It's Break Baby!

 

I love Temple square. It is so pretty. Two of my friends from work and a few other people decided to go to Temple square this weekend to see the Christmas lights. We stopped to hear the Nativity. It was so beautiful. The snow was falling and as we stopped and listened to the story of Jesus' birth I felt peace. 

My aunt and uncle picked me up in Salt Lake and we drove up to Roy to my Grandma's house where I got to see my momma and Lucy and baby Jane. My cousin Emily got married this weekend and it was beautiful. I am so thankful that I was able to go to the reception and celebrate with them. More of my extended family was there and it was such a joy to see them and spend time with them. 

I finished yet another semester last week. It feels so good to have this semester behind me. Although at the beginning I was so excited for my classes I quickly learned that they were not was I was interested in. Thankfully I live in America where I can change my major five billion times and the only person that it bothers is me....and my poor family...and friends. It will all work out right? Of  course.

“Things work out, it isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out, don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in him, if we will pray to him, if we will live worthy of his blessings, he will hear our prayers.” - Pres. Hinckley

I am so thankful for Prophets and their wisdom. They aren't just inspired men of God they are men who have lived, made mistakes, learned life lessons, and are willing to share their lessons with us. 

I am looking forward to next semester, but first I get to enjoy a three week long break! I can't wait to go home and see my nieces and nephews. Happy Holidays everyone!

Oh P.S. my best friend's boyfriend just got home. I have been receiving updates since Dec. 3. I am so so SO excited for them. They are adorable. See more of their story here. 

 

Sabbath Sayings

Yesterday there was a double rainbow. The colors were so rich and vibrant. It was gorgeous! It was actually such a tender mercy. When I saw it I thought about Noah and how hopeful it must have felt to see the first rainbow after 40 days and 40 nights of rain and to know of God's promise to never flood the earth again. I felt hope yesterday. I felt hope that whatever is coming in my life is going to be better than what has happened so far. Not saying that my life has been bad in any way, but sometimes when I get too caught up in myself I tend to feel the gloom and doom of the future. 

Reality: there is no gloom and doom of the future. 

Maybe this is a little too personal to put on a blog, but this is what has been weighing on my mind lately. Over the past couple of years I have felt a serious amount of disappointment. Laced with these disappointments have been innumerable tender mercies, but these disappointments have triggered a lot of pondering, questioning, growing, pain, joy, and sadness. Lately I have realized the impact these disappointments have had on my trust; in myself, my Heavenly Father, and those around me. This is what I have learned. 

My older brother, who knows me so well, sacrificed his life, his hopes, his dreams, so he could do what our Father asked him to do. He not only gave up his life, he took on all of the experiences of my life, and all those around me. Because he did this I have hope no matter what. I am pretty sure that I have quoted from this talk before, but I love it and it has truly changed my life. 

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.  

God does not look on the outward appearance.  I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. 

He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. 

What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."

I am sorry, that is kind of a long quote, but it is just so good. It is from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in October 2009 titled, "The Love of God."

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He is my Savior. Through him I have hope. 

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 
1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 

There is a song that I sang in Inspiration choir last year called, "Behold the Wounds in Jesus's Hands." It is an amazing song that you should look up and listen to, but I just want to share the last verse. 

"Behold his wounded hands and feet! Come touch, and see, and feel the wounds and marks that you may know his love for you is real. Then as you fall to worship him and wash his feet in tears, your savior takes you in his arms and quiets all your fears."

The gospel that is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Whether you are a member or a kind passerby I invite you with all my soul to come unto our Savior. Give him room in your heart to fill it with love and hope and faith. 

He Lives.

 

Future

Consider the lilies.

Luke 6:28-30

In My Own Little Corner

Tender Mercies.

How can we deny them? 

Even our most simple thoughts God listens to. He is tuned in all day and all night. He is the most understanding being that exists. If I could just be a little more like him. I am convinced that he is so eager to bless us with happy little blessings along our major journey here. How deeply grateful and joyful I feel when I am humble enough to recognize them. 

It's my birthday tomorrow! I am turning 21! Wait...WHAT??

I know, right? 

I went to the bank today and the lady said, "Oh, you renew your license this month." Boy was I glad that she reminded me. Pretty weird though. 

