Excited and nervous all at once

Due to a so little sleep as of late, I hope that I make somewhat sense!?! So I am studying my tooshie off for my Anatomy Lab =O) Ya, I know, what am I complaining about with that being my only class? But still, a little bit overwhelming!! However, I am kindof excited to get it over with and move on to something else!! Who knew there was so much to know about our bodies, and I am only about half way through!?! But it is exciting to learn more, and humbling to understand a little bit more, the magnitude of how wise our Father is! Truly amazing! And so, Monday will be my lab test, and then the next Monday will be my Anatomy class test.

Some great news though is that I am getting so much better! YeeHaa! Wow, it is amazing how awesome it feels to not itch! And to swallow! And to not ache! Thank goodness for health. I will try to be more aware of how blessed I am...But a funny story to add. So my friend Andrea and I went to "Nights of Rodanthe" (not a favorite of mine, I liked to book, but they always have to slut it up!!). I had a huge headache and it wasn't going away. SO I pop a couple of Excedrin. Mind you I am too cheap to buy drinks at the theater, and therefore had nothing to help swallow them down. I feel a "thunk" and lo and behold, it is stuck on top of my epiglottis (the flap that covers your trachea to prevent food and drink entering your lungs).


I am sure you all have had things stuck in your throat, and it's annoying right? So I try to swallow, and decide to leave to get a drink from the water fountain. It is still there! Ok, so I get some candy from my friend hoping it will push it down, nothing. But I begin to wonder if my throat is just irritated and the pill has really gone down. So I watch the moving, and minutes go by and I can fill my throat burning from the acid in the aspirin! Crap! So I try to throw up, hoping that would get it out. Long story short, I am still hoarse from the burning, and continue to cough like a banshee! I am sure that the patients here at work are thinking "Great, as if I am not feeling bad enough, I get a nurse who is hacking all over the place! Thanks alot!" So too funny, weird, and just plain crazy!

Also, I am looking for more places to live...and that is always scary. I hate change and yet, ironically enough, my life is always full of changes. Is there something that I am suppose to be learning??? And why am I not getting it!! Ha, but I am thinking that there was a reason for me moving into my new place, and that, in the end things have got to work out, right? So I will be superly excited to have a place to call "home". I just looked at a really nice place for only $320 a month, whereas now I pay $375 a month. So that would be awesome. However, I got the feeling that she didn't like me too much.....ya know how you just get that feeling. Well, I am hoping it will work out. Who knows! This is a picture of the place I live in now...I love it! It's way too nice, but it is so cozy...


And another thing that makes me a little bit annoyed and frustrated and sick to my stomach is the economy! Wow, can we not have a bit of success to hear about? Seriously, I feel doom and gloom, and just have gotten to the point that I don't want to hear about it!! Niave I know, but I can only handle so many stresses in my life, and there is only so much that I can do, so I guess I will just keep GOING! And deal with things as they come my way. However you would be proud of me to know that I have been really good about not buying a lot of DVDs. Yeah that is progress for me! I did buy "Emma Smith: My Story" but I haven't seen it yet, heard good things, and wanted to add it to my collection. After all, it is always nice to learn from someone who was so courageous and faithful. So those of you who haven't seen it, definately try renting it! I think it is well worth it.


And finally, conference is here!! Wahoo! I just hope I can keep my eyes open. I am totally exhausted and am looking at another 10 hours before I can rest...

Anyways, hoping the very best to all of you!

Homeless! There is no place like home!

Remember that song from the Forgotten Carols? Yeah, that is how I fell as of late. I know, I know, I just moved into a new place the end of August, but she moved her wedding date up to November, so once again I am HOMELESS!! and sick to death of looking for apartments. Is it just me, or do I seem doomed for constant moving... So today is my pessimistic blog, sorry.

Too funny, so these past few weeks have been, as one of my old mission companion and I dub times like these, the week from H*^#!! I got step throat and ear infections Wed the 10th, finally broke down and went the the instacare on Saturday morning to get antibiotics. Almost immediately I start feeling better! But oh no, I start with the sinus infection, and Wed. the 17th I break out into hives everywhere!! So I start taking Benedryl. By Friday, my face, feet, and hands are so swollen, that even the Male Respiratory Therapist at work commented on it. So you know it is bad right!! So again, I leave work to go to the instacare (beats the ER with $) and get another perscription and I stop my antibiotics. K, so today is Thurs. the 25th, and I still have hives (but they are under control with a constant consumption of Benedryl, try staying awake with that) sinus crap going on, and a horrendous cough!?! So I ask ya, can things get worse!? Oh yeah they can...

