Hikes Hikes Hikes

Lately this weather in Rexburg has been a dream. Really. I mean except this past weekend where it was 40 mph and even up to 60 mph winds! Hey that's okay because last weekend was a BLAST.

Natalie and I go on "Friday night dates" literally almost every Friday. I don't know what I'd do with out her and our dates. Since the weather was great, we decided to take advantage of it and go hike "R" mountain. We decided to invite good ol' Tucker but he ended up making us lost, then had to leave because of a stinkin' dodgeball tournament. We ended up taking an hour to get there when it only takes 20 minutes... but hey it was still fun!

Then Saturday was the best. Natalie has had this idea for weeks to go to "Goldbug Hot springs". She has the best ideas, really. These hot springs were in the middle of mountains!! IT WAS GORGEOUS. I still can't get over it. The hike was apparently 3 miles but it really only took us a little over an hour... it was gorgeous and so so sooo worth it. I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for something fun to do. It's in Salmon, Idaho so if you live in Rexburg that is about a 2.5 hour drive away. BUT ITS WORTH IT! We went with our guy friends, Tucker, Zandy and Taxx. They are hilarious and I am glad I'm friends with them all. Let's just let the pictures speak for themselves shall we?

I love the adventures I go on with Natalie and "the boys". But, mainly Natalie because they are all her ideas. She is the bestest best friend I could ever ask for because there is truly never a dull moment with her!

We are required to forgive ALL

This is sometimes a hard concept for others to accept. I am very guilty of this. Many of times, when someone wrongs us, does not apologize, we do not have the desire to forgive them. However, we are require to forgive all men. 

I was reading in the New Testament about the parable of the Servant and the King. Matthew 18:23-35. The servant owed this King, a very large debt, that would take him so incredibly long to pay off. So long, that it is actually impossible to repay the King. The servant begged for him to have patience and said he would pay it off. The king was overcome with compassion and forgave him. Then the fellow servant owed, the servant a smaller debt, but a debt nonetheless. However, the Servant was not overcome with compassion when the fellow servant asked for his patience. The Servant then casted him into prison. The King had found out what he did, and said "why did you not have compassion for your fellow servant when I had compassion for you?" Then, it says "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you. if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses." Basically what that verse is saying is, we need to forgive everyone for their sins/wrong doings and have compassion for them just like our Heavenly Father has compassion for us. 

Our Heavenly Father died for us. He died for us, for us sins, so that when we commit sin, anything, we are forgiven. We have the atonement to be able to repent for these wrong doings. Does he put a limit on this atonement? No. it is infinite. We are always forgiven, we are given patience to "repay him". But in reality, our debt is un-payable to the Savior. So, our Heavenly Father has required for us to forgive everyone. It might by hard, but I have a firm testimony that when we forgive someone, even if they have not apologized, we will be overcome with compassion, charity, kindness, peace, for them and for our Heavenly Father. We will be so much happier when we have forgiven them. In D&C 64:11 it says, "And ye ought to say in your hearts- let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee for according to thy deeds." We cannot judge someone for their actions. ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE. This is huge! I have had so many people in my life, judge me for my actions, for my choices, for so much in my life. But, do I strike back with anger? No. I know that it is not their place to judge me. It is only my Savior, who will judge me and reward me according to my deeds. We must remember not to judge someone for what they are doing. It is not our place. 

I have a firm testimony of this and I know that my Savior lives. I know that he paid a debt that we could never pay. He died on the cross for our sins, so that we can be forgiven. He went through this process so that when we commit sin, anything, we are NEVER alone. We are never alone in this crazy thing we call life. With God, ALL things are possible. I know in my heart, that through this Gospel I am finding happiness, I have found a purpose in life. Through my Savior, I know who I am. I am beautiful daughter of a King. I hope that if you do not know who you are, who you are meant to be, that you know you are a child of God. I hope that one day you will come to know who created you. I hope you find your worth. The worth of your soul is SO incredibly great in the sight of God. I know that this Gospel is the word of God. I love my Savior. I hope you learn not to hold grudges, to love all. Even though it is hard sometimes to do, you will be rewarded for it. It is for YOUR benefit. Not for anyone else but yourself. I promise, you will be much, much happier. 

ONE MONTH LEFT

This is a happy post, for all you summer lover's out there, and haters of school because.. ITS OFFICIALLY ONE MONTH LEFT OF THE SEMESTER!!!!!!!

I am so flipping excited. This semester seems like a blur honestly.. I was thinking about it the other night and the thought came to me "what did I do this semester?!" I mean I guess every semester flies by but this one seems especially fast. I can't wait to be home, because I start my training for Lithuania, (If you didn't know I'm volunteering next fall semester read more about it here) and I start working (oh shoot dang, gotta find a job first!) to save for it! Also, going home means it's summer time for me! I'm just really excited to go home if you can't tell. Not that I do not love my roommates but, school can just be so exhausting!

On the bright side (no pun intended), the weather has been GORGEOUS lately. It was in the high 50's today and supposed to be in the high 60's next week. Spring Time is finally approaching! Too bad most of my clothing is black or gray. But do you know what else that means? People are happier, because it's sunnier. Funny how the sun can change our mood so much. However, that means I need to focus harder on these last weeks of school so I can rock these last test's I have. Anatomy and Physiology is kicking my butt as always, but I'm gonna kick it's butt next week on my exam! I guess this was a pointless post, but hey this is my blog and I write what I want. These things are always so awkward at the end so...

Wish me luck as I try to survive these last 4 weeks of the semester!!!!!!

xoxo

hello, MARCH!

Well, as they say, another one bites the dust. How is it already March?! These month's are flying by. I only have 6 more weeks left of this semester. I am so ready to be done with school!! I will miss my roommates so much though. I got insanely lucky this semester, they are all SO great. Seriously, all are my best friends. But, enough about them. A lot has happened this month! Well, not really at the same time... I feel as though, I woke up one morning, it was February 1st, now it's March 2nd!

February started out not so great, with a sad loss for my wonderful Seahawks in the SuperBowl

So much has happened that I'm trying to think back on it, and my brain can't handle it! I'm feeling old. But lets make a list shall we? (Because I know you all secretly really care!)

F E B R U A R Y:

-Valentines Day (YAY FOR LOVE AND PIZZA!)

-PIZZA... what is life, without that glorious food?

-Donating Plasma! Yes I'm selling my body for money.. No I am not a SLUT!!!

-StuDYING

-Chinese New Year aka just another excuse to eat Chinese Food

-I dyed my hair! Yippe for a new look!!!!

-Photoshoots because my bff is a photographer and always needs a model ;)

-reading! I just bought a new book called the Happiness Project

Top 10 things I've learned this month:

1. You cannot please everyone. 

2. You are trying the best that you can and THAT is enough!

3. Let it go

4. Quit Nagging

5. Be Yourself

6. Lighten Up

7. Not everyone will like you

8. Stand Up for what you believe in

9. Respect Others

10. There is only LOVE.

I hope to make March a lucky one (get it?) and try to be nicer. Try a little harder, to be a little better. I'm trying to be more like my, Heavenly Father and treat others as if I only see the light in them. I can't wait to see what March will bring! 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

ITS MY FAVORITE MONTH.

Okay, now you're probably wondering why it's my favorite month and why January isn't my favorite. Correction. January is one of my favorites. I have a lot of favorite things but we can get to those later (that's for another time, another blog post that I probably won't end up writing).

Also, its the month of love. I love, love. Who doesn't love a good Nicholas Sparks movie, about a two love birds who fall in love in High School, grow apart, get back together, he reads her their love story, yes I'm talking about the Notebook. February is filled of pink candies [sweet tart lollipops yes my weakness], red hearts and "Valentines".