Just some highlights from my little corner in Provo:

• One day, we were talking at work. Two of the full-time employees that I work with were in the front office. One of them is more sensitive and humble and just a cutie pie (Kevin). The other one...well...let's just say he is all boy; snips and snails, and puppy dog tails (Craig). We were mentioning movies and first Kevin confessed that he looses his "man card" because he likes Anne of Green Gables and The Sound of Music. "Man card?" Who says that? Then Craig told us that he saw a chick flick with his wife over the weekend and fell asleep. We asked what movie he saw and he said Here comes the Boom. He generously explained that it was about a teacher that becomes a cage fighter to save his high school band or something like that. I looked at him confused and said that that didn't sound like a chick flick. He kind of paused and then responded, "Well, nobody died and my wife cried." There was a kind of awkward silence while everyone processed what he just said and then we all lost it! "No one died!" So every movie that doesn't have killing in it, but makes girls cry is a chick flick! Who knew? 
• My friends, the Sandberg's, came to Provo and I was able to visit them. My Senior year of high school they had an exchange student that stayed with them. She was my same age and we were the only two girls in my mom's Laurels class. Before she left back to Brazil my mom took us out to Pizza Factory. It was pretty fun. Anyway, she is back in America living with the Sandberg's and going to Dixie. So I got to see her. It was so fun. She is so cute and we had so much fun giggling and catching up. The Sandberg's are just great. A good, faithful, loving family. I am so thankful for their friendship and light in my life. 

Okay, so maybe those were the only two things that I have to write about. It's probably a good thing since I need to get on some homework that is crushing my conscience. 

I have an exciting weekend coming up....an update soon!

Joys of life

I love people.

I love talking to people, hearing their stories, listening to their problems, sharing in their excitements, smiling at them, seeing their faces light up when they smile back at me. There's a little saying I have heard that says, "People are closest to perfect when they smile."

Of course that is true. 

2 Nephi 2:25 "Men are that they might have joy." 

What a merciful God we have to allow us to come to this earth and smile at people. 

I talked to my Grandparents today. First I called my Grandma Panganiban. I love her so much. When I was younger and I lived in California still I would visit her in the Summer for a week. It was a great time. I loved just being with her, hearing her accent and being enveloped in her smell. Before we got off the phone she told me how much she loved me and that she prays for me. Oh how I miss her and love her. She is a beautiful woman. I hope I can be as strong as she is and bear trials as gracefully and solidly as she has. 

Then, I called my Grandma Pingree. Another amazing lady. My grandpa died 4 years ago and I know it has been hard for her, but she is still always so happy and cheerful. I was able to hear all about my extended family and how they are all doing. It is so wonderful to have a family. Another tender mercy from God. 

Both grandparents, when I told them about my indecisiveness about my major, encouraged me to study what I love. My parents and siblings all encouraged me to do the same thing. I am so grateful for a family that encourages me to be me and to do what I love. 

Sometimes you just need family. 

And sometimes you just need to smile. Really smile. 

So. Smile...it's contagious!

Just because sometimes I really miss him and his smile.

Keys to Success

Today I was in a parade. 

I have been in many parades. When I was a Senior in High School I was on the Ivins City Royalty and we participated in every parade in our community. That was a blast. It was so fun participating in the pageant and then it was so fun being in parades and having little girls exclaim to their mommies that we were princesses. Yeah, definitely one of the best experiences that I have had. 

But, today, the BYU Homecoming Parade was by far the best parade I have ever been in. It was so fun! We had our cute little keys around our necks and we were throwing candy to all the little kids (and big kids). There were so many people there and their BYU pride was so great! It made me, again, so grateful to be here at BYU. 

I love my job. 

The people I work with are the best. We have such a fun time together. The full-time employees are the best too. One of our "big" bosses helped us make all of the keys and was even there to take pictures and reload our candy mid-parade. He is such a kind man. Through this process of preparing for the parade I have been able to meet and interact more with the "big" bosses at Physical Facilities. They are so great. I have been blessed to work and associate with such great people. 

So the moral of the story is: If you ever get the chance to go to the BYU Homecoming Parade. Go! It's so fun! 

Samples and Vultures

This weekend is BYU Homecoming. I haven't really been super school spirited since my Sophomore year of High School, but something about this University makes me feel spirited. 

Tomorrow morning is the BYU Homecoming Parade. Along with several of my co-workers I am going to be a Key in the parade. 

Yes, a key. 

I actually told my brother this last night and he laughed in my face! Apparently being a key in a parade is super humiliating. Maybe, but maybe not! I am stoked. 