...Before I moved into my new place, a girl ran into my bumper. Long story short, I get everything arranged to get it fixed, but I have no car. In order to save $ by not renting a car, I decide to ride my bike, which is just got tuned up and is ready to go yeah!! But no, my pedal falls off and I can't get it to stay on. So, luckily my brother in law is awesome and picked me up, dropped me off at my house, and fixed my bike for me. And my sister Stephanie helped me out by being my taxi driver. I had no idea how much I relied on my car! I had arranged previously with the girl from my class that I commute with, to have her drive, since I had my car in the shop. She texted me that morning, having a migraine! SO once again, crap. But Stephanie lets me borrow her van to drive to school. So I am driving, not realizing that she had put the emergency brake on....yeah, well, I look down to make sure I have enough gas and bam, I see the light. My car won't even let me drive with my emergency brake on!?! So I had noooo idea that this was happening. So needless to say, I keep praying to this moment that their van is fine. Seriously, the Bare's are saints and they deserve a hundred blessings over and over again! I come home after my class, and the shop can't get a hold of the lady to pay for my car. I can't get my car unless it is paid for!! They close at 5 pm, but luckily I got a hold of her at 4:56 pm, and things finally worked out!

So, hopefully things will continue to look up, and I can find a place to call "home" soon. But my car is back and beautiful!! It just needs a car wash so the rest of it can shine like my bumper. My bike is beautiful and working, I even got to ride it today to work. I forgot how much fun it is to bike! I definately need to do it regularly.....it is awesome! So, all in all, I am grateful that everything finally worked out, the van is still running (at least I continue to pray everything is fine), and I just read that they are coming out with a Pirates 4, which I am so incredibly excited about. And of course, the Relief Society General Conference is this weekend to be followed soon by General Conference. Yes, I definately sense a positive change ahead.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame: My bro in the MLB's

So, he wasn't quite on the team, however, he caught a homerun hit during the Cincinnatti Reds game August 5th. How exciting is that!?! He was there with his family, and was walking around with his two youngest, Adam and Benjamin. Click here to watch the news clip. He is wearing grey with blue sleeves, Adam and Benjamin are the two little kids wearing yellow and standing to the left of Kevin when the camera zooms in. Anyways, I asked if he would send me the link, but I just had to add it to my blog!! Too much fun! I guess afterwards he had the two boys on his shoulders, holding the ball, but sadly the camera missed it. What a cute Father/Son moment...

Time in Idaho

So...I got an "A" in my biology!?! I can't believe it! I was so excited. Especially since the first test I got a 71%, I thought I would die! But I studied my tail off, and yeah!! Sorry, I am just way ecstatic!! Now on to Anatomy...say a few prayers for me. I am scared to death.

In between semesters, I worked eight out of eleven days....scary I know!! But the check was nice, and I built up more PTO, way worth it. Then I headed for some vacation to Idaho on the 11th. My parents are in Arimo, and I ended up staying 10 days there. It was fun to hang out with them and relax. They have an amazing garden, and I got to watch some of the Olympics there. I LOVE the Olympics!! I don't know what it is about them, but I am bursting with pride to be from the USA!! Go USA!! Anyways, my mom and I were able to see the Twin Falls Temple during the open house on the 13th. It is beautiful! They used the Syringa flower, Idaho's state flower, throughout the wall paper, carpet, stain glass, chandeliers, EVERYWHERE!! And it was fun to see the Shoshoni Falls, it had been years since I saw them, and they are still beautiful.

