Sunday, August 4, 2013

Changed.

Holy crap. I just recently rediscovered my blog and thought I might give an update, if anybody actually reads this at all, as I have long since resigned myself to the fact that I hardly get any readers. Anyways, the time has come where I am now approaching my sophomore year in high school! Freshman year passed in a quick blur and even now, a few months later, I am still wondering what exactly happened during that awkward and strange time period in my life. In a nutshell, I was basically one of those girls who cannot for the life of them shut up about boys.

A few key points stand out, however, like the time when I was nominated Freshman Homecoming Attendant (boy, was my dad proud) and another time when I completely embarassed myself in the lunchroom when I tripped over a chair and fell flat on my face. I also remember struggling to understand my Geometry homework, which I swear the Devil himself created, while juggling Pom practice, trying to understand French, dragging myself out of bed and to seminary every morning, having some boy problems, keeping up with the reading required for my Honors English class, and all the while just struggling in a spiritual sense. Sure, I went to church and still loved Young Womens, I made it to seminary most of the time and gave decent devotionals, and I read the New Era occasionally. But I didn't really read from the scriptures that much, and by the middle of the school year, prayer was something like an ancient art to me. My friends started to get caught up in popularity, and as a result, I did too.

Now really, its not like I made any major mistakes or anything, but I wasn't close to the Savior, or Heavenly Father. My testimony wasn't nearly as strong as it was before, and the sad thing was that I almost didn't care. Looking back, I realize now how much I really struggled to find my testimony underneath all the junk that had begun to accumulate in my life. Luckily, around Easter, I recieved a wake up call, if you will, and was challenged along with the other Young Women in my ward to read the Book of Mormon all the way through before Girl's Camp. I have no idea why, but when I got home from church that afternoon, I went straight to my room and read the very first chapter in 1 Nephi. After that, I began to make a little bit more of effort to read from the Book of Mormon each night before I went to bed, no matter how exhausted I was. Eventually, by the end of the school year, I had made it to Mosiah and scripture study became a habit for me.

When school got out, the pressure of popularity was suddenly lifted from my shoulders and I was able to focus on the one thing that desperately needed my attention: my testimony. So when I made a summer bucket list, as all teenage girls seem to do nowdays, the very first thing I wrote was "Become closer to Heavenly Father", and everything else fell underneath that. Now, it is the end of the summer, and I am left to evaluate my progress and ask myself if I accomplished what I set out to do. Truthfully, I think that I did. Over the past two or so months, I have been able to dedicate all my time and effort into that goal to develop a relationship with my Heavenly Father, and through sincere prayer, scripture study, and a desire to keep his commandments, I feel closer to him. Of course, Girls Camp and Youth Conference helped me tremendously and I was able to learn a lot from those two experiences. Personal Progress was also a contributing factor and as I worked on the Value Experiences, I developed a few new habits that have strenghthened my faith in Jesus Christ. I am now happy to report that I have completed three Values over the summer, and am so close to finishing a fourth!

I am so grateful for this summer. It has given me the opportunity to learn some important lessons I am positive that I will never forget! Among these are first, the true and firm knowledge that God loves not only me, but everyone, and that he has his own perfect plan for each and every one of us. I have felt his love for me on several occasions this summer, and each experience is one I am not likely to forget. Second, I've learned that it's important to serve others and look outside yourself, which will help you to draw near unto Heavenly Father. Last, I've learned that the Atonement is real, and that Christ not only died for us on the cross, but that he also suffered for all our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. I also know that he has experienced every pain or trial that I ever will, and that he has truly walked with me throughout my entire life. These things are far more important than popularity or wordly possesions. I wouldn't trade the knowledge I have now for the world!

So now, you can see what I mean when I say that I have changed so much since the end of my freshman year. As I continue on this school year, I hope that I can remember these things and continue to strengthen my testimony and stay close to Heavenly Father. I can't wait to see what He has in store for me, who I will meet, and what I will learn.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

EFY!!

Hey there!

I have three words for you. Especially. For. Youth. Guess who is going? THIS GIRL!! With the help of loving parents who paid for half and a heck of a lot of babysitting jobs, I am going to Lawrence, Kansas for one week during the summer to hear from amazing speakers, be with other Youth of the church, and have a lifetime of fun!

I am so excited! I just can't believe that I get to go! I am going with two other girls from my ward; Amanda Hardy and Lucia Montiel. I love those chicks. We have so much fun at church, and I get to room with one of them!

Anyways. I thought that this was blogworthy. So there you go.

As long as we're discussing good news, I have some more! I landed a lead in the school play; the Wizard of Oz. I am the scarecrow!! I love this part and am working extra hard to memorize my lines and solos. This year is going to be amazing. :D

Monday, January 30, 2012

School :P

Hey, there!!






Now I know what you're thinking.


But I can explain. Ready?



... I have a life. You know, the one off the internet. Haha! I'm just such a procrastinator. I thought to myself "I am going to update my blog... tommorrow." As you can see, this is not a very good way to go about doing things. But here I am! NOT PROCRASTINATING, I might add. :)

Well, besides making the basketball team, keeping a 4.0 grade average, and getting out A TON more than I used to, things have been kinda slow. But fast at the same time. Are you following me?

Also, I finally got a phone!! I am so excited I could jump through the roof. Now I'm working on not being on that phone is much, but baby steps, right? Haha, I also just finished my science fair project, and am currently focusing on my writing career. Yes, yes, I know. I am not quite there yet. But, one day, I will be a famous author, and, if you're nice to me, I might take you on one of my many luxiourious vacations with me once I get rich. In my private jet. With a chocolate pool.