January is honestly the worst and best month, lets be real here. Best: I was born, HELLO. (kidding..kind of but hey its my birthday month!) New Years Eve and New Years Resolutions (New Year, New Me! YOLO). Worst: ITS. THE. SLOWEST. MONTH. I have been at school for what... a month now (feels like years) but a month down, two more months to go! **cue tswift dance moves that make you feel extremely uncomfortable but also make you laugh**

You're probably not wondering what I did this month, but I'm going to tell you anyways because this is MY blog and if you weren't wanting to know about my life then why the heck are ya reading?! But please stay I promise I'll post funny things!!!!!!

J A N U A R Y :

-back in Rexburg!!!!! *cue ugly crying face*

-Winter 2015 #willhoesof202 (I don't use that even though, I feel like I'm going to start because why not)

-Fitness Classes 

-BYU Vocal Point.. aka BYU Makeoutwithme Point

-Running lots and lots of running (I have workout every single day of the semester *CUE AIR FIVE*)

-Elder Nelson gave a devotional! 

-Pizza (because what is my life without pizza in it?)

-New friends

-NATALIE RENTED PUPPIES FOR MY BIRTHDAY

-Red Robin

-Kiwi Loco

-Netflix... I started Grey's Anatomy. I highly recommend it but say goodbye to your social life now 

-Paradise Doughnuts [ WE GOT 4 DOZEN FOR $6 GO AT MIDNIGHT YOU WON'T REGRET IT]

5 things I learned from this month: 

1. Run. I mean it. Not like run away, I mean, go on a run. It clears your head. You might want to die while doing it but, after? You will feel amazing.

2. Never let anyone tell you not to order pizza. YOU DON'T NEED THAT NEGATIVITY IN YOUR LIFE.

3. Homework comes first. I promise you. You might have less of a social life but it'll be worth in when you see those beautiful grades. Plus, you might be less stressed out.

4. Stop comparing yourself. Especially your body image. It is so hard to not, but seriously, you need to love yourself more because you are beautiful and no one else is like you. We may not be perfect, but if we were, what fun would life be? 

5. Never regret staying in, watching Netflix and laying in your pajamas after a hot shower. It's okay to be a homebody. Its okay to not go out every night. Give yourself a break. You can thank me later.

I can't wait for this month of L O V E and for celebration!!! I hope you have fun reading my posts as much as I have fun writing them. 

THANKS FOR READING

xoxo

I'm 20!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Wow! I can't believe I'm 20! It is crazy! No longer a teenager and starting a new decade of my life! I had a great day. I am surrounded with wonderful people in my life who made this day so great! It was filled with laughs and just good memories. 

To start off my birthday right, last night my roommates and I had a big sleepover in the living room. Natalie and I brought our beds out, and then Peyton and Melissa slept on the couch. Then in the morning I got to email Ian (as usual) but it was so great because it was my birthday! He is the sweetest and funniest guy ever. I am insanely lucky to be in love with my best friend! Then, my roommates decided to make me breakfast! But while they were getting ready to cook, we hear a knock on the door. I'm confused as ever because I'm in PJ's not expecting...ANYONE. I answer the door and its some lady who I don't know...She just walks right in and Natalie, Peyton and Melissa are just like "Oh hi!!" Well... the lady had a bag with her. She sets the bag down and pops out two Pomeranian puppies!!!!!! There is this new business in Rexburg called "Pups4Play" where you can rent puppies for an hour or more and that was my present from Natalie! It was the best! We got two dogs for an hour and it was perfect. I am obsessed with dogs and it was just so much fun. I'm a big dog person but these dogs were ADORABLE. Then, later that day Natalie and I went and did a mini photoshoot for her film class! I am so excited to see how those photos turned out!!! After that we drove to Idaho Falls to meet up with the boys, at Red Robin to celebrate my birthday AND Carlin's birthday! (We have the same birthday! Crazy right?!) We enjoyed a delicious meal and then came back to my apartment, had cake and ice cream and played catch phrase. Hannah and Garrett stopped by also to give me some treats, a balloon and a birthday drawing :) It was so cute and so thoughtful of them! 

