Merry Christmas Of Course(:

It is Christmas 2007. I was just discussing with my mom last night that I can't even remember last years Christmas. This year has obviously gone by fast. I never realize how fast a year goes. This year I have though. A lot more seems to have happened. (More of that in my New Years Blog!)

I am in Tuscon right now with my family. We came to spend the holiday with my grandma so its been good. We went and saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets, yesterday. I highly reccomend it-just as good, maybe even better, than the first one.

We also did a little shopping before the movie-yes the mall was filled with people! It was fun though considering clothes are part of my Christmas from mom this year! Last night consisted of a family home evening lesson-provided by me-and watching "It's A Wonderful Life"!

Today we were all up by around 7:30...yes i'm tired. I got some pretty awesome things though. My personal favorites-High School Musical 2-the movie and the soundtrack! A few other movies, giftcards, a griddle-yes! I can finally make pancakes properly(: Anyway, now we await my Uncle Kris and Aunt Jessica and their son, as well as a family friend and some other relatives. We will meet here and then go to a big Christmas lunch at a hotel resteraunt. It's got a huge buffet so i'm looking forward to some great food! It's been a pretty good day thus far and tommorrow I look forward to more shopping, along with the rest of the world! Hope all of you are having a splendid holiday!

Cold Sunday

It's great to be back home! I have enjoyed my spare time thus far! It's been really fun to see my family, my home ward, and my friends. And I still have 3 weeks left!
This week I just visited with a few people and got some stuff done on the computer that I have been wanting to. Unfortunantly it didnt' include my camera stuff-this computer doesn't like my camera anymore for some reason! I'll keep working on it.....other than that, I am truly relaxing and trying to get more into the Christmas spirit. They tell me its only like a week away or something! I am super excited though. We will be going to Tuscon for a few days with my mom to see my Grandma and then I come back and work a little bit in Torreon. There is a family there that wants me to house sit for a few days, as well as my regular family wanting me to babysit(: So I'll be able to make some money before I go back to Thatcher!
I also have one of my very good friends, Natalie, that is getting married next weekend. She and I have had our little group of friends since about birth or so(; and she is the first out of all of us to get married! I am so very excited for her. She is so awesome! So next saturday will consist of helping my friends baby sit Natalie's nieces and nephews while she goes through the temple! Should be loads of fun-she has a million of them!
It was a great Sunday today. My mom and I sang in Relief Society and they also asked me to sing at Enrichment on Tuesday night. Guess thats what I get for coming back! Just kidding, I really enjoy the opportunity to sing for people-its a great experience! And, so far, only about 5 people have asked me if I'm either engaged or dating someone. Ah the joys of coming home from your first semester of college. A few months ago, I told my Uncle Kris (do you remember this Kris?) that I should have just come home 3 weekends in a row with a different guy each time and throw everybody completely off! Just kidding...I don't think I would really do that(:
So, anyway-this blog was a little lame, but I felt the need to do something! Have a great week all!

MOVIE REVIEW!

ENCHANTED!




Just want to say-totally cute movie! I have now seen it twice! I saw it with my roommates the first time and just saw it again with Cassidi tonight! And-I have the soundtrack(: It is really a great movie-kinda a kids show but thats where the kid at heart comes out in me! I highly reccomend it for its humor, music, magic, total fun! Woot woot! Now-hurry up and go see it!

I'll Be Home For Christmas!

Yay! I am so so so happy to be home now! Finals are done! What a relief! I have to remember that I can relax now! No worries...well....yeah haha. I finished my last final(math) at about 130 today and left at 2. Happy Day! Now I am home just hanging out with my family and Emily-my BFF came to see me tonight! I miss her and my family so much! Tomorrow will consist of going to the Show Biz choir class-my old choir of course-to hang out for old times sake! I will also get to spend some time with my other BFF-Cassidi and do the daquiri thing-of course! Yay for the holidays!

This morning, I had my choir final(: All it was, was a short 15 minute interview with Dr. Bishop-my choir director! Let me just say-I used to be really intimidated by him, but I have truly grown to love and appreciate him so much-and just in the last couple weeks. He is an amazing person! The interview was to discuss my grade (A+ (:) and talk about my experience in choir thus far, which has been awesome! Also, we talked about my recent goals of BYU and such. And......well-not just from the discussion today, but I have been thinking a lot lately about that. At this point in my life, I can't see BYU happening. Not next year anyway. For one thing, I don't think I have the grades this semester to get in. I didn't fail anything but I know I got at least one C in a class. That lowers my chances of getting into BYU. Second of all, I'm not sure I have prepared enough, or can prepare enough any more to audition for the music program. Dr. Bishop nicely put that after Jury yesterday(my vocal final), I am not prepared enough for it. So, as this break begins, I have a few things to think and pray about. I'm starting to think that, yes I have worked hard this semester, but I may end up deciding to just drop the application process and not go and do my audition. I have really learned a lot from this semester and know some things I need to improve and change next semester. Dr. Bishop-again, he is awesome!-gave me some really good advice. He knows a lot of what I'm going through and understands really well. I'm so glad that he cares about his students and really does love us! I've definantly warmed up to him a lot! Along with that decision, I need to start thinking about a major. Yes-I am having second thoughts about being a music major. I have been thinking a lot about other options the last few weeks. I just feel like I need to look at some other things. I will always have music in my life if I don't major in it. Or maybe I'll get an associates or minor it. I don't know yet! A friend of mine talked about it last night actually and he told me that it really is ok to go down different paths before choosing the right one. I guess I couldn't get that through my head before! So, looks like I have some decisions to make! All part of life right? I appreciate all those who have given me advice thus far, my friends, my mom, my family, and my new friend Dr. Bishop(:! Anywho, I'm excited for Christmas and my time I get to spend at home-with the snow! And hopefully I will be able to start putting pictures on here! Hope all is going well with the rest of you! Have a great rest of the week!

PICTURES YAY!

