Live On.

Mom. You'd be so proud!

2011-11-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

So Mom,
I did it. I made the delicious jello recipe you recited to me over the phone, and then again at the store because I didn't know what size of jello to buy. I know. I am 20 and shouldn't be calling my mommy from the store asking for help. But I still do. And I love you. Thanks for being patient with your daughter who is learning how to be a grown up. I don't think I'll ever stop learning how to be a 'grown up.' I feel so unexperienced. And even though I told you that I feel old today, I feel like a little child.

Maybe one day I'll get the hang of paying bills and cooking all of my meals and not just eating junk food and...well you get the point. But for now, I'll stick with mastering the yummy jello salad. One step closer to grown up mastery. (Because knowing how to make a jello salad is REALLY important. I would know, I'm in the process of my grown up mastery courses.) Anyways, I know you're jealous. Maybe I'll make it for you one day. ha!

(p.s. You don't have to tell everyone how easy it is to make.)

Love ya Mom! Thanks again for the lessons in grown ups. I know everyone at work will love the jello salad. It tastes pretty good.

Love your pre grown up daughter.

"Who needs homework..."

2011-11-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

STRUGGLE:

@chaznelson6: "@jennadegering time for some homework! #vivalaarabspring"

@chaznelson6: "Who needs to do homework anyways..."

@jennadegering: "@chaznelson6 WE need to do our homework. #punk"

@chaznelson6: "@jennadegering Homework is overrated #nofun"

So we've been sitting here for an hour "doing our homework." We have a BIG paper due when we get back from Thanksgiving Break. Obviously we are struggling to even get started on this said paper. We have done everything BUT start writing. Twitter. Facebook. We were even skyping each other, while we were sitting super close. Call us the Pros of Procrastination. Or the Doers of Delay. Whatever you want...but we're going to prove you wrong! The procrastination and delay is no more!

I mean, look at these faces. We have the look of champions....that is if we can actually start this paper.

Any encouragement and tools of motivation are welcome.

Live on.

I'm feeling a little ambitious...

2011-11-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

So I'm feeling a little ambitious. Not the kind of ambition that helps you get your homework done. Or motivates you to do that extra credit in a class you really need it in. No, I don't have that ambition. I want to do something new. Surprise! Not like me at all, right? I went to a Warren Miller Film Festival last night. And if you are anything like me, I didn't know what it was. (it's a ski/snowboarding movie. i guess it's kind of a big deal) And now I want to start snowboarding. I don't have a board, bindings, boots...the whole shabang. I have none of it. But I want to go! I also want to travel, study abroad, change the world. Ya know, small things. But...there is a small problem. I am a poor college student. (this is where you can take pity on me and say...oh poor Jenna! ......just kidding. don't do it. that was a joke.) Anyway, this Film Festival I went to last night sparked my adventure side again. So I've made a decision. I'm going to start the "Jenna's Crazy and Wants To DO Everything There is To DO" fund. Maybe for economy, we'll just call it... the "DO Fund". Any contributions or donations to this said fund are welcome and much appreciated. Also, if you have any crazy ideas for me to consider to DO for my DO Fund, I'm also taking those recommendations.

I don't know what it is, because you would think I have enough to DO already and don't need to add to my load. But there's this little appetite for adventure in me that never seems to be satisfied.

Obviously this is a troubling problem, and I need to get my fix.
live on.

Typical night in the Struggle House...

2011-11-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

you are so sweet.

solo.

Maybe because it's hard.

2011-06-01T22:58:00.000-06:00

*DISCLAIMER:
Okay. Don't read this if you don't want to hear me complain, or whine, or act all sad. Cause it's just going to happen. Not that I am completely sad right now...it's just been a little rough lately. And I need to get it out. And...I'm just a little extra emotional right now; you know what I mean. AND it's really long.

i'm sitting here in a somewhat familiar kitchen. not the same one that i've loved for the past year. yeah i know, they look exactly the same, i only moved one building over. this kitchen still has food, dishes, garbage bags, paper towels, lots of cereal. but its not the same. it doesn't feel like home yet.

the book 1984 is sitting to the left of me. it's kind of a depressing book so far. i'm only on page 63, so it hasn't really jumped into action yet. but i can't bring myself to read it.

my shopping list is sitting on the right of me. it has exactly 28 items on it, and i'm sure i'll have more to add. i haven't been grocery shopping since last semester. so i've got a lot to get.

my journal is waay off to the side. why? because i have SOO much to catch up on. ya know when you just don't write in your journal, ever. and then when you do decide to write in it, you feel like you have to write for the past year you just missed. and it takes like 5 hours. okay, maybe thats just me. i'm really bad at writing in my journal, but if i want to write my autobiography one day....i better just write.

i just finished an apple, but only by cutting little slices at a time because my grills are running all over my teeth. (i get them off in Aug....hopefully.)

i keep thinking about cleaning my room, or doing my laundry, or writing to all my friends on missions, or making phone calls to friends and family, or reading my scriptures. and thats exactly what i keep doing, thinking about it.

and now tears are rolling down my face. ooh i don't know why...

Maybe because it's hard. It's always so hard.

Maybe...just Maybe its because i really miss my roommates, seeing them everyday and coming home to happy and friendly faces. faces who are actually there. hearing music and laughter and ahh....yeah.

Maybe it's because i really miss my family. i know i get to see them soon. there are just times where i desperately miss them. time where no one else is here. and phone calls, skype, texts, they are great and all, but it doesn't suffice.

Maybe it's because i miss my closest friends. they're my people, who i go to. it's hard to not have my people around.

Maybe it's because for the past 9 months i had 35 amazing residents who loved me and took care of me, when that was really my job for them. and now....i'm a resident.

Maybe it's because i haven't really mourned my old life yet. i haven't taken the time to mourn change.

Maybe it's because i just got done with a really great month long relationship and miss him a lot. and he was the only one who was there all the time, whenever i had these breakdown moments.

Maybe it's because i'm running almost 20 miles in 16 days, and i'm still a little stressed about it. i'll finish, and i can do it. i just have never done it before.

Maybe it's because i'm stressing out about my responsibilities this next year in StAB cause we haven't done anything...

Maybe it's because i miss going to class. yeah, i sound foolish. but i like college.

Maybe it's because my Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is almost gone. (so that was a little childish... but when you're a mess like this, anything will be the end of the world.)

Maybe tears are still rolling down my face because i started crying, and now i can't stop.

But. I want to make this clear. 100% clear. If you read through all my complaints, don't stop now. Listen. I am grateful for the life that I have been given. I wouldn't trade these moments and opportunities that keep me here in Cedar for anything. I am learning and growing. And it may not sound like it, but I am having fun, for real. And I know that I've had more opportunities given to me than the average college student. Things just have to be hard sometimes. I've come to understand that statement more than anything this past year. I trust the Lord, with all my heart. He is my Savior, and my best friend. He knows how the salt on my face and the tears coming out of my eyes stings so badly on my heart. I am grateful that it's hard right now. I've bent my knees and pleaded with the Lord. And He is near. He is always near.

Maybe there are still a few tears coming, but it's because I'm grateful He is near.

So...Live on girl. You got this.

So busy...So exciting!

2011-03-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is what has been occupying my life currently:

This one has taken up the bulk of my time...

More details to come on each of these. For now, check out this link....
dancing with the stars
Live on.

i'm in love.

2011-02-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Oh Valentine's Day. Yes, I am single. And yes, I love this holiday. Not because it's super mushy and sappy. I could do with out all of that. But because I think it's great to tell everyone you love that you love them. Not that that always happens. Because I was a slacker and didn't tell that to any of my family members. But I do love them. A lot. But it's great. And I know that you don't love people any more on Valentine's Day than the rest of the 364 days out of the year, but oh well. I think it's fun. And I am in love. Really. Let me just tell you who/what I love so much on this great V-tines Day...

The Fam
Suprises
Roomies
My residents/my job
Emily Burt
My Besties
DWTS
Social Dance
My new black pumps
The color pink
Basketball it's almost march
Sweet sweet serenading
Sadie Hawkins *punch*
And this beautiful life.

Yeah, I know. I had to throw in that cheesy cliche "beautiful life" line. But it's oh so true. I love it. Love it all. AND I told you this post was going to be better than the last one. I'm not bitter anymore. Or sassy...Rich. Okay that was kinda sassy right there. Oh well. But now it's time to call it a night.
To a great Valentine's Day!

Live On.

Things on my mind...

2011-02-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

1. I am pretty homesick right now. Kind of a lot.
2. I could care less that the Packers just won the Super Bowl. Well just the Super Bowl in general.
3. I ate too much for dinner.
4. Why do I have to be so bold with guys?! It's not my responsibility to make things happen. Is it?
5. Why am I so tired all the time? I'm not even as busy as last semester.
6. I either need to take the finger nail polish off of my fingers, or repaint them. They look gross.
7. I haven't had a good cry in a while.
8. I should really clean my room and/or write in my journal.
9. I still have a headache from hitting my head on the counter after picking up a piece of popcorn off the floor. From Thursday.
10. Why does this post sound like I'm so bitter?

So I kind of am. I'm a little sour right now. I don't like it, by any means. And today was a pretty good day. I don't know. Maybe tomorrows top ten won't sound so gloom.

Live On.

"Such good medicine, laughing!" --Sister Kara

2011-01-18T16:51:00.001-07:00

The title is in honor of my wonderful sister...laughing is truly great medicine. That's why I'm adding on to my previous post.

Just go check this out. It'll make you laugh. For sure.

Give it a Ponder.

Backin' up, cause my Daddy taught me good!

Live on
And keep laughing!

A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted.

2011-01-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

hahahahahahaha

That's all that goes on lately with me. Laughter. Lots of it. Laughing about anything. And everything.

Okay, that's not entirely true. There have been a few tears, and angry outbursts.

But over all, I am happy with where I am in life. I am grateful that I am happy.

hahahaha Yeah, still laughing. About what you ask? Oh just the fact that I'm posting a blog about me laughing. And now I'm laughing. Again.

hahahaha live on. hahahaha

Nov. 22-Today...yeah I didn't really follow the whole once a day thing during November. But oh well. Now I'm going for the longest title in a post. Geez. I need to be writting all this below.

2010-12-10T01:23:00.001-07:00

Myself. Yes. Myself.
I'm grateful for myself. Not in a conceded way, by any means. But rather grateful.
I'm grateful that I have a mind that allows me to think and act for myself. A mind that lets me play with my imagination and dream beyond the limits of my age, time, and possibility. A mind that holds memory. Really, what would I do if every time I walked into the bathroom, I forgot what I was supposed to do. Memory. Or what would I do without the sweet memories I hold dear to my heart that contain family, friends, and achievements. I am grateful my mind allows me to comprehend calculations, reduce fractions, and find the solution to the square root of -16. (Math is definitely not my forte, but my mind is able. And just for your information, the square root of -16 = 4i. I'm not fond of imaginary numbers, at all.) But I am grateful for a quick, sharp mind.

My current Math book....yuch!

I'm grateful that I have a body that enables me to run, jump, kick, sing, dance, play, throw, shoot, walk, and sleep. I'm grateful that my body craves and hungers for physical movement and exercise. I am grateful that my body desires sleep, that my body tells me when to slow down. I'm grateful that my body lets me feel physical pain; I know that my body will heal it self, that even the cool looking bruises will go away. I'm grateful for the ingenious system my body functions on to pump my blood, reproduce cells, and breathe air in and out of my lungs. I'm grateful for the magnificent structure of my body. I am grateful for the intricate system of bones, muscles, tissues, cells, skin, blood, that make this body tick.

So intense!

I am grateful that I feel and express emotion. I am grateful that I feel joy, anger, happiness, fear, ecstasy, sorrow, acceptance, disgust, anticipation, surprise, wonder, courage, pity, amusement, patience, hope, desire, despair, and any other emotion. I am grateful for this because I know I am alive and human. I am grateful that when this human body feels and expresses negative emotions, I can turn to the Lord for peace and forgiveness. I am grateful when I feel positive emotion, I recognize it and express it even more.

Definitely brining out my best show of emotion...thanks Marc ;)

I am grateful that I have the capacity to love. I am grateful that it is easy for me to love. I am grateful that I care about people. I am grateful that I am able and willing most of the time to do my job as an RA, student, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I am not saying that I always do a great job at holding these roles, actually hardly ever feel like I do a good job, but I am there. I am grateful that I let myself have other people help me and take their role in my life. Because I need all of the help I can get. Once again, not the best at letting people help me, but I'm getting there.

Just two of the people I love the most.

Finally. I am grateful beyond measure that I can believe. Believe in the gospel. Believe in faith. Believe in prayers. Believe in dreams. Believe in potential. Believe in myself.

I give all the credit to Heavenly Father. He totally made this crazy creation...

now...I dare you to dream. I dare you to believe in yourself. I dare you to search for the good that you do daily. It is there. Find the power within you to love. To love others, to love yourself. Be grateful for who you are. Because I definitely am.

Live on.

Nov. 10-21, 2010

2010-11-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I've missed a couple days. Oops.

Blessings.
These past couple weeks have been such a challenge. maybe that's why i didn't post for so long. But it's okay. It's always okay. And Heavenly Father truly let me know that. I received blessing after blessing after blessing the past couple weeks. It was the little things like a phone call from my sister(s), a message from my niece, a thank you card from a friend, a message from a servant of the Lord, a hug from a roommate, a "you're the best RA ever!" from a resident, the peace from a good Bishop, a good feeling before and after a chem test, the fact that I have my major declared and I don't have to take STATS! I am so blessed! Here are some of the biggest blessings I am feeling right now:

My family!
(missing 5 adorable grandchildren in the pic.)

My roommates!

SUU. Everything about it.

My residents!
This is only one room of my residents,
but these girls are amazing and I love them so much!

My goals, dreams, and ambitions.
They might be a little much sometimes,
but they drive me, keep me going.

Christ and the Atonement!
The gospel is the center of my life.

Live On.

November 8 & 9, 2010

2010-11-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful for the seasons.

SUU has the most beautiful campus ever. Fall is sooo pretty here. There are so many trees and the leaves are just...ravishing! And for once, I'm actually excited for the winter to come. NOT because I like the cold or being wet after walking across campus, but because it means that Christmas is coming closer! And the scarves and the gloves and the hats and the coats (...AH!) they're all coming out! I love cuddling up in a warm blanket to watch a movie and sip on hot chocolate! It's all just so great! And I started listening to Christmas music! I know that some people argue you can't start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but I beg to differ. It's totally cool after Halloween is over! Anyways, I love the seasons. I am thankful for them.

This is not SUU campus, but there is seriously no difference. The campus is beautiful!

Live On.

November 7, 2010

2010-11-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

So this one is going to be pretty long. I am not apologizing for how long it is..well because it deserves to be a long post.

Today I am thankful for this guy:

My brother!

I feel like words are inadequate for how much I love my brother and really how thankful for him I am. Today is his 17th birthday. I have this running joke with him that now that he is 17 years old, he is SUCH an old man! So I thought today would be a good day to express how thankful I am for him. Here are just a few aspects how I see McKay:

My Hero.

McKay is such a strong individual. He stands for what is right. He loves his family and shows it, no matter what. He works hard. He conquers adversity. He is always there for me, even when I live 4 hours away and he is going through so much. He still makes time to make me happy. And you'd never guess (if you didn't see pictures of us) that he was my younger brother. He is wise beyond his years. He is my hero.

Will some one please get this man a cape.

Not the greatest picture of me, but I still love it.

So to give you an idea of how great my brother is, and to express that he will do anything for me, let me just share this experience with you. So we were in good ol' Wally World, and I was wearing my favorite pants, but...the zipper was broken on them. So I was trying to cover it up and make it look like there was nothing wrong and my zipper wasn't open showing the whole world that I didn't know how to zip up my pants. But, it wasn't working. So I just was like, "I don't even care anymore." But still obviously embarrassed about it. So (do you like how I use the word "so" like...so many times! Ew.) McKay, being the great best friend that he is, said loud and proud, "Ya know what Jen, I'll put my zipper down too!" So there we were in Wal-Mart, with our zippers down, walking around "holding elbows" like we did in middle school.

And proud of it! Now that is what I call a best friend!

My Best Friend.

McKay treats his family so well! As I mentioned earlier, he loves his family so much, and shows it to us all the time. He likes to pride himself, along with our older brother, that he can take on all 4 and sometimes 5 of his sisters in a wrestling match. (Of course we let him will all the time, it would be rude if we didn't.) But for reals, he treats us soo well. What would we ever do without him? ...I'm not even entertaining that idea. He is such a great brother! I think I speak for all of his sisters, and his brother that we love him very much and are so grateful that his is in our family.

This picture above, we were still really little. Okay,

so just McKay looks really little. He's really old now ;)

Our Brother.

McKay is also one of the best Uncle's on the planet! His nieces and nephews adore McKay and are always wanting his attention. But who would blame them? He makes time for those kids and truly loves being with them.

He's the greatest uncle ever!

Alex with his uncle McKay.

Not only is McKay a great brother, uncle, son, friend...ect...but he is just a great guy all around! Like, he will come hang out with my and my other besties, and still have a great time! He can pull off the mini-mini bike look (as he rode around in Wal-Mart, almost getting us kicked out.) And he's pretty much a model. I mean, look at these pictures, the one of this guy with that tiger! Rawr! Okay, that was Rawr was a little much. Sorry. All I'm trying to say is that we constantly have to shew all those girls away cause he's such a good looking kid. I could go on for hours on how great my brother is and how much I love him. I am so thankful for him and his example to me. I love you buddy, broski, broseph, broha! Happy Birthday McKay! Love you big!

McKay with my other besties and I.

I am thankful for you.

Live on.

November 5&6, 2010

2010-11-06T15:55:00.000-06:00

MARCI AND SARA!!

So they just came down to good ol' SUU for the SUU vs. Dixie State football game (which, by the way, we are KILLING Dixie. Way bad. Yeaah SUU!) and we just had the grandest old time. I love them so much. I'm glad they are my best friends! I'm so thankful for them.
BFFS for life.
Live On.

November 4, 2010

2010-11-04T23:33:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for the bigger scheme of things. Yes, thats right. And this is why...After finding out today that I got the worst grade I've ever gotten in...anything, it's good to know that its not the end of the world. Although it may seem like it at the moment. This too will pass.

{I don't have to dwell on how much I dislike my professor, or how GREAT a teacher he is (NOT...not even 30% of his class passed...AGAIN!) Am I bitter? Okay...I'm a little upset. A lot upset.}

But...once again. I'm thankful that my entire happiness does not rest in the hands of my Biology class. I'm not going to let it be like that. I'm grateful for the bigger scheme of things.
So...now I'm just gonna keep on Living On.

Ugh...

November 3, 2010.

2010-11-03T23:41:00.000-06:00

As I'm sitting here, having a big struggle to write up my lab write up...I keep looking up right above the edge of my computer. If your interested in what I'm looking at, it is a piece of pink paper indented with lips. The rectangular paper reads,

" Use your lips for class participation...Not kissing boys! (They're scary...)"

Yes, that is really what it says. My sister wrote it a little over a year ago when I received a package in the mail for Halloween. And this lovely thing was in there. This pink kissy paper is still attached right where I can see it for a good reminder...Boys are SCARY!

haha I'm thankful for this little pink piece of paper, it still makes me chuckle every time I look at it. And the humor from it is sure getting me through my write up. (Heck, it gets me through every assignment. It's right there in front of me on my desk.) I love it. For reals. (That one was for you Kara.)

Live On.

November 2, 2010.

2010-11-03T00:35:00.000-06:00

Today I am grateful for my residents. Not gonna lie, it was a pretty stressful day. But of course my wonderful residents always pull through! My roommate Whitney, wrote me a sweet thank you note to wake up to in the morning. A couple girls across the hall bought me a bag full of my favorite candy bar! And my other roommate wrote me a sweet note to come home to before I went to bed. And all through out the day, I had several hugs, texts, and 'hello's' from so many of my residents! I love them so much. I am so grateful, so thankful that I get to be a leader and example for all of them, mostly because they are more of an example to me. Yes, I am extremely grateful for each and everyone of them.

Live On.

November 1, 2010.

2010-11-01T23:59:00.001-06:00

I think one of the best ways to be happy is to show gratitude. I know, I know. My last post was just on gratitude. But you better get used to it, because I have been inspired. My amazing sister blogged during the month of October on the things that she was grateful for. Kara, I'm stealing your idea. (Thank you for the inspiration!)

So here it is, here is my inspiration: during the month of November, I am making a conscience effort to acknowledge at least one thing I am grateful for a day, and share it with...well mostly myself. But who ever else is out there. (My 3, maybe 4 followers.) If you get sick of reading about what I am thankful for day in and day out, go ahead and stop checking in, I promise I won't get too offended. This is mostly for me anyways, to keep my perspective clear.

So now I officially declare that the Month of Thanksgiving has begun!

Nov. 1, 2010.

Today I am thankful for my mother. I share everything with her. She is one of my best friends, and I feel lucky-no-thankful, that we have such a close relationship. She is an amazing woman, and I want to grow up to be like her. (For reals though. Nothing cliche about that statement.) Here is just a taste of how amazing this women, my mother, is. About a week ago, I called her in tears, feeling broken and helpless. She will do anything for me. I know that. That's why I called her. I knew that no matter what, she was always going to be there for me. She is like that with all of my siblings. She immediately asked what she could do for me. She even offered to come down to Cedar City! Did you just read what I said...4 HOURS each way (total of 8 hours) to just come down and help me, be with me. "I can take a sick day Jenna. I can come down." She has a full time job, a house to run, and still a family to chase after at home, and yet she is so selfless. I don't know how she does it, but she does. That was just this past week. Where she showed her love to me so willingly. Today, I talked to her again. Still so stressed because I have no idea what I want to do with my college education (probably changing my major agian!) The moment I got off the phone with her, I was more calm, confident, and assured that everything will be okay. Let me tell you, the woman has got wisdom! As I mentioned earlier, I can talk to her about anything. Everything. I share my excitement with her (like how my flag football team won the championship game today!! Holla!!!), my pains and sorrows, and everything else. Really. I love her so much. I am thankful for my mother.

My mom and I in Texas

Live On.

It Runs Deep.

2010-10-26T19:52:00.002-06:00

My gratitude runs deep lately...
I am grateful for:
The gospel. My Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ. The Atonement. Repentance. My family. My mom. My dad. The Goates family. The Gallagher family. The Noll family. The Michael DeGering family. McKay. My nieces. My nephews. Fasting. Prayer. Blessings. The scriptures. The temple. The Prophet. Apostles. Faith. Trials. School. Institute. My calling. My bishopric. My ward. My residents. My job. My staff. My roommates. My sitcom life. Daily Affirmations. GloZell. My friends. Home: Oakley. Cedar City. California. Galileo. Missionary work. My missionary friends. Letters. Pictures. Missionary opportunities. SUU's campus. Fall. Fall clothing. My shoes. Sunsets. Hot chocolate. Pop corn. Cake. Flag football. My flag football team. A full moon. Rain. Music. Guitar. Change. Service. Opportunity. My experiences. Ambitions. Dreams. Desires. Talents. Laughter. Tears. Motivation. Example. My health. Technology. Warm water. My bed. The beach. Surfing. Sore muscles. Progression. Freedom. Sacrifice. Coloring. Diversity. Memories. The quote wall. Learning. Hair dye. My computer. Shower wars. Sports. Seasons. Driving. Dancing. Singing. Food. My braces. Love. Understanding. Patience.

Live On.

I Can Do Hard Things.

2010-10-19T23:00:00.001-06:00

Current house mottos:

"I can do hard things!"
"I can do anything good... Ya. Ya. Ya. Better than anyone. Better than anyone."

F'real!
Live On.

Let It Rain.

2010-10-06T11:51:00.000-06:00

It has been raining for 4 days now. And quite frankly, I love it. It's refreshing. Cleansing. This new rain, it's not only refreshing and cleansing for wonderful Cedar City, but it is for me as well. About a week ago, I was at my breaking point. So stressed, worried, aggravated, impatient. Everything that I shouldn't be, I was. BUT. I was able to go home this past weekend and it was just what I needed. I saw my family. I played with my nieces and nephews. I spent time with my Mom. I got a blessing from my Dad. I talked with my sisters. I saw my brother play in a varsity football game. I celebrated with my family. I listened to a prophet of God, and His apostles. I ate homemade food. I made HOMEMADE peach jam. Home. Home was what I needed. I came back to school feeling rejuvenated, energized, and once again believing that I can accomplish anything. The rain. The rain is washing away everything I felt before I went home. All of the negative emotions, feelings. The rain is washing away my frustrations, fears, and uncertainty. It is still raining, still washing away the bad. Still cleansing my spirits. The rain fall comes in different ways. The rain is my Heavenly Father. Christ. My family. Friends. Roommates. Professors. My testimony.
So rain on. Live on.

My. Life. Is. A. Sitcom.

2010-09-25T16:41:00.000-06:00

So...my roommates and I have pretty much decided that our life is a sitcom. If we had a camera following us around all the time, we would have millions of people watching everyday because it is...hillarious. Okay, so maybe it's just soooo funny to us. But never the less, our life is a sitcom.
Check it out...
Our Life Is A Sitcom

Definitely more episodes to come.
Live On.

Roses and Thorns.

2010-09-23T17:20:00.000-06:00

My roommates and I do this thing called Roses and Thorns. (Thank you Bai girl for introducing it.) You tell about the best and worst part(s) of your day. After you get done, you feel surprisingly well. This week's roses and thorns:

Rose.
Sunday was my friend's farewell. His name is Josevy, and he is pretty great. So my wonderful friends Courtney and Hillary accompanied me to his farewell on Sunday. We show up at 10:55 because of course I'm late getting out the door. Always. Ugh. Anyways, we sit on the first row of the overflow and I have a perfect seat. Perfect cause I can see him and he can see me, but he probably won't notice if I start crying during the middle of his talk. So we sit down and the beginning hymn starts and everyone is singing in...Spanish. Totally forgot that he goes to the Spanish Branch. Of course he does; his Dad is the Bishop. To say the least, we started quietly cracking up because we were singing so loud in English and everyone else was carrying the tune in Spanish. The meeting was amazing! He gave such a wonderful talk. Like I predicted, I cried. Although everything (besides Josevy's talk) was in Spanish and I couldn't understand anyone, the Spirit was so strong! And I've never heard the Sacrament blessed in another language, it was really neat. After we went over to his house for a little snack and after party. I'm going to miss this boy. A lot.

Totally gave him the tie. His 'favorite one.'

And yes, we match. About everyone pointed it out.

Thorn.
Sunday night, well actually Monday morning, I stayed up writing a 6-8 pg. research paper. Didn't get more than 2 hours of sleep. And my professor the next day didn't even look at it. Peer review. That's all. haha Oh well, I'm laughing about it now. I guess that's what I get for putting it on the last of my to do list.

Rose.
On Tuesday, it was my wonderful roommie's birthday! Bai Girl turned the big 1-9! Her birthday was Tuesday, but we took a little jaunt down to St. George on Saturday and celebrated with Olive Garden, delicious ice cream, and 'family pictures!' Tuesday night we celebrated with some delicious cake and some reminiscing.

I couldn't decide what pictures to put on of our family photo shoot. So here are a few. In this picture to the left, it goes Ashley, Bailey, Whitney, Courtney, Jenna, & Becca from left to right. Love us!

"Our life is a sitcom, welcome to it. We have a lot of fun; we're so legit! The chicks are rockin' in room 104; you're welcome to come it, just don't 'slut the door.' Ya got Becca and Whitto who stay up late, while Ash is in bed by 9:08. Jen's kinda crazy when duty calls, but Courtney and Bailey get 'em through it all!"

Thorn.

It's been kind of a rough week. I miss my family a lot. Counting down the days till I get to see them. And I mentioned homework earlier...well it seems like it never ends. Love the college life.

Rose.

I saw Tarzan at Tuacahn last night! It was amazing! And just the get away break from Cedar City that I needed. I love musicals, and this one was spectacular!

Rose.

I played soccer AND basketball this week. It was good for me. I needed it.

Rose.

I really am blessed! I have such good friends and family members. And I have the gospel. I'm especially grateful for one person in particular right now. I met her last year, but this year we've become best of friends. She's helped me through a lot of this stress lately and I love her for it. Hillary Balle, she's amazing.

Call Me Crazy...

