Wow.

Wow. That's all I can say. I am amazed at how much I've realized as of recent. I feel so great and so incredibly blessed!

First of all, I have AMAZING roommates. I love them. And I will miss not living with them next semester. Luckily two of them are staying in the same apartment with me. We have so much fun together and we've shared some great times and endless laughs this semester.

 

Second, the semester is nearly OVER! Just a few more things to do and then I am San Diego bound on Friday!!

Third, Rexburg has been so incredibly kind to me. It has barely snowed this semester! There is still no snow on the ground and it is mid-December already! Thank you Rexburg :) (But I know you'll give the worst of it next semester.)

Fourth, I love love love being involved!! I've loved being a part of Center Stage AND Student Support this semester! Being a board member and a recruitment rep have been true blessings! I've learned so much and have grown so much through those experiences. I am excited to continue working with Center Stage as well as being an I-Rep for Get Connected and a part of the student support council next semester!

Fifth, my FHE family has been great this semester. Being FHE mom has been fun planning all the activities and whatnot. We've had some good times. Wackee 6, hide and seek in the caves, Mormon Mouthful, soccer, Halloween party, lots of yummy desserts, and this awesome photo shoot to wrap up the semester!

Sixth, it has been AMAZING to be reunited with my best friends again. We definitely miss our cute little Allyson up here but it has been a blessing to have my best friends back in my life. I am so glad that despite all living in different places this semester, we have still been able to all get together and hang out. I am also SO glad Lindsay is staying here for the Winter AND that we'll be on student support council together in Involvement Council!

Seventh, I have learned so much. I have gained so much more wisdom. I am not even bitter anymore. Not in the least bit. I am so happy with who I am right now and who is in my life. I have completely moved on and have learned that sure, maybe I'm not right for them but THEY are not right for ME! Ha! I deserve so much better in my life and I have realized that. Sometimes we just get blinded for a moment and lose sight of what is right for us. I almost don't know what I was thinking in the first place. Silly, silly me. Now the question is, what kind of guy am I looking for? They have all been so so so different. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds for me. What Heavenly Father has planned for me. In his time.

Eighth, I am in love with the Hunger Games! I just finished the first book and am already reading the second. Absolutely love it.

Ninth, my hair is finally long again! Every time I saw one of my friends from my first year of college, the first comment they made was about how long my hair has grown. I take it as a compliment and I love it. Still got a few inches to go to get it back to summer of 2010 length.

Tenth, Pintrest is AMAZING.

And eleventh, I am so grateful for this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the greatest thing that ever happened and will happen to this whole world. He is my best friend. He has sacrificed SO much for us and I know that I am eternally indebted to Him. He loves me unconditionally and is my support each and every day. I love this time of year and the spirit it brings into the hearts of everybody.

 Merry Christmas!!

Next Chapter.

"When people walk away from you, let them go. Your destiny is never tied to anyone who leaves you, and it doesn't mean they are bad people, it just means that their part in your story is over."


And God wants to give me "something better."
The epitome of this blog.

Scriptures.

Trials make you stronger.

I've been getting my fair share of trials continually this year but also most recently. Over time, I have trained myself find a lesson and take more wisdom out of each experience. I have grown so much. I always find myself getting hurt and knocked down over and over again. I end up doubting myself. But I get back up. The friends and family I have around me lift me and encourage me. I have been blessed enough to have those people in my life. And the gospel. It is filled with so much truth and I know I can always rely on its true principles to assure me of God's love for me and for His individual care and concern for my trials, pains, and heartbreaks. I have also been blessed with a forgiving heart that can't hold grudges. I don't like it when people are mad at me. I always want to be thought of as someone people can rely on, trust, and know as a good person and friend.

So as of recently, I have learned that...
I am stronger than I ever thought I could be.
I am loved by caring roommates, friends, and family.
I need to be patient with the things Heavenly Father has in store for me. They will come in his own time.
I know of my Heavenly Father's individual love for me.
I am so grateful to be from San Diego and to call that sunny city home.
The holiday season brings so much happiness to my life and Christmas music makes everything better.
People deserve second chances.
God is continually preparing me for my ultimate "something better" and that he is going to give me the best of the best.
I have potential to do great things.