I got into photography this year, and also into the yearbook. Even though I absoulutely HATED my teacher, I like the subject. I have an akward English teacher who sometimes tries to take over the duties of our parents and give us another one of those "the birds and the bees" talks. She is old, and all she gets to do is talk to us. I feel sorry for her. I bet she has a lot of cats.

This is all I feel like typing right now, so until next time!... I guess.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

School Shopping.

Oh, summer. I love you, I really do. But I want school to be back now.

Okay, so that may sound crazy, but I want to see all my friends again, without having to go through the ordeal of calling them (which, FYI, can take a lot of work if you forgot their number). I want to be able to decorate my locker with all the pictures I have with my friends. I also want to start Musical Drama (one of my electives).

On our vacation to Southern Utah this month, my mom and I went school shopping. I got four pairs of jeans and couple of cute shirts. I can't wait for the week before school, though, when I'll be able to get school shoes. For those of you who don't know, I really like converse. They are my buddies. I wear them so much throughout the year, they are worn out by the time May comes. This year, I'd like to get a pair of dark blue converse.

I have to be honest, though. My absolute FAVORITE part of school shopping is getting the school supplies. I love picking out a binder and notebooks and pens and hightlighters and orginizing them the night before school in my red backpack (which has lasted three years, and is still going strong).

I guess I'll always be a nerd that way.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Role Models.

Today, this guy asked me if I blog.

Is is THAT obvious? I'm really hoping he meant that as a joke.

Anyway, one of the things I came to realize this week is who my role models are. I guess I should explain.

Mutual last Wednesday was Senior Recognition Night. All the wards got together, and recognized the nine seniors that are going off to college next school year. Two of them are going to BYU Provo. Among those nine were Sadie Jacobs, Johanna Heartsock [aka: Noah Heartsock's sister... AHHHH!! :D], Hilary Scwantez, and Amanda, who was one of my YCLs at Girls Camp last summer!! She's really awesome, by the way. Those girls, I have come to realize, I want to be like... really bad. They are all smart and mature and have actually survived through Middle School and High School, which is a feat that might possibly be all together too impossible for me. They've graduated from Seminary, earned their Young Womanhood Medalions, and have probably gotten on the Honor Roll a thousand times.

Oh, to be old and smart. I just hope I make it there.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Randomness.

The first topic of discussion. My cousin now has his learners permit. Weird. Hes so old now... practically a fart lying on the couch. Maybe when I see him this summer he'll have gray hairs. Or liver spots. Or, even worse... hairy moles and WRINKLES!!! Maybe I can ask him to taxi me around... with an adult.

Second, and quite possibly, the most important matter here. My birthday is NEXT WEEK!! I'm going to be a teenager.[that part I'm not too excited for. I mean, have you seen the teens who go to my school?] But this also means having a party with all of my friends, Nate's friends, and maybe a few crashers. And, if you are wondering what you might possibly get me... just a smile and a hug will be fine. Topped with those cute earings from the mall. And heath cake.[which I found out actually has another, more common name that I'm not going to put on here for its, ummm... adult-like qualitites...] Oooh! I also want some of those Soffe shorts!! You know, because of the volleyball workouts I'll be doing this summer... :D

So, while sitting in Spanish today, my friends and I got talking about Fish Hooks, which, just happens to be our all time favorite show [besides Phineas and Ferb, Friends, the office, and CSI]. Okay, so it's my 1... 2... 3... erm, fifth favorite show. Anyway, we were all laughing about the newest episode; the one where those parasite aliens seep into their bodies. We got to talking about that one fish with the eighties hairdo and thick eyelids and monotonish, aditudey voice. Suddenly, Emily [the Leupp one, not Gibson or Reel or Matlock ones] broke out into a perfect impression of that one fishes favoirte saying- "Giiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrlllllll!" It was so perfect, we were all rolling around on the floor, laughing. Mrs. Ullery gave us this funny look and told us to go back to our desks. So now, everytime we see each other in the hall, we say "Giiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrlllllll!" all Emily Leupp like. It's hilarious!!

Also, today, when Wilson Elementary came in for tours of the middle school, the Choir [which I happen to be in] sang "Firework" by Katy Perry for all the kids. Before we came onstage, me and Makaly were laughing and dancing along to the band's short little song, and I kindof did this embarrassing dance, and Colton Penrod and Mat Bullock kindof saw me. And now they won't just let it go, and both them and Makaly have teased me about it 11 times already [trust me, I counted]. I wonder how long it'll be before they forget about it...

I might have to think of something real good to get Makaly with. Time to get out the good old prank book of knowledge [which I wrote myself... it's kindof in my head ;D)...

Monday, May 9, 2011

That Kind of Day.

Today has been that kind of day. You know, the one where your wearing a T-shirt, sweats, and your hair is frizzing even though you've mixed countless loitions and potions to keep it smooth.

When I got home from school today, I sat down with a bowl of indulgent trail mix and totally vegged out on the couch with the TV. I'm really lucky I didn't have any homework.

School was okay, except for Math. Math has always given me a headache, but today especially. We spent Friday and today working on making 3D shapes from several nets the teacher gave us. We had to color in the egdes, faces, and verticies. All of that was just for the stupid worksheet we were assigned today. I finished the worksheet in about twelve seconds, and, with Mrs. Fitz's permission, crumpled my eight shapes up and threw them in the trash. She also assinged us a workbook assignment, which I still haven't finished. Hmm. I guess I DO still have homework...

Whoops.