Hey-so I totally have some pictures to put up! Just a brief explanation-These were from a concert I went to a few weeks ago. Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. They are all LDS guys that have a bluegrass/country band and they are totally awesome! They just perform around the country and came to Safford and I got to go on a date to it-way awesome! So anyway,me, Coby(my date) and two friends-Matt and Mary, went to the show and also got to get a picture with the band so here they are! Check out their website-www.shupe.net! I reccomend any of their shows and music!

The day my life goes to......uh....heck......let the countdown begin!

Oh the craziness of me! Well, here its SATURDAY! Woot woot-because its also December 1st! Of course as I made french toast this morning-not as good as my moms unfortunantly-I listened to well, Christmas music! I now have less than 2 weeks left of school. Thats right-less than 2 weeks!

Starting Monday, I have a set schedule I've got to try to keep to all week because it basically will consist of STUDYING for finals, PRACTICING for jury, and of course some homework in there. Thats it-those main things. Oh-and I of course have choir rehearsals every night except wednesday-yay. Those are due to a concert Tuesday, and The Messiah, next Sunday night. This week will be the busiest ever! However, Friday, the 7th, I will be looking forward to a quick trip home to Show Low! The annual is taking place and I will be going to see it! I'm very excited, especially to see my BFF Cassidi in Royalty this year!It will be fun to watch it and not be in it for once! And it will be nice to be home real quick. Real quick I mean-I go home Friday afternoon, and leave by no later than noon on Saturday to get back in time for a Messiah rehearsal. Saturday the 8th is also my 19th birthday-woot woot! I'm very excited! After my rehearsal that day-the roommates and I have some plans to just hang out and have a girls night(:

Speaking of roommates, I am getting a new one next semester :(. Kendra has decided to move to the valley. I am SO SO sad! But I'm sure she is doing the right thing. So, the owner and I are in the process of getting me a new roommate. I just have this fear of getting someone I won't like. Emily, my other best friend is moving here in January but we decided it would be best if we weren't together so she will be in a different apartment. So yeah-I'm just going to pray about it and get it all figured out!

Other than my upcoming life, this week has been great. Ok-well I was sick with a cold and a little flu ALL WEEK, but I'm slowly but surely getting over it. It's not a fun thing. I can't beleive I have gotten sick so much this year. That's not normal for me. Anyway, I got quite a bit done this week. I was able to relax some, and especially this weekend, since I start next week with hectic craziness! I have been really good about not stressing out about everything. Especially with my concern of finals coming up. I did however, ask our Elders Quorum President, who is a good friend of ours, for a blessing which he gave to me Monday night. I keep reminding myself, as I say my prayers and read scriptures and even read the ens

ign(:(I feel like and adult or something!), I know that the blessing is going to

help me do well on my tests and get through the remaining couple weeks. Its so wonderful to have the gospel and I gained a greater appreciation of the Priesthood as well this week(:

Well, I'm off! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and week or two(don't know WHEN I will be able to write again-hopefully next weekend!)Here is my deep thought of the week.

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."

I am greatful for......

Hello All! Here it is Thanksgiving 2007. I didn't know the word RELAX existed in my vocabulary! Ah...its so nice to not be in school! Yesterday I didn't have to go to any classes due to them either being cancelled or the instructors simply just didnt' take role so we were not required to be there(: So, after sleeping in and getting a few things done, I came over here to my sister Stephanie's in Safford to help her finish clean the house! Then last night a couple of her cousins, her brother and sister, and her mom came. Everyone else(my dad, stepmom, brothers-including my older half brother that I have not seen in a year(:, and stephanie's grandparents and some other family) came this morning. It has been great hanging out with everyone that I have not seen in a while. And-get this! My brother Dallas not only turned 11 today, but since a month and a half ago when I last saw him-he has GROWN! Wow-like he is literally almost as tall as me. From the looks of it, he will outgrow me within the next few years, as Mitchell already has. What's up with that?! Ah how times and things change......

So today has been nice. I got to watch some of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade-as tradition every year no matter where I am! Now we all await the turkey to be cooked, while being entertained by my nephews and niece....Aren't they cute?!

Other than that, my short week was awesome! I had a really great day on Tuesday-probably because that was considered as my Friday...and I got paid! Yay! That means I am going Christmas shopping on "Black Friday". Yes-I need to get it done because once school starts up again next week, its all about Finals...kill me. I am very ready for Christmas break to be here-I should have about 4 weeks off for break! I am excited!

Well-I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and remembered what they are truly greatful for. I know I have a lot to be greatful for, especially everything with the Gospel. It's amazing how much it has taken as a part of my life. I'm greatful also for the time I was able to spend with my family this year and how much I appreciate their support and Love to me. It's awesome to be a part of you all! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Life Strategies-are there ANY?

I decided that purple is actually a good color on me(; I only have one thing purple and that is a dress-but its good color!



And the

"random thought of the day award" goes out to....me!



This week has been bittersweet I could say. Monday of course is the last time I wrote, and well-that was a rough day, or rather rough night...that makes wierd sense...anyway, I have felt the wierdest things this week. Truthfully, I am at this moment, for the first time ever, fighting stress. As wierd as that sounds, its true. I can really tell that Satan is trying his hardest to discourage me and get in my way. And its the hardest thing to push him to the side and win this so-called race. I know I keep talking about the same things in my blog recently, but besides my journal, (which is actually more personal than this of course), I do better when I write things out and analyze my life I guess! I'm good at that-analyzing. Lately it just seems better that I don't express my feelings or emotions verbally anyway, because it just gets me more frustrated. (Ha-you should see me when I have an opinion about something!)
But as far as this fight I am involved in, all I can do is my best. I keep saying that but I never realized that it is MUCH easier said than done. Last night though, I said probably the longest prayer I have EVER said in my life! I don't know what it was, but I just couldn't stop. I also felt closer to God than I have ever felt. It was an amazing feeling as I felt the whisperings of the Spirit, simply saying as clear as ever, "Things will fall into place, for I am with thee." Those were the exact words I heard. And whats even better was that they came from my best friend, my Heavenly Father. I cried as I finished my prayer and read my scriptures. Never could I ask for better comfort and friendship and support, than I recieved from the Lord. I hope that all of you can feel this too. I know he will help me, as hard as it may seem right now, but he will no matter what. I'm reminded of the scripture in the Old Testament,
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct all thy paths."
Its so true(: I testify that it is. And I know that my testimony is strengthening through all this. I feel it as I write.
I hope that those reading this can realize that the challenges we face, (even stress in my case(:), happen for a reason. I believe everything happens for a reason! Just put your trust in the one who knows you best and everything does work out.
Hope you all have a good weekend! Mom-be safe when you travel and watch out for scary people in Honduras haha(:
Yay-for weekends! tata!