In the beginning of this semester, I kept saying to myself that this semester was going to be for me. I was going to be able to grow on my own and really find some things about myself that I never knew. And I've done that. This semester is quickly coming to an end and I am growing. I can see it. I was planning to stay single this semester. And even though that relationship was so short, I learned so much. It meant so much. I felt something. So even though I didn't have this semester completely for me, it was another learning experience. It was another chapter in my story. I was faced with trials and heartbreak but God is going to give me something better. He is always striving to do that for me everyday.

It has been a long time...again.

I have been pretty busy since I've been back up at school. I wish I could blog more but for now, I think I will post every so often about different things I learn as I go on through yet another year of college life.

This week, I learned that I really do have time for everything that needs to be done. I just have to manage time better. I learned that when I reward myself with food when I complete homework assignments, I get things done! I learned that I kind of enjoy indexing! I learned that I shouldn't be afraid to cheer during sporting events. I learned that there are a lot of people in my life that really care about me. I learned that I am seriously so blessed.

Retreat For Girls is amazing!

One of my girls from Retreat For Girls sent me the cutest e-mail in the world today.

"...Now I truly know I'm a daughter of God that's beautiful in all kinds of special ways!...P.S. Do you remember when you asked us what our favorite scripture is? I found mine! Alma 37:37, 'Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings...when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.' It comforts me at night. My house has scary sounds at night so it comforts me and makes me feel safe."

LOVE HER. :)

Not just yet.

I don't want to leave! I don't want to pack. It's almost unreal that I will be going back to Rexburg in 5 days.

I'm going to miss my family, the perfect weather, the BMB, and him.

How is it September already??

I suppose it is time to go back though. It has been a good 5 months of being home. I've grown so much. I've learned so much.

Things will be different this time around but I am excited for the things to come. Let's just get through this final week first full of goodbyes, forever packing, and living it up in San Diego for the last time this summer!

It's been a long time...

I haven't blogged in a long long time. And so much has happened and changed! But life is so good.

My nannying job has been keeping me real busy along with all of the fun BMB activities almost everyday. Also, I am now a year older as of last week! I got to celebrate my birthday at Disneyland and it was wonderful. Sadly the Matterhorn has been closed all summer. But I got to ride lots of other great rides and ended the night with beignets and came home to my front door being heart-attacked by my wonderful BMB friends. Oh, and I can't forget my wonderful gift from Mike. The Star Wars trilogy. I know, I know. But I loved it :)

I've accomplished more "firsts" in the meantime. I flew a kite; rode a motorcycle; tried all sorts of deep fried food at the Del Mar Fair-deep fried Kool-aid, deep fried klondike bar, deep fried thin mints, and chocolate covered bacon; played broom hockey and sock wars; hiked to the PQ waterfall; tried a Dr. Pepper float; had Dole whip; gave a talk in the BMB; went to a YSA dance, and went surfing (second time)!

This summer has turned out to be so much more than I had expected it to be. Much "better" than any other summer so far.

There have been a few things though that have really been a big part of my summer.

Disneyland: I've gone 4 times so far this summer! I have loved it ever since I was young and its been a big part in my life. My whole family loves it and its always been a place for my family to all come together and spend time having fun. I've finally got over my dumb fears and finally rode Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, and California Screamin'! I know, I am really lame. But anyways, I love Disneyland and I am so grateful for annual passes!

BMB: The Black Mountain Branch. I was really nervous about attending a singles ward when I came home from school. At BYU-I, I was in a singles (student) ward, but its nothing like the BMB. We are like a family. We WANT to hang out together. We always try to schedule fun activities together for almost everyday of the week. The friends I have made this summer have really been great. I am sad to have to leave the BMB in just 2 weeks. But now I have something to always look forward to when I come home, besides my family of course :) I just love the Black Mountain Branch. I actually have friends in San Diego now.

My Job: I've been a nanny the past 3 months for the two cutest kids in the world and for the nicest family. I've learned so much about children and everything that goes with it through this experience and I am so glad I am learning this now! I took a child development class my second semester up at BYU-I and really loved learning about that kind of stuff. I am also planning on taking an Infants and Toddlers class this fall. Anyways, my job is pretty great like I have said before. I work 40 hours a week but luckily it is not really a demanding job. It is pretty chill and I have just learned so much.


Retreat For Girls: I was a counselor at Retreat For Girls for two weeks in July up at Utah State in Logan, Utah. It was honestly the most spiritual experience I have ever had. I loved preparing devotionals for my girls to teach to them at night. I loved the theme of Retreat: Daughters in His Kingdom. I think that is such an important message for young girls to know and understand. I loved being a counselor and being someone 22 girls over those 2 weeks relied on and looked up to. That experience taught me so much. Most importantly that we are entirely not here in this earth for ourselves. We are here for others and if everyone kept that in mind, everyone would be taken care of. That is something I love about the church: that charity and service is so important and a top priority. As a counselor, we had to completely be focused on our girls and it was a huge responsibility to make sure each girl was healthy and well, having a fun time, making friends, learning new things, strengthening their testimonies, and understanding the importance of being a daughter of God. I hope to be a counselor again next summer because it really was a wonderful experience and I loved every moment even when there were hard times (Alma 26:30). From this experience, I got 22 new little sisters and I hope I can continue to be their big sister whenever they need one. It was just amazing to have such great love for these girls who I only got to know for a week.

The Temple: The temple has become a bigger part in my the past year being able to go every week up in Rexburg. I've loved being home and being able to go to the beautiful San Diego temple. I haven't made it every week but I have been often this summer and it has always been a wonderful visit. I will miss this temple but I am excited to go back to Rexburg and go to that one. I am just glad I always have one close by...15 minutes here and just a walk away in Rexburg!

Mike: Mike has been a huge part of my summer. We are so much alike yet so different at the same time. He has helped me become a stronger person and has taught me to take risks and be less scared. He has taught me so much and I admire everything that he is-confident, adventurous, spiritual, considerate, smart, sure of his future, funny, sarcastic, sweet, friendly, easygoing, & strong. He makes me so happy but I am sad the summer is ending soon and we'll both have to go back to school in just two weeks.

Well, that's it for now. This is my last week of nannying and then next week, I will just be packing up and getting ready to head back up to Idaho! Leaving will be bittersweet but I am excited for the things to come this fall semester. The past couple of months have really helped me realize how much I still love San Diego. I do love Idaho but I think it will just be home for me until I graduate or transfer. San Diego will always be home :)

Progress!

On Tuesday, I went to Disneyland with some friends from the BMB and some other people from other singles wards. We all have annual passes so that was pretty great too. To sum it all up, it was honestly the best Disneyland trip ever. Sorry if this post sounds rant-y and too detailed--keep in mind this is kind of my journal. And I also like to include lots of detail so I remember things and the good times. :)

I really had a great time! We got to Disneyland around 12-ish and immediately hit up the rides. We got fast passes to Thunder Mountain. After, we went on the canoes which is something that I've never done at Disneyland before. That was a lot of fun because you actually had to put in some effort and it was a unique kind of "ride". Then we rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, haha. I love those kid rides that you just sit in a little thing and ride around through a story. After that, it was time to ride Thunder Mountain which is obviously a great ride. We also got to go on the Columbia-the pirate looking ship they have there around the little river in Frontierland. It was a good little rest. We then made our way to Tomorrowland and went to Captain EO. It was way cool! Interesting story line and we were just bumping along to the music in that little theater. So then we met up with the rest of the group, about 5 more people. We tried Space Mountain first but it was closed for a bit! But we hit up other rides like Astro Blasters, the Astro Orbiter, Thunder Mountain again, Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Indiana Jones, and the Finding Nemo submarine ride. Space Mountain finally re-opened and we went on that as well. I was bummed that the Matterhorn was closed that day though because I have never been on it before.

Then we headed over to California Adventure. We rode the new Little Mermaid ride, the Silly Symphony Swings, and then finally...California Screamin'. I am not a roller coaster person. I really wish I was but I just am not a thrill seeker like that. But I was definitely open to trying new things especially at Disneyland. I was excited to go on this roller coaster but definitely nervous. So, we get on the ride and I'm sitting there figuring out where to put my backpack when I see Tucker, next to me, weaving his legs and backpack together. I definitely got scared at that point but I just put my backpack safely behind my legs. We started to go and honestly, I loved it. The take off is really fun and I definitely felt like I was going to die 10 times. I also closed my eyes when we got to the loop but I really liked it and I wish we did it again right after! So here is my progress. I am getting over my fears one by one and I am going to take on these roller coasters. I don't want them to hold me back and this trip was definitely a great chance to do so since I went with people who love all the rides. So they were great motivation. After that, we also rode Toy Story Mania (first time) and that was so much fun! I really liked it and it is definitely better than Astro Blasters. We stopped by the Boudin factory to get some free bread too. We also went into the Disney Animation place where they have Turtle Talk with Crush which Tucker, Kaitlyn, Jay, Malinda and I went to; and they also have a place where you can learn how to draw Disney characters, and a place where you can find out which Disney character you are in the Sorcerer's Workshop. That was really cool. I got Cinderella. We also made out way to Ursula's Cavern where all 10 of us did a short karaoke thing and sang The Unbirthday Song. It was pretty crazy. Haha, we also checked out the elecTRONica dancers and that was pretty funny. We also checked it out again later in the night. They also had this guy doing cool stuff with green lasers. Anyways, we also rode the Tower of Terror and that was my first time. I was pretty scared about that but I thought it was fun. I would definitely do it again but I think that one scared me more than the California Screamin'.

After California Adventure, we went back to Disneyland. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean (funny thing-I got really wet on this ride. Don't ask me how. It was pretty weird.), the Tea Cups, Space Mountain again, and finally STAR TOURS! I loved it! There was a long long line all day for that ride which is funny because you wouldn't expect that for a simulator kind of ride. One great thing about riding all of these rides was that we didn't have to wait in the long lines since one of the people we were with had a front of the line pass. It was pretty sweet. The most we probably waited was maybe 20 minutes? Anyways, Star Tours was great. They had someone in the ride be a "spy" chosen at random and pretended that there was something wrong with their seatbelt...and they picked Tucker! It was so funny because they took a picture of him and everything and Darth Vader was after him. It was hilarious.

Short thing about Star Wars--I'm pretty much obsessed. Never watched a single one until just a few months ago in March when I watched it up at school with my FHE brothers. I watched the old ones all up there at school and then the new ones at the end of May. I am sad I missed out on its greatness in the years before but I am kind of glad I got into it now so I can actually appreciate and understand all of the cool parts of the movies. So now, everyone knows me as a nerd which I am perfectly fine with.

Anyways, after all the fun at both theme parks, we finally headed to the buses to get to the parking lot. We parted ways with the other group and were finally on our way back home. We were all pretty hungry so we tried to find somewhere to get food and somewhere that would be open at like, 1:30 in the morning. We finally found a McDonald's which was alright. So we got back to San Diego around 2:40 and I am pretty sure we were all super tired. Luckily we had a good mix CD to listen to in the car on the way there and back as well.

It was a really great trip and I am glad I went and took the day off of work for it. I got to go with some really great people, make new friends, try new rides (and loved them) and just got to enjoy the greatness of Disneyland and California Adventure ( I am glad I live in a state that is so awesome that there is a theme park for it). So this was a "something better" because it was honestly a "better" or maybe the best trip ever to Disneyland! I am definitely looking forward to another trip with these guys again hopefully.

Good Times.

I love journals. I think they are really valuable and well worth the time and effort however, I am not very good at keeping up with one. I would do it, I really would! If only I wasn't so picky and precise with every single, little detail that I would like to include in my entries. This makes journal writing take FOREVER and I am just lazy.

For awhile, I did keep a journal that I wrote in on occasion when I had a good spiritual experience like for example EFY, girl's camp, trek, patriarchal blessing, etc. and with those entries, I wrote a TON. They went on for pages and pages. And then college happened.

When my first semester began, I just wanted to write everything down because it was all so wonderful and spiritual and memorable! I knew there would be no way to do so because there simply would not be time. So to remember those good times during my first taste of college, I just took lots and lots of pictures and kind of became known for that among my friends. Everyone always makes fun of me or always has to point out how many pictures I have on Facebook...haha. It's alright though because I have visual reminders of those good times :)

My second semester was a little better. I just decided to keep a "journal" on a word document on my laptop. I just simply logged in all of the stuff I did each day, even the small and simple stuff like...woke up late, got ready for the day, went to humanities group meeting, ate cereal...stuff like that. I even mentioned that the rice was really salty when I went to a restaurant! Yeah, that much detail. With recording all of the  actions I did each day, I am able to remember the emotions I felt and picture the exact events in my mind just going through all of those motions. I am really glad I recorded it all and kept up with it all semester writing down things for each day until the very end. That way, I am able to remember all of the good times and the bad, learn from my mistakes and achievements, and remember my college experience.

