For Good

I don't know why, but I wanted to post the lyrics to a song that I absolutely love from the play "Wicked"!! I have it on my playlist, but it has something wrong with it, so it won't play!?! Maybe that is why I was thinking about it. Or maybe because of the last few months, I have been in touch with many that I've lost contact with. Some have been amazing friends, relatives, and even some who hurt me. But because there is Someone else in control of my life, Someone who loves me and knows me better than myself, Who wants the best for me, has chosen to reconnect those contacts. And because of them, memories have been shared, wounds have healed, and differences have been made for the better...

(Glinda):
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda):
Because I knew you

(Both):
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

(Glinda):
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both):
And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda):
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba):
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both):
Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

(Glinda):
And because I knew you...

(Elphaba):
Because I knew you...

(Both):
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...

I thank my Heavenly Father for all of them!

My two pregnant friends...

I just think they look so incredibly cute!! They are two friends from Cosmo school and this was taken just in August. We try to get together for lunch every month. Anyways, the blonde is Missie, and she had her baby in September, oh so cute!! And the red head is Kristin, the girl I used to rent from. She is due around Christmas...

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!