Life as I continue to know it

Finally-I am doing my weekly update! I try to do it at least that much! My life goes all different places during the week-ahhh!

Other than that, last week was a really great week once again. I continue to stay busy but I keep thinking how good it feels because I am enjoying everything. Ok-well Math and a couple other classes suck, but you get the picture!

I am ready for Thanksgiving break next week! My plans this year, are not to go home. Yes-my mother will be on a trip with her best friend-good for her-and I will stay here and have Thanksgiving at my sisters, who lives in Safford. My dad, Anne, and my brothers will join us! I am very excited to see them(: Hopefully I wont' have too much homework over those few days. I'm trying to keep caught up now so that I won't!

My music is crazy right now, seeing as how I have a recital to perform for on Wednesday night. I sure hope I can be prepared enough! I just think of it as practice for not only my final for voice,(yes I have a final-its called Jury-I sing for all the choir directors), but also practice for my audition At the Y. I will be singing yet, another Italian piece, which dare I say is about kissing. Hmmmm.....

Anyway, i'll be sure to let all know how that goes!

So back to last week, I was so happy! I really had some good days! Its truly good to have the gospel in my life. And for once, I'm not stressed-even though I have a million things to do this week, I can honestly tell you I'm handeling it! It's great!

I had a really good relaxing weekend as well, which consisted of NO homework! yay! At least none that I felt like doing(: I went to a play on friday that the drama department did. A small musical actually-very good. It was one that the drama director here wrote. It was the most unique play I have ever seen. I can't even describe it! It was one that you have to go in with an open mind and if you are like me and like to analyze things and think deeply, well-you had to do that with this play, which is why I probably understood it really well!

Saturday, I cleaned up a bit and then finished watching Season 3 of Will and Grace. I borrowed it from a friend and needed to get it back to her so I watched about 10 episodes! Yeah-call me lazy but it was Saturday and I love that show!

After that, Hannah and I went paintballing with 3 guy friends of ours. Completely new experience for me that I had been wanting to try! So, [they reluctantly]gave the redhead(me) a gun(: Scary I know! But we had a great time, even when I got hit in the face. Yes-the paintball went right through my mask. I could still taste the paint in my mouth for at least an hour. Good times!

Now, as I said I have lots to do this week! I have an early morning tomorrow. I started getting up on tuesdays and thursdays at about 6 am to go play raquetball by myself-just as an energy boost! I am getting up early those days anyway because I started going to another class. Not for a credit, but I am joining in as a "guest" per se, to an Aurel Perceptions class. This will help me learn skills for an Aurel Skills test that I have to take as part of my BYU audition. Not to add to my already busy schedule but its not too bad and I need the skills! Whats nice is that my friend Travis is in there and is completely brilliant at that stuff so I can get some extra help!

Anywho, here I go....and go....and go.......

Remember what William Shakespeare said,
"Be great it act, as you have been in thought."

I'm going to meet Shakespeare someday!

Accomplished

I feel very accomplished after this week(: I don't think I have ever put so much focus into school as I did this week...EVER! I guess it was the motivation I had and my change of attitude on things!

So obviously, this week went very well. I feel like I am getting somewhere with school and my music. I think I have things under control, except my math class, which, well-I'm working on that one. I guess I'm just afraid of thinking positively about doing well in school because in the past, every time I did that, something still went wrong. But this time, I am just praying really really hard and I honestly have felt more comfort with everything.

My music is going better than usual. However, I did catch a cold this week which caused my singing voice to go down hill....... Thursday was the "worst" of it, however thanks to benadryl knocking me out about 3 times, I have started to feel much better! I am just in the cough mode now! No fun, but I still managed to get things done and for once I didn't stress! I think I'll let my stress come the week of my BYU audition! Then I can let it all out and go play raquetball! So yes, very good week. This weekend is pretty mellow. I am just hangin out. The twins went home for the weekend and Kendra is at EAC Band Day all day. So I am getting some homework done-yay English papers-and relaxing so I can get over this cold!

I can't believe November has started. I have just a few short weeks left til break, and even less til finals. Thanksgiving of course is coming up and I will be staying here-true to my vow(:-and going to Stephanie's in Safford. My brothers and my dad will be coming here as well so it should be really nice. I almost have forgotten about Thanksgiving, due to me and my roommates already listening to Christmas music .....before Halloween even got here...I know, we are kinda wierd.

So nothing too exciting going on at the moment! You all should email or comment me-I love hearing from everyone(:

Have a good weekend!

Oh Refresh me!

