Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am grateful...

I am grateful for the rainy, cozy, time-for-hot-chocolate-with-marshmallows weather that has come our way, just in time for this special day of giving thanks.

I am grateful for my new jeans. I hate shopping for new jeans with a passion, because I never seem to find a pair that isn't too tight, isn't too baggy, isn't too short, or isn't going to trip me up because they're too long. However, in this case, the first pair I grabbed fit perfectly...not too tight, not too baggy, not too short, and I'm able to walk with confidence. And the best part? They were 50% off!! Woohoo!!!

I am grateful for my kitties and their quiet friendship and love. Abby, Sam, Mushu, and Emma really are part of the family.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to get an education at ASU.

I am grateful for missionary work.

I am grateful for my good health.

I am grateful for my wonderful friends. They light up my life with their kindness, love, quirkiness, and sweet spirits.

I am grateful for my family. They have filled my days with laughter and smiles and lots of the good ol' TLC. They have offered me advice and guidance when I have asked for it (and even when I haven't), and I know that I am who I am in large part because of who they are.

I am grateful for the gospel and the happiness it brings.

I am grateful for the love of my Heavenly Father and my Savior.

I am so blessed...and I am grateful.

November 15

Last Saturday was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. What made it especially beautiful for me, though, was that it was the day I was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The ceremony was so special, with the wonderful talks and lovely music, and the Spirit was so strong. My institute teacher, Brother Wood, performed the baptism. The actual ordinance was quick, but in the Book of Mormon it says "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). When I came up out of the water, I felt sooo happy, and I knew I had done the right thing. Having my family there to support me made it all the more special to me. I know how lucky I am to have my family's support, and I am so very grateful for their love and understanding.

Later that day, when things had calmed down a bit, I was able to think on my own a bit about what had just happened. I started thinking of some things I had done in the past that I'm not too proud of. I felt this empty feeling, but it wasn't the bad, depressing, something's-missing-in-my-life kind of empty feeling. It was more peaceful than that, and I knew, I was absolutely 100% sure, that I had been forgiven of my sins. The Atonement is incredible!!


The next day, I was confirmed in sacrament meeting. It was amazing, and I got to take the sacrament for the first time! This day was very special to my family for another reason, as well, as it would have been my grandma's (my mom's mom) birthday. Even though I never had the chance to meet her, I knew she and my sweet grandpa were there in spirit.

I am very excited to be starting out on this path. I feel closer to my Heavenly Father than I've ever felt before. I'm so grateful for those who have supported and encouraged me over the last few months, particularly Brother Wood, Madison, Lyndee, Jesse, Heather, Brother Calton, Blