Good Day

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good Cheer; I have overcome the world.

    At the moment that Christ completed the atonement he conquered all things. What is there to fear? I love my Savior. And I know he loves me.

 This weekend my roommate Savannah came down to visit me in St. George. We had a blast! We got free manicures, went out to lunch, toured Paul Mitchell, visited the temple, and talked and talked. I love her so much. I am thankful for her example and friendship. My brother also came down this weekend. Savannah and I helped him pick out some new clothes. That was also super fun. I miss my brother already and he hasn't even been gone a full day. I love him so much.

     This morning I ran 6 miles with my brother-in-law. It was a blast. I'm so thankful for family that is encouraging and loving.  I'm also thankful for a healthy body that I have been given. This evening I watched Pride and Prejudice (the A&E version) and went to the pond by my house and wrote in my journal. My friend Mckay and I would sit there for hours talking. I seem to find the most peace there. I am thankful for the earth and the rich colors that there are this time of year. I love St. George so much. It's been a good day.

Hopeless. Romantic.

Letters are the greatest things in the world. Without a doubt.

For all those girls that are writing a missionary, you know what I mean. I received a letter from Jordan yesterday. It was a good one. :) They are always good ones. I was taking a nap and in between the awake and not awake phase my sweet mother walked into my room and hung a letter over my head. I didn't realize how excited I was to hear from Jordan until I saw his letter. After ripping it open I devoured it like it was a pan of brownies. It was like an explosion of fireworks were set off in my chest--Grand finale style. Okay, so, maybe I have been fighting my feelings for a while. There are so many uncertainties about him coming home and I think to guard myself from any potential hurt I have convinced myself I don't care for him THAT much. BUT, every time someone asks about him, and that has been a lot lately, I get excited and happy, beaming, smile as wide as my face happy. How could I not? Right? Goodness, he has been a huge part of my life for the past 4 years. I finally sent his birthday package today. I hope he likes it. 

My favorite thing, well, one of my favorite things about Jordan is that he is just a big goofball. He makes me laugh all the time. It's the greatest when his letters are filled with things that are just him. Ya know? Two years is a long time and I have forgotten so many things. I went to the temple today. Tuesdays were the days that Jordan and I would go to the temple together. The temple workers are so sweet. Every time I go in there they ask about him and how he is doing and if I am still waiting. They asked how much time he has left and when I told them about two months they almost went crazy on me. Sometimes it's comforting to be around people who knew us. 

In his letter he said that his family is picking him up and staying for 10 days. So, it is really 58 days now. I am excited for them and hope that they have fun in Portugal!

One random memory:
 This one time, Jordan and I decided to play Guess Who. Well, after I won a few times he suggested that we played asking only questions on what the people's personalities looked like. I protested a little, thinking that there was no way we could possibly guess the right person based on our opinions. Well, after a few rounds of questions he only had one person up--mine. He was so happy. I accused him of cheating, but he laughed and promised he didn't. I was shocked for sure. How can you win like that? I don't know. You'll have to ask him. :) 

Maybe it's the hopeless romantic in me, but I have this idea in my head of how it will be when we see each other again. You'll probably laugh. It's okay. I laugh too. Right before Christmas, two years ago, Jordan and I broke up. We weren't very good at staying broken up for very long. Anyway, On Christmas day we agreed to see each other and exchange gifts. I heard a knock on the door and ran to open it. (This is the part where you'll laugh) When I opened the door we looked at each other and something happened. I don't know what it was, but it was comforting. I want to describe it as warm, not the weird luke warm, but like the sunshine that warms your soul warm. That kind of warm liquid spread through my body beginning at my heart. Tee Hee. That's such cheese. I guess love is cheese isn't it? Well, anyway, that's how I hope it happens. We'll see each other and know. Am I crazy? Oh yeah. 

But who wouldn't be for this guy?
  

P.S.

Oh and guess what? This stud......