Hello all,
Here it is, almost the end of October, and I couldn't be happier! After this long crazy rough month, i'm ready for a new one! Plus it also means 1 1/2 months left of the semester!
This week went somewhat smoothly. I was glad to end it however, with our Fall Sing Concerts. We had 3 performances Thurs-Sat. All went very well. I love singing with the Accapella Choir-it is quite the experience and much better than being in high school! And my choir director, Dr. Bishop is one amazing person! I have learned so much from him and gained more love for music and the meaning behind it since I have been in choir here.
My mom and my grandma came to watch Saturday's performance so it was awesome to visit with them! My mom even brought me some food-thanks a million!
Yesterday was truly refreshing(hence my title!) I had a very good day and learned a lot in church. I love being able to go every sunday and learn more about the Gospel. It strengthens my testimony a lot. I was even able to pay attention to the sunday school lesson(I have a hard time doing that, but I prayer for focus yesterday!). In doing so, I came upon a really awesome scripture in Colossians 1:10-11
10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfullness.
Its really amazing to me how I have recently been finding answers to prayers in scriptures. It's helping me to have more of a love for the scriptures as well.
Along with those, I'd like to share one other thing.
The other night, I was praying, and as I did so, I prayed for strength and that I would be able to make it through the rest of this semester and be able to get my grades up and focus in school. After I prayed, I was just thinking and pondering on what I needed to do, when I opened my scriputures. They fell open (literally this time), to 3 Nephi 22:14
"In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee."
It was as simple as that. "In righteousness shalt thou be established". I know if I live righteously, I'll be fine. I have had some struggles this past month, but its going to be fine. I can feel it! Thanks to some motivation from my Aunt Kari(:, I know I need to get my act together! I know that doing my part of it is what the Lord wants, in order for him to walk with me along the way. I want to be far from "oppression, fear, and terror."
Here I go to a new week, a new point in my life you could say, pressing forward.........

There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply.

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."
-Bruce Barton-

I'm not sure I have much to say today. My title quote and my opening quote speak for themselves for much of what has gone one recently, as well as for life in general.
This weekend I came home to Show Low for the Homecoming football game since I am officially alumni. It was alot of fun to see all of my friends, those who have and haven't graduated. I miss them so much! Especially my best friend Cassidi, who is a junior this year. We of course had a round of (virgin)daquiris! I had never needed and wanted one more than i did! I also got to see the members of my ward which was great. I miss first ward because I have practically grown up in that ward!
Other than the fun times this weekend, I decided that its best if I just stay in Thatcher where I belong. It seems that every time I have left Thatcher, which has only been 3 or 4 times, something has gone wrong. There's my sign I guess! Perhaps EAC is my happy place for now. I'm better off if I just stay there and keep going on with my college life as is. My top priority right now needs to be school and my music. BYU is next on my list so hopefully things will work out. I know they will.
To all of you reading this, just keep remembering, as in my quotes, life really does have its twists and turns and changes. Whether people you know and love change, or whether you change, or if God simply (or not so simply)puts a change out of no where in your path, only for you personal experience and learning, its all for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that. What else can you do but go with it? No matter how much something hurts or how angry you feel through a trial, Life goes on. As much as I HATE to say that, it does. "Progress for Progress."
"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely."
Just remember that because it is sure helping me(:

Stress level up and down...whats that about?!?!

I hate how weekends always go by way to fast. Particularly the last couple weekends. Because by Sunday night, i'm already ready for another break. I tend to get stressed out just thinking that the next day is Monday. What can ya do right?

Even though the weekend was short, it was a lot of fun! Friday we had no school which was nice. Here in Safford/Thatcher, they have the Graham County Fair every year and its a big deal so they cancel school on the Friday that its going on. So, me and Hannah and Heather went to the parade, yes there was even a parade, to see Kendra, my other roommate march with the EAC band. That was pretty fun. The rest of the day we just spent at home taking naps and being lazy! Friday night I went to the fair to watch "Company", the show choir at EA, perform, as well as the jazz ensamble. They all did an awesome job! Afterwards, I had the adventure of trying to find my car in the very big parking lot at the fair. My friend Travis walked around with me for half an hour so I wouldn't get kidnapped or anything haha, and we still could not find my car. I felt like such an idiot lol! So we ended up going to Travis's car and driving around in his so that we could find mine, which only took like 5 minutes. We seriously must have passed my car 3 or 4 times walking by. What a night!

Saturday was kinda another lazy day. I cleaned up my room and washed my car windows while the twins were doing laundry at their sisters.

Saturday night I had a date with Travis, going to the fair! Wow! I have not had that much fun in a long time! Travis brought out my crazy side, which is scary. I went on rides at the fair that I would have never thought of going on. AKA: The scariest ones! I think I am somewhat overcoming my fear of that.....somewhat. I was worried that I would get sick but I only got a little dizzy. Travis was the one who didn't feel so good afterwards lol! It was still fun though.

After that we went and got ice cream at sonic. Then we went to my place and did some stargazing on the roof that we are not allowed on at my apartment. (: My roommate Heather joined us which was alot of fun! So it was quite a fun Saturday! Just what I needed to end my crazy week.

Sunday was very very good. I truly enjoyed the lessons taught. Particularly in Sacrament Meeting. All the talks were on scripture study. One of the girls even gave a challenge to read not just each night but every morning too. This is actually something I have sorta been doing recently. Even if its' just one verse in the morning, it goes along really well with prayer and certainly makes the day better. So I am really going to try and keep doing that. I'm really struggling with trying not to stress out with school right now. My mom has given me some good advice and I am trying hard to keep focused on my goals and what my important things to be doing are. Even if that means less socializing. BYU is really important and top of my list at the moment, but there is a lot I have to do to prepare for that. My thing is to keep remembering that! No more high school games of slacking off and being lazy! College is much different! But I'm not going to give up because that will get me nowhere. I am just really glad that I have institute and church to go to because that will really help me along the most. Especially reading my scriptures and saying my prayers every day and night.

