.html.

Last night was the night! I had delivered invitations earlier on in the week and the girls started to arrive at 6:15. I don't know who was more excited, me or the girls. We started the evening with a scavenger hunt which lead us to some very fun gifts. We then had a dance party outside. We watched a movie outside on my laptop and then we went to bed. The sleeping part is much easier said than done. The girls were so excited. I finally told them that if they couldn't sleep together than I would separate them. I didn't hear much after that! To say we had fun would be an understatement! We had a blast and we can't wait for the next one!

Our Owl Haven. This is where we slept, underneath the halo as the girls called it.

I made these pillows for the girls. Our scavenger hunt lead us to theses! Each girl got their own special owl. (From left to right) Makadee got Princess Owl, Michelle got Giggle Owl, Kirstee got Sweet Tooth Owl, and October got Sunshine Owl.

These felt owls I made out of styrofoam balls. Only one is pictured but there were 5 of them hanging from the ceiling. The girls loved them and each took one home!

Each owl came with its own description. This was the first time they saw their pillows. It was all worth it to see the girls faces. They were so excited and so grateful! What gracious young girls they were!

Makadee loving her owl!

Dancing the night away!

The girls with their pillows and their owl junior pets!

The next morning under the Halo! After this picture the girls braided and twisted all the strands. They thought it was so cool!

Crazy pictures of us! We were having so much fun!
I love these girls and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to have them for a night. I can't wait for the next time!

Sundays

2011-06-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Finally the weather is getting nice. I have felt like I was in Florida lately because of all the rain! A few Sundays ago Scott pulled out his hammock and put it up in the back yard. We also pulled out the lawn games. It was so peaceful and nice. I love having my family close and for the opportunity we have to have them all over for dinners! Sundays are my favorite day! It is a day for the Lord and I love just focusing on Him and His plan! It is also the day we get together as a family (we usually try and skype Todd and Deedra and Hunter).

Marley and Mom reading a book!

Sam and Marley enjoying the hammock. Marley is enjoying a movie as well.

Scott got this hammock on his mission! It is so great!

Marley and Scott swinging in the hammock

Marley is so adorable. She insists on wearing her rain boots and
necklaces. I just love her so much!

Sosa's Visit

2011-06-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Sosa Family

A dear family from my mission came and visited Utah. I was so happy that I got to see them. I love them so much. The Sosa were always ready and willing to help. We had many that were willing to help but not all were ready like the Sosa's. They helped us move, with lessons and most importantly they helped us with member work. They are such a good family. They examples of Christlike love will always be with me.
Their little girl, Bella, had brought me a handful of rocks from one of their outings. She was so happy to give me a gift. We were able to have dinner together at Texas Roadhouse. Bella wanted peanuts so badly and we didn't have any on our table. When the manager came by to see how we were doing, Bella said she wanted peanuts. The man came back with a brown paper bag full of peanuts. Bella was so happy that she ripped open the bag, only to discover that she doesn't like peanuts! It was so cute. I am so thankful for my mission and for the wonderful people I am associated with! Thank you Sosa's for making time for me. I love you.

Bella and her peanuts

Bella asked if I could have a sleepover. We tried to explain to her that it would be hard with the miles between here and Florida. She said it would be okay because her family could just move here1

Oh, to feel loved!

2011-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last week my mom's class went to the Bean Museum on a field trip. I was really happy because I could come help because it was on campus. I did my work and then headed up to the museum. I was there before the bus came. As it turned the corner you could hear the bus erupt. But it wasn't because they were at the museum. Almost all of the children were yelling my name. It was so cute. They were really excited to see me. I have been to class a number of times but it has been sparse the last little while. One little girl cried because she wasn't in my group. It was so good to feel loved. It made my whole day. Nothing else mattered to me but the 50 hugs I got that day! I love her class and am so glad that I get to associate with little people. They make life sweet!
This post was written about a month ago. Since then I went to the movies with my mom's class. We had so much fun! If you ever want good entertainment just fill a movie theater with 100 kindergarteners. It is pure enjoyment!!! (only half are in my mom's classes. The others are from the other Kindergarten classrooms)

Spring Break

2011-05-02T08:59:00.001-07:00

At BYU we don't officially have a spring break. This is the first year I have been okay with not having one because I realized that we get out earlier for summer and we have 4 semesters at BYU instead of 3 like most universities. But my mom has always had spring break so I just kind of take a break with her. Mom was able to come to two of my classes which we both enjoyed. Then on Friday she came to work with me and then we went to go babysit Marley. I have been babysitting Marley on Friday for the last semester because Ryan has an art class. I have really enjoyed it because Marley makes me laugh. It has been a nice break on Fridays to have her and I will really miss it when it is done.
Anyways mom and I decided we would take Marley to the aquarium. We had so much fun. Marley's favorite things were petting the sting ray (she laughed so hard), the bright colorful fish (she sang a song to the Nemo fish), and the big sea turtle. She wouldn't touch the starfish though. I guess they were to hard for her. She wasn't too interested in the anaconda and by the time we were almost finished, she was done.

Singing to Nemo
On a toad (she wasn't at all interested in the Bull Frog)
This is how tall Marley is compared to a penguin.

After the aquarium we went to eat. Marley ate a corn bread muffin and made a huge mess. When we got up from the table she looked at the floor and said "Big Mess." She is so funny and we couldn't help but laugh! We then did a little shopping and by the time we got back to the car we were all ready for naps. Marley fell asleep in the car.
We stopped by Cabella's to see if they had any nice winter coats on sale. They did but we didn't buy one because they didn't have the right sizes. Marley soon woke up and we let her find the trout in their pond. She loved it almost more than the aquarium! She would throw the food in and then make eating noises. It was a nice finish to our day. We loved spending the day with Marley and are so thankful that Ryan and Sam would let us take her!

Pretending to be asleep at Cabella's

Easter

2011-05-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Easter was really fun this year. It could have been our special guests (Todd, Deedra, and Hunter) or that Marley is old enough to understand what an Easter egg hunt is; I believe that it was a combination of things. We had a really nice Easter dinner with all of the family. Then we had an egg hunt for Hunter and Marley, followed by a hunt for the older kids. We then played some games and just relaxed. It was so fun to be with the family and we hope that we will be able to do it in the future!

Marley in her new clothes that she got from the Easter Bunny. I didn't get a picture of her Easter Dress but it was beautiful!

Marley was sooo excited when she found this egg!
Marley and Hunter collecting eggs in the backyard
Enjoying some Brother Time. Mom asked for a serious picture, this is the most serious they get.

Deedra and I
Hunter and Grandma
Hunter in a huge egg. He was our Easter Present. I bought the huge egg for Scott and filled it with healthy treats! It was really fun.
The Grandkids! They love each other so much!

The adult hunt. Why, you ask, is Scott running for his life? It isn't because he wants to find an egg. Sam found this great idea to empty out raw eggs, sterilize them, and then fill them with glitter and sprinkles. There was one egg with gold glitter. You had to smash the egg on someone to see if you had the gold egg. Todd found it and smashed it on Dad. The prices were fun things like a slinky, a kazoo, and a golden chocolate egg. It was fun to get the young at heart involved as well.
Hunter trying on Grandma's prize.
Marley got into some Easter Eggs that were within reach. Who knows how many she ate before we found her!

Best.Week.Ever.(and weekend)

2011-04-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

This last week one of my best friends from Florida came to visit. When I was on my mission, this friend would fix us dinner, help us with our work, and most of all, party with us on P-Day's. I have gotten to see her twice since the mission but both times have been quick trips and we haven't had much time to just hang out. This last week, since the first of the month, Dallas came into town to house sit for her uncle and train his dogs. I was sooooooo excited when I heard she was coming. Her uncle lives about a 30 minutes from Provo so I would be close enough to go visit. Dallas didn't tell very many other people that she was coming to town and, although it is selfish, I had Dallas pretty much to myself!
Dallas got 8 tickets to General Conference, 4 for Saturday afternoon and 4 for Sunday Morning. My parents came with us on Saturday and Ryan and Sam came with us on Sunday. We had really good seats, the best we have ever had! We loved every minute of it and were so excited to be together at such a marvelous event. We also got to hang out with my mom, Sam and Marley during Priesthood session. We went to Roberts crafts. We had so much fun!

After spending the weekend with each other, we talked everyday. Dallas came down to Provo for a class performance I was having. We then went and had ice cream. Then we decided we better have dinner. We ended the night by going to the movies and even though it wasn't my favorite movie, it was fun to have a friend to hang out with.

Thursday, Dallas invited my family up to her Uncle's house for dinner. My family was super excited about this because we were going to watch Tangled(I was the only one there that had seen it) in her Uncle's theater room after dinner. It was so much fun and the food was amazing. After my family left Dallas helped me work on a few of my school projects. We laughed and talked all night.

Friday we tried to sleep in but it didn't really happen because we are so talkative. We watched t.v all morning and into the afternoon. We only stopped once for yummy breakfast burritos. We finally got dressed and ready to go about 2. We then jumped in the car and headed to Logan. Why to Logan, you ask? One of my favorite companions, Sister Stephanie Walton, lives there. She was my companion in Dallas's ward. Stephanie didn't know that Dallas was in town. Dallas was her birthday surprise!
We drove for what seemed like a minute. I think it was our anxiety to get there. We were both so excited! We finally made it to Stephanie's apartment and ran out of the car to her door. Dallas hid on the side of the house while I knocked. Stephanie answered with a big grin on her face. She began to hug me when Dallas popped out. It took Stephanie only a minute to figure out who was standing there. She then grabbed Dallas and starting hugging her. They were both screaming and jumping up and down by this point. It was the best part of the evening! We talked for awhile and then went to dinner at Texas Road House. Of course Stephanie got to sit on the saddle. But Dallas and I had come prepared. We had bought a crown for her and confetti poppers for when they sang to her. It was quite the experience. At one point during the night we were laughing so hard that we had to pull the car over to the side of the road!!! After dinner we walked around the temple. We finished the night by getting ice cream cones and trying to watch a movie. I was asleep within the first five minutes of the movie. The other two only made it half way through before we were all in bed. We had so much fun. That night will always be a very sweet memory for me!
We woke up on Saturday and had to head home. We cried and laughed and cried some more. It was hard to leave to leave Stephanie in the drive way. Stephanie is very dear to my heart. She makes me want to scream for joy when I get to see her or talk to her. I want to make a better effort to go up and see her more often. But I knew the hardest part would be saying good bye to Dallas at the end of the drive back to Utah County. And I was right. Dallas has become one of my very closest friends in my life. I love her like a sister. It was so nice to have a friend here in town. What a joy to pick up the phone at any time and set up a time to just hang out together. I thank my Heavenly Father for His beautiful and tender mercy for sending me this time to spend with not only Dallas but also Stephanie. I love them both so much and miss their friendship when we are all busy. It was nice for life to slow down for a few days and just relax! Defiantly on the top 20 best week/weekends ever!

The World Will Know

2011-03-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Every summer since I can remember, my aunt has run a Music Camp. It has since evolved since I was a little girl to be called Music, Art and Technology (MAT) Camp. It is so much fun. I have such good memories of Music camp and I tell you all of them are good. Because my Aunt runs the camp, a lot of family usually comes. It is so much fun to not only be with our family but her side of the family too (we are related to his side of the family, but we always have a good time with the Blackhams!). I am sooooooo excited because I get to teach at camp this year. If anyone wants more information on this camp, you can go to www.youngmusicians.net. It really is an awesome deal for families because they have classes for all ages and the price isn't bad either!
Anyway, this morning I started humming a familiar tune. I stopped and had to laugh. The song I was humming was a song that I learned at Music Camp. One year Scott and I were in the same Musical Theater class. For the class we sang "The World Will Know." This song is from the musical Newsies. Both Scott and I had solo's in the song. I remember mine to this day. When I did my solo I sang to Scott who was sitting next to me on a stool. I was happy afterwards to know that someone took a picture of us when we were next to each other. It is a really cool picture because Scott looks like he is looking into a mirror. Him and I look almost identical in the picture. I am sad to say though that I have misplaced that picture. But I still love the song and have such good memories of it!
P.S If anyone has a copy or knows where I can find a copy of this picture; please let me know!