So, two points to this story.

One: I love journal writing and saving memories. I hope to improve on it and record those good times so that I can share stories of my past with my future family and so on. I have an appreciation and love for journals for that is how we receive knowledge of history and events of the past. Most importantly, it is how we got The Book of Mormon. It is pretty much a compiled journal of various people telling of true events. There are so many things to learn from journals. I'm all about saving memories whether it be through pictures, written text, recorded audio/video, it is all great. I especially love watching home videos. It amazes me that I have the ability to see myself and how I was when I was 2.

Two: The other day, I read through my journal of my second semester and loved reminiscing. I had such an amazing first semester, I had doubts that the second one or any other for that matter, could beat it. I have realized that I grew so much during my second semester. Things went fairly well for me. I was at a point where I was comfortable with college, being on my own, familiar with the campus, and used to the flow of classes. My schedule was AMAZING because I had great teachers, interesting subjects and had large blocks of time between classes. I was the Relief Society President for one of the Relief Societies in my ward so I got to know many of the girls that lived around me. That calling was such a blessing to me because it also helped me stretch out of my comfort zone and become more outgoing. I had many interesting experiences throughout the semester that have helped me realize many things about myself and also that I have wonderful friends around me who are loving, caring, supportive, and encouraging. Despite the lack of sunshine, forever snow, wind chill factor, and the freezing cold, Rexburg was very good to me :) Second semester was a great experience and I am glad to have had those memories and the opportunity to learn from them.

So, second semester turned out to be "something better" than fall semester. Don't get me wrong, I loved fall semester. That is when I met my best friends. But winter semester was definitely a time for "me." I learned a lot about myself and that has really helped me mature to much greater lengths.

Oh, the irony...

My job is ironic.

I am a very independent person. I love taking care of myself and being on my own which is why I love college so much. I like when everyone pitches in and helps each other. I like it when people do their share (Barney reference). Yes, I still love service, but it is nice to have people working together to lighten the load. Sometimes I just like doing things for myself and being my own boss.

But I am a nanny. This is the complete opposite. I clean...after other people! And I take care of other peoples needs! It really is a fun job and I do love it because the family is wonderful and the kids are cute as ever. I am just laughing at myself at how ironic my job is. I am not complaining at all though. I am learning new skills as well! I never really knew how to do laundry before college but now for my job, I use my laundry skills everyday. I also have never ever used a dishwasher before. We just never used ours in our home. On the first day of nannying, I learned how to use theirs! Now I am a pro. I love learning new things. Haha.

It is also funny that I have this job because the work that I do is the work that I would have done at home had I been jobless still. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, babysitting, cleaning bathrooms...

but I get paid, which is wonderful :) Especially as I'm trying to save up for the upcoming school year!

Funny thing is that when they told me some of their household rules like taking off your shoes and washing your hands when you enter the house...I was like, no problem! I am familiar with that stuff and we do the same at my house! I love washing my hands...a lot, by the way. It is definitely one of my quirks. Sure, it can be tiring at times but I am glad I can look on the bright side, laugh about my ironic job, play with cute kids, and have fun with "something better" than being jobless and poor!

UPDATE: I really do love my job actually. Like, doing the same stuff everyday, every week gets pretty boring but honestly I am learning so much. So far, I have learned that I might possibly not want a boy to be my first child because honestly, I don't know how to take of them. I don't know what they like! I also just want a little mommy's girl first. Haha. But, if I end up having a boy first, I can handle it. This job is teaching me very well on how to care for them and through this, maybe I will learn how to interact with boys better and understand the concept of playing with cars, planes, and trains as opposed to Barbie dolls and pretend house :)

So like I said, I am learning a lot on how to care for children. This is honestly really great practice for becoming a mother. I am doing all the same stuff pretty much, caring for the house, cleaning, helping out with the kids, playing with them, etc.

This is Ryan, the little one-year-old. One out of the two kids I nanny for.

And this is what I do with the little 5 year old Kevin:

Guess which ones I colored and guess which ones he colored. :)

Anyways, it's pretty fun. Today- 6/17, I taught Kevin the principle of being honest...through the game of Candyland. He loves to cheat and I've let it slide before but this time I got a little fed up and taught him a pretty great lesson. I also taught him a bit of ASL and the life of butterflies (they bought a couple of caterpillars and three of them came out of their cocoons today).