I hope you all have a good week! Here is my quote:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". "

He'll Carry You

"BE NOT AFRAID"

Here it is-Wednesday-finally! Yes, I have actually been waiting for Wednesday to come, almost, more than friday. Tuesday is always my busiest day and so I am always hoping it will go fast,which it does usually. Plus, it has been a very stressful week. After my somewhat rough weekend, it basically carried over to Monday and so Monday was a really bad day. I figure sometimes you just need to freak out for a day, and in my case, cry, be cranky, spill to a good friend, cry some more, and then start over the next day. I got really stressed out with school on Monday as well as with some other things. I do that once in a while. I even went and hit a raquetball around and knocked all my anger out, but it did make me more tired....Anyway, we threw a birthday party at our apartment for Hannah and Heather-my twin roommates Monday night, so that was my highlight of the day. It was awesome and quite a few people showed up. And we are still eating leftover cake....(:

So, after a rough day, I got up Tuesday feeling better and just trying to breathe some. I still wasnt focusing much in class, but oh well. However, I went to devotional which is always enjoyable. Infact, it was awesome! One of my friends that is in choir sang for the special musical number and I cried through almost the whole song. It was called, He'll Carry You. (Hence my blog title for the day!) It was a beautiful song and she did a wonderful job. The song was exactly what I needed to hear. It was about the Savior's love for us and how he will carry us and help us when we need it. There was a part in the song that was one of my favorites. It said something about the world or those on earth not having the right thing to say, the Lord will. I realized how little trust I put in the Lord sometimes. I say that I trust him, but I don't show it sometimes. So it was truly a reminder to me that thats what I need to do. And then last night, I prayed about a couple things and for the first time, it was clear to me how understanding the Lord is. I always knew he was, but I don't think I have ever had the reassurance come so clearly. It was an incredible feeling. It strengthened my love for Him as well. As it shows in my favorite Greg Olsen picture above, "Be Not Afraid". I can't be afraid because fear is Satan's thing. There is no reason to be afraid, per se, of things in life, when I have the Lord right by my side. He is comforting and knows how we feel the way we feel and why. What could be better trust than that?

Well, on that note, I guess I should get back to my life and be happy and stuff!

Just remember, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

Weekend or not, things happen!

Where do I begin???
Ok, so did I have a good or bad weekend? Yes.
Friday morning, I left for Show Low, ready for a totally fun trip with my best friend Emily! I met her in Show Low and we hit the road for Utah! General Conference weekend! I was able to get tickets for the saturday afternoon session-wahoo. So, we left and got to Orem, and got to my cousins house where we planned on staying. Oh-and that was after totally taking the WRONG Center St. exit-yes, there are two-one of them in Orem, one in Provo. We took the one for Provo. So, I called Beau-thanks man for helping us so many times this weekend(more details to come on the many times). He helped us get to Orem from Provo. So, we went to bed about 2am.
Saturday morning we got up and watched the morning session of conference there at my cousins',which was really good! I'm excited for Henry B. Eyring to be in our new General Presidency!
Our next adventure took place when we left to get to Salt Lake for the afternoon session. We thought it would be easier to take the tram,(halfway in Sandy), and then take it the rest of the way to Salt Lake City. Well, we got to Sandy and couldn't find the tram. We had directions, but along with all the construction and our bad luck with getting lost, we never made it to the tram. This also made us late and we ended up just giving up on even getting to conference, sinc they give away your seats if you don't arrive 30 minutes prior. So much for those tickets that were not easy to get
:(. We decided to just drive the rest of the way to Salt Lake. We met up with my friend Ciara who lives in Salt Lake, and watched some of the afternoon session at the Visitor's Center.
After that, and getting some lunch, we drove back to Orem, and met up with Beau to go to his ended-up-being forfeited soccer game! Beau-I told you, you should have gone to Priesthood Session(;!OH yeah, we also got lost trying to find Beau's house....
Anyway, so, Emily took off to the mall while Beau and I went to his house to just hang out and catch up, which was really great! After a while, we went to the mall and met up with Emily, as well as another good friend, Scott, who lives in Spanish Fork. We all got ice cream and then went back to Beau's to watch a movie, "White Chicks"(very hilarious!) It was nice and relaxing after a crazy day! So, we did that and then Beau and I talked some more while being entertained by Scott teaching Emily how to wrestle-crazy kids! Great fun-let me tell ya!
So Emily and I left around 1 am to get some sleep,since we had a long road trip back today.
Yes, very quick trip to Utah! Worth it? In a sense, yes. The highlight was of course hanging out with friends and singing loudly in the car with Emily! We even made up a song about the slow car in front of us!
Now I am in Show Low stopping for a visit with the fam before I head back to my oh-so-exciting life in Thatcher....I am so ready for another break!
So, thats the adventures of Rachelle for the weekend. Let me know what YOU think(: T.T.F.N.

Time passes by, more time to come

The weekend went really well. My grandpas funeral was a very nice service. I actually had the opportunity to sing at it. I sang my favorite hymn, "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" This was also the last song my grandpa got to hear me sing(: I actually was able to hold it together! It was really really good to be around my family. They are certainly great people! After the funeral and luncheon on friday, we visited some and then me and the cousins went swimming at the hotel pool. Ok, well I didn't actually swim. I got my suit on and decided it was too cold. Then of course, my cousin decided he would push me into the pool, while my uncle got it all on film. Lucky me!
Saturday, we got up and just me mom and my brothers went to Target-yay! I love Target! And, I bought my very own raquet and raquetballs(: Now I can go play whenever I want, even if its by myself! Finding the time to play should be interesting, but I'm so addicted to it that I will make time! So, after Target we went back to my grandma's and visited some more with the family before I took off back to Thatcher. I got back home late afternoon and just cleaned up a bit. Saturday night we had a stake dinner and then watched the General Relief Society broadcast, which was AWESOME! I took a lot of notes it was so good! The general relief society presidency, as well as President Monson spoke. They are so wonderful-and truly speak with the spirit. I was very touched by the words that were spoken about service, familes and what our role is as women of the church. It also made me feel better to know that I can do as much as anyone, even though I am still young and barely getting into the swing of things being in relief society. It strenghthened my testimony of service, which I have never really been strong in. Now I am actually looking for ways I can serve. One of my favorite quotes by Marion G. Romney is, "The sure way to peace and happiness in this life, is to serve the Lord, today and everyday." I hope I can follow that! I am longing to be a better person lately. I really think its because of the wonderful example of my grandpa.
After that note, I guess I should probably get to class but I figured I should blog today(: Here I go to what I know is going to be another crazy week! Help...???!!!
T.T. F. N.