Only has 53 days left! I'm not going to lie. I'm only freaking out a lot! I have to confess that I am the most horrible supporter. It was his brithday on April 6th and I didn't get his package sent. I still haven't sent it. I hope that he will forgive me. Life has been a little crazy. Anyway, can I just wonder out loud for a minute? Does every girl that has a best friend on a mission go through such crazy emotions? It seems like every other day I am feeling a different emotion concerning the whole situation. I feel like I don't know him. Honestly, most of the time I feel like it was all a dream. I feel like we never really met and I made it all up in my crazy head. I'm just trying to keep super busy so that I don't think about it. It's obviously not working. I am excited to get to know him again. That is if he wants anything to do with me when he comes home. Oh boy. It will definitely be an adventure. :) I'm looking forward to it.

Yeah Life!

Summer again? How is it summer again? I just can't believe it. I feel like I just left my parents house ready for an adventure and the start of a new life. Now I am back in my old room working at my same job. Haha! I love it! They say you don't know what you have until you lose it. Being the youngest I have watched all of my siblings move away and start their lives. I have always had this expectation for my life; that it would be exactly like my siblings basically. I am starting to realize that that is not what is in store for me. 

I started working at Pasta Factory again on Tuesday. I have missed that place a lot. They scheduled me to work an open and boy oh boy was I retarded. I couldn't remember anything. It's only been six months! 

Savannah is coming to visit me in 7 days not counting today! I AM SO EXCITED! She makes me laugh harder than anyone. I love it too because not only does she laugh at her own jokes, but she laughs just like me! When we start laughing together it is like an explosion. It's great. :) 

 This is Savannah, Hayley, and me making our amazing Ham Fried Rice, well, actually it kind of turned out to be peas with some rice, eggs, carrots, and ham. Thank you Savannah. :) Oh, I love this picture because it looks like Hayley is going to slice Savannah. Hehe.

Early this morning I went outside and ran 4 miles with my brother-in-law and his friends. I had a blast. I love running so much. I am really slow again, but it is great. We did 4 miles in 38 min. WooHoo! Bryce Half marathon here I come!

Today, I was riding in the car with my mom and I was thinking about Rexburg and my weird attachment to St. George. Since I came home for Jamie's homecoming I have been contemplating transferring to SUU. I love BYU-I. Everything about it is fantastic. Rexburg on the other hand is maybe not exactly what I expected. My "pro" list for SUU has been wighing heavy on my mind and has only increased since I have been home. Anyway, decisions, decisions. Not my favortie things.

A really big "con" of not going back to BYU-I is being 9 hours away from these amazing people.

This last year has been so fun because I have been so close to my sister and brother-in-law. And now this beautiful little girl. Jane is the most precious gift. I love her so much. I love the Bowman's so much. They have taught me so much. They have become my very best friends. I miss them so much.

Something that has been awesome is having Adell living with us. I love her so much. She is a talented beautiful and loving daighter of God. I am so blessed to have her as a sister. She saved me so many times this last year. The times when I was the most homesick she would call me and have some awesome plan to see each other and do something fun. Along with all the fun she would always teach me an invaluable life lesson. I love my family. They are the bombdiggity.

I am sad about one thing. Jamie moved to Provo the same day that I moved home. I was so looking forward to spending time with him and being able to be friends before he left for school, but he got a good job in Provo so I guess it's okay. It will just make it so I can plan a fun trip to come see him!

This Saturday I am helping with the Ivins Princess Pageant! I am so excited! Being on the 2009 Royalty was such a blast! I miss our royalty.

Blogging is fun. I am super random and my blogs always end up being super long because I don't do it consistantly, but I like it. :) Until next time. Peace and Blessings. Peace and Blessings.

 

Some Thoughts From the Heart

     In honor of the Sabbath day I decided to post this Mormon message. There are a couple of reasons why I like this one. First, because it is filmed around my hometown and second, because it's exactly what I need to remember. Sometimes in the hubbub of life I forget that life goes on and There are good things to come. I have learned a lot today. I am so thankful for days like these.

   

     I was looking on lds.org and on their picture sliding thing that highlights some of their content. I clicked on a Liahona talk by Neil L. Anderson. Something he said was really applicable in my life at this time.

"Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. Choose to have faith."   

     So, I just got off the phone with my brother Jamie. Since he has been home we have talked a lot about everything. I just love him so much and am so happy that he is home!

Anyway, I was looking through some of my school work from high school and I stumbled across two poems that I wrote in Creative Writing. They made me miss writing poetry. I think I would like to share them.

Repentance


In the depths of humility
I fall helplessly
to the ground.
The grass flattens
under the sudden weight.
I can smell his holiness.
His purity fills my lungs
and rests on my tongue
as I weep at his feet.
My weightless heart
is lifted to a higher state.
The ground quivers
as he descends
down to my imperfect being.
I can feel his arms
wrap around me
as I have imagined
so many times before.
The nail prints in his hands
pound against my lips.
I kiss this precious gift
that is beyond my understanding,
my comprehension.
I feel his love
encompass me
until I am reborn.



New

Sinking in the darkness
the blackness closing in
I cower at the memory
of my life so full of sin


Helplessly I wander
time is running out
death is surely coming
silent, I desperately shout

Then suddenly I see a flash
piercing through the night
a glorious burst of energy
filling my soul with light

I recognize this still small voice
it whispers truths to me
a loving father knows my name
and all that I’m to be


He’s given me a perfect son
to follow in this life
to bear my burdens, lift my soul
and sustain me through the strife

I do not fear, my sins are gone
His blood has made me new
I lift my head and see the path
my heart already knew


     I hope that you like them. :)
 
    Since I'm being churchy there is a song that you should look up. It's called "I am His Daughter." It's on youtube. It's an EFY song for 2010. Oh and another one is called "I Will" from 2009 EFY. I think you'll like them.
 
I love the Gospel. I really do. Have a great Sabbath everyone!

Mystery Noises, Pillow talk, Heart strings

Tonight I am missing a few things:

SUMMER!

Pine Valley

Santa Clara Park :)

And evrything that comes with it: Warm Sun, dresses, water, no school, sandals, plants that are alive, St. George, random trips, BBQ's, family, etc.



My Niece and Nephew

Picnic in Pine Valley

Cutest things in the world.

I can't wait for their little brother to be born!

Pasta Factory/Working

Yes, this is Mike, 2010's winner of the Biggest Loser

Last day of work at Pasta Factory :(

Jordan Russell Wittwer



So this is Jordan. Really, I can't believe how fast 2 years goes. I never thought I would say that. I have been so blessed to have him in my life teaching me and brightening my days. Even these last two years he's helped me grow stronger and encouraged me to be my best self. No matter what happens when he comes home in 96 days I will be grateful the Lord trusted me to be in the life of one of his valiant sons.   

My beautiful Mommy

My mom is so sweet. She listens to me go on about my life even when she is so busy she doesn't even have time to sleep. I love her so much!

And KrisAnne

This girl is amazing. She has so many talents I can't even list them all. I miss laughing my head off with her. She graduates in a couple of months and I am so excited for her to go to college, meet an amazing husband, and be my best friend for the rest of her life. Lucky her. Haha :)

Just a few business items:

 *Jamie comes home in 6 days

 *I get to hear Sister Julie B. Beck later today

 *Lucy, Cody, Kaylee and I went and watched one of my favorite movies: "Pillow Talk" (If you haven't seen it, please do. You'll love it)

Starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson

 *I trained my first two people today. I think it went well.

 *I went sledding last night and had a blast. 

  

 *This crazy girl is leaving me for ten whole days! :(

 Savannah and I have many little adventures in our room. For example, the other night we were talking before bed and out of the darkness there was a creepy noise coming from our apartment. Pasuing, we both grab weapons-plastic hangers-and venture out to the living room to check if the door is locked. After turning on every light in our apartment I run to the kitchen and pull out my butcher knife. The door was not locked. We locked it, checked all the closets and rooms, and proceeded to try and fall asleep. We still don't know what the noise was. 