Anyway, my co-worker, and great friend, Saryn, and I went to Costco to buy candy today. Boy, was that a treat.

I haven't been to Costco in a really long time. Since I was young and my mom actually had a need to buy everything in bulk. The most exciting part is always Costco's samples.

FREE LUNCH PEOPLE! 

I remember it being exciting, but today was a whole different experience. 

All I have to say is that the Costco sample people have to be pret-ty aggressive. 

The olds were crazy! The second there was a new batch of samples out they would flock to them and snatch them like we were in the great depression again! Bumping elbows and squeezing between people I felt like I was among vultures. One Sample Lady put her arm up and firmly explained to an eager young man that he couldn't grab a sample before it was put under the plastic display. There was this mom with her extra-large cart, filled with stuff and her two children, that almost ran me over to get to an inch of cinnamon role. When I looked at her irritation radiated from her eyes. 

I'm sorry I was in the way of your mini cinnamon role Lady!

Oh man, I couldn't stop laughing. 

Next trip to Costco I will be more prepared for the intense competition for those samples.  

Too Good Not to Start Early

I listened to Christmas music today. 

Sometimes Christmas music is the only thing that will make you feel better about, well, everything.

Who doesn't love celebrating Christmas? Thinking about baby Jesus, giving gifts, singing carols, making cookies, and decorating the house with red and green? 

Oh, oh, oh, the Christmas tree! That's the BEST part. I love putting up the old ornaments that we've had for years. 

Christmas will be a little strange this year. My parents moved to Rexburg and so I might actually have, well, I will almost for sure have a White Christmas! So, so, so exciting!

I forgot about the movies! White Christmas, A Christmas Story, Santa Claus, It's a wonderful Life, and Elf.

Okay, so maybe before the Christmas tree being the best is just being around family. Family makes Christmas time the best, for sure. 

It's all the best!

I can't wait for Christmas!! 

Only 2 months people! Two months until we celebrate the best Holiday all year!

 

Doesn't that look cozy?

This is totally not related at all, but I went to dinner with my brother tonight. We went to Cafe Rio. Soooo good. They best part and this was another thing that made me feel real good was their after-the-meal mints. Maybe I walked out with my pockets full....(a little Ghetto, I know!)

Random Tribute

I was walking around on campus today when suddenly the National Anthem started to play. Looking around confused I noticed that everyone was standing still. People who were sitting down previously were now standing up and everyone's right hand covered their heart. I am still not completely sure why this happened or if it happens daily, but I am so thankful it did. 

My great grandfather, my grandfather, and my father all served in the U.S. military. I love America. It was such a blessing to stop in the middle of my crazy, hectic day and remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country. 

Being in the middle of BYU campus, surrounded by my peers, who were all paying respect to our national anthem, filled my heart with overwhelming joy and gratitude. I am so blessed to live in a free country which allows me to attend an amazing university where I can worship my God through gaining intelligence and experience. This is truly a Promised Land.

Thank you BYU and God Bless America!

  

Catching up on Some ZZZ's

Naps.

The greatest and worst things. 

Today I decided to be productive and not take my usual nap after work. My naps only last 15 to 20 minutes tops, but today I realized why I take them. Wednesday's are the days that I have the most classes. I fell asleep in two of them.

Falling asleep is not hard for me. My head hits the pillow or whatever I lay it on and I am out. When I was in elementary school and middle school I wouldn't ever fall asleep in class because I was afraid I would slobber or snore. Ever since I got into high school and took Mr. Hunt's Medical Anatomy class right after lunch I have never been afraid of sleeping in class.

Last year at Dixie, I was early for my Chemistry class so I decided to sit in the hall with the windows. It was warm and the reading I was trying to get done was not holding the attention of my brain so I decided to lean my head on top of the display cupboards. The next thing I knew I was closing my mouth, wiping slobber from my mouth, and trying to hide my face from all of my peers walking by. 

After waking up from a quick nap in my class today the boy I was sitting next to offered me a "Curiously Strong Peppermint Altoid." In my delirious state I asked him if something was going to pop out of it. He assured me that nothing would "pop out of it," but told me that that would probably help me wake up too. 

Who am I? 

No shame man. No shame.
   
My naps at home after work seem a little more important to me now. 