TODAY

"It is at the end of a man's life, that he realizes how important his decisions were at the beggining."
For those of you who didn't know, my grandpa has had lung cancer the last couple years, along with diabetes for about 30 something years. Well, in just the past month, the cancer got worse and he was eventually even on hospice care there at my grandparents home. Last night, I was informed by my mom that he no longer was eating or talking and that he would probably be gone within 48 hours. This morning-Monday, September 24th, my "Papa" passed away. So today has been an emotional day for my family. Especially my mom, her 2 sisters and her brother. I know and I keep trying to remember, that he is in a better place and he lived such a wonderful life that I try to follow the example of. Papa lived the gospel to the fullest. He showed such compassion to those around him, especially our family. He supported everyone, even when he had his bad days, he, with Grandma Kay always at his side, tried his hardest to make it to a graduation, or concert, or other special occasions. I will never appreciate him more for his support and love. I got to talk to him for the last time a few weeks ago. Infact, I had asked him for some advice about something. He always knew the right thing to say. Along with his wonderful spirit and life he lived, he had humor. He had such sarcasm for things and always a joke about something-it was great! I will miss that. I loved him and I'm glad I finally told him, the last time I talked to him. I know without a doubt that he is entering into the Celestial Kingdom to be with our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ again. How wonderful that must be. It strenghthens my testimony to know that I and the rest of my family have that to look forward to when our time comes as well. We will be with him again and our Father in Heaven. I want my family reading this, to know how much I love them. And always remember,
"He calls you and me to serve Him here below and sets us to the task He would have us fulfill. The commitment is total. There is no conflict of conscience. As we follow that Man of Galilee—even the Lord Jesus Christ—our personal influence will be felt for good wherever we are, whatever our callings." -Thomas S. Monson. Papa followed Christ. I know that. He served him the best he could. Let us always follow that example.

Friday Afternoon....Finally!

I am completely amazed at how fast time is going. I have never been able to actually watch time go by fast. I always "like to wave at it as it passes by" (as Jack Sparrow would say:)) But not lately. It's almost like watching a movie of my life. I'm seeing myself being busy and seeing the clock tick fast. Wierd. But even though it is going by fast, I am still doing well and keeping happy! My classes are going well. Sometimes I wish I could just drop something else, but I have to keep all my credits so I have what I need to transfer to BYU. I have 17 credits this semester, 19 if I include institute. I need 15 each sem. Next semester I will take it a little bit easier I think! I still manage to have a social life which is great since I am at EAC! There is always a ward or stake or institute activity going on. Tonight will consist of a "drive in movie". Just a sheet put up at the park with food and blankets! Should be great! Speaking of institute, the class I must say is quite incredible! I wish I had it everyday! The class I'm taking is called "Building Eternal Relationships" Sounds like a marraige class right? Well-it was the only one that fit into my schedule but I'm really glad it did. Yes-it focus's a lot on dating, but its all amazing stuff and has taught me some things I never really took into consideration, especially everything about being morally clean and keeping the law of chastity, which are the most important things when one is in a relationship. It's incredible and very deep some of the things we learn. My other institute "class" per se, is Devotional which is every tuesday at 11am. Thats the one that pretty much everyone goes to! They always have a special speaker and a musical number, etc. This past week, it was awesome because it was a musical devotional. All of it was musical talent-singing, cello, duets, piano, etc. I truly felt the spirit. This coming week, the musical number will be yours truly! Yes, I am singing the song "His Hands." I love it! Lots of people to sing in front of, but its what I do(: Anyway, its great to have spiritual enlightment! It keeps me going down this road they call life. This week has been good though. I have kept myself going and am now ready to relax a little bit this weekend! Hope everyone is having as great of a friday as I am! I'd love to hear from you all!
My profound quote is actually mine! Yes-in writing an english paper, I came up with it so everyone better remember it so I will be famous when I die!
"School may have brought out my "bad habits", but they were all mistakes worth learning from"

Executive Decision

Sometimes in life, as we all often figure out, we have to make decisions....haha. Some are for the good, some are not so good, and some are, well, life changing.

This past week, I have been highly considering changing my major. I know. Crazy. I am well known for making a decision and going with it. Thats what I had done with choosing to be a psychologist. Then, all of a sudden, one day last week, while attending my voice lesson, I had a thought of an interest in being a voice major. I don't know where the thought came from, but it came. So then I really started thinking about. I began looking at background information. Even thinking, maybe I could minor in voice and still be a Psychologist. (Which I later discovered was most likely impossible.) So, after having a discussion about voice and music majors with my wonderful choir director-who also suggested that I pray about it(:-I really started getting frustrated with everything. See, for those of you who know me, I have always been one who makes one decision, and goes with it. Now all of a sudden I had a choice. Yes, I have had choices to make before, but not as big as this one. This is deciding what I'm doing with my life. Maybe some of you may be thinking, "Why is she deciding now?" Well, again for those of you who know me, I plan ahead. I can't do last minute. So, I prayed about it, and I even received a priesthood blessing from a good friend for comfort, seeing as I was stressed about it. It truly helped remind me that I can always trust in the Lord and that he is there for me helping me along the way. So my decision came to this:
I am becoming a voice/music major. I'm still looking into exactly what to do with that. But I really feel like thats what I want to do. Another reason to decide now, is the preperation I have to start doing. I want to go to BYU next year. My voice teacher here at EA is going to help prepare me to audition for the School of Music at BYU Provo in January, and i'll go from there. I will have a lot of work cut out for me. (45 minutes a day, 6 days a week of practice) But I have become very determined and feel this is going to be worth something. I don't recall ever feeling so strongly about something. I will continue getting my generals out of the way here this year and just continue with my voice lessons and doing choir. I am very willing to put in the time and effort it will take.
So, life goes on and gets crazier as always!
Here is a "profound quote" to leave with this blog:
"The secret of success is consistancy of purpose."
Don't just endureth to the the end, but enjoyeth to the end(:

MUD(D), dating, and life in general!