Arthur, the little kids show, is also on my mind constantly. As well as The Backyardigans. Good thing they are pretty fun kids shows. One thing that kind of bugs me though is some of the stuff that is taught in Arthur. DW is a total brat and is not a very good example to kids who watch the show! Just saying. It's cute though nonetheless and the theme song is catchy.

Fears.

I have fears. A list of my top 5 fears, actually. Ask any of my friends. It is something I inform them of all the time. They seem ridiculous, I know. But I am really scared of them! I have learned to embrace them and I actually really like them. They're like my little pet fears. I am trying to get over them however but I will refuse to give up number one. It is impossible for me. I do appreciate the people in my life who have helped me get over some of them or at least attempt to. So here is the list:

1. Static/getting shocked
2. Balloons popping
3. Being shot at by nerf guns, rubberbands, hair ties, etc.
4. Slipping on ice/Rollercoasters/Mayonnaise (This one has changed many times.)
5. Spiders

I know, I know. Stop laughing. I love my fears. They make me, me.
And maybe one day, I will find "something better" or reasonable to be afraid of...or maybe I will just get over them, eventually :)

Food Palate.

I am so grateful for being older and becoming an adult. Yes, there are many added responsibilities and expectations but there are so many privileges obtained, maturity, and knowledge as well that are just as important and really help me appreciate life a little bit more.

One thing that I have clearly noticed is that my food palate has grown so much. I am open to trying so many new foods and cuisines and I love it. I was a pretty picky eater ever since I was young. I mean, I am still hesitant to some things now but I am now more willing to try things that I have never before. It is so great to not be scared to eat certain things. If that makes sense. I hated seafood when I was younger but now, I love it! I am a big fan of salmon, cod, tilapia, halibut, shrimp, and crab. I would have never eaten these things 2 years ago. I also love Thai and Indian food. And I just love food in general so now, I have more options. I am hoping to try more new things as this summer goes on and maybe even cook them myself. Then, I can go back college in the fall with new skills and recipes.

So, I am just really grateful that my taste buds have grown and developed and are now open to many new kinds of food. It's nice to not be limited and have the opportunity to try "something better" and new.

Letters!

Why have we forgotten about the postal service? It is a wonderful thing! Really! There is nothing better than getting the mail and seeing letters addressed to you. Am I right? Maybe not when those things are bills ;) but I have yet to experience that! Who doesn't love a magazine, a wedding announcement, a thank you letter, a birthday card, or even junk mail addressed to you?! I have really come to appreciate the postal service, especially at this age when so many of my friends are on missions and it is the only means of communicating with them.

I mention the greatness of letters because this week has been full of them. I got 4 letters in the mail   this week! FOUR! And I got an email from my brother on Wednesday so technically I can count five :) Definitely made my day. They were all so interesting too! One on Thursday was from Elder Rupp and he typed up the letter on an electric typewriter. Definitely unique. The next one was on Friday from Elder Pottle. He sent his letter in a strange envelope with a puppy on the front and back...but here's the weird part: It was the Carlsbad Mission's envelopes! I was like...why?? Oh and he also had to write his letter on a post-it note! Apparently it was all that he had on him. Haha. Mm...here are some pictures:

Love the ending!

Alright. The next two came in the mail today and they were from Elder Rainbolt and Elder Eyre who are both still in the MTC. Elder Rainbolt's was on purple paper so that was pretty unique. Nothing was too uncommon in Elder Eyre's letter except I think he asked more questions to me than I did to him!

So the point of this whole story is is that getting letters is awesome and getting letters from missionary friends is even better. Not just because they are unique sometimes, but because they are all out having wonderful experiences teaching the gospel in different parts of the world whether it be California, New York, Africa or the Philippines.

So this was my "something better" for this week. I just started my full-time nanny job and was already getting worn out, but I can always look forward to getting letters in the mail and these four really brightened me up. And each time they will come in the future, the letters will only get better as these great missionaries grow and develop in their knowledge and experiences with the gospel and teaching it to others.

This is new.

I have never blogged before but have always wanted to.

Well, I finally got around to it and have decided that my life is possibly interesting enough to blog about. I don't know how well this will go, but I hope I will enjoy it.

And I hope that someday I will be one of those cute blogging moms...so this can be practice. :)

Photograph by Will Kesler. One of my amazing BYU-I friends.