This and That

 

This beautiful, faithful, virtuous girl is my best friend. She is endlessly serving me by listening to me ramble on and on about my life and the many things that I think. My heart is filled with gratitude that the Lord led me to a best friend who has enough patience and love to deal with my indecisive mind and revolving goals. Also to deal with my weaknesses. She has seen me at my worst, but continues to believe in me and encourage me to become better and reach my full potential. Anytime I have things weighing on my mind I can call her and she will listen and then simply and profoundly sum up all my feelings. I love her so much. I am so excited for all the amazing things that are coming in her life and the many new experiences that she will have. 

First week of school....Check! 

I think I will survive this semester....I think.

My classes are going to be really awesome. I can't wait to get into the meat of all of my classes. 

It has been sprinkling on and off in Provo. The leaves are changing on the mountain and I am so excited for Fall. The only downside of Fall is that Winter follows. Snow is not my best friend. Hopefully it will be a semi-mild Winter.

 

I am not going to lie, as school has started here at BYU I have missed Dixie. I miss the palm trees, the smaller campus, the friendly and familiar faces, the blazing hot sun, and especially the Institute. I miss Institute Council and Inspiration Choir!

On lds.org there are bible videos that they release once in a while. The new one is really good! I love this story and the way they did it was really good. 

 

Have a great long weekend everyone! 

New Learning Philosophy

School started this week. 

I'm a little burnt out. My finals for Summer just about killed me. The excitement of Fall semester starting is not as magical as it usually is. 

Tonight I had Human Physiology. It was great. I am excited. 
My Professor went on a little tangent and lectured us about choosing a career that we will enjoy, that we will look forward to Monday to go back to work, instead of complaining about it. 

This got me really thinking. 

A couple of weekends ago I went down to St. George and hiked the Narrows in Zion's National Park (amazing! just saying). I rode back to Provo with my friend from my ward. We started talking about education. He is in the mechanical engineer doctorate program here at BYU and is super smart. I was expressing to him how I love love love learning, but am not a huge fan of homework, tests, pressure, deadlines, etc. I realized through our discussion that I have always gone to school to have some teacher give me a grade allowing me to pass to the next advanced, more difficult, and challenging year of school.

What am I doing with my life??

I have been in school since I was 5 years old. It's what my life has revolved around since I was 5 years old and I am just realizing that my education has really meant nothing to me. All of the tears, late nights, stress, and studying what has it really meant to me? Am I really a better person because of these classes I am taking? Maybe it's because school has just always been something that I do, I have taken it for granted and not really internalized the things that my teachers have dedicated their lives to teach me. Even the classes that I have loved and done well in, am I really changed because of them? 

Obviously you can tell I am having a mental/identity break down over this.

For example, my anatomy class this Summer was amazing, but at the end I didn't do as well as I could have because I started focusing more on the pressure of getting a "good" grade, than really learning anatomy and enjoying the beauty of our bodies. It was such an amazing and unique experience to study off of cadavers. It was such a blessing to witness God's work in such an intimate way, but because of the pressure I put on myself to do well, A.K.A get an A, by the end I didn't even think about how much I really enjoyed it and how much I would truly miss it. 

The conclusion to all of this thinking is that I am done going to school for a grade. The classes that I didn't really have to worry about the grade I did the best in and actually found myself doing more than necessary because I just enjoyed learning about the subject. I want to graduate from college and when I walk away with my diploma I want to feel like my education has enriched my life and that I truly am a better person because I have actually learned something that has changed who I am. 

The moral of the story is that I am finally going to take control of my education. Although I will still be working hard to do well in my classes I am going to be more concerned with learning the material. 

This is a tender mercy from the Lord for me to realize this. Motivation to care about school this semester was really lacking, but looking at school and learning this way has shifted my paradigm. 

Happy first week of school! 

Panganiban Clan

Yesterday I was in the temple reading the church magazine, The Friend. It made me miss being a kid, all curled up in my mom's lap, feeling safe, being taught by my best friend about what is right and wrong. Many times I find myself wondering how I will teach my children as well as my mom taught/teaches me. Almost everyone in my family is a teacher. Besides my dad and myself everyone has gone to school to be a teacher of some sort. I have thought about being a teacher, but I just don't feel the same passion for it. Maybe because I am the youngest I am just comfortable and enjoy being a student more than the teacher. 


My family teaches me so much too. I love them so much. 


Lately I have just been filled with so much gratitude for my family. Even today we all skyped together and as my siblings and my parents were talking I just felt overwhelming gratitude for the strength and faith that my siblings have. Their experiences help me and strengthen my faith. Their love and encouragement give me courage to accomplish my goals. 