Wow. What a week! Busy busy, but it ended very well! After going home last weekend, I was honestly ready to be back. I guess I'm just used to the keep-going-and going-and going, life. (I am truly an energizer bunny)Anywho, it was good and yet somewhat short week. The bad news first: I ended up with more than usual homework for the weekend. Yay. I keep wanting to slack off, but I can't. Its the whole college thing I guess. Anyway, so thursday (and Friday)I went on dates with 2 different guys. Both of which were very interesting. I didnt' want to go with the guy on thursday, but I did because I have this rule-at least one date with the guy. He is just an interesting guy-kinda wierd, but it was simple. Just dinner. Short and to the point. Friday, was MUD(D) DAY! Me and 2 of my roomates had been anticipating this day all week! Basically they had a young single adult activity where we went and played around in a huge mud pool! Some people played football lol, but mostly me and Kendra tackled people for fun. Well, ok...I got tackled more than anything by several crazy guys. But it was so worth the major dirtiness! You should have seen our shower....if I had access to getting pictures from my digital on here, you could definantly see them. I do have one, as you can see, however-it was dark and you can't see it very well.....anyway, after getting muddy and then going home to clean up, David and I-my friday night date, went and grabbed some dinner and then watched a movie at his apartment. It was fun and he is a fun person to talk to. However, he is 30, I am 18, and he is kinda different. Nice, but different. I'll just say this-its good to have FRIENDS. So anyway, today is saturday, and I am going to our first college football game tonight! Go Gila Monsters! Should be a fun night! Anyway, here I go to finish up some homework. Did I mention-yay?! Have a good weekend everyone!

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I'm Goin Home, Where Your Love Has Always Been Enough For Me

I am home for the weekend. I really don't like to travel, particularly driving a long distance. So hopefully I won't have to do much of it! But it is good to be home and see my family and some of my friends. This week has been a pretty good, and busy, week. I ended up withdrawing from my dance class. It was just going to be too much and I need the time to keep up with homework and voice lessons. Maybe next semester. Other than that, it has been good.

I have recently taken a liking to raquetball. A friend of mine that I met and is going to EA right now insisted that I learn how to play, so him and I like to go to the courts every now and then and hit some balls around. And let me tell ya, it is quite the stress reliever! I will definantly be playing a lot, especially if I ever get angry! And my friend Travis is fun to hang out with too! So yeah, I am still enjoying everything and the people around me!

This weekend I will probably just chill with the fam, my bff Emily. Unfortunantly I had to bring homework with me that has to get done! Crazy college instructors! Oh well. Sunday will be great because I am going with Emily down to Payson for the day to see a friend of ours. He doesn't know I will be coming with her so it should be a fun surprise for him! Then monday I get to go back and buy a few groceries, maybe clean up the apartment a bit! And then...start my life up again!!! Yay. Oh just so you guys know,ABOVE, I have posted a video that you just click on the words in order to see it. (Hopefully it works.) Anyway, this is just a little taste of what happens when 4 college age girls are living together, and especially when it is just completely impossible to go to sleep at a decent hour because of how wired we can get! The video is me and Kendra having a "Shoot out"???? Yeah, we are wierdos, but totally check it out!

I probably should go try to get some sleep now. Its been a long day! Good night all!

How's life? This.

Finish the sentences:1.I've come to realize...that I can't bite off more than I can chew
2. I'm listening to... the sound of people cleaning
3. I talk...a lot
4. I Love...My friends and family
5. My Best friends...are the greatest
7. I've lost the ability .... to relax...but i'm working on it!
8. I hate it when...People tell me how to do something when I have my own way of doing it
9. Love is... a decision
10. Marraige is....the most important decison i will ever make
11. Somewhere, someone is..... thinking of me???
12. I'll always be.... a redhead
14. The Last time I cried was....about a week or so ago
15. My Cell phone is.... awesome!
16. When I wake up in the morning... I pray.
17. Before I go to sleep at night....I get really wired!
18. Right now I'm thinking about.... Life in General
19. Babies are.. adorable
20. I get on myspace... NEVER!
21. TODAY I... I had a good day
22. Tonight I will...maybe play raquet ball or just hang out
23. Tomorrow I will......Go to school
24. I really want to .... eat ice cream
25. What are you most afraid of ? snakes
26. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a theatre ? Harry Potter 5!
27. Loved someone so much it made you cry ? yes
28.Favorite color ? baby blue
29. Favorite ice cream ? bunny tracks
28 Favorite TV shows? Friends, Gilmore Girls, Everybody Loves Raymond, American Idol 29.What would you like to accomplish before you die?get married, go to New York, Italy and London

Beautiful Saturday Morning(:

One thing I really love is waking up to pouring rain! Yep-it rained all night and is still raining! I went for a walk this morning when I got up. "Whoever said sunshine is happiness, has never danced in the rain!"