3% to the Lord, 90% back

2011-03-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

The title of this post might be a little misleading. The Lord always gives a 100% or more back but it is all in the name of my story! Two Saturdays ago I had this great desire to go and help the Payson Singles Ward with their BYU booth. I don't know why I felt so inclined but I really like doing the booth. My only problem is that it takes a lot of time. This same Saturday I was suppose to be taking a math test. But I sacrificed my time and went with Scott and his friend. We asked if we could leave early and the ward said that it was fine to leave. But when we got there, they were short handed. So we stayed the whole time and worked fast and furiously. We spent a total of 5 hours there and because of that I didn't get to take my math test when I wanted to. The Bishop of that ward is amazing! I love him so much! He told me that if I would serve the Lord, the Lord would help me on my math test!
I ended up taking the math test last Monday because of the booth. The only problem was that I wasn't feeling well. I had a really sore throat and my body ached. I missed class to go take the test. I knew I probably wouldn't do that well because I hadn't studied like I had wanted to. But I went on faith in the bishops promise.
Well, yesterday we got our tests back. I did extremely well, better than I think I have done on any test that I have ever taken at BYU! Because I gave 5 hours of my time to serve the Lord, which is 3% of my time for a whole week, I got a 90% on my math test! I pray that the Lord gives me more opportunities to serve!

He'll Carry You

2011-02-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

This is for all those that are going through a hard time. This is for me and for my roommates. This is for my best friends and for those I need to forgive. This is for all those that I love and for those I don't even know. This is for all of His children near and far. This is to help me remember that He will help me through my trials, even though they seem unbearable at times. He loves us and will always carry us home!

He knows your heart
He knows your pain
He knows the strength it took just too simply breathe today
He sees the tears that you cry
He knows your soul is aching to know why
He hears your prayers each humble word
When you said you couldn’t face another day he understood
He knows the path that you will find
Though you felt alone he’s never left your side

Chorus:
He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words
Could take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope
And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you
Until you know the sun will rise and each new day
You will have the strength to live again

Chorus:
And when there are moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He hears you when you’re crying in the night
He hears you when your soul longs to find
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures

Chorus:
That in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

My Role Model

2011-02-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

There are so many people that I adore and admire so much in my life. i have been greatly blessed to know so many amazing people in my life. I love watching these people just being themselves without thinking twice about what they are doing. I don't know if some of these people even know the full impact they have on others. But I want all of them to know that they are influencing lives and making them better, especially mine.
Last night I watched one of these stupendous persons. I watched as he, out of sincere desire, ran a BYU booth. ( BYU lets wards and other groups come in and run their concessions stands for a cut of the money they earn) Now you must know some background on this kid. That is right, I said kid. At the mere age of 22 he has been put into a lot of situations with a lot of responsibility. But he always does it in style. I watched as this young man ran back and forth, in a very tight space, to get hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and cooked pretzels as I yelled to him what I needed. I saw him make sure everyone else was having a good time. He also made sure that no one was overly burdened. The lines didn't stop all night, we were super busy the whole time. But this role model of mine never once stopped smiling. And after it was all done, I watched him clean everything, count everything, and then clean again. All the while a smile on his face. What a trooper that boy is! He is my role model! What a loyal, undeviating, happy servant of the Lord. And oh how proud I am to say that this role model of mine is none other than my brother, Scott. Thanks buddy for all the many examples you set for me last night. I will always look up to you and that isn't because you are taller than me!

(P.S. I stole this picture off of Facebook. I hope that's ok!)

THANK YOU

2011-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

I don't need material things. I don't need money. I don't even need you to take me to do something fun. All I need is a sincere thank you. That's all! From the heart, down deep, genuine thank you and I will do just about anything for you.

Example #1: A family from my mission came to town this week. They were moving one of their daughters back to Florida. They had no one to help them. But as soon as they came into town they called me and of course I was there as soon as I could go. It was cold, I mean bitter cold, while we were packing the U-Haul. There were probably a million other things that I should have been doing. But I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Hugs were exchanged and a few tears were shed at the end of the day. And a million THANK YOU'S!!!!

My Florida Family (one of many). I love how their dog posed as well!

Example #2: My cousin hurt his knee really badly last weekend. They didn't know how bad it was until Wednesday. The doctors decided that he needed to have surgery on Thursday because it was so bad. Him and his wife live in Pleasant Grove and have four children. They called me Wednesday night and asked if there was any possibility of me coming to take care of the kids. I rearranged my schedule and was on my way by noon on Thursday. I hadn't spent much time with his family since my mission, so I was excited to go and see them. Once again, there was a lot of other things I could have been doing. But I am so glad that I was there. I was reminded of why I love children so much. I laughed and laughed till it hurt. I relaxed from the stress of life with some of the greatest children! I loved every minute of the day with these children. When my cousin and his wife finally got home, they didn't know how they could pay me. But all their THANK YOU'S where plenty of payment for me!

My cousins youngest! This was taken at my missionary farewell. These girls are older now but still really cute!

Example #3: My brother, Ryan, is a stay at home dad now. On Friday mornings he has class from 9-1 and he can't take Marley (his little girl) with him. He has asked around to see if anyone could do it but hasn't had much success. So he asked me. Friday's I don't have school but I do work. But I have moved my work schedule around and have disciplined myself with homework. Friday morning, as soon as I am done with work, I drive up to take care of Marley. We have so much fun together. She is so cute and I love her hugs and kisses! She is such a sweetheart. It is hard some weeks to give up this time but I wouldn't trade it for all the world. I feel so appreciated and it makes all my worries about school go away when Ryan and is wife, Sam, say THANK YOU to me!

Ryan, Sam and Marley

I am so grateful for my life! I have a great family and great friends that are family to me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve others. I love to help out. It is kind of selfish of me but I serve because I know that blessings will come to me for helping others. And they have. I pray for more of these experiences, where I have to give of my time and love, so that my life will be blessed.

So now I want to say THANK YOU to those that have let me serve them.
To my Florida family: I love you so much! It was so fun to see you. Your family hold a special part of my heart. I will be forever grateful for your examples, for your friendship, and your love! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

To my wonderful cousin, his amazing wife, and your beautiful children: You have shown me this week what true strength and faith is. Your quiet acts of kindness have made me believe in love again. I have loved being in your home. It has changed a part of me. THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your lives!

To my awesome brother and his beautiful wife: I love you both! Life is hard, but you have shown me that you can work through anything. I love being with you and always having fun. I am grateful that you would let me take care of Marley. It is a great time for me to get to laugh with that cute little girl! THANK YOU so much!

Pain and Suffering

2011-01-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago while reading my mission journal I came across this quote. " Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." This quote was given by David Osmond. David Osmond came and spoke at a fireside while I was on my mission. It was really neat to get to meet him personally. He has a very uplifting story and he positive attitude is inspiring. Here is a really good video of him and his story!

I was thinking a lot about this quote lately. Pain is defiantly a part of my life and I sometimes fall into the trap of pity parties. When I was reminded of this quote, I thought about the difference between pain and suffering. Pain is a hurtful experience. Suffering is a reaction to something that is hurtful. There are certainly ways that we can react to pain. Suffering makes the situation even worse than it already is. We can choose how we react. Isn't that the beauty of life? I want to apply this more to my life. Instead of suffering, I want to find the joy.
This whole scenario made me think of a dear family that I know. The dad of the family got cancer. His sister had died of this same type of cancer a year ago. But not once did I see this young family lose faith or hope. They knew that all might not be as they would like it to be in the end. But they believed in God's plan and knew that they would see each other again. Talk about when life gives you lemons. This family wasn't suffering through their experience they were living through it. Of course they weren't joyful and happy every second of the journey. I am sure they were sad and heart broken but they exemplified faith in every footstep, whether joyful or sad. The dad is now in remission and is doing well, but even if he wasn't the family wouldn't be suffering! What a great example to all around them!

Mustard Seed

2011-01-23T07:45:00.001-08:00

A week or so ago at institute we were talking about faith. My teacher started talking about the mustard seed. We are told in the scriptures to have the faith of a mustard seed (and we assume that our faith must be small) but then many are told that they have little faith. My teacher read this commentary about the mustard seed to us and I then went on the internet to see what I could find out about the mustard seed. This is what my teacher read:

"If you plant tomato's close to jalapenos you will get hot tomato's. Many other plants and vegetables cannot grow around certain types of other plants or vegetables. Because they take on the characteristics of what they are around. Certain plants cannot grow near a black walnut tree, or even near its roots, because they take in the toxins that the black walnut tree produces. However, a mustard tree, can be grown around anything! It is not affected by its surroundings! You could plant a mustard seed right on top of a jalapeno seed and it will grow to be nothing BUT a mustard tree, completely unaffected by the jalapeno.

Now,with this knowledge, reading the scripture again, brings new understanding. It isn't so much on how "small" the mustard seed is, But rather that the mustard seed is unaffected by its surroundings, environment, or what conditions may be present!
Therefore, so should our Faith, "be like unto the mustard seed".
Unwavering, unaffected by what we see, or what conditions may exist, no matter where we are. To ever keep our eyes upon the Lord, trusting in, clinging to and relying upon Him."

(http://my.opera.com/MzDaMzEL/blog/show.dml/164539)

I loved this little commentary about the mustard seed. But when my teacher read the first part of this quote my immediate thought was that of standing alone. It reminded me of a quote.

"My young friends, be strong. ... You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that [truth]. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong, you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone."

-President Thomas S. Monson

Sometimes I feel like I am standing alone. I am not trying to say that I am perfect or am I trying to point out others faults. But there are defiantly times when I stand up for something and others mock me. It is hard to stand up for the things that we know are right and true. But it is easy because we remember that the Lord is the greatest of all. No matter how many are against us, there are so many more behind those that stand up for truth. Just like the mustard tree that stands alone from any other plant, so must we at times stand away from the world. We are not to conform to the world and its standards. We are to stand up for truth and righteousness even if that means standing alone!

(P.S This is for Michelle G.)

Tale as Old as Time

2011-01-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

When I was six years old Beauty and the Beast was my favorite Disney Movie. I loved Belle and thought I looked like her. The night before my sixth birthday my family gathered at my Grandparents home. There house was my favorite place to be. I loved my Grandpa's garden and all the wonderful food that came from it. I loved my Grandma's hugs. I remember the cake specifically that year because my mom had bought a Beauty and a Beast figurine to go on top of the cake. I can't remember much else about that night but I am sure it was filled with love.
The next morning I awoke early to find a present wrapped and waiting to be opened. My parents were out on their morning walk and me and my brothers gathered in the living room to wait for them to come home. Before my parents got here my grandmother called. My grandfather had passed away that morning. As a six year old I didn't quite understand what was happening. On such a happy day for me everyone was sad. I was sad too. I don't remember much about my Grandpa but what I do remember is sweet. He was an amazing man full of integrity.
Beauty and the Beast has always meant a lot to me because I feel it is my connection to my Grandpa. When I see it I cry and laugh. It reminds me of the love that my Grandpa had for all people. It reminds me to love and let others love me in return!
This last week my mom and I went and saw the play Beauty and the Beast. Our neighbor across the street was Belle. We had several other neighbor kids in the play as well. One was a feather duster, two others were village people. It was so fun to see them all and to hear their wonderful voices. I was so proud of them. They did such a good job with the play. There wasn't a moment that I wasn't entertained.
It made me think of my Grandpa Bowen. It is a tale as old as time.....love conquers all. It is my Grandpa's legacy. Love surrounds the broken, the desperate, the lonely, the down trodden, the lost and helps them to overcome. This is what I remember most about my Grandpa; LOVE! What a great legacy to have passed down!

P.S. Do you want to know about my Grandma's legacy. It is pretty much the same. Several years ago at a family reunion my Aunt wrote a beautiful song about my Grandma's legacy. We, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren sang this to her at the reunion. It was beautiful and there wasn't a dry eye in the room!

Grandma’s Legacy

(sung to the tune of “God Bless America”)

Love is your legacy

Down through the years

Knit together, forever

Reaching out through

the joys and the tears

There were good time

-there were hard times

Making stronger family ties

This is your family-we honor you

Love binds this family- and we bless you

Kindness and sacrifice

These things we know

From example, a teacher

Tender heart, words to lift,

help us grow

Patient mother, willing helper

Testimony strong and true

We are your legacy- and we love you

Each of our lives reflect a part of you

The Gift of Friendship

2011-01-22T07:52:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite books is titled " The Ultimate Gift." It is a wonderful book about a man that is very rich. The book starts with the death of this man and the giving of his inheritance to his relatives. His family is a bunch of greedy, selfish and rude people. He feels bad about how his family turned out because he feels that he never taught them correctly but instead gave them everything monetary that he could. He feels the worst about his grandson. To his grandson he leaves 12 gifts that he will receive throughout the year. These gifts end up changing his life for the better as well as my life. I have recognized these gifts in my own life and am very thankful for them.
What I would like to do this year is write about a different gift each month. It may be a gift from the book or it could be one that I have seen evident in my life. These gifts are blessings to me. I do not believe in luck but I do believe in being blessed! I hope you enjoy this series of posts and that you will look deep for the gifts/blessings in your life!
This month I want to write about one of my favorite gifts I have in my life. This is the gift of friendship. Life has been difficult after coming home from my mission. A lot changes in 18 months, especially the people you know. Most of my friends from BYU are gone. I have been stuck on this concept for awhile. But I am starting to realize just because they are gone doesn't mean they don't care. And also that not all of them are gone. I have friends that I didn't even know about. I want to name them all by name and tell them how great they are but I simple don't have the time or the room, so I will write about three of them that have really touched me. For all those that I love and care deeply for, THANK YOU. Your smiling faces have made life wonderful this last year and have helped me so.