 Just another short adventure. On Valentine's Day we had FHE and after FHE Savannah and I returned to our apartment. Only to be trapped in our room while our roomates friend has a dinner with his fiance'. We were both starving and thirsty, so Savannah, being brave, peeks in the living room to see if she can get some food. It was dark, there was music, and no way to get food. So instead we took pictures of us being trapped. :)

 I am going to be so sad when she leaves me. She is the bomb diggity.

Sometimes the Lord blesses you abundantly when you don't know why and bending on your knees is the only way to appropriately thank him. 

And you can post on your blog listing only some of your many blessings. Both work. :)

Time is a Myth

Woah. Life is too crazy right now. Sometimes I wish I could press pause on my life and catch up! My good friend Colten told me before he left that life after high school went by fast, but I didn't really believe him. I believe him now. It's already midterms which means that I am a month and a half away from being done with my first year of college. I NEVER thought this part of my life would come. I realized last night that I have been waiting to go to BYU-Idaho since I was 13. Oh, yesterday I was talking to my beautiful mom and I realized that not only am I almost done with my first year of college, but I am turning 20 this year. My childhood is slipping away too fast. Anyway, there have been several things on my mind lately that I want to get out.

First, there's this book that has had a huge influence on my life. My Family professor had us read it for class. It's called Leadership and Self-deception: Getting out of the Box.

It's written by The Arbinger Institute. The concepts in the book have opened my eyes to a different way of thinking. Everyone in the world should read this book. For real.

The Biggest Winner is so awesome! My team is the best. The latest news is that we are officially in second place overall and first place for weight loss. They are determined and they are getting results. I am so blessed to be apart of this program and these people's lives, sharing in their little sucesses. Also, Crystal and Josh got engaged a couple of weeks ago. We are so excited for them. They are going to be the hottest newlyweds.

 Go Team Blue!

Pretty much at any moment Lucy could have her baby. Everytime she calls me, no matter what I am doing, I pick up afraid that she's going into labor and needs me to help her. Haha! On Tuesday I went with her to the Birthing Center for her weekly appointment. I know that everything is going to go well and that her and Cody are going to be the best parents. Baby Jane is a lucky girl, getting such amazing parents. Caleb Thornton is also a lucky little boy. He's being born into a beautiful family with faithful parents and the cutest brother and sister.

13 Days!

Elder Jamie Panganiban only has 13 days until he comes home! I AM SO EXCITED!! No one in the world could have a better older brother. I love him so much. His mission has meant so much to him and he has looked forward to it his whole life. I am so happy that he was able to go to Japan and serve the Lord as a full-time missionary for 2 years and 3 weeks. AND he turns 21 tomorrow! I hope he has a very happy birthday and isn't too busy that he can't celebrate. 

Speaking of Missions...I recieved a call last weekend from another one of my good friends Mckay Wayne Lindsey. He opened his call and he has been called to serve in the Brazil, Porto Alegre South Mission. He is going to be an amazing missionary. He has changed my life and I am so excited for him to change lives in Brazil.

Okay, I am trying to grow my hair out so that I can donate it to Locks of Love and it's killing me. It needs to grow a bit longer so that I don't have to cut it super short, but it's taking forever! It's okay though. It's worth it. 

One of the classes I am taking this semster is called American Foundations. It's just basically a class on the birth of our country and the Constitution. My teacher is a little crazy, but I love him. He is so passionate about the Constitution. He jumps around our class sometimes when he gets really excited. The only thing is that his tests are hard, but miraculously I have been able to get A's on the two he's given. I am taking Science Foundations also and it is pretty interesting. We just finished studying astronomy and now we are starting chemisrty (Yay!). After blowing our minds with crazy cool information my professor always asks us "Can you put God in a box?" I love that simple, but profound reminder every Tuesday and Thursday. School is so great. I am so thankful to be in college.

This last week the weather has felt so good in Rexburg. I have tried to take advantage of it and be outside as much as possible. I did get to run up to the Temple and around campus. It felt so good! Oh, the Temple opened again this last week so I got to do baptisms. Another tender mercy.

Life is great. I am so blessed. I hope that you enjoyed this super random blog. :) Have a great three day weekend. I know I am going to.