We also went to a session at the Rexburg Temple on the 19th. Crazy to see all of the construction going up, and how different everything looks. It actually makes me a little sad. It is also beautiful, with wheat in the stain glass, carpet, and walls. It is fun to see, even though they may look alike, the differences of each temple is fun to pick out. We saw Stephanie and Jeff's baby girl, Kaitlyn. She is in the Rexburg Cemetary. Her little spot is green, she has a cute basket Stephanie made for her, and the trees are growing. It is so peaceful, and a beautiful view of the Temple on the hill. It was a personal reminder of the promises for Eternal Families...While we were in the area, we went to Sugar City, so we saw a tribute to Thomas Neibaur, a soldier in WWI. It was neat to read about his experiences, of heroism. He was only 19 years old!! It made me wonder what I would do in his situation...Then we went to the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor's Center, and watched the Joseph Smith Video. I absolutely love that video! I always am amazed at how humble and good the Prophet was. I always tear up during the scenes with Alvin....to see their relationship together, and how joyous Joseph must have been to hear about baptisms for the dead. We are truly blessed, and I encourage all to see it!! Even if you have already, watch it again!! And if you live too far away, watch for it to come out.

I was so sad to leave on the 20th! I don't know what it is about home, even though it is not Chesterfield, I still love going HOME! And seeing my parents. My poor dad worked all of the time, but it was good to spend the evenings with him. We all three went picking Awatapotamese (sp?), (k I tried to find the spelling, but boy, try to find that word!?!). They taste like plums, but are smaller, and a bit more tart. They have a very nice place. They are amazing!

Now, I just moved to American Fork, in between school and work! It was chaotic, but now it is official! I love it! It is about a mile away from work, further than I thought when I headed out with my 30 pound bag! But it was good to walk. I am looking forward to a few more months of this! Hopefully I can fix my bike too. The only downfall to the place is it's only for 6 months and it has really crappy, beyond crappy, parking. My roommate/landlord called me the night before I came back from Idaho to let me know that they were probably going to get married! So exciting for them, but sad for me. I HATE moving!! Oh, well, such is my life...Just this summer, I have had 4 friends pregnant or have babies, and 7 friends get married. I miss my friends in Provo though already! It hasn't even been a week!?

That is it for me, a little journal entry, sorry it is boring, but I wanted to write it down. I will have to post pics soon...but then we all know what "soon" means!!

Some FUN Pictures of the Bares!!

I was over at the Bare's house this weekend, and decided to take a few pictures of them doing their many talents!! Aimee is not in the pictures, so sad!! She was having fun at her Grandma and Grandpa Bares...

Jared Bare's baptism!!

So I have finally got the pictures of Jared's baptism. It was such an exciting day! Due to the distance of Cincinnatti, I have never been able to see Elizabeth and Jacob get baptized. So, it was fun to see one of the first grandkids get baptized. Jeff baptized and confirmed him. His sisters had fun watching him. Even Jenna, when she saw him go under the water, made a few concerned noises and faces!! But then looked relieved when he came back up again.

All of the names of the pictures are written in relation to Jared...



This is Jared outside of the church...



Jeff (father) and Jared...



Jeff(father), Stephanie (mother), and Jared...



Everyone who attended the Baptism (I am the cameraman!!)...



The Priesthood who took part in the circle of his confirmation. Listed from left to right: Great Grandpa Clyde Neibaur, Uncle Ron Allen, Jeff (father), Grandpa John Bare(Jeff's father), Uncle Brian (Jeff's brother), and Uncle Neil (Jeff's brother-in-law)...



Jared, Aimee, and Alyssa...



Grandma Linda Hebdon, and Jenna...



Four Generations!! Back Row: Stephanie (mother) and Grandma Linda Hebdon. Front Row: Great Grandma Sarah Hebdon, Jared, Great Grandma Neibaur...

Frustrations!!

So I am looking to move again! I know, I know what you are think, and yes, again. But honestly I wish that I would just stay put!! I love the ward that I am in, I finally know at least 10 people, which is a record for me! And I will also miss my friends there.... But I am tired of traveling at least 30-60 minutes one way, and this next semester I need to be closer. So, I am trying to find a room to rent that is closer to work and school, and I am looking at spending $500!! And so that is frustrating to me! I miss the rent at ISU, where I had my own room shared a bathroom with one other girl, and it was $235!! Now, granted my parents paid for me and I am truly grateful to them, but what a steal. Oh, well, such is life, but it still bugs a lot.

I have been meaning to post my family's pictures at Jared's baptism, but I need to go to my sister's to get them on a disk. I really need to get a computer...so I will try to work on it, and get them on here.

Anyways, I also want to ask if any of you have seen Batman: The Dark Knight movie? Ok, I feel a little juvenile in admitting this, and I know that I am a bit obsessed, but I love Christian Bale. I loved him in Newsies, Swing Kids, Little Women. I would watch these over and over when I was growing up and then he seemed to disappear. But then Batman Begins came out and WOW, was I excited! I hadn't seen him in years! And of coarse it/he was amazing! So, the Dark Knight, I am have to admit I was left a bit disappointed. Now, I will not go into detail to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet, but I had a lot of mixed emotions, and Heath Ledger/"the Joker" I thought was so incredible, and I loved the emotional story with Aaron Eckhart/Harvey Dent "Two Face". But honestly, I felt short changed a bit with Christian Bale/"Batman". So, any of you who have seen it, I want to hear what you thought! Also, if you don't like violence and action, this is definately not the movie to see....just warning you ahead of time! And so, I am finished blowing off my frustrations, and will say goodbye for now.

Father's Day

In celebration of Father's Day, I would like to write about how amazing and wonderful my dad is.

He is a hard worker. I remember working with him on the ranch. Many times, he and my brother were the ones working hard on the ranch, but occasionally, the whole family would be asked to help out. Often, we would get up early in the morning for a whole days work ahead of us. When we would get to the field we would then separate, be sent to various sections, and set a goal to meet at a certain corner at a certain time. I hated be separated from my family, mostly because I felt scared of the bulls, worried that I couldn't remember which direction I was suppose to go and get lost, or that I would run into trouble. I honestly got nervous, and would continue to say prayers that I would do what I was asked to do, and that I would arrive safely. And just when I would be ready to succomb to tears, I would hear my dad's whistle and relief would flow through me. I loved hearing my dad's voice, and I would know that everything would be ok from then on. He always wanted me to work hard, and to do my best. Also, I remember being thrown off a horse, I think I as probably 6 years old. And instead of letting me throw a pitty party for myself, my dad made me get on the same horse, and ride for awhile. That lesson taught me alot. The classic saying, "When you fall down, just pick yourself up!" I also remember when I was a few years older, we were up at Maggies. The strap to my saddle broke, and I went tumbling down. I was more afraid then hurt, certain I would be stranded by myself. Then, I saw my dad on his horse, heading towards me! He had come to my rescue!! He had seen my horse without a rider and came immediately to my aid. He let me ride behind him the rest of the day. What a relief!

He is service oriented. He was always willing to help out a neighbor and a friend. Whether it was to help them move, birthing calves, irrigation problems, or giving directions. There were strangers that would knock on our door, needing assistance, and my dad would help them out. We have met a lot of friends just because my dad was always willing to serve. Whenever I would introduce myself, people would recognize my name and say, "you aren't Steve Hebdon's girl are ya". And then they would tell me about a story of when they first met my dad, how grateful they were for his service and friendship.

He didn't want us to be quitters. He always wanted us to finish what we started. I remember my Junior year in High School. I had just finished volleyball, and the basketball season was about to start. I hated basketball so much!! And after a lot of thought, I decided to not play basketball. But of course the coaches wouldn't accept that as an answer. They talked me into giving it a try, and if I decided I didn't like it then I could quit. So I did, and of coarse I hated it. I gave it a month, and decided to quit! And boy did I pay for it. Everyone gave me such a hard time. The hardest thing wasn't to tell the coaches but I didn't want to tell my dad, because I knew how much it would break his heart. I did muster up the courage to tell him that I had quit, and of coarse he was disappointed. I explained to him about what happened, and that I had only agreed to give it a try, but I still think that he was disappointed...I learned that year, to always try my best, and to never give up. Another memory, my last transfer on my mission, I was trying my best not to get "trunky". I wanted to finish with a bang, but one week I just felt tired and drained. I received a letter from my dad, which was always exciting because they weren't very many. He wrote of how he wanted me to keep working hard, to not let up, and to finish my mission in a way that would make me proud. I kept that letter close at hand, and it helped to inspire me throughout the remaining days. Even on the flights home, I tried to find someone to talk with, and share the gospel. I am forever grateful for him, and his encouragement!!