I had an amazing fun filled day that I will never forget! I have amazing friends, roommates and a best friend. Natalie surprised me with so many cute things, and a great birthday present! I am so grateful for her in my life! I don't know what I would do without her. 

Its crazy to think I am 20 years old but I can't wait to see what this year of my life has in store for me!!! 

HAPPY 2015!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!! I can't believe it's another year! 2014 was great, I learned a lot about myself that I wouldn't trade for the world and a lot of great things happened too! Ian left on his mission to the Czech Republic (only one year left!!!!!), I finished my first year of college, I finished my first semester of my sophomore year in college, I made so many new friends this past year and had many adventures. I've grown as a person, developed my talents (I learned how to sew and crochet!!!), gained knowledge, I've learned to love from over 5,000 miles apart and I'm strengthening my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am ready for another great year! I have a lot of New Year Resolutions that I wanted to share with you:

1. GET INTO SHAPE! I know that is the most common one, but I kind of started slacking this past semester and I really want to kick into gear. I want to just be better at it!

2. Eat Healthier. I want to fuel my body with good things, because I love my body!

3. Don't doubt myself. I think this is big, because we need to have confidence in ourselves especially with everything we do. I need to stop doubting myself of my capabilities and what I know.

4. Learn how to say no. I sometimes don't want to say "No" to my friends if they ask me to hang out or if someone asks me to do something because I do not want to hurt their feelings but, really my feelings and my school grades come first.

5. STOP OVER-THINKING. This is huge for me! I overthink so much where it could literally kill me (ok not really kill me but you get what I mean). I need to STOP over-thinking. When I do, I need to clear my head of all negative thoughts. Negative thoughts do not come from our Heavenly Father, they come from Satan, who will do anything in his power to see us unhappy.

6. Love myself more. I have a hard time complimenting myself and I tend to  pick at all the negative aspects I see about myself. I need to stop doing that. I need to remind myself that I am a beautiful daughter of God and he loves me.

7. Be kinder. I am a "sassy" person. There is no doubt about it, but sometimes it can come off across very rude and I need to stop! I am not a mean person, I hate being mean actually! I need to be better at being kinder and maybe a little less sassy ;)

Happy New Year everyone! Lets make 2015 GREAT!

xoxo

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I'm so sad that Christmas is over only 362 days left till next christmas! ;) But, just because Christmas is over doesn't mean we have to stop spreading the Christmas cheer of Christ-like love and happiness. We should always strive to "Share the Gift" which is Jesus Christ. He is the first gift, the greatest gift of all!! This Christmas season was so great! I got to spend it with Family, which is the best! Also, I got to skype IAN!!!!!! Best present ever, something money can't buy. (THANK YOU PETTYS FOR LETTING ME IN ON THE VIDEO CALL!!!)

Christmas Eve, every year we go to my Grandma's house and have soup and sandwiches, open presents from Santa who comes early to our house, and from cousins and siblings. It is always fun spending time with family, especially my nephew Jackson! He's starting to talk and his voice is SO ADORABLE. Then Christmas day, we opened presents, I skyped Ian in the morning and went to go see the movie, Unbroken. I highly, recommend you all go and see it!!!!

I hope everyone else's christmas was as wonderful and happy as mine :) Lets remember its not about the material things but the gifts of spending time with family, making memories and spreading love and cheer like our Savior, Jesus Christ would want us to! Hope you all have a great New Year!

xoxo

#SharetheGift

As Christmas is just right around the corner, a lot of thoughts have been coming to mind what the meaning of Christmas is and how we should celebrate it. I want to know, what do YOU think of you think of "Christmas"?