"When we realize that parents and family members can be more than blood relations and in very deed friends, then we will have a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father wants us to live, not only as brothers and sisters but as very close friends." -Marvin J. Ashton


"Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends." -For the Strength of Youth


Since I have moved to Provo my brother and I have been able to spend a lot of time together. I love being so close to him. I love him so much and he really is my best friend. He has blessed my life so much. He is the best big brother. 


There is also another person who blesses my life abundantly. She isn't exactly family, but nonetheless she teaches me and loves and encourages me just the same. Adriana Hall is an angel. Her purity and virtue inspire me and teach me more about my Savior each time we talk or get together. She never ceases to amaze me with her expanding heart and concern for all those around her. She has an acute sense of others that exemplifies our Savior. Last year we took a New Testament class together and it was so wonderful to be able to hear her bear her testimony and hear her insights about the Savior's life. In three days I get to have her for a whole week and I am so excited!! 

On this Sabbath day I am filled with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the many examples he has placed in my life. Especially my wonderful family. 

elder mckay wayne lindsey

it's been a year today!! oh how i miss him!

our first date we made this humungo snowman. :)

so basically i am crazy.

i know i have already done this before.

but i can't help it.

i just love this kid.

everything about this guy makes this bubbliness emerge in my chest and it maybe comes out as a little squeal and big fat smile...maybe.

life goes on though.

i know from first-hand experience that things don't always work out the way you hope, but the way they do work out is your own beautiful God-given story.

as cheesy as this sounds i really do feel it...

someone as good as mckay is worth waiting for or at least seeing what happens.

because of my experiences i feel skeptical and sometimes insane for waiting to see what happens with....yet another missionary.

but as i have talked with my brother (who is quite the inspiring man) i have realized more and more that if we want something we have to go for it, work for it, and hope for it...even if it is crazy and highly unlikely.

anywho, i am excited for life. i am excited for my future and what is coming in general. i can't wait for mckay to come home and to just listen to him. he has the best stories.

i am sooooooooooooooooo happy that it's been a year already!

Wonderful Wednesday

Today, I saw my sister. 


I love her so much. It was so good to see her. It was actually a sweet tender mercy. Sister Lindsey is here at BYU for a FACS conference. We got together to go to lunch today and while we were sitting there my sister came up to say hello. 


Thinking about this gives me chicken skins. The Lord knows. He has a master plan. Our lives are in his hands and he knows what he is doing. I am so thankful for this reminder today that I have a Father in Heaven and a Savior watching out for me and keeping my life in line. It amazes me how the Lord coordinates each of our lives so that we can bless and serve and help each other. Times like these make me wonder how I can ever repay for the tender mercies and all-encompassing love I feel each day from Heaven.


Another thing that makes this Wednesday wonderful is that exactly 11 months ago Mckay left. One more month and he will have been out for a whole year. How has this happened? The last letter I received from him was so amazing. I can't believe how much he's learning and growing. He is so happy and continually says how much he loves being a missionary and how there is no where in the world he would rather be right now. It makes me so happy. He's so awesome. Period. My respect for him grows each time I hear from him. I am excited to see him and talk to him in 1 year and 1month. The end.


Cheers to a happy wonderful Wednesday!  

Miracles

I got a job!!

To list the amount of miracles that have happened since I have been in Provo would take a super long time. There have been so many amazing things happen that have strengthened my faith and given me hope for my future.

Getting a job is one of these miracles.

I have told everyone I know that I was looking for a job. Last week right before I left to go to Yellowstone my roommate told me that her boss was hiring. She told me to send her my resume and she would give it to her boss along with some good words about me. After I got back, on Tuesday, my roommate's Boss, Shawna, (now my boss too) called me to come in to interview with her the following day. Of course, Wednesday morning I was running late and I ended up being like 5 minutes late to my interview. I walked into the office feeling extremely stupid, but Shawna acted like nothing was wrong so I just went with it. We had the interview and during the whole thing I just felt like I wasn't presenting or portraying myself well so I walked away thinking oh well. At the end of the interview she said she had some other people to meet with and then she would let me know on Friday about the job. I went to the temple that night to help get my mind off of it and to pray really hard for a miracle.

Thursday was a super hard day. The stress was building and I don't have any responsibilities so I cleaned my whole apartment, did my laundry, worked out, read my scriptures and other books, went to the temple, and tried to stay positive and faithful.