2010-09-14T23:10:00.000-06:00

So I've had just a few things on my mind lately. Okay, so I always have a few things on my mind. More than a few. Here are just the... more pressing matters on my mind. And I think I'm really doing this for myself more than anything. To get it all out. Ya know? Okay...
1. First thing on my mind:
Am I crazy?? Do I think I'm Superman or something? No. I don't. I still think I'm kinda crazy though. To express why I think I'm off my cracker, let me just give you a list of what's on my plate right now. I am a full time student taking 14 credits. I know it's not a full load of 18, but I'm not a little freshman anymore taking general education requirements. So I think it's a fine load of homework every night. Second, I am an RA. Resident Assistant. Holy cow this job eats up a lot of time. I LOVE IT! But it does take a lot out of me. (p.s. my residents are AWESOME! They are so great and make my day whenever I feel... well like this.) Third, I got a calling in my ward to be the ward rep for Institute. I was super stoked, and still am, when I was called. But it's been quite shocking the commitment that has come out of it. Every Tuesday and Thursday I have class at 7. AM. Woo eee! If I'm not a morning person now, I will be after this year is over. It's good though. It really is. Speaking of Institute, I am also a class president for one of my Institute classes. (The class is The Teachings of John, and it is amazing! I learn so much every day.) Next, I am a member of the General Assembly Board of RHA (Resident Housing Association.) I attend a meeting every Tuesday to discuss resident life on campus. I really enjoy it. So much so that I've even had thoughts come into my head that that is what I wanna go into. What?! Yeah...I just said that. And lastly, I'm an iBuddy! Which this one doesn't give me a headache at all! To clue ya in a little bit, the iBuddy program is a program where a domestic student here at SUU is paired up with a foreign student attending SUU. As an iBuddy I pretty much just help the student assigned to me with anything he needs. I love it. Phew...I think that is all my responsibilities here at school. Now do you see why I think I'm crazy? How did all of this pile up. The crazy thing is, is that I'm getting through it. With the help of the Lord, friends, and family of course.
2. The second thing on my mind:
Why am I not doing my homework? Agh... I have a confession. I'm addicted to Facebook. It's disgusting.
3. Third:
I should be running, every morning. But as of right now, I really love to sleep. BUT, I am making a goal. Right now. To go running. I've just gotta start training for Ragnar. Especially now that I am a little more motivated before from an awesome letter that my sister sent me. It's not just that I should go running, I want to go running. I've just gotta start doing it.
4. Numero fouro:
That was weird. I really know what four is in spanish. It's cuatro. Anyways...I have made a bucket list. A legit bucket list. In another post, strictly dedicated to that wonderful piece of paper, I may share what is on there. The reason I now have a bucket list, and I am only 19 years old, is because I have this sincere desire to accomplish my dreams. I don't expect anyone to understand how I truly feel about my bucket list. But it makes me happy.
5. FIVE:
I'm not using very good grammar and sentence structure through out this blog cause...well I don't have tu right now. Oh my English class is sucking my brain.
6. Six. Six. Six.
I've been kinda ornery lately. Sorry for everyone around me. I just need a few things to happen. Which leads me to number...
7. Seven
I need to see my family. I miss them so much! I haven't really spent quality time with them for over 3 1/2 months. That might not sound like a lot of time for some people, but it is forever and a day to me. And it physically hurts I miss them so much. I think that might be a big reason I'm a little ornery lately. I need a little escape from this paradise called Cedar City, and go home. I was talking with my little brother the other night, and he helped me realize, once more, how strong my family is. That group strength made me think of how weak I am as one. One individual. How I can't do anything without my family, and especially without the Lord. Although I have power within myself, that no one can take away, that power would not be instilled in me without what I value most. My family and the gospel. I am so grateful for them. And I really hope they know how much I love and care about them, even when I'm so busy and life is crazy and I don't always call them or tell them that often. I love them.
8. (The number 8 means new beginnings.)
I feel, right at this moment, that I am starting a new beginning. I'm recommitting myself. To a lot of things. To being a better follower of Christ, daughter of God. To be a better daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. To be a better student, and RA. I'm recommitting to be happier, more often.

Call me crazy...but I do love all that is going on right now and all that is happening. I love my trials and my joyous times. I just have to learn how to love getting through them. I'm so far from perfect, but I'm trying. Sorry if this sounded like I was just venting. Oh wait, I kind of was. But don't get me wrong, I love life and all it has to offer.
Live On.

Difficult.

2010-01-11T22:25:00.003-07:00

Life is DIFFICULT. School is HARD. Being away from home is NOT EASY. Living on your own is HARSH. And lets face it, growing up is TOUGH. But isn't that how it is suppose to be? If life was uncomplicated, then I wouldn't grow. If school was easy, I wouldn't learn. If being away from home was carefree, I would have no appreciation. If living on my own was straightforward, I wouldn't have faith. Where would i be with uncomplicated-easy-carefree-straightforward? I'm grateful for DIFFICULT-HARD-NOT EASY-HARSH.

I'm not saying I've done this on my own either. When I've come face to face with these adversities, I have NEVER been alone.

My Heavenly Father, The Savior, and The Holy Ghost have NEVER abandoned me. Even when I forget about them.
My family has NEVER forgot about me. I have had constant support and love from my parents, sisters, brothers, and nieces and nephews, and grandparents.
I have NEVER had to go without a friend by my side. Whether they are a phone call a way, or right next to me.

But along with the DIFFICULT-HARD-NOT EASY-HARSH-TOUGH moments in life, there is still BEAUTY, SPLENDOR, BRILLIANCE, CREATIVITY, MAGNIFICENCE, LOVE, RESPECT, ADMIRATION, COURAGE, PEACE. It is ALWAYS there.

And I love it. I love all of it. I love the difficult-beautiful-hard-brilliant-not easy-creative-harsh-magnificent-tough life I live.

2009-10-23T16:03:00.005-06:00

Just a little shout out to my amazing roommate!!!

Sonnett Davies is my roommate. I had no idea who she was before school started and I was a little nervous to have a roommate I didn't even know. But of course I was extremely blessed, and Heavenly Father knows exactly what I need. (Cause I got the best roommate ever!) First day in my new room: SO small!! "How in the world am I going to share this tiny space with another girl..." But it worked out well enough. Now me and that 'other girl' are best friends! Sonnett, you are amazing! I am so lucky to have you as my roommate and would have it no other way! Love you lots!

This was during our roommate agreement. Our RA knew from the get go we would get along :)

I mean...just look at us...

A fantastic trip to Wal-Mart

GO T-BIRDS!

Yay!! We were able to cook food! With a real stove, no microwave needed...

(We go over to Sonnett's Aunt and Uncle's house every Sunday evening for Sunday dinner :)

Dance Party in the loft!

I bring out the best gangster I can in her...

Sunday SMOOTHIES!

(We're not supposed to have a blender...shh...)

She rarely can pull off a 'serious' face, so this is pretty unique

Always bringing the best out of me :)

Love you!

CHANGES!

2009-10-09T13:59:00.017-06:00

So many changes have occurred in the past few months:

First off: As of July 31, 2009, I'm 18!!!