He loves to learn. He has always been good at whatever he does. Because he worked on the ranch and water systems, he would spend a lot of time with the forest service, reservations, and fish and game. They respected what his opinion was and often asked for his ideas. He has a unique talent in understanding people and how to accomplish goals that work out the best for everyone involved. I can't tell you how many times I have heardof how knowledgable my father is and what a wonderful job he does.

He is a good friend. It actually makes me tear up to think of my dad's friends. The majority of them have passed on now. Many were elderly that he grew up with, one was his sunday school teacher who challenged him to bring his scriptures every Sunday. My dad did, and they have been good friends since. (Many of you know this individual as Bro. Bob. He then became each of my siblings seminary teacher. I think that he was even my dad's seminary teacher.) They would work together during the winter times milking cows, they were home teacher companions. Anyways, there are many friends of my dads, that I know he would have done anything for. Many of them were quite a few years older then him, but my dad didn't care. He loved them for them. I remember hearing my dad say with a chuckle, that he didn't have very many more friends left, and there were tears in his eyes. No doubt they are on the other side watching out for him. One of his best friends would be his own father. He goes to visit his grave frequently...

He has always been supportive of us in the gospel. He us to be active in church. He would ask us questions about what we learned at church when we would have dinner. He helped my brother get his Eagle Scout award. He helped my brother and I to serve full time missions. He was there, supporting my brother and sister when they got married in the temple. I am forever grateful for his support. He has supported my mother in all of her callings, which says a lot because she would spend hours upon hours, coming home late many times.

He loves the prophets. Whether it be Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or Pres. Hinckley, he always has respect and love for them. He loved reading the Work and the Glory, and learning more about church history. He always listens to General Conference and often chuckles at the sense of humor Pres. Hinckley had. One of my favorite memories was going to my brother's wedding in Ohio. I was able to go with my parents. We drove the whole way there. We stopped at almost every historical marker on the way. My mom and I would joke around that we were never going to make it to Ohio at the pace we were going! But my dad loves history and learning as much as he can. When we got to Nauvoo, he thrived on teaching the tour leaders even more history. Because he knew his family history and has read many of the stories and journals. He has such pride in his heritage! The missionaries listened to his stories, would comment on how they loved hearing it, and would use some of it later on. It was a fun trip, and one that I will never forget!

He loves his family. I know that he would give us the shirt of his back without any hisitation, and has done so many times. Like I mentioned with my mother, I will never know all that he sacrificed without so that we would have enough. He would often gives us money here and there so we could have fun. He encouraged all of us to get an education! And get a job were we could be comfortable. He wants the best for all of us, and is always concerned that we succeed and wanting to know how he can help us out. I love going home and spending time with my parents! I even get to "tuck them in bed" and talk for a few minutes before I head to my own room. I love those times, and the conversations we will have. I wish I could go home more often.

He adores my mom, his eternal companion. He alwasy refers to her as "his bride". Whenever I go home, I can't count how many times I have heard him compliment my mom on how beautiful she is, how talented, and again how beautiful she is! It is so cute! And she blushes, but I know that it makes her feel special. He helps her around the house and garden. He cooks for her when she has worked in the fields and comes home late from work. He is amazing with the outdoor grill!! He hates to go to bed without her, and when she is visiting us, calls frequently to check up on her, and tell her how much he misses her. There is no doubt in my mind that my dad loves her so much!

Thank you dad for being an amazing example to me! And loving me for who I am! Happy Father's Day!

Mother's Day

Due to it being past Mother's Day I know that I am too late! However, that still doesn't mean that I am not grateful for my angel mother!! And so I have made a list to acknowledge the wonderful gifts and talents that are hers....

Her love of gardening: She has always had plants around her, and they flourish!! I would have plants in college that would start to fade and look so sick, and all I would have to do is bring it home and viola, they flourish too! I think they just needed her special TLC. She is always gardening and nurturing little starts into thriving plants. Whenever we would walk pass a plant, she could tell me the name. Truly a talent. I believe she got her love of flowers from her mother, Norma Neibaur and grandma, Mabel Belnap. Her favorite flower, I think, are Peonies. She also loves Bleeding Hearts, which were Grandma Belnap's favorite too.