The first friend I want to talk about is one of my old roommates. Her name is Ashton. Ashton is one of the most amazing people I know. She is so kind, gentle and meek. She emanates Christ love. Ashton got married right before I went on my mission and had a baby a couple of months after I got home. While I was on my mission, her and her husband moved to California to finish up school. I missed her so much when I got home but was able to talk to her occasionally on Skype. Her example helps me greatly to remember who I am and all that I can become. Every time I hear from her I feel my strength renewed and feel like I can face the world again. I cannot accurately describe what an angel she is in my life. I love her so much and thank my Father in Heaven for her. During finals week, I got a phone call from her and we were able to meet up and see each other for the first time since my mission. What a blessing it was to see her and her sweet baby girl. It was one of my favorite Christmas gifts! Thanks Ashton for all you do, in word and in silence!

The next friend I want to address is my friend Heather! Heather and I met when we were 12 years old. She moved in across the street and we instantly became friends. We did everything together from milking cows to eating lots of junk food. But eventually our paths separated and she moved to American Fork when she was 14. I missed her so much when she moved. I did get to see her on occasion but it was only about once or twice a year. I had a really hard time when she left. I really cherished the times that I got to go and see her. Well, over time I lost pretty much all contact with her. And then one day I got an invitation to her wedding. I was excited to see her so happy to get to go and see her. We then started to keep better contact but it was still very sparse. She texted me a week before my mission and I went up to see her before I left. It was really fun to see her but I wasn't for sure if we would stay in contact over my 18 month leave. Heather was one of many that wrote me every couple of months. While I was gone she had a baby and now she is expecting her second. I love her so much. It is so fun to go up to her house and visit her. It is nice and relaxing to be in her company. I am so grateful to her especially because she is a great example of courage and determination to me.
The third friend that I want to talk about is named Marisa. Marisa and Ashton were my roommates in the same year. I really idealized both of them and still do. Marisa is so sweet and nice to everyone. She never says anything negative about other people. She is a great cook and great host. I love Marisa's family so much. There is no one like her mother and father. I have been in there home and have felt the spirit that resides there. Marisa also got married right before I went on my mission and now has a little boy. There is defiantly something different when you walk into her home. It is peaceful, quiet, and full of the spirit. I hope my home will be like that one day. I am thankful that Marisa lives just up the street from me. It is so fun to go see her and her baby!

Dreams Come True!

2011-01-10T07:10:00.001-08:00

Ever since I left my mission, I have dreamed of going back with my Mom. I have missed my family and friends in Florida so badly. I have tried to save my money but something always seems to come up and the money goes fast. But my dream of Florida will never die. To see the sunset and walk on the beach, to eat Sweet Scoops, and best of all to recieve much needed hugs is my dream come true!
I have also been dreaming about going to New York for awhile. I have also wanted to go see the big city. But my desire to fulfill this dream became more real this summer when one of my favorite cousins moved to New York and also because I fell in love with the musical Wicked this summer. I want to be able to spend unlimited amount of time with my awesome cousin.
I didn't think that either of these dreams would come true and I knew that I could probably do one but not both. Well, I am writing to say that DREAMS DO COME TRUE! This weekend my mom and I bought airplane tickets to fly to New York and then to Florida! It is cheaper for us to go both places at once. I am ultra excited and can't wait for June!

Grannies Memorial

2011-01-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

My Granny Comte passed last Sunday. She had been ill for awhile. The last time I saw my Granny was probably when I was 8. I didn't know her well, but I loved her. I hope that she will listen to the missionaries on the other side! What a joy to learn about the gospel and be able to join the church! My dad needs pictures for her memorial and this is the easiest way to get them to him! So here are some good family pictures!

Number 32

2010-12-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know why the number 32 is significant but, for the last two years, ever since I started this blog I have had 32 posts every year. So here it is, this is number 32! I worked hard to get my blog to 32 today but I did it. I hope it doesn't seem that I am rambling but I tried to write about things that others and myself are interested in! Happy New Year! See ya in 2011!

Year in Review

2010-12-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

Since it is the last day of the year, I thought I would look back on the great year that I had. It truly has been a great year and I am so thankful for all that I have gotten to do and for all the wonderful people in my life!
January- The new year started out great. I was still on my mission but was very near the end. I defiantly wanted to work hard until the very end and I believe I did. January was filled with teaching the gospel and serving the Lord's children!

One of my many good-bye cakes

This is the bishop of my last ward. Him and his wife are really good role models to me!

Another family from my ward. I loved visiting this family. The last week their little boy learned my name!

February- Scott and I came home from our missions just a little over two weeks of each other. It was hard to say goodbye to Florida and the ones I loved there, but I knew it had to end sometime. I will never forget all that I learned while on my mission. February brought lots of family time as many came to visit.

Scott and I after our missions

March-Birthday Time. I spent my birthday with one of my really good friends, Heather. It was so much fun to be with her and her little boy!
April- Todd and Deedra came to visit. It was the first time Scott and I had seen Todd since our missions. While Scott and I were on our missions, Todd was deployed to Quatar with the Army. It was fun to see them. We took family pictures while they were here!

June- I started school and continued to work. At the end of the month, I went with one of my neighbor families to Lake Powell. I had so much fun riding down with them and their kids. Also, my sweet Grandmother passed away. It has been hard without her but I am glad she doesn't have to endure another winter.

This is mom with all of her brothers and sister and their spouses after Grandmas

July- Todd and Deedra were here at the first of the month for Grandma's funeral. It was fun to have them here for the Fourth of July. I am so proud of Todd and am thankful for his sacrifice for my freedom!

August- I ran into a lady from my mission on campus. I was so excited to see her. I also moved out to Provo and started school.A lady from my mission

October- I love the holidays, whatever they are. My dad's birthday is on Halloween so we had a really fun party. It would have been funner for me but I hit my head on the kitchen table the night before and was in pain the day of the party.
November- We had a really fun Thanksgiving. It was smaller this year than it has been in the past but the food was great and the company was even better!
December- It has been a really good month to end the year. Though it has been hard and sometimes lonely, I am grateful for it. I am grateful for my trials that I have had this year. I have learned a lot. I am looking forward to the new year so I can learn and grow more.
I am also grateful for all of my family, friends and loved ones that are in my life. I know that I couldn't have made it through the year without you!

Last Christmas

2010-12-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

I know this is kind of late but I was looking at some old pictures and realized that I had never posted about Christmas last year. Of course that is because I was on my mission, but that doesn't mean that I can't do it now. Last Christmas I was in Valrico, Florida. For those of you who don't know where that is, it is just outside of Tampa. Valrico will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved it there and the people there I consider as my own family.
To kick off the holiday season our stake put on a beautiful Festival of Nativities. The whole event was thought up by a wonderful lady in our ward. Since she was the main person behind the scenes we got to help out a lot. Many people borrowed their nativity sets to be displayed for everyone to come look at them. Nativities from all over the world were displayed. Besides the nativities there was live entertainment, cookies and punch, a children's room full of games and dress-up manger clothes, and even a live nativity. It was such a good event that I wanted to go back this year. The spirit was so strong and it was gorgeous. What a great way to remember the reason for the season!

This set is made out of Pine Needles

This set is from Hawaii

I loved this cute snowmen set

This is made out of Plant Holders

This one is from the Artic
This is the live nativity and the people that are playing the different parts are from the Valrico ward. Most of them are from a family that we loved to visit. The baby in the manger was so peaceful as she lay where the Savior would have.

As a missionary we loved to share the gospel at this time of the year. We would often go caroling or watch "Joy to the World." We loved visiting all the families in our ward and asking for their help. Many families invited us over for Family Home Evening and we would share our message. After our message we would help them put up their Christmas tree or do some other type of festivity. One night we went and helped the Hayes family. I really loved this family. The mother is from Germany and had a wonderful accent. They have five children and each one of them were such neat and great kids.
We also helped a great lady name Sister Broughton with her tree and Christmas village. Sister Broughton had broken her hip earlier in the year and needed help with just a few things. We loved visiting her. She is from England and would always have tea for us. She was a very elegant lady. Her house was beautiful but very comfortable. I felt as though she was a dear sweet aunt to me.

We also did a Family Home Evening with the Gleasons. The Gleason were an awesome family that I just adored. Sister Gleason, or super mom, is a single mother with three children. We taught the youngest two children and they got baptized. Sister Gleason and her oldest son have been members for many years but the youngest two hadn't been baptized. We always had so much fun with their family. I feel like they are my brothers and sister. We built a gingerbread house with them and talked about having a firm foundation to build on.

The whole gang after the house was built

Chris working hard on the house

Michael and his gingerbread man

Katie and her tree

Sister Gleason and her cookie that is sad. I can't remember why her cookie was sad but I remember laughing a lot about it! I love this women so much!

For the ward's Christmas party we did a talent show. It was really cute but my favorite act was a wonderful sister in the ward reciting "The Grinch." She had dressed up like the Grinch and told the story. The children were so captivated as were the adults. I don't know how to get videos to work on my blog. If I did I would post it but you will just have to use your imagination.
On Christmas Eve we went with the Gleason and saw lights. It was really fun. Floridians really get into the holiday spirit. It seems like every house there is decorated. I can't find the pictures but I remember laughing a lot and hearing lots of oh, ahs!
Finally Christmas came. My companion at the time was Sister Larson. We spent the day with some really good families in our ward. It was fun to watch the children open presents and to see their excitement. We spent most of the day with the Wightmans. We loved going to the Wightmans. We always had fun there. We watched "White Christmas" and had two dinners back to back. Of course we got to call home which was one of my favorite parts. It was fun to talk to my family and hear how they were all doing but it was also great to see how others celebrate Christmas.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-31T08:34:00.000-08:00

Kirstee asked to do something fun over the Christmas Break and I thought that Gingerbread Houses would be really fun to make. The girls really enjoyed themselves. Even Heidi and CJ joined the fun. Makadee kept adding more and more things to her house because we told her that she could eat whatever was on her house. I love gingerbread house even if they are made out of graham crackers!

Tutus

2010-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

During this summer I was at Heidi's house. The girls wanted to show me their dance video from last winter because I wasn't home yet from my mission to see it in real life. On the video it shows the girls practicing for their recital. I noticed that Makadee didn't have a tutu and all the other girls did. I asked her about it and some how or another I decided to make her one. But I couldn't just make one for Makadee, I needed to make one for Kirstee as well. I also decided to make one for Heidi's neighbor girl, Sydney. I decided that I would make the tutu's for the girls birthday! The girls were so excited about them. I love little girls and I love playing dress-up!

Day 6

2010-12-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Monday morning was really hard. It was hard to say goodbye to Todd, Deedra, and Hunter. They did so much for us and we had so much fun. But we needed to get back home for work. We left pretty early and drove all day, except for a stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One of my cousins lives there and we stopped to see her and her family. Her oldest son, Spencer, is leaving on his mission on the sixth of January. It was fun to eat lunch with them and some of their extended family that came to see Spencer before he leaves. I haven't seen my cousins children for awhile so it was really good to see them. They are so much bigger than I remember. We ate at a restaurant named Twisters. Scott got a huge burrito and the man that took our order said that if he finished it he would get a free desert. Scott only finished half but he still got desert. We are really excited because my cousin is coming this weekend to take Spencer to the MTC so we will get to see them again soon! We made it home in one piece and were surely glad to get out of the car.

Sunday/ Day 5 in Texas

2010-12-30T09:21:00.001-08:00

Todd and Deedra love their ward in Texas. They were so excited for us to go with them. Many of us had new clothes to wear for church so we were excited to get to dress up. Hunter got a new blue suit for Christmas and he looked so cute in it.
I really enjoyed church. Deedra is the secretary in the Primary. The rest of the Primary presidency was out of town for the holiday so Deedra was flying solo. Thank goodness she had us to fill in where she needed us. Mom taught a class, Scott helped Hunter with his talk, Todd and Dad set with a class during sharing time and I got to do two of my favorite things; nursery an singing time. I had so much fun and the kids really enjoyed it!
We had my favorite thing to eat for dinner. We had Chicken Cordon Blue. It was delicious. Deedra makes it from scratch and I would do anything for it. What a treat!