I went to sleep Thursday night and I dreamed all night. Some of my dreams were that I got the job and some of them were that I didn't get the job. I kept waking up and wondering when Shawna was going to call me. So finally around 9:30 this morning my phone rang. I answered it and it was her. She asked if I wanted the job. I told her most definitely yes. They had put me on speaker phone because they all wanted to hear my reaction. Apparently they knew that I really wanted the job.

My roommate told me that after our interview Shawna said that she just knew that she needed to hire me. She said she was praying about it over the couple of days and again this morning and she just knew that I was the person she needed to hire. My roommate also told me that Shawna thought that I was confident and had a great interview. Shawna had actually felt bad because she felt sick earlier that morning and so she wasn't completely herself during our interview.

The Lord answers prayers and he most definitely takes care of his children. I am a witness of that.

So I am the newest employee of The Key Office. I work on campus issuing, tracking, and making keys. I am super stoked.

Yellowstone Adventure and Rexburg

jane and me

kisses

lucy and me

blaine and me

old faithful

alaska-looking hot pot

close-up bison

ladd parents and old faithful

emily and me

just had an amazing weekend with the Ladd's and the Bowman's

Yellowstone was as amazing as my mom always described it

i loved spending time with jane and with lucy and cody

and the ladds

i have felt so much love these past few weeks. i don't know why i have been so blessed, but i am so deeply grateful for the many wonderful people the lord has placed in my life.

i love spending time with family. as i was with lucy and cody i just relized that what they are doing right now, going to school, working toward some goals, raising their daughter, is exactly what life is about. life is about creating and enjoying. i am so thankful for the examples i have of this through my siblings and their families.

the ladd's were so generous to offer to take me with them up to rexburg and to yellowstone with their family. we had many adventures and a lot of laughs.

vacations are always super fun and exciting, but when we turned the corner and saw the big y on the mountain i was filled with excitement to be home again. i was so excited to see my roommates and especially to see my brother. i went and visited him first thing and again, i realized what an amazing brother and friend that i have.

hope you enjoy the pictures. if you get a chance to go up to yellowstone take it! it's amazing! 

So Good

catch up

  

niece and nephews

mckelle adriana me

angels landing

rock climbing chuckawala

Austin me batting in the virigin river

kurt fixed the dent in my car

jam packed and ready to go

cousins! love this kid with all my heart

I am in Provo.

I LOVE IT!

i miss my friends. so much, but i am meeting so many awesome fun people.

i love being so close to my brother. he is the bomb diggity.

everyone has been super friendly.

i love my roommates.

i am just being spoiled.

i have been looking for a job and i have had to take the office skills test.

the people in the employment center has had an addition to their daily routine...ME!

seriously, i have gone into the employment center everyday they are open since i have moved here. 

but today i finally achieved the desired scores.

WOOHOO!!

i also finished my resume.

go me!

so now all there's left to do is actually find a job.

pray for me!

Guess what? Second Chemistry test, maybe wasn't so good, but third...I got a 95%

I might pass Chemistry with a B this semester! I am pretty stoked! I tried to study so hard this time and I prayed constantly that I would be able to understand and do well on my test and God truly is merciful. When I was up at BYU-Idaho I took Math 110 which is just college algebra, but it was a lot different than any other algebra class I had taken. I remember going to the library, sitting down, and telling Heavenly Father that I needed a miracle and that I was going to put faith in him to help me pass this class...God can do a lot with a little bit of faith and a lot of hard work.

Guess what else?? I got a letter from Mckay! This is my third time hearing from him since he has been in Brazil. He is so awesome. I love and respect him so much. Not that I am counting, because I really am NOT waiting for another missionary, but, last Friday he hit 9 months being on his mission. Where does time go? I love being busy, but sometimes it is a little frightening how fast life goes by if you aren't paying attention. Anyway, I am happy for him and it sounds like he is loving it in Brazil. He told me in his letter he is starting to really love certain things about Brazil, like eating beans and seeing horses tied up like pets in people's yards. The beginning of his letter was really weird looking, but he said that he was writing on a rock and it was pretty difficult. He is such a goofball!

Guess what else??? I have been accepted to BYU-Provo for Summer semester and am moving to Provo May 14. Crazy right? Who would have really thought I would end up at BYU? Not me! that's for sure. Still, sometimes I think about it and wonder how this happened?? :) There are still a lot of kinks to work out, like finding a job, and paying for everything, but I am just going to move forward with faith and work really hard! But, I am officially a BYU Cougar!  