Her love for art:This amazing woman can paint! It is true! And not only does she do a good job in the opinions of loved ones, but she has won blue ribbons at fairs. They are all beautifully done. My favorite one is the painting of a ship that has wrecked with fog all around it. The detail is amazing and it won many ribbons. I only wish that she would keep it going. The poor girl is so busy, that she rarely has time, which is sad cause there is definately talent there.

Her love for music:She is an amazing pianist and organist. She is too modest to say so, but she is. She has held many callings that require her to play in Sacrament meetings as well as other church meetings. She has even had to play impromptu, and can pass off smashingly! She loves listening to music as she works in the home. One of her favorites is "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff. Many of you will know this from the theme song of "Somewhere in Time".
One of her favorite hymns is "Where Can I Turn For Peace", because it was one of the answers to her prayers.

Her hard working ethics: No matter what she does, she always tries to do her best. Whether it be work, art, sewing, callings. As to work, her boss absolutely loves her! She is always honest and hardworking, with the ability to do what the other men do, and most of the time better. She is his right hand. Sewing, I remember taking 4-H and of course she was my teacher. She would make me unpick seam after seam to make sure I did a great job. This annoyed me alot, and we would spend hours on my project, with me complaining, and her faithfully pressing, pinning, and unpicking endlessly without complaint. It is because of her that I feel confident enough to make dresses and projects without sweating too much! But I often wish I had my seam picker!! Callings, she has always tried to plan fun activities to help people learn and grow. In fact, a pet peeve of hers, (if I may share it!), is when she helps to plan an activity and people don't have any enthusiasm and do a mediocre job when it could have been so much better.

Her love of learning: She loves to learn about history, gardening, health, arts, literature, ect. In fact, it is because of her that I absolutely love to learn about George Washington or the Revolutionary War, go to musicals, or to enjoy architecture. She is my play buddy, and we always try to go to at least one a year. Also we have read a few books together. My last few years in high school, she would drive me to school and then head straight to work. We would read books on the drive there (which was easily fifteen min). We would be laughing one second, and balling our eyes out the next, even to the point when I couldn't read aloud anymore!! Ah, the memories! Health, she shares her knowledge about vitamins, exercises, foods, anything she has learnt helps to increase our health.

Her love of the gospel: She has such a strong testimony! She has taught me gospel principles everyday. Whether it was in the garden, kitchen cooking, bearing her testimony in Primary, Young Women's, or Relief Society. There was never a time when I doubted that she had a testimony. She kept us kids going and for that, I am forever grateful. It couldn't have been easy. She loves going to the temple, and has been my "temple going companion" a few times. Those are definately special times. She has a calling in Relief Society to teach from the Joseph Smith manual. She loves learning about him, and the doctrines he taught. She is excited and shares with her family. And she is always prayerful to follow the Spirit whenever she is teaching a class, or an individual. There have been many times that the advice she has given me had been the answers to prayers. Her love of her Savior and Heavenly Father have always been close to her heart. She hesitates to bear her testimony because she gets emotional, but I love hearing it! She has such conviction and love.

Her ability to be silly: Yes, this is a trait that I admire! It actually makes me sad that she used to worry about embarrassing us kids. In Young Women's, we would go to Girl's Camp and I loved it! I got to spend a week with my mom, and I don't know if it was the atmosphere, or the fact that we hadn't showered in days! But that was when she would make me laugh harder than any of my friends ever could. Especially around the campfire! She became one of us girls, a great friend. I loved watching her take part of the skits the moms would do for the boys and girls teams in pep rallies when we went to District and State. She was always so funny and cute!

Her love of her family: Just as strong as her testimony of the Gospel, I never have doubted that she loved all of us! She would go without all of the time. I never knew, and will probably never know, how much she sacrificed for us kids. She always wanted the very best for us, whether it was drive all the way to Grace (30 min) so we could take clogging, or follow the sports teams to Lewiston, ID (I don't even know how far that is!?!) she always supported us in our activities. She would help us make posters and skits when we ran for student body officers. She helped us with our projects in school. In fact, a teacher teased me of being lucky enough to have a mom like mine! And it is true! She even was my sister's and my little league coach for softball and junior high cheerleading advisor! And a play director for my elementary plays. A boy scout leader for my brother. She wanted us to have every opportunity to be involved, even if that included her being in charge. And her love for her grandchildren. I don't think that anyone can get as excited as her when she hears their voices on the phone. They love talking with her, and always have songs to sing, which she rants and raves about how wonderful they are. She is always eager to hear about their activities.