Oh What Fun!/ Christmas

2010-12-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so fun this year. It was so nice not to have to worry about anything. I have never been so lazy on Christmas day. Our whole family stayed in pajamas all day. We watched movies, played games, ate junk food and real food, and of course, opened presents. The pictures speak for themselves so enjoy!

Day 3/ Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T13:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Christmas Eve. I love Christmas Eve. We sit around and tell stories. Almost all of us were in tears by the end of the night. Of course we finished off the night with our favorite book "The Polar Express." We also ended the night with Christmas Pajamas. We went with a plaid theme this year, except for Hunter who got Buzz Lightyear PJ's. He was so excited about them. His face was priceless when he opened them. Too bad my camera was being fuzzy and I couldn't get a good picture!

We also made cookies for Santa during the day. My sister-in-law made peanut brittle and fudge. It was fun to have a cooking day. We had ham and cheesy potatos for dinner. It was so good.

Day 2

2010-12-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

This is how close we are to Mexico, you can walk there

Today was a really good day. We went to the local Holocaust museum. It was really neat to see memorabilia from that time in history. At the end they had this really neat wall with quotes and a statue of a tree and children. It was touching to remember this time and to be grateful for what we have.

Mom looking at photographs of victims of the Holocaust

Hunter posing at the gate that says "Work will make you free"The beautiful statue at the end. The one child is holding a butterfly in his hands.

Then we went to the Insight museum. We all had a really good time at this museum. This is a hands-on museum with lots of games to play and fun experiments. We played for awhile and then it was off to the Wyler Tram ride. Mom was a little nervous and no she will probably never do it again, but it was pretty when we got to the top. From the top of the mountain here you can see two countries and three states (Mexica and the United States, New Mexico, Texas and Jaurez.)

Deedra and I on a teeter-toterHunter in a fire truck on the Insight MuseumMom and Scott playing Boc-TinDad and Deedra playing legosScott is so happy he finally figured out a puzzle at the MuseumScott and Hunter waiting for the Tram ride!
It was really cold and windy when we got to the top. We all thought our ears would fall off!
Me at the top looking down on the Lone Star State
The clouds were so pretty!
The big road you see in the picture separates the US from Mexico. They shut down the freeway last week because of gun shots!

After a long day we came home and made dinner. Dad and I went to the store because we couldn't live without ice-cream for one more night! We went to Ft. Bliss to get our groceries. I really like going on base because there is so many very sharp dressed and handsome single men. For dinner we had wontons, fried rice and barbecued chicken; it was delicious. We then did our nightly routine where the boys and girls split to watch movies an play games! Deedra and I watched "A Dad for Christmas." It was so good and well worth staying up to see!

Texas Day 1

2010-12-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

Scott, Hunter and I at Ft. Bliss

I am writing this post from El Paso, Texas. My family and I are here because my oldest brother Todd lives here. My brother Todd is stationed here in the Army. We were so excited to see him and his amazing wife, Deedra. Deedra is one of my best friends. I love her so much and look up to her in many ways. One way is how supportive she is of my brother. I also love that she is willing to do anything for our family. She is also a very good cook. It is also really fun to be here because we get to see my nephew Hunter. Hunter was the first person I hugged when I got home from my mission. He is my little king and I love him so much. I thought it would be fun to chronicle everyday of our trip here in Texas. So let's start with Day 1!
We arrived in Texas at 7:00 in the morning. Yes, that's right we drove all night. Dad and Scott did all the driving and we only stopped once for dinner. We were pretty tired when we got here but we still did some fun things. After Todd got off of work we went back onto the Army base. We then split, the girls went shopping and the boys played Chess. Then we went and ate lunch. Last night we played games, did more shopping, and watched movies. Deedra and I watched Christmas Hope. It was really good. (One of my favorite things about Christmas is watching movies, especially with Deedra!) It was a long but very good first day!

Hunter playing Chess with the boys

Christmas Time is Here!

2010-12-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

We have officially started the Christmas season. I love Christmas because there are so many events going on that we get to go to with our family. One of my favorite holiday things to do is watch Christmas movies with my family. Last Sunday we watched an excellent movie called "November Christmas." It is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. The spirit was so strong in it. One of the big messages that I got out of it was that everyone can prayer to God. From the preacher or from the farmer, God listens to them all!
Friday was my mom's birthday. We had a lot of fun as a family going to dinner to celebrate. Yesterday we celebrated again by going to Christmas Around the World. Christmas Around the World is a dance and music performance put on by Brigham Young University. They have put on this show for the last 51 years. We have gone a few times but this year was our favorite year. We had really good seats and the show was put on very nicely.

Another thing that I thoroughly enjoy all year long is going to the library and checking out childrens books. But I really enjoy it when I check out Christmas books. The book that I would recommend for any one that reads this blog is entitled "The Man of the House at Huffington Row." Mary Brigid Barrett wrote this book. It is such a sweet and touching story. My mom and I both cried when we read it. It has the old familiar message in it about giving is better than receiving but with a cute story line. It is a must read!
All dance photos courtesy of Brigham Young University Photography

New Look!

2010-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

My sister-in law, Sam, redid my blog for me. Isn't is cute? I really like owls, don't ask why, but I think they are really cute! I found a scrapbook paper online that had owls on it. Sam took the piece of paper re-sized the owls and made them different colors. She then made a header for me and a signature for the bottom of my posts. I really like the design and am very thankful for Sam. She is so talented! Sam graduates in April with a degree in Digital Media. If you would like to contact her, her information is on the sidebar of this blog!

Thanksgiving 1

2010-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

I want to write about some more things that I am thankful for. It is kind of late and normally I would be asleep by this time. But I went to the temple tonight with my ward and we were late. Now that I am home, I am not really tired. So I thought I would listen to Wicked and write on my blog. And since Thanksgiving is next week I will write about more things I am thankful for!

1. Music

As many of you know I love music. One of my favorite callings in the church was Music Chorister/ Choir director. I loved this calling. Church music brings a great spirit into any meeting or gathering. I love to sing in big groups, small groups and most of all in the shower. Not just church music but I am a lover of musicals. A couple years ago, my mom and I went to Les Miserables. I loved every minute of the show. My mood can be changed in an instant by music!

2. Homemade Bread

I will never forget my Grandmother's bread. It was so tasty. She would make it for me a lot when I went away to college. A piece of bread with strawberry jam is so comforting. A couple of weeks ago one of my really good friends made me homemade bread and strawberry jam. It was amazing! Then tonight after the temple we went to the first counselor in the bishopric's house. His wife made bread and hummus for us. She even sent us home with part of the loaf. I LOVE BREAD but only if it is homemade!

3. Children

I may not have any of my own but I have had the great privilege of having children surround me throughout my life. Whether at my mom's school, with my family, on my mission, or at my own school I love to have children around me. The keep me innocent, pure, happy, and tied to reality. I love children!

Marley and I

Ronnie, a little boy that always called me Mr. Comte on my mission!

Caitlyn, a little girl that I taught on my mission

My King!

4. Phones, Email, Facebook, Blog, Snail Mail

All these things help me to stay in contact with all the people that I love so much! I'm grateful to have these tools to help me keep up with those that make the most difference in my life!

5. My anteater!

While on my mission, my companions and I were trying to eliminate Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANT). We always were hoping that we could find a stuffed anteater to help us remember to get rid of the negative and think positively. The last day we were all together my companion found a stuffed animal anteater at the post office. It now sits on my desk and reminds me to be happy!

6. My Liahona

On my mission, a wonderful woman and her husband made me a Liahona. She made it out of a Christmas ornament. It is filled with scriptures on slips of paper. It is so cute and it reminds me of some of my favorite scriptures! When I am feeling lost or lonely or happy, any emotion actually, I just pull out my Liahona and read!

7. Trials
I was just thinking of some of my trials and what I have learned from them. I hope that I can learn from all of my trials. It is also a goal of mine to stop complaining about them so much and remember to find the silver lining in the dark clouds of life.

Tender Mercies of the Lord

2010-11-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

When I decided to move to Provo, I really prayed and pondered about staying in the Payson ward or coming into a Provo ward. The Payson ward is wonderful. I love the bishop and his counselors so much! I know almost everyone in the ward and most of them are my really good friends. I loved my callings and felt needed in the ward. My answer when I prayed was to come into my Provo ward. I knew this was the right decision for me all along. I have learned throughout my life, that when I get comfortable something needs to change. I remember having a conversation with one of my companions and telling her I didn't feel comfortable in missionary work. She said that was good because once we start to feel comfortable we become lackadaisical. She mentioned that we weren't meant to be comfortable. Being comfortable means that we are not really progressing. So I knew that I needed to come to a Provo ward to experience new things. I knew it would be hard but that eventually I would like it here as well. It has been hard and I have been rethinking the decision lately. Mostly it is hard because I haven't put my foot forward and meet very many people. I know that I need to put myself out there but I am scared of being rejected. Anyways, today I got to church and was sitting by myself. The thought came across my mind to just leave after sacrament and not come back. But I was good and stayed because I go to church for the spirit not because of others. I was feeling so lonely but pushed myself to talk to people and meet a new person. All day the thought of going back to Payson has run through my mind. Tonight when I got home, there were two notes at my door. My ward started doing love notes today. I knew I wouldn't get any because I only now about two people. I was shocked to see those notes. The one was from an anonymous person but it was beautiful. The other was from one of my friends in the ward. Her name is Stacey. Stacey and I meet along time ago when I worked for the equipment room on campus. She was on the track team and I did her laundry. Stacey then became Sister Slight as we served together as missionaries. Sister Slight served in the Temple Square mission but for her time out of Salt Lake, she served in Tampa. We were in neighboring areas and got to see each other a few times! Now we are in the same ward. I am pretty sure we are suppose to be friends! She wrote me the other note. I cried as I read it. From this note I have decided to stay in this ward. It gave me encouragement to go on. Life is hard, but I can do hard things. The Lord wants me here and I am trying to learn as I go. Everyday He gives me tender mercies to let me know He is there. Tonight the tender mercy was found in two little love notes that mean the world to me!

For Good

2010-11-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

For those that don't know, I have become infatuated with the musical Wicked. I have heard of it in the past but have never really gotten into it. This last summer though, mom and I heard the music and fell in love. We were at music camp in Evanston. My aunt has run this camp for many years and when I was a young teenager my brothers and I went for many years. We went only for a few days this year to help my cousin Michele. Our neighbors went this year, so we wanted to see them perform as well. While we were there we heard many performances of songs from Wicked. I have been listening to the music ever since and am dying to go to New York to see it on Broadway. The cool thing is if I go to New York, not only can I go see Wicked but I would get to see one of my favorite cousins, Michele!!!!
This last week I have probably listened to the song For Good from Wicked ten times. It is my favorite I think. I have been thinking about all the people that have changed my life for good. I want to say thank you for all those that have left footprints on my heart. I would name you all if I could but one it would take up pages and pages of text and second, because I might forget someone and I would hate for that person to think they don't matter. I have been extremely blessed to be surrounded throughout my life by some of the most amazing people. THANK YOU all so much for all that have touched my life. It brings tears to my eyes to think of you. For all the smiles and all the tears I am ever grateful to you!
P.S I am so proud of myself for embedding this video into my blog!

Update Time!

2010-11-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

For all who are wondering, my forehead is healing nicely. I got my stitches out and now have little strips over the wound. The nurse that took them out says that I won't have much of a scar. It is still very itchy at times and my black eye is still not totally gone. I can not jump around very much or spin but I am back to pretty regular functioning.
As you know, it is the month of Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for many things. My sister-in-law has a wonderful blog and is writing something she is thankful for each and every day this month. I thought I would do the same but I don't want to steal her idea. So I will just post once in awhile and depending on the day will post how many things I am thankful for. (By the way my sister-in-law is working on a new layout for my blog. That's why it looks so plain right now!) These things are in no particular order but all of them are very near and dear to my heart.

1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
There are so many things that fall under this heading. The temple, the sacrament, the covenants that we make with our Heavenly Father, knowing the truth, having a prophet, paying tithing, having a ward family, Relief Society, knowing who I really am, love, joy, peace, awesome religion classes, and sooooooooo much more. I love the church! I am grateful to have been born and raised in the church because it is the only true church on the earth!

2. My Wonderful Family
Once again there are so many things that I am thankful for in this category as well. My family is amazing. I have great brothers. I have very talented sister-in-laws and a very cute niece and a great nephew. (or should I say King) My mother is amazing and helps me everyday to just make it through and my dad is always there when I need him. Always! I love my family very much!