Can I just say...I love this girl so much. She is the most beautiful girl inside and out. I don't know how she got so good, but I hope one day I can be more like her. I am so thankful for her friendship, patience and constant encouragement. It is amazing how much easier life is with good people in your life who believe in you and look out for you. I am going to miss her like crazy when I move. It makes my heart so sad, but it just means lots of visits and texts, and calls. :) 

There has been a lot more things that have happened this semester, but it would just take so long to write. Maybe after finals I will try to summarize....maybe. 

Well, have a great day! 

Peace and Blessings

Peace and Blessings 

Victory

I took my first Chemistry test yesterday and I just barely looked to see what I got.

70.83 out of 100

WOO HOO!!

You might wonder why I feel so good about a C, but this is my second time taking Chemistry. Last semester I recieved a big FAILURE on every test I took. I feel so good!

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

It's In!

My application to BYU- Provo is in!! Now all that is left to do is pray I will get in and earn some money! I am super stoked! I have more to blog about, but it will have to wait. I just don't have time right now. WOO HOO!!!

Wise Use of Words

I am a fan of poetry. It is beautiful.

"Myself"

I have to live with myself, and so

I want to be fit for myself to know,

I want to be able, as days go by,

Always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don't want to stand, with the setting sun,

And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf,

A lot of secrets about myself,

And fool myself, as I come and go,

Into thinking that nobody else will know

The kind of man that I really am;

I don't want to dress up myself in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect,

I want to deserve all men's respect;

But here in the struggle for fame and pelf,

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know.

That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me;

I see what others can never see;

I know that others may never know;

I never can fool myself, and so,

Whatever happens, I want to be

Self-respecting and conscience free.

--Edgar A. Guest.

"The Pearl"

Each of us desire beauty in our life.

But, often we see only chaos and strife.

Frustration sets in as we seek for order,

Unable to see past the walls of our self-proclaimed border.

Longing we seek for the Masters hand,

Desiring only a glimpse of His all-knowing plan.

Our loving Father will always come to our aid.

It pains Him to see us feeling alone and dismayed.

Fortunately His eyes see beyond our frame.

He knows what we need and in the end what we'll gain.

So with patience we must act upon what we know to be right

Until the Father graces us with further light.

When irritations come, give thought to the oyster

Whose example of patience can give cause to bolster.

A single grain of sand, though uncomfortable it may be,

Time and consistency develops a beauty unseen.

A pearl that is priceless beyond all measure.

Comparably, trials, through sacrifice, become our greatest treasure.

Through our trust and good works God can fashion a pearl,

And a path once unclear He begins to unfurl.

--Blaine Ladd

"I Will Not Fail Thee"

A baby was born

On a starry night.

They named him Jesus

and called him the Light.

He illuminates the way

on earth, where we are.

His life was perfect,

but he left with a scar.

He suffered much pain

For the sins we commit.

All he asks is our heart;

Our will to submit.

A covenant he makes;

A gift that is free.

Our savior, he promises,

I will not fail thee.

That night in the garden

I saw your sweet face.

I felt all your worries,

Your fears, and disgrace.

I conquered it all

So that you might live.

My peace and my comfort

Unto you, I give.

Fear not my sweet child,

And hear my plea,

Have faith in my Grace

For I will not fail thee.

Through the spirit

I know that this message is true.

I have felt of his love

Ans his assurances too.

Sometimes we walk blindly

not know before

Of the blessings ahead

And the truths in store.

So humbly I plead

A favor for me,

Trust when he says

I will not fail thee.

--Joanie Panganiban 

The Monument

God,

Before He sent His children to earth

Gave each of them

A very carefully selected package

Of problems.

These,

He promised, smiling,

Are yours alone. No one

Else may have the blessings

These problems will bring you.

And only you

Have the special talents and abilities

That will be needed

To make these problems

Your servants.

Now go down to your birth

And to your forgetfulness. Know that

I love you beyond measure.

These problems that I give you

Are a symbol of that love.

The monument you make of your life

With the help of your problems

Will be a symbol or your

Love for me,

Your Father.

--Blaine M. Yorgason

"Someone is Watching"

Someone is watching

and that's a fast.

Someone will copy

The way you act.

So make this your motto

and put it to use.

Be someones example

and not their excuse.

--Kathy McDonald