Her love of my father, her eternal companion: I know that she loves my dad! There have been many times when I hear her praise him for the kind of man he is. She almost glows when she talks about how much he knows about his job, how people seek his help and advice, the acts of service he performs, and what a good friend he is. I think the times that I have felt/seen her love for him the most was when my dad was in the hospital, which have been a few times. She always wanted to be there with him, and wanted him to be as comfortable as possible. But due to helping him complete his job, she had to leave in the evenings. I remember one night, just after my mission, he was in the hospital and had an adverse reaction to morphine that made him confused and scared. We got a phone call in the middle of the night from the nurses who were concerned. I, being as annoying as ever, wanted to go with my mom to the hospital. That night, I slept on the couch at the bottom of his bed, and my mom layed next to my dad, comforting him and whispering that everything would be alright.

My best friend: She has always been my best friend. I don't know what I would do without her! Growing up, I would often choose to not go out with my friends so I could do something with her instead. Not because I had to, but because I would rather be with her than anyone else! She made me laugh! I could be silly around her, in fact, when I go home I digress back to my silly self, because I know that she will love me no matter what! We have the same interests. And throughout growing up to the present, she is the one I call when I am so excited or when I have to pour my heartache out. She has always been there for me.

....Thank you so much, Mom, for being YOU!!

School

Everyone seems confused as to what I am doing, which is totally understandable considering I am always changing my mind!?! SO here is the 411...

...So I am officially signed up to take Biology and Physics this summer, after a huge frustrating ordeal!! I will start on the 13th of May! I am a little nervous, but mostly excited to get things moving. And then I am registered for Anatomy in the Fall, and hopefully things will go well for taking Physiology in the Spring.

...I was planning on doing Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultasound tech) that is an associates program through Salt Lake Community College, but I didn't get in, long story short(but I later found out there were problems with the college accepting/evaluating my transcripts so obviously the program couldn't see any of the prerequisites being fulfilled!?!?!). I also found out there were 170 plus applicants with only 16 openings. Anyways, I found out that they only admit every two years, a little bit daunting!

...So I looked more into the Radiology program through Weber State. They have a campus in Provo, and I would get my associates there as a rad. tech. (mostly xray) and then once I take the state boards, I can start the Bachelor's program. That is where I can specialize, I believe. And with that time, I will figure out if I only want to do ultrasound, or MRI's, or CT's, Radiology Therapy, ect. SO that is the goal and destination, and I am determined to enjoy the journey. My friend that I work with, Maria, went with me to get books, student ID, parking pass, ect. She was so cute to come, and we had fun. We even stopped by Gardners Village in Midvale, I love that place!! It is a favorite of me and my mom since High School. For anyone looking for a cute place to window shop and just enjoy life, this is the place to go!

...My friend Andrea has helped enforce positive thinking! She teased me with only having a "B" acceptable attitude, instead of reaching for an "A" in Anat/Phys. Which I relunctanly agreed to. So from now on, I am going to get A's!! And why not? I have had more medical experience since I took it last, and I also have many experts that I can ask questions. I think it will be more enjoyable this go around. So yeah for SCHOOL!!

...Also, Andrea and I have signed on for 24 HR. Fitness. I am enjoying it, however I am totally out of shape and sore!? But I remember loving that feeling in high school, knowing that it was a good pain, so I am trying to keep the same attitude.

...Then concerning the cruise, I can't get anyone to go with me!! I am so incredibly sad. So that is a downer, however I guess I should be grateful for not spending the money. And I have already found a project for it, a laptop for school. So far, I am daunted by how much they are, and feeling the hole in my pocket coming too fast. But it is a good thing in the long run.

...And finally, I get to go home this weekend!! I went home for Easter, but I am excited to go again, especially considering the fact that I won't be as able to when school starts.

That is me in a nutshell, and so hopefully my life will be semi stable without too many changes for you all to catch up!