3. Brigham Young University
Even though I feel that it will be my udder destruction, I am so very grateful for school. I have been accepted into the elementary education program here at BYU and will start next semester. I am grateful for BYU because I LOVE starting class, not just religion courses, with a prayer. I love the atmosphere that comes from students you are striving to live the honor code. I love my professors and all those that I associate with on campus.

4. My Cousin and her Girls
I love Heidi, Kirstee and Makadee. They always make me so happy. Heidi is really fun to talk to and we could and can talk for hours on end when we have the time. Heidi is so gracious to let me be a part of her children's lifes. Kirstee turned eight this last weekend. Her and her cousin were baptized on Saturday morning. I was asked to give the closing prayer. I choked up in the prayer because the spirit was strong. Kirstee is a beautiful girl and always makes me laugh. Makadee is so cute and is very sweet most of the time. She always want me around and that makes me so happy.

5. Apartment
I love my apartment. I got a really good deal on a really nice little place in Provo. I have my own room. I have great roommates. I could walk to campus but it is getting a little cold. I live two blocks away from one of my best friends and her little family. The ward is great here as well. The bishop asked my name once and has never asked again because he remembered it!

6. Job
I have written about my job earlier on my blog, but I want to reiterate a few things. First is my wonderful boss/second father. Brad is always making sure I am okay even if it has nothing to do with work. He cares about my schooling and about my personal life. He was so sad when I injured myself. Everyone at work for that matter was worried about me. I love to deliver mail because I get to talk to a lot of people. I have made so many good friends through my job!

7. Beautiful Earth

I love when the leafs change colors. This picture was taken by Ryan or Sam when they went on a picnic a couple weeks ago. Aren't the mountains something? I love this earth and it is so beautiful to behold!

8. Friends

I don't know who took this photo but they need a little help with cropping! I love this picture though because it is with one of my best friends Heather. Heather and I were friends when we were in Junior High. She moved away after about 2 years of being my neighbor and I was so heartbroken. We stayed in contact over the years but it wasn't very good contact. We would maybe talk to each other once a year. I got to go to her wedding but hadn't heard much from her since then. She heard through the grape vine that I was going on a mission. We went to lunch the week before I left for the MTC. She said she would write but so does everyone. I had been out about 2 months when she wrote to tell me she was pregnant. She wrote several more times. I am so thankful for her because she was a true friend to me when I got home. When I was so lonely and no one was around, she was. She holds a dear spot in my heart. I am so happy because she is pregnant with baby #2.

9. Planner
Oh, how I love to plan!!! This is defiantly a product of my mission. I learned how to really plan when I was in Florida and haven't stopped planning. I know this is strange but I have a RM planner. I try and plan each day out. It is amazing how much better my days are if I plan it out!

10. Talents and Abilities
I am so grateful for the talents and abilities that God has given to me. I love to be crafty. Last weekend I made a tutu for Kirstee's Birthday. It made me crazy because I didn't have much time to do it. But it was worth it and much more to see Kirstee's smile when she put it on. She didn't want to take it off, not even for bedtime. I also love children and feel that God has given me a great ability to work with them. I also feel that I have a pretty good mind. I can remember names for the most part and have good recall memory!

Halloween; No Makeup Required

2010-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, I slipped on the kitchen floor at my parents house. I hit my head on something; we aren't quite sure what it was because it was late and I didn't have my glasses on. My head split open and we had to go to the ER. It hurt really bad and I HATE hospitals. I am petrified of needles. The thought of stitches made me bawl like a baby. I got eight stitches. I am not so scared of hospitals anymore, because they were so good to me Friday night/Saturday morning! The only thing that really hurt was when they numbed my forehead. It was weird to look out of my peripheral vision and see thread coming out of my head. But I was surprisingly calm through most of the ordeal. Needless to say, I have a really big headache today and my eye is black and blue.
We had an awesome surprise party for my dad yesterday. More is to come about that. It was a dress up party. Can anyone guess what I was? I was going to be Minnie Mouse or Snow White. But I ended up being a boxer; no makeup required!
This is to show you how black and blue I was! I am kind of brown now! I took this picture on my computer and it took a mirror image of me. The cut it actually on the right side of my face.

He is always there!

2010-10-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am reluctant to post about my feelings this evening. I do not do it because I want sympathy or want others to feel bad for me. I want to share them because it is part of my testimony. I do so in hopes to help others who are feeling the same way.
When I was getting ready to come home from my mission, many said that it would be hard. And I knew it would be. But nothing could have prepared me for what was ahead. The first several months were great and I was happy. But then it hit me. I have felt so alone and like I don't have that great of a purpose. I know that I have a purpose but I feel as though, in the real world, I am not needed that much. You see as a missionary, everyone knows you and wants to be around you. When you come home though, everything has changed and it seems as though no one is there like they were before.
Tonight has been hard and I am not sure why it is harder than other nights. As I was sitting her crying, I knew I had to get on my knees. I know that no matter how alone I am, there are many who stand beside me. Number One is my Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ. They are always there for me. I think about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even His closest friends couldn't stay awake and be beside Him. He went through that moment so that He could comfort people like me. He knows about loneliness. Even in our darkest hour, He is there. We just need to find Him.
I know that when I feel alone I need to stop and feel His love. Today it was in the warmth I felt on such a cold day. I can feel it now as I write this. His love emanates through word and action as I kneel down and pray. It can be felt as I hold the pillow that my Grandma used to sleep on when she would come and stay at our house. I feel it as I listen to beautiful music. I can feel it as I use my talents to create something new. I can feel His love as He puts a smile on my face even though it is hard. I can see it in the beautiful sky and mountains. I see it in the faces of the pictures that are hanging in my room. Everyday the Lord shows me that He loves me, that He wants me to keep going, and that He will carry me when I fall.
I feel like the young women in the painting above and below. I will cry on His shoulder and I will remember that His arms are around me continually. If you are reading this, please know that you are not alone. Just as I am continually finding out what my specific mission is here on earth, I beg you to find yours. Remember that He is always there with His arms wrapped around you. Look for how He is showing His love to you today!

Picture by David Bowman.

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

2010-10-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last Halloween I dressed up as a cow and my companion was a cowgirl! I was the coolest missionary. Everyone thought it was great that I had dressed up!

I Belong...

2010-10-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know who I am. I know God's plan.
I'll follow Him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I'll honor His name.
I'll do what is right; I'll follow His light.

His truth I will proclaim!

I am so grateful to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Just like the song says because of the church, I know who I am and I know God's plan. I know that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me very much! I also know with all my heart that God has a plan for me as well as all of us here on earth. That plan includes eternal families, if we keep our covenants to Him. I am so grateful for my family and that we will be together forever!
Because of the church I know that there is a prophet on the earth today. His name is Thomas S. Monson. I know that he leads and guides this church. If we will listen and obey what he says we will never go astray. I am grateful to be lead by divine power. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that because of his courage to ask in faith, he was able to restore the true church upon the face of the earth. I know that he saw God the Father and the Savior Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. I am thankful for my testimony of this gospel.
I love the last line of the song above; His truth I will proclaim. I am so grateful that I got to serve a mission. It was defiantly the highlight of my life so far. I was thinking this morning about how I haven't written about my mission on my blog since I got home. So I want to share a few stories today.

The first story I want to tell is of this amazing lady in the picture above. Her name is Pam Johnson. I meet this lady on the first day of my mission. I had just gotten to my first area, North Port, with my new companion, Sister Hofheins. Pam and her family were going through a very hard time. Pam was out of work and her husbands hours were being cut. They had hardly enough food to get by but they were running out and didn't know where to get more food. A really good family friend of the Johnson's saw them struggling and asked his daughter, who is a member, if the church could help them. The church did help them and Pam decided that she should probably learn about this church that had helped her family. She called the missionaries and started reading the Doctrine and Covenants. As you can imagine she had many questions. We would go to Pam's house and answer her questions the best we knew how. After one of her lessons we (Sister Hofheins, me, and another member of the ward) all started to bear our testimonies. The spirit was really strong and Pam bore her testimony of the gospel truths after we had finished ours. We then asked Pam if she wanted to get baptized. She agreed and was really excited. She read the whole Book of Mormon before she was baptized. The spirit had touched her and there was no doubt in her mind that the church was true!
The last time I checked up with Pam she was doing very well. Her and her husband got stable jobs after her baptism. Pam went through the temple when I was on my mission. I had the awesome opportunity to go with her. She was in the Relief Society presidency and was fulfilling her responsibilities well. I love this women and am so thankful for her example of faith to me!

A View from the Top

2010-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

I love my job! Mainly I love it because I have the best boss ever. He is one of the most kind, loving and considerate people I know. He treats me like I am his daughter and I feel like he is a father figure to me. He saved my job for me while I was on my mission and I was so thankful to be able to come back to work for him. Today we had a work party up at his cabin. It was a beautiful drive up Provo canyon. It is defiantly fall! I wish I could have gotten more pictures but I was driving. When we finally got there we had a potluck lunch. One of our full-time workers, Martha and her Husband Pat, made sloppy joes for all of us. We then sat around and sang as one of my co-workers played his guitar. Another girl played her ukulele and sang. The best part was Brad telling us stories for his time in the military. I love how patriotic he is. He cried as he talked about this great country. We laughed and laughed at his story, or should I say stories (he gets off track alot, but he side stories are just as great).

On our way to the cabin we stopped at the airport in Heber. My boss is retired Army and is very patriotic, like I mentioned before. He saw this plane on the way up and decided we should stop and see if we could get a better look. The pilot was more than willing to show us his plane. It looked just like the one above which is a T-28. These were built right after WW2 and were a training plane. The pilot, who was an Air Force retiree, got the plane out of Nevada. It was brought to the US from Laos after a war there. After talking to us about the plane, he took off for us and did a little air show for us. It was really exciting when he flew over us and then did a spin! Sorry for no actually pictures, I forgot my camera in the car. But no need to worry, I will get pictures from some others who had their cameras.

Halloween/ October/ Scott's Birthday

2010-10-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm dreaming of the Great Pumpkin

Just like I do this time each year.
When he brings nice toys
To good girls and boys
Who wait for him to appear.

I'm dreaming of the Great Pumpkin
With every pumpkin card I write.
May your jack-o-lanterns burn bright

When the Great Pumpkin visits you tonight!

Ever since I can remember, my family has sung Pumpkin carols. My family has a little book that is shaped like a pumpkin that has these beloved carols in them. The comic strip Peanuts is the creators of this book. I find so much joy in singing them. I love Halloween; not the scary,creepy,gory, stuff but the cute costumes and good food there is to eat. I love pumpkins, cooked and uncooked. I love the candy! I love to dress up as well! Two years ago I made myself a Snow White costume and passed out apples. Usually I don't worry too much about my costume but pay more attention to what my mother will be. You see, as a kindergarten teacher you must have a stellar costume. One year she was Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom! She was Happy HULA-ween last year. This year is going to be another awesome year. Of course it is a surprise of what she will be.
The other thing I love about the month of October is that my family has two birthdays. My younger brother, Scott, celebrates his on the 5th and my dads in on Halloween. For Scott birthday we went to this really cool restaurant called "Pirate Island." The restaurant looks like a pirate ship. There is an arcade in the restaurant. My sister-in-law found out that if you were to dress up when you came to the restaurant than you would get $2 dollars of free tokens. So of course the whole family dressed up! Dad was a jail bird, mom was Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom, Ryan was Where's Waldo, Sam was a fairy/butterfly, Marley was Minnie-Mouse, I was Snow White and Scott was Super Mario. We had so much fun! If you want a fun family friendly evening with your family and you live here in Utah, check out Pirate Island!
Happy Halloween!

Gratitude!

2010-10-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have been having a really hard week. I don't know if it is because it is mid-terms and all I do is study or if it is because I am really lonely. Probably a combination of both. I am also super homesick for Florida and my "family" there. I was sitting on my bed just now, having my own little pity party when I decided that having a pity party isn't very fun. So I thought that I would sit down at my computer for a minute and write about somethings that I am very thankful for in my life. Gratitude always helps to cheer me up and helps me to think more on the positives of life. I would write about all the things I am thankful for but this post would never end!

First, I am so thankful for my mother! This week I have had horrible migraine headaches and have been pretty sick with them. On Wednesday night, my sweet mom, came into town, went to the health food store and found some awesome medicine for me to take! Thanks Mom, it did the trick and I am headache free tonight!
I am also thankful for my awesome friend Marisa. She lets me come over whenever I want and hold her adorable baby. Thanks, it really helps me to be not so lonely.
I am thankful for my memory. I am grateful for the memories I have created over my lifetime. I am thankful for my mission and all the things I learned while serving. I am thankful for the people I taught and the ones I didn't teach. I am especially thankful for this family below and for the examples they are to me. The oldest son, in the green, goes to seminary every morning at 6:00! That's early! And for the awesome mother, who does it all by herself and does stupendously.