I think of:
-Joy
-Love
-Happiness
-Family
-Hope
-Faith
-Humble
-Compassion

The list goes on and on. In the talk given by Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson from this years Christmas Devotional she said:

"As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this season, let us also celebrate all that His birth symbolizes, especially the love. When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion. May we open the doors of our hearts and reach out to those around us who are lonely, forgotten, or poor in spirit. As we contemplate the example and infinite sacrifice of the Savior, may we also consider how we can be more Christlike in our associations with family and friends, not just during this season but throughout the year."

Recently the Church created a video about how Jesus Christ is the gift. you can watch it here at: http://www.christmas.mormon.org It is an amazing video and a great reminder that God's first and greatest gift to us was his son, Jesus Christ. We must try to remember to "#SharetheGift" in ways of being Christlike, spreading the joy that we feel from our Savior, Jesus Christ, The love that God has for all of us. This doesn't have to stop after Christmas. We should try to Share the Gift all year round! Have that joy and happiness we feel about celebrating Christ's birth all year! We need to be more Christ-like all the time in any way we can. I thought of some ways I can share the gift:

-I will try to smile at strangers more!
-I will acknowledge people's Gift's and Talents
-I will try to speak only kind things of people
-I will look for the best in people, not the worst
-I will remember my worth, that I am a daughter of a King, and remind people of their worth as well.


Now what I want to know is, how will YOU share the gift?! What are your thoughts this Christmas season? 

I love this Gospel, this Christmas season. I am very grateful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the love he has for each of us; how he wants us to HAVE that love and to SPREAD that love! Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a great Sabbath day!

xoxo

ps: here is an AWESOME video that the Piano Guy's did that broke a World Record! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=PrLoWt2tfqg&app=desktop

Fall Semester 2014: CHECK!

Well, I did it! Another semester in the books. Fall Semester 2014 is DONE! I finished checking out of the IVY and now I just have to wait until I get on the shuttle and head to SLC to fly home! I am so excited to be home for this Christmas season! ONE MORE WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS! I love this time of year :) I am so grateful for this semester! I've learned so much but had so much fun too! I took a class where I learned about interior design, I learned how to sew and I've learned how to cook other meals! I'm grateful for the friends I've made, the experiences I've had, the opportunity I've been given to have this time to grow as a person, focus on developing my talents, gaining knowledge and learning how to come closer to my Heavenly Father. I'm becoming the person I've always wanted to be, it just took me a little bit to get there. I'm not completely there yet, but I am far from where I was. Lets reflect back on the goals I made at the beginning of the semester:

1. Get into shape!

2. Get all A's!

3. Have FUN with my friends!

4. Strengthen my relationship/testimony with my Heavenly Father

1. I am still working on getting into shape! haha It takes a while! I am soooo far from where I WAS and closer to where I want to be! Next semester will be so much better because I will live closer to the school's gym and I will be taking classes where we EXERCISE! So I will be getting so much exercise in! I will eat healthier too.. this semester I wasn't...the best.

2. I did NOT get all A's... This semester was tough! I took a lot of credits and didn't expect it to be that hard! But next semester, I'm shooting high for better grades! 

3. I definitely had fun. I've made so many memories! I have done so much this semester and learned to actually have fun in Rexburg ;) I have so many ideas and places to show Ian when he is back at school with me! I cannot wait! But I really have had fun and maybe sometimes too much fun and not focused enough on school but I will be better! I'm grateful for my friends here! I don't know what I'd do without them. 

4. I have learned so much about myself and my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for what I've learned. I am better at saying my daily prayers and reading scriptures which I've seen SO many blessings from! I have gained a testimony of saying prayer and fasting. I have seen in my own life that when I pray with a sincere heart for things in my life I see my Heavenly Father pronounce blessings to me. It is amazing! I am so grateful for the power of prayer and the tender mercies, blessings and love I receive from my Heavenly Father. I am continuing to strengthen my relationship with him and gaining an even stronger testimony. I am never done learning! 

I can't wait to be home but I am grateful for all I've learned from this Fall semester! Excited for what Winter 2015 semester will bring! But for now, it's time to celebrate CHRISTMAS!!!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

xoxo