WOO HOO!! For my birthday, my family and I attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. It was AMAZING! I'm excited for the day I get to attend the temple. Then we had a delicious dinner at Oliver Garden with everyone who lives in Utah in attendance. :) So my birthday was awesome!

So now that I'm 18, I can have my own checking account!! That calls for another WOO HOO! Luck me, I now have an account at Mountain America Credit Union, and my debit card is sooo stylin'! (It's orange of course...)

Second: BRACES!!! woo hoo..?

Indeed it is another WOO HOO! Some people might dread the fact of going to

college with braces, but I'm grateful I get to have them on! These wonderful metal

tracks were put into my now metal mouth on August 11, 2009! The colors I chose to

put in were pink and blue! (In honor of all the babes that going to be born into my

family in the next 6 months.) OH, and now my little brother has them too :) We love,

don't we bud?

Third: COLLEGE!!!

SUU I'm here to stay!!! I can officially say that I am a Thunderbird! Part of the Thor Core! A member of the ASL Club. I have a Student ID. I eat in the dinning hall (a.k.a. cafeteria). I live in the dorms! (Go J-Ghetto! Juniper is awesome...) I get into anything on campus for practically nothing. I pay $400+ for books. I have 18 credit hours. And I can officially say...I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT! Nothing gets better than this....

Go T-Birds!!

Fourth: New hair color!!

Yeah...I know, kinda crazy. But I dyed my hair! Lighter? Darker? Highlights? Red? Blonde? Black? Yeah...it pretty much looked black for a couple of days. I decided to go a few shades darker. I was extremely hesitant of if I liked it or not for the first little while. The first thing people would say: "It matches your eyebrows!" In my head: "Thanks, I think it looks cute too..." Not. But to say the least, it has grown on me. I love it! And it really does match my eyebrows....

Well it feels like there has been a billion and one more changes since I started school, but the rest of the changes deserve their very own blog....

To start again....

2009-10-09T13:56:00.003-06:00

I created my blog, hoping I would actually blog... but i failed miserably with only two blogs actually posted. I'm going to try and start again. So here it goes.....again.

Two Amazing Weeks...

2008-08-03T22:52:00.002-06:00

Well now that my life has settled down to a somewhat manageable pace, I'm going to attempt another blog. The last two weeks have been the highlight of 2008 for me!! But before I go into that, I want to say how incredible my family is! I have 3 amazing sisters, 2 spectacular brothers, 1 awe-inspiring sister-in-law, 3 extremely successful brother-in-laws, 3 awesome nephews, 1 adorable niece, and loving-fabulous parents! There really aren't any words to describe the love I have for my family! The reason I mention this is because today we had a little celebration for my birthday (even though it was on Thursday over girls camp.) Kara and Shauna (my sisters) put together this bowl of good things that my family had said about me. To put it simply: I am soo blessed to be in the family I am in now! Well now that I have said how much I love my family, back to the past two weeks.

I went to EFY (Especially For Youth) on July 21-26 to the Logan 4 session. IT WAS AMAZING! I always hate using that word, but really there are no words, so I might as well use that one. Anyway, I was put in the best company (Believeth,) and I had the best councilors (Kellen, Kaylee, and Tyler.) I made friends with everyone in my company, and even more outside my company. But the whole week, in everything I participated in, I felt the spirit! I gained a part of my testimony that I didn't even know i had. And along with feeling the spirit all the time, I had a blast!!! There is seriously no 'funner' place than EFY!!!

So after I got back from EFY, the day of, Mindy and McKay drag me out of my bed. (Because of course I went straight to my bed when I got home, even at 2 pm.) And before I know it, I'm headed to 7 Peaks. I will be honest, i was so tired and sick of not being home I didn't want to go. But I'm so glad McKay put me on a guilt trip, because it was way fun! Oh and that was the only day I have hung out with McKay for like 3 weeks. He would leave for scout camp, and the day he got back I was going to EFY, then when I got back from EFY, he was headed to St. George to a Wrestling camp, and when he got back from that, I was at girls camp. Yes I know: Confusing.

But anyway, the following Tuesday I was headed to girls camp at Moon Lake. The theme: Survivor! It was such a blast!!! We went canoeing almost everyday, and everytime, we tipped the canoe! Testimony meeting was amazing as always! And our leaders put together an awesome hike for us! Oh it was such a great experience. Not to mention that I was finally with my best friends for a week! But to make it short, I had fun camping with a bunch of crazy girls!! (And :) Leaders)

Well that was my last two amazing weeks, in very short (seems like long) explanation. Now the pace picks back up as soccer tryouts start tomorrow, and work, and SBO stuff! Geez, the fun never ends!!! :)

For the very first time!

2008-07-10T23:45:00.002-06:00

I'm blogging!! woo hoo, now Mindy has something to read on here. besides she will probably be the only one looking on it for a little while. but anyways, so my first bog. what should i write about? how about the softball game i just played and felt amazing about the progress i am making. and how much fun it is!! GO SILVER STRIKERS! or how i am working 12 hours a day every day at the most boring jail ever! Mindy will know exactly what i'm talking about. well i guess for now it will be really nothing because i am SOO tired..(4 hours of sleep last night because i couldn't get to sleep). but more later!