OK. I got through my first week as a freshman....in college! I really feel that it went great. I am looking forward to all the different experiences that will probably be taking place and the things I will be learning! However, I am very glad that it is the weekend. And I only have one short homework assignment! Hopefully I won't have any next weekend seeing as how it will be Labor Day wknd and I'm going home! Anyway, I started my ballroom dance class on thursday. Its just once a week and should be a lot of fun! Not to mention, I have a very good looking dance partner(: I was also able to get a job finally. Its actually rather funny. I am the secretary to the basketball coach! I will be doing office work for him and keeping up with all that stuff for the team! Should be great and I will have very flexible hours. Last night was the Institute opening social. I totally had a BLAST! I had to sorta avoid one guy who was really kinda wierd....hard to explain but other than that.....they had a dinner and a really awesome talent show! One of my good friends from snowflake sang with a group of some of his buddies and they did really awesome! It was fun show and then of course there was...dancing! It was great! I love to dance and so I was all over the place! Well-I probably should go do my one assignment and then its off to help clean the apartment! Living the college life is what I'm doing and trying to enjoy every minute of it! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Well, day one of college is halfway over. So far, so good. I really think I am going to enjoy this. I think I will need to make some goals to get through, which could be interesting, but I seem to have this new outlook on things. Take math for instance. I haven't done well in that subject since about the 4th grade....so, the teacher I have in my class here, has boosted my confidence a little bit, and its only the 1st day! He simply said, 'Math is not your enemy. Math doesn't have to be your best friend, but it shouldn't be your enemy.' I guess I took that to heart because almost immediately, I made a goal in mind that I will, for probably the 1st time ever(i've always been C-average), get at least a B, if not better, in this math class. I'm determined. Anyway, I had english 101 today. English should be my best subject, and in a way it is, but I really like my instuctor so it should go well, if I make it that way. So, I realize it is only the 1st day and I still have 4 more classes that I haven't attended yet for this week, but I really really have a positive attitude about this whole college thing, and this year. In high school it was different. I tried to be positive, but a lot of that looking at the bright side stuff was because of all the "fun" things I would be doing, including getting out of high school! I will be having tons of fun here, but as far as acedemics, I've taken on a whole new attitude and I truly know how important this is all going to be. This is my future. This is my time to figure things out in the world and figure out my place in the world. Working hard is all part of it. As funny as that might sound, its true! I just know that if I trust in God and what his plan and will is for me, its going to be fine. This is the time for change and a chance for me to be whoever I want to be. I'll keep you all updated on how life is going of course! I will end with one of my favorite quotes:
"Start off each day with a smile, and get it over with one."

New Life, New Story

Day 3: college life! Wow. I made it. I am officially on on my own and in a whole new world. Its wierd how fast this time of my life has come. But I am definantly enjoying the whole being on my own thing. Its just kinda nice to get up in the morning, and eat whatever I want(: I'm still eating healthy no worries! I'm just with 4 girls my age and so far, we are having a lot of fun! We got our apartment organized. We just have yet to talk to the owner about the all-showers-are-cold issue, and the we-froze-to-death-last-night-because-of-the-air conditioning-not-working-very-well issue. (; It should be a fun week!
Yesterday we went to church. Right now all the wards are combined until everyone comes back and moves in. So next week we will be split into different wards. Should be good.
Last night was great, we had a girls night! With (virgin)daquiris, popcorn, chocolate, and the movie Step Up! As I always say, life is good when you've had a daquiri(:
I have yet to get a job worked out, but i know it will work out!
My sister Stephanie, lives in Safford with her family so I will be getting to see them a lot more now. She just had her 3rd child, a boy. Anthony. I love my new nephew! He is very adorable! Anyway, I am keeping positive and I'm very excited for this year to get going! It will be fun meeting new people and getting into the swing of things. My music is what I'm looking forward to the most I think. Choir will be awesome, and continuing some with my piano, and voice lessons. Singing is my passion and keeping it with me this year is probably going to help me keep moving along!
Well, here I go to, continue with my new life. Leave me some comments-i'd love to hear from all of you! And just remember, "Life's like a novel, with the end ripped out." Keep going with whatever happens!

It's Wednesday

Ok, so wednesday has come. I hope the next 2 days will be busy....er....I guess 'a watched pot never boils'! Well, so far so kind of better on the packing and such. I finally feel more excited to move. The last few days(until yesterday)i kept finding a reason to cry it seemed. Or even if I didn't find a reason, it found me. But, its all good. I just have had a lot on mind and i'm really truly ready to move. I guess that proves that this is the right thing. Today was sad this afternoon a little cuz i said goodbye to one of my 2 best friends-Cassidi. (Cass-you better not be crying right now!) We made the best of times! We did what Rachelle and Cassidi do. Daquiris + Shopping=taking pictures of ourselves:

We are so NOT conceited. I told you, daquiris and shopping all in one day....not always a good thing(: Anyway, life continues on. My family went to school today without me. Weird. I gotta stop using the word...wierd. Its getting on my own nerves. t.t.f.n.

One day down.....

Oh my goodness. This week is going by slow, but at the same time, fast. I figure that by wednesday it will be alot better and [smoother]per se, cuz that means the week is half over. This morning, I woke up to my still organized mess that I did this weekend. Within about a couple hours, my room completely exploded! So, I guess this is what moving is like eh? My mom can't believe how much stuff I have....especially the stuff she gets to store while I am away. Its ok mom....in a year or so i'll get rid of more i'm sure! (; Anywho, so my room is looking even more empty. Its actually becoming less depressing. Infact, just this very moment, I think i'm over it! Here you will see what the room looks like, including a now almost very empty shelf....

Wow! Now, my room has been messy, but this is worse than messy I must say. Ok, 4 more days and it will be completely empty. Guess I better go make sure I can at least sleep in my bed tonight! TTFN

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Sunday afternoon

Well, here I am. A new blog. Blogging can be really addictive ya know.......

So, today was my last sunday being in my ward. I can hardly believe that this time next week I will be in a singles/college ward in Thatcher, AZ. College....ah.....I pray that I can handle it! I'm finally excited to be starting a new life. I know it will be hard, but its going to be great, if I keep thinking that way! I'm ready to start packing this week. Ok so I already have 2 boxes packed, but whatever! Its going to be really different but I'm not going to make a huge deal out of it! I'm just playin it cool and goin with the flow! My scedule will be very jam packed with classes and homework and my work study job. I am NOT going to stress out! I refuse! Despite what my choir director in high school tried to tell me-that being that stressing out is a good thing. I think he needs to retire(; Anyway, so here I go starting a week of.....fun.....?! I'll let ya know how it really goes.