The Gleason's!

I am thankful for the gospel and the peace it brings to me. I am thankful that I was able to go to General Conference in the Conference center. I am thankful for my apartment! I am thankful for love and the abundance I feel when I count my blessings. I am so grateful for my cousin Heidi and her letting me be a part of her daughters lifes.

I am thankful for my job and for the money I receive from an honest days work! I am thankful for the fall and for Halloween! I am thankful for my ability to be crafty. I am really thankful for my time here on earth and the productive things I do each day. I am more than grateful for my RM planner, it keeps me going! I grateful to be going to BYU and the neat atmosphere that surrounds me at school. I am grateful for the scriptures and for knowing that they are true! I am thankful for my parents neighbors that I love so much; you know who you are! I am grateful for worthy music and for the spirit I feel when I participate in uplifting things! I am thankful for my mind and the way it works! I am thankful for a bed, blankets, and the ability to sleep at night. I am thankful for who I am and the situation I am in.

I just need to remind myself often of these things. Dwelling on the positive is the only way to go! It doesn't help me at all to complain and no one wants to hear it. Last week I heard Stephanie Nielson speak at BYU. I you don't know who that is her blog is http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/. Two years ago, she was in a fatal plane crash which killed a friend of hers. Her and her husband survived. She is such an inspirational person and is GRATEFUL for her trials. I want to be more like her; grateful for all things. Check her and her blog out. I promise you will be inspired and want to sit down to count your blessings, good or bad!
P.S. I am really thankful for this little, or should I say big, guy. He always makes me smile. He calls me Princess and he says that he is my king! I can't get enough of him of his family. Boy, am I ever thankful for Skype!

The Life I Lead!

2010-09-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

I really do love the life I lead and the people that are in it!

At 7 I wake up and get ready for the day. This includes Book of Mormon studying, showering, and eating breakfast.
At around 9 I start doing my homework.
At 11 I go to work with some of the most awesome people!
It depends upon the day, but after work I go to classes at different times.
Somewhere in between the hours of 4-6, I eat dinner.
Then I go to more classes!
I get home late and eat another smaller meal. Then I get into my pajamas and go to bed!

Of course there is something new that happens everyday. Like going to my mom's school spontaneously and staying past when I should be going home to do homework, or taking a nap underneath the trees during the afternoon. I love to be able to read blogs, especially craft blogs. Mondays are Family Home Evening. Some Thursdays are Relief Society activities! Some nights I go home to my parents just because and other times I go home because I don't feel like cooking. This morning I was ready before 9 so my day started a little early. One thing that I love to do is day dream about Florida and think about my wonderful friends and family that are there. And of course, a great addition to any day is the phone calls to my Florida family or Skype calls to my brother Todd and my KING Hunter! But even when there isn't something extraordinary about my day, I love my normal schedule and the regular things I do in it!
I love the life I lead! Everything in it is beautiful. I am not saying it is all perfect! Far from it! But I know that my life is in the hands of a loving Heavenly Father. I am thankful for this life and for who I am. It's the little things that makes me laugh! I have so many things to be thankful for! I really want to list them all but I simply cannot count all of my blessings. There are so many. And I have to get off this computer and go back to campus for class. Thank you for those that have shaped who I am today and for all those that I love so dearly! My life is awesome because You have a part in it!

Blog to Book

2010-09-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long!! Last weekend, my mother's elementary school, had its annual Carnival. When I was younger and going to Barnett, the carnival happened around Halloween and was held indoors. Now it is held outdoors and is held in September. They had so many fun games that they never had before. The school had gotten a company to come in with all of their blow up toys. They had big slides and obstacle courses. It was so much fun.
Anyways, I went of course to help my mom and to spend some time with Kirstee and Makadee. While there I ran into a family friend. She was taking pictures of everything her children did. I asked her why she was taking them and she told me about how she blogged. She told me about a program called Blog to Book. She turns her family blog into a book! I love that idea! Right then and there I decided that I wanted to be more faithful at my blog so that I can start preserving more memories for my future life!
The first thing I want to catch up on is my wonderful family. We were very lucky to get to see Todd, Deedra, and Hunter this summer. They made the long trip up to Utah for Grandma's funeral. It was so fun to see them and to get to be with them for almost two weeks! Deedra and I are quite good friends so it was cool to have someone to hang out with! This is what Hunter liked to do best: get on Aunt Jody's computer and play games or watch movies!
Speaking of my Grandmother's funeral, it was beautiful and full of light, just the way Grandma would have wanted it. It was fun for all the family to get together and celebrate her life. I wish I had a copy of her life video to put up but sadly I don't. It was a very long week filled with family events and a quick trip to Idaho but we survived. Here are some pictures of the family throughout the week!

Michele and I in front of Grandma's Coffin with pink roses!
A big highlight for me was finally getting to meet the famous John, Michele's husband!
(And he is just as cool as everyone said he was)

This is what we did most of the time that we were at the burial site: Chase Hunter!

Hunter was done with his tie within the first few minutes of getting to the cemetery! So it would have been really expensive for the family to transport Grandma to Idaho in a hearse. We decided to transport Grandma in a trailer and my uncle would pull the trailer with his truck. We, my uncle Brent and his family and our family, went to breakfast before the burial. Hunter announces to the waitress, as my Uncle pulls up to the restaurant with the trailer, "My Grandma's in that trailer, she's dead." It was really a funny moment. The poor waitress was mortified!

Marley with Grandpa and Uncle Brent!

On our way home we bought this funny mustache for Hunter! It was so much fun and kept us entertained for awhile!

I have also been doing alot of crafts lately. My mom needed me to make some things for her secret sister at girl's camp! I made a really cute tote bag, several flower clips, a cute letter "N", bookmarks and washer necklaces. Too bad I didn't take any pictures. I did take pictures though of the adorable shirts that I made for Kirstee and Makadee! I made them shirts for the 24th of July! They turned out so well that my mom wants one as well!

Kirstee and Makadee with their patriotic cupcakes!
Isn't she cute?

Heidi, the girls, Marley, and I went to the Spanish Fork parade on the 24th of July. The girls were so happy to have Marley with us!

During Education Week at BYU I ran into a lady that I taught on my mission. She was inactive but is now active and does a lot in the Lakewood Ranch Ward! I was so over happy to see her. We set up a time to meet for lunch and I immediately called Shauna, formally known as Sister Stewart. We were both so happy to see how well Tari was doing! It was great to have lunch and catch up on good old times! Please forgive the horrible picture of me with my eyes closed and gum sticking out of my mouth!

I have been looking forward to Labor day weekend probably since I got home! I love Labor Day because that means one thing for Payson: ONION DAYS!!! On Friday I went straight from work to Heidi's. We went and did a scavenger hunt around Payson and then decided we would take the girls to the carnival! We ate scones, rode rides, and got out faces painted! We then had a sleepover, which Kirstee was gracious enough to give me her bed for the night. We woke up early and decorated bikes for the children's parade. I then walked with Makadee in the parade as Kirstee rode her bike. Makadee's front tire went flat about 10 minutes into waiting for the parade to start! The girls were so happy to get popsicles and tickets to the carnival. We then watched the talent show because some of my other cousins children were in it. By the time we finished the talent show and one ride at the carnival, we were soooooooo tired that we headed home! Mom and I returned though, just a few hours later, to the park! We went shopping through the craft booths and then listened to the adult talent show!
On Sunday Ryan, Sam and Marley came to our house for dinner and for more Onion Day festivities. After dinner we went to the park for the annual band concert. Marley loved it and we had fun mostly talking with each other!
Monday was officially Labor day and that always means the Grand Parade! It was really fun this year. We caught and ate a lot of candy, clapped for those we knew and those we didn't, and overall had a "grand" time at the parade. We then went to the car show and back to the craft booths. We ended the day with a barbeque! It was a long weekend full of great activities. We were all so tired at the end of Monday! It was so fun though to have Ryan, Sam and Marley over. I love them so much! I can't wait for next year! Here are some pictures of the excitement!

Marley with Uncle Scott! She loves him so much! (not actually from Labor Day, but still really cute)

Marley loves this little rocking chair!

Marley using a watermelon as a chair!

This post is really long! Sorry! As for me I am doing well! I am living in Provo now and I have started school. It is a lot of work, but what is worth it without the work!

Dear Heaven

2010-06-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Grandma with Uncle Dean two weeks ago!

Dear Heaven,
I wanted to write to you and tell you about your most amazing angel that you received this week! She will be one of your sweetest angels. If you want proof of this fact, ask any of her adoring grandchildren or one of her many great-grandchildren. She has cared for all of us even though we were suppose to be taking care of her. Be aware of her wonderful sense of humor! She will get you when you least expect it. If you ever need gospel knowledge, she is the one to go to. She has read the scriptures many times and will be able to help you with any problem by quoting to you a scripture. If you can talk her into it, have her make you an apple pie. You will never taste anything so sweet. Not because of the sugar that was put into it but because of the time and love that was put into the making! If you find yourself not feeling so well or feel your heart is breaking, she will be beside you all the way as you work through it. She will put a bandage on that heart of yours and give you hope for tomorrow! She will put a soft blanket around your shoulders and comfort your fears until they are gone. She will also remind you of the love your Heavenly Father has for you! It won't be because she tells you of His l0ve but you will feel it because that is how she lives.
Please let her dance and sing! Don't separate her anymore from her adoring husband and her beautiful baby. Let her rock her baby to bed each night. She will be missed here on earth but we all understand that she is in better hands now! Please let her know how much I love her. Tell her what a huge blessing she has been in my life and in the life of countless others. Thank her for her many words of wisdom and for her priceless advice. Please give her a hug for me and for all those who feel of her loss! Even though it is Our loss, we know it is her gain.
Love,
Jody

Mysteries of Moster Grove

2010-06-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

This Friday Heidi and I took her girls to a play at BYU. It was entitled "Mysteries of Monsters Grove." It was so cute and funny! It was about a little girl, named Amelia, who's family moves to a new place called Monster's Grove. They move there because the monsters need a new accountant. Amelia's dad is hired for the new position. Amelia is very worried about the move and gets even more anxious when her father disappears. The audience gets to help figure out the mystery of where her father has gone. The monsters included mummy, werewolf, witch, Frankenstein, skeleton, ogre, swamp thing, and Draculette. I won't ruin the ending because who knows, one day you may find yourself in Monster's Grove!!

This is when Amelia first meets her new neighbors!!!

Amelia wants to be a detective when she grows up! Here she is questioning the monsters to find out where her Father has disappeared to.

Wouldn't you be a little frightened if Draculette invited you to her castle for dinner?

The Princess and her King

2010-06-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

In April, Todd had leave from the Army. So Todd, Deedra, and Hunter came to visit. They arrived on Easter and stayed for a week. It was the best week I have had for awhile. They all stayed at our house. It was a big slumber party every night. Hunter refused to sleep in his own room. The first night he slept in my Mom and Dad's room. My mom didn't sleep all night because Hunter kept kicking her off the bed. So after the first night we had to make other arrangements. We finally built a tent for him in the living room. Every night after that we slept in his fort. I don't know where he came up with the idea but he decided to start calling me princess. His fort turned into a castle. He was so sweet to me all week long. He also decided that I needed to call him the King. He called and still does call me his princess. It is so cute. He treats me like one most of the time. I cried when it was time to leave. But they call often on skype which makes it a little bit better.

While Todd and Deedra were in town we had to renew our family pictures. Deedra suggested that we do red, white and blue for our pictures! It was a great idea and our pictures turned out wonderful. (They were taken by a lady named Amy Cowan, she is a local from Payson and does a great job for a reasonable price) We got some really cute ones of Hunter. He really enjoyed the first part of the session but wasn't such a fan for the last part. Marley was super cute as normal. Sam and I had gotten her outfit about a month earlier. We found her shoes at Payless. It was great to be together as a family! Here are some of my favorites! Sorry I would put up a slide show but I can't remember how to do it!

Fun in the Kitchen

2010-05-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend I babysat Kirstee and Makadee, my 2nd cousins. I wanted to do something really fun with them and decided to have a cooking party. You know me, I can't just have a cooking party. I have to go beyond! So I found a tutorial on the internet for cute aprons. You take a dish towel and sew the corners down. You leave enough room for a ribbon and when it is sewn you thread the ribbon through! I also found out how to make chef hat's. I didn't have the time or the money so my mom suggested that I make the hats out of paper. We made the bottoms of the hats with poster board and then we stapled fabric on for the top! We had so much fun and the girls really enjoyed it. We made pizza and dirt cups for dessert!

2010-04-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is my first post since I have been home and hopefully I will start being more regular about posting! I am a little rusty on the computer but my skills are improving. Maybe I will remember how to post pictures by the next post. It has been about 2 months since I got home. I started work last week at my old job which was working in the mail room at BYU. I love my job and have the best boss you could ask for. I enjoy my co-workers and the work we do isn't hard. I will be starting school this month on the 27th. I will be applying to the Elementary Education program this fall and will start my program next winter!!! I am really excited to get things moving!
The last two months have been filled with family time!! It has been wonderful. I get to babysit my little niece alot. She is so cute. She has a really cute personality. I love hanging out with my brother, Ryan, and his wife, Sam. We are always doing something fun!!
My brother Todd got home a month after I did from Qatar. Qatar is in the middle east by Saudi Arabia. He was deployed there for a year with the army. Once he returned his family moved to Texas. That is where Todd will be stationed for the next while. I miss them so much. They have been visiting for the last week and it has been wonderful. Todd, Deedra and Hunter have been staying with us for the last three or four days. We have watched movies, read books, gone to museums, built a fort and ate alot of junk food!! I am so sad to see them leave. I love them so much!!

Coming Home.

2010-01-29T15:15:00.000-08:00

Sister Comte is flying into Salt Lake City Wednesday the February 3rd in the afternoon.

Can you believe 18 months are already over?

Next time this blog is updated, it will be by Jody herself.

November 23rd Email

2009-11-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so sorry about last weeks email. I did write you but the computer didn't send it and now I can't find the email to you all. The email system we use is having a really hard time and all missionaries are having problems with emails being deleted. I am sorry! It should get better because they are changing the system around.

This week has been really good. My new companions name is Sister Larson. She is a great sisters. We laugh alot and are enjoying our time together. She is willing to do the Lords work and that is the best part about her. I LOVE HER!!!!!!

We have been doing alot of service lately for our members. A member in our ward owns their own theater company. We went over this last week and helped them make dalmation costumes. It was really fun. We ironed on spots and I am so surprised that we disn't get any spots on ourselves.

We taught Tatiana again. She is a young girl that we taught about a month ago. Her best friends is a member. She came to church and loved it. She said she was embarassed because she cried so much. We taught her after church. When I asked her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon she said "I already know it is true." We were so excited when she said that. The only thing that is holding her back is that her parents aren't in favor of the church. We are praying really hard that her parents will have a change of heart!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for you all and all the love and support that you give me. My cup is so full this Thanksgiving. I have so many blessings I can't count them all. The Lord is so good to me. Remember to hold out strong because the Lord will always bless you!

Love
Sister Comte

November 9th Email

2009-11-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so excited because I am going to get to train a new missionary. Tomorrow is transfers and I have been called as a trainer. I am nervous but excited at the same time. I know that through the strength of my Heavenly Father I can do all things. I have faith that we will have a great time together.

The work is moving slowly but I have a feeling it is about to explode. We have alot of potential. Alot of our members have people we could potentially work with. We are still praying for Tatiana. She is one of our members friend. She is 16 and very eager to learn. Her parents have finally given their consent to her being taught but she doesn't have alot of time. It is really hard to meet with her but we pray that we can start actively teaching her this week.

For our Zone and District meeting we listen to a really good talk. I can't remember the name of the talk but it is by S. Michael Wilcox. He is talking about C.S Lewis and his stories. They talk about one story that I just loved. He talked about a young man who goes into a dragons cave and falls asleep. He wakes after awhile and finds that he had turned into a dragon. S. Michael Wilcox talks about how if we sit in a dragon's cave, do dragon things, and think dragon thoughts then we will turn into a dragon. And like wise, if we sit in a Godly cave, doing Godly things, thinking Godly thoughts then we will be like God.

I finished the BOM this week. I loved it. I encourage all of you to pick the Book of Mormon up and start reading it. It has definantly changed me. All the answers to the questions of life can be found in that book. We are so privileged to have that book. Most churches only have the Bible but we have a second witness of our Savior. We are so greatly blessed.

I love you all. I know that church is true. I absolutly love being on a mission. It is a great blessing in my life. I know that the Gospel is true. It is the same church that Jesus himself established when He was here upon the earth.

Love Sister Comte

November 2nd Email

2009-11-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry it has been awhile. I am doing well and learning alot. This week has been amazing.

Yesterday my companion and I fasted for a young girl named Tatiana. Tatiana(she is 16) is a friend of a member in our ward. She loves the church and what it teaches. She is a very smart girl. She wants to be baptized but her parents weren't too happy about it when she first asked if she could learn. We were finally able to teach her the first lesson over a week ago. She said she probably couldn't meet again because her parents wouldn't let her. As we were fasting yesterday though, her member friend came up to us and told us that her parents are now fine with her learning about the church. We are so excited.

We had a wonderful Halloween party for our ward this week. We had a young family, Mom (Kasey), Dad (Trey) and 2 year old (Ashley) there that are not members. We tracted into them the first day I was in this area and we have been trying, to get them to come around to us teaching them, since then. They loved the party and the members that they met. They also took a tour of the church. The whole time around the church Trey, the husband, kept saying "I like this about my church, but....." He kept comparing his church to ours with ours being favored. I pray with all my heart that we can see this little family join the church. It would be a miracle.

Halloween was great! I dressed up, for our ward party, as a cow and my companion was a cowgirl. It was really cute. I will try and send pictures as soon as possible. I felt funny in my costume but everyone loved it. On Halloween night we played games with a really neat family in the ward.

I love you all!!!!!!

Love
Sister Comte

September 28th Email

2009-09-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I don't have alot of time but I wanted to update you all on the families we are teaching. The Gleason's are getting baptized in two weeks!!! We are really excited. They are an awesome family. The kids went to a wedding in Boston this week so we actually got to meet with Sister Gleason by herself. It was nice to get to just talk with her. She is such a great mother and loves her kids so much. She had a very strong testimony!! I love her so much!!

The Browns are doing well. Brother Brown came back from his trip out to see his family. We are really praying for him at this time. We hope that he will be able to recognize the spirit and take steps closer to the Savior!

Transfers were this weekend. Sister Walton is going to Lakewood Ranch and I am getting a new companion. Her name is Sister Westover. She is from Sandy, Ut and is a Spanish speaking sister. There is not a lot of Spanish work here but I am happy to have her.

I love you all!

Sister Comte

September 21st Email

2009-09-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a marvelous week here in Valrico, Florida! The Gleason's, Katie and Michael, are getting baptized on the 10th of October. We are so excited. We watched Legacy with them this week. They loved it. They mom asked if we could move in because they are so well behaved when we are around. They are such good kids. Michael is so excited because he will be able to get the priesthood. He wants to be able to pass the sacrament with the other boys!

The Browns are doing good. Brother Brown is out of town for awhile but we are trying to strengthen his family so that they can help him progress. We had family home evening with them last night. We talked about Alma 50 and building fortifications aroung our homes. The Browns have five children. A girl that is 15, a girl that is 13, a boy that is 7, and twins, a boy and girl, that are 2. The younger kids built a city out of blocks and then built a wall around the city so that we could protect the city. We then talked with the older girls about how they could help their mom make their home a safe place. The girls talked about Family Home Evening, Family prayers, and family meals. We also talked about what we bring into our home as far as the media goes. We talked about the movies we watch and the music we listen to. The girls both agreed that once we let Satan in a little bit, he will come in as far as he can budge. They decided to just leave him at the sidewalk as they enter the house.

We went this morning to the zoo with Sister Brown and the twins for P-Day. It was so much fun. I almost got licked by a giraffe. It was so disgusting! I got to see my first huge Florida gator. They had a ton of them. We also got to pet sting rays and see a baby gorilla swinging from the trees. The kids loved it and so did we. It was fun to get out and do a fun activity!

A constant theme this last month for every missionary meeting is FAITH. Everything relies on Faith. If we believe it is possible than there is no way that it will be impossible. Our Savior will provide for us. If we put our trust in Him, He will never let us fall to hard. He knows us so well that He will succor us in our time of need!

Love Sister Comte

September 14th Email

2009-09-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a great week here in Florida. The Orlando temple is just right outside our mission bounderies, so we only get to go once on our missions and that is the day before we go home. But we can go if we taught someone on our mission and a year later they go through the temple for themselves. This means for sisters we have to teach someone in the first six months of our missions to be able to go to the temple with them. I had the wonderful priviledge to go with a lady, that got baptized a year ago when I was in NOrth Port, this weekend when she got her endowments out. It was so good. The spirit was strong as I saw this faithful women who is so strong in her testimony of the truth to recieve the blessings of the temple. I loved being in white and seeing some of the people I love in the Celestial Room. It was a beautiful experience. She kept saying "I don't understand it all, but I love it." She wants to go back as soon as possible.

Here in Florida it is a longer drive for the saints to get to a temple. Some sacrifice alot of money, time and effort to get to the temple. But those who are faithful don't think of it as a sacrifice. They love the temple. It has made me appreciate the temple more. I want all of you to evaluate you temple attendance and see what is holding you back from attending more.

The Gleason Family is doing well. They all came to church yesterday and then to a bishops youth fireside last night. They love church and were rivoted on the bishop as he spoke on obedience. They will be out of town for the next two Sundays and we will miss them. But they are ready for baptism and we will probably set dates with them this week! They are so awesome!

The Browns are doing well. We didn't get to see Brother Brown this week but we went over and had a wonderful discusion with his wife. We talked about fortifing her home and strengthening her weakest points in their home. As we were talking I thought about how in Alma in the war chapters it talks about how they put their strongest men at their weakest spots. Instead of ignoring our weaknesses we should work on them so that they can become strong. It is really hard to do, sometimes I wish I could just ignore them. But I need to remember to make them strong. God will help us in our fight to become perfect!

Well, I better go. I love you all and am working as hard as I can. Satan can try as hard as he wants to but God will always be triumphant. Keep holding on and never give in!

Love
Sister Comte

September 8th Email

2009-09-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has come and gone. This was definantly one of the longest weeks of my mission.

I feel ill on Tuesday. But I am much better today. I had some neat experiences through my sickness though that I know my Heavenly Father gave to me. First off was the Priesthood. Some of the elders gave me a blessing on Tuesday and from then on I knew I would be better. Another thing that was really neat was when I had to get chest X-rays to see if I had bronchitis. The guy, don't worry there were other women in the room, taking them asked if I had any metal on and I told him no. (I had forgotten my magnet name tag that I had on) After the first try to complete the X-ray, he said "YOu have something metal in your heart. Are you sure you haven't had surgery?" I told him I probably would have remembered that and then he pointed at my tag. I thought that was neat that as missionaries we all need to have the Savior in our hearts.

Last week we taught the youth in our ward how to teach the first discussion. There is a part member family, The Browns, in our ward, one that we have been trying to work with.Their two oldest daughters are in YW and for practice they taught the first lesson(for FHE) to their non-member father. It was really neat. Their mom called us the next day. She said that the lesson was amazing and that the dad had alot of questions. The spirit was so strong as she told me about how her daughters testified to their Dad that they knew it was true. Their dad kept saying to them "You believe it is true." And they would respond, "No dad, we KNOW it is true." She said the spirit was so strong. They didn't get through the whole lesson because the Dad had so many questions. So the wife said she would call the missionaries. He was a little hesitant but we went over anyways. He was the nicest guy. He sat in our spiritual thought. I hope that soon we can start actually teaching Brother Brown. He is definantly being prepared.

The Gleasons are doing great. They finally came to church this week. I know that they all felt the spirit because of the wonderful testimony meeting that we had. We taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ and Katie and Michael both expressed their desire to be baptized. They are just children but they know where to put their faith. It just goes to show that when the Savior says to become as a little child, He is reminding us to have more faith. Katie and Michael are really good examples to me.

Yesterday was a really good P-Day. We went out to a members house and played in their back fields. We also got to Deworm, which means to shoot medicine into their mouths, their horses.

At first I was very digusted and said I wouldn't do it. But they talked me into it. We then played games in their back fields. They have a 21, 18, 16, and a four year old at home so we had alot of fun with them. Then we went hiking which was gorgeous. When we got home we showered and got ready for a barbeque we were invited to. One of our investigators, Edward O'Neal, cooked all the food for the barbeque. We were doing the whole barbeque for a fellowshipping opportunity. It was a great time for the ward to really get to know Edward. He made some really good ribs as well.

Well, thats all for this week. It has been long but one full of learning. I wish I could tell you everything I was learning but it would take pages to write it all down. This morning we had interviews with the mission President. He told us that the meaning of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If we want different results than we must do something differently in our lives. May we all step out of our comfort zone to make the world a better place is my prayer. I love you all and appreciate all of your prayers!

Love
Sister Comte

August 31st Email

2009-09-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been another wonderful week here in Florida. The sun continues to shine. Saturday it was 103 with humidity. But God always sends a breeze when we are out working. He has also been sending rain storms this week. I had never seen rain like this before I came to Florida. It is perfectly sunny outside and be pouring for an hour or more. Florida is the lightening capitol of the world, I think. It is crazy. We can’t be out and about when it is lightening so we plan visits during that time. Sometimes it is hard to plan around the storms.

On Wednesday we had a great activity with the youth. The youth came in Sunday dress and were split into two groups. The youth were assigned mission calls to three different places. A returned missionary from that part of the world did a culture night with one half of the group and we, Sister Walton and I, taught the other half the First Lesson. We switched half way through the night. This Wednesday the youth are going to members homes and teaching them the First Lesson. We only had a half hour to teach them how to teach the First Lesson so it was a little rushed but the spirit was amazing in the room. Most of the kids were really involved. Most of them want to do really well teaching it this week so they paid attention. At the end of each group I bore my testimony and the spirit was so strong.

The second group that came had two of our investigators in it. Their names are Katie and Michael Gleason. Their mother is a member and so is their older brother. Sister Gleason has been a member for awhile but is inactive. She asked us to teach her children. Katie and Michael love the church and both have strong testimonies of the church but need some help with getting to church. Katie and Michael came to Mutual this week and it was awesome. As we asked the youth questions about the First Lesson, which is the Restoration, Katie and Michael were usually the first ones with their hands raised. We asked the youth if Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon. Michael shoot his hand up and said “Joseph Smith translated, not wrote, the Book of Mormon by the power of God.” We now know that it is time for him to be baptized. We are so excited for them

We went over on Saturday and Michael and Katie taught us the first lesson. They did such a good job, especially for not being members yet! We also went to a member’s house and had they 16 years old son teach us. He did a good job too. The greatest part of the whole activity is that the youth are almost forced to testify that the Book of Mormon is true which means they each need to pray about it. We committed the 16 years old son to praying about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. He has been a member his whole life but he doesn’t really know for himself if the church is true. We told him that it doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you have been a member, we need to be continually on our knees asking for what the truth is! We all need to be converted!

I love this gospel. There is no greater gift than being able to share this message with others. I am grateful to be His servant and I will continue to live worthy of His spirit. I know that through Faith we can accomplish all things. He is my Savior and my very best friend. My prayer is that all of us will be worthy of the blessings He is ready to give us!!!

Love
Sister Comte

August 23rd Email

2009-08-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am running out of time but I wanted to write you all one quick email. This week we taught an awesome lady the First Lesson. She has two small children, one that starts Kindergarten tomorrow and a two year old. They were all over us during the lesson. But when my companion shared the First Vision, the children were so calm and quiet. The lady really felt the spirit and recognized that something was different. She knows that she needs to put God first even though she is busy. I know that this gospel will help her so much. I hope that she will continue to feel the spirit and recognize it.

Well, I love you all and hope to get a better email off next week. I know that the church is true. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. He restored the same gospel that the Savior had taught in its fulness. I am so thankful to know the truth of this life. Because of the gospel I am so greatly blessed.

Love
Sister Comte

August 10th Email

2009-08-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a great week. The only bad part was finding out that I had bed bugs. I have been getting weird bits and on my legs, back and everywhere. We were wondering how I was getting them and someone said that it might be bed bugs. So we went to the store and bought some bug bed spray killer. We sprayed in on and then let it dry all day. We then vacuumed the bed and the most disgusting thing happened. Bugs started crawling out. EWWWWW!!!! I immediately called the office elders and told them that I needed a new bed. They brought me a beautiful mattress the next day!!!! It is a wonderful bed!! This is a caution: Bed bugs do exist and they hurt. Be careful with your mattress!!

This week we had a new investigator at church. It was really exciting. He loved it and I know that he felt the spirit, even though he probably didn’t understand what was being said. Sunday School was combined because it was Ward Conference. Class was on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. I pray that he wasn’t scared. This ward is wonderful and was so welcoming to him. We didn’t have to worry about him getting to class or sitting by himself because someone from the ward was always right beside him.

We also taught a little family this week. Sister Gleason and her oldest son, Chris are members. But her younger children who are 11 and 12, Katie and Michael are not members. Sister Gleason hardly ever comes to church. But I know that as she feels the spirit she will rearrange her priorities and come to church. We had a wonderful discussion with their whole family. The spirit was so strong.

I know that this church is true. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. He knows our righteous desires. He wants to bless us but we have to be obedient first. He loves us and He will always be there for us!!

Love
Sister Comte

August 3rd Email

2009-08-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

The highlight of this week would have to be the wonderful fast and testimony meeting we had! Last week my companion and I talked about missionary work. The bishop wanted us to speak the week before fast Sunday so that we could encourage the ward to fast for missionary opportunities. So a lot of the ward members were fasting for missionary experiences in their lives. I felt so united with our ward as we did this. It was a really neat opportunity!

We had a wonderful testimony meeting as well. There is a man in our ward that is from Iran. He converted from Islam about 15 years ago. He stood up and bore his testimony about the Savior and how the gospel had changed his life. He bore a very strong testimony of the divinity of God and Jesus. This was only the start of our meeting. Many stood up and told what the gospel meant to them. Almost every testimony focused on missionary work.

One of the last testimonies was so touching to me. The Deyoe’s, a family that Sister Stewart and I worked with in Lakewood Ranch, came to visit us because they wanted to see Sister Stewart before she left. Dave, who was baptized in March, stood up at the very end of the meeting and told what the gospel meant to him in his life. He looked us both in the face and cried while telling us thank you for the sacrifice to come on a mission. He was so grateful to have the church in his life. He told the congregation that if they felt they needed to check out a different church, to go and check it out. But no matter where they went the church would be waiting for them to come back home, because the church is true. He could barely make it through his testimony without crying.

The whole ward was crying by this time and you can only imagine what Sister Stewart and I looked like. The spirit was so strong as many bore witness of the truths that we know of. The ward here is incredible and I think it is because they are so unified. They all want to help each other and let others know about the gospel. There is a scripture in 4 Nephi verses 2-3 that talks about united. It is one that Sister Stewart shares a lot with our members. We can all have this kind of united if we all had the gospel. There is a lot of work to do and it is our responsibility to share the wonderful gift of the gospel with others.

We are still teaching Edward. We have committed him to baptism but he really wants and needs to study a little more before he can make that commitment. He is very serious about this, as he should be. But I know that because he is sincere he will know for himself that it is true. Any free time that he has off he spends reading the Book of Mormon. It is really neat to see the change in him this far. He loves what we teach and has nothing against the church. He also really likes his “angels.” (Sister Stewart and I)

Last Thursday we had a special musical fireside. They wouldn’t announce the special speaker because of the media. We were all so excited to see David Archuleta. I never thought I would get to meet him. The youth in our ward were ecstatic. It was hard because we were in the chapel for a fireside not in the gym for a concert. They did a really good job of keeping it under control. I never knew how little David was until he got up to speak. It was really neat to see him in his white shirt and tie. He was asked to speak from his heart, which is not his normal thing. He normally does a question and answer session. But he did a really good job. He is a really shy kid. You could tell he is a normal kid though. He kind of rambles and got off subject at times. But you could tell it was from his heart. He talked about how he knew God was using him to do missionary work, which he was doing that very night because there were a ton of non-members there.

We got to meet him afterwards and took some pictures. But they wouldn’t let anyone take pictures with their own cameras, so I don’t have any to send you but I will next week. When we took the picture he put his arms around us. The people in the room gasped and he dropped his arms really fast. He apologized profusely, he forgot the rules. He was so embarrassed. It was really cute!!!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. I love you all so much. This work is amazing. I love it. We talked this week at interviews how before the mission we wanted to have fun. But as missionaries know we want joy and we know where to find that joy. It is found in the gospel if Jesus Christ. I am filled with joy and hope I can take it into my life after the mission!

Love
Sister Comte

July 27th Email

2009-07-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a really good week. Monday we went on exchanges with the sisters that are serving in Tampa. I stayed here and Sister Walton came from Tampa. We had so much fun together. We tracted into a really nice man named Edward. A lot of people tell us that they will come to the church and learn more. Most of them you never see again but Edward actually came. We were so excited. He is really interested and accepting of our beliefs. He is also a man of his word; when he says he will be there he will be there! I love it!

On Friday we went to an investigators home for dinner. His wife is a member and he has been taking the lessons for over a year. We are going to start re-teaching him and committing him to do things. I think that he will go far if we are sweetly bold with him. He is more active than some of the members of the ward. He is from England and has a wonderful accent. I hope we can explain the importance of being urgent in keeping God’s commandments.

On Saturday we had a pioneer day activity. We had almost 700 people there. It was amazing to see. We had a really good time together. It was good for all of us to remember what the pioneers did for us. What they did has to be done by all who are in the church. The pioneers left the life that they knew, the comforts they enjoyed, and their own comfort zones to do what the prophet had asked of them. Each one of us must too decide for ourselves if we believe in the prophet and are willing to do what he asks of us. I am sure there were many who thought the prophet was crazy for the things that he asked them to do. But some knew he was a prophet and followed what he said, whether crazy or not.

Yesterday my companion and I spoke on missionary work. I wanted to say something that people hadn’t heard before. But I am sure they have heard it all. But I tried to convey that sharing the gospel is done out of love. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy but to be happy we must look outside of ourselves. A great way to do this is to always be looking for someone that needs the gospel and thinking about how you can share it with them. It is easy with God on our side!!

I know that this church is true. The Book of Mormon is another testament of our Savior, Jesus Christ. What a wonderful message we have to share with others, that God lives and that He has called a prophet to lead and guide us in these days!!

Love Sister Comte

July 20th Email

2009-07-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been another fun week here in Florida. Sister Stewart and I have been working really hard. We are still looking for people to teach but we know that it will come soon enough. We know that we are working on the Lord’s time and not our own.

We went to zone conference this week. We talked about our purpose as missionaries. By knowing our purpose better we will become better missionaries. This goes for life as well. The better we know our purpose for life the better people we will be. This is because our purpose directs our actions. I encourage all of you to think about your purpose in life and decide what actions need to be taken to fulfill that purpose!

Thursday night my companion was really tired and we had been tracting for awhile. No one seemed to be home so we decided to go do something more effective and come back when more people were at home. We started walking down this street and I stopped because I knew we needed to tract at least the one side of the street. My companion agreed and said she had the same thought. So we tracted the street and at the last house we found a wonderful women. Her father is a member in California. She was really interested and we are going to teach her tonight!

I am so thankful for the spirit and the Saviors help in strengthening us!

Love,
Sister Comte

July 13th Email

2009-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I arrived safely in Valrico on Tuesday. It is beautiful here with tons of trees and nature. Some of our area is country and some is really residential. The country is beautiful and we went to a miniature farm on Saturday to lay sod. A lady in our ward, who just lost her husband, Sister Brozak, asked the Elders to come help and they told her the Sisters would love to help. It was hard work but it was a lot of fun to get dirty! Some of the elders in the neighboring areas came and helped us. It was fun to work hard together. Sister Brozak was so appreciative and said to love to hire the missionaries because she knew they would come with good attitudes! We loved it!

This week we went on splits with the sister in one of the Tampa Wards. I got to tract with one of our newest Sisters in the field. She is amazing. Anyways while we were tracting we knocked into a lady named Kasey. She said that they just moved here and maybe in awhile we could call them to set up a time to meet them. I wanted Sister Stewart to meet them so we went over there yesterday. Her Husband was home and her two year old daughter. They invited us in and it was a wonderful opportunity to bear our testimonies to them. They are really busy for the next couple of weeks but want us to come back in August! I am so excited for this little family. The husband is in the Air Force and I loved talking to them about all their adventures.

The ward here has never had sisters that they can remember. They are a newer ward though. They are so excited and everyone wanted to meet us yesterday! Everyone here is so talented and wants to share their talents with us! We met a member this week that is originally from England. She wants us to come over on a P-Day for a Tea Party! I am so excited for all the fun things we will do here in this area!!!

We visited a family who was going through a hard time but we didn’t know it. My companion read to them Heleman 10:5. The wife cried as we read it. It talks about doing the Lord’s will.
His will, will always make us happy! I pray everyday for the courage to accept His will because He has a bigger picture and He will lead me safely home!

I love the Lord and I will do whatever He asks of me!

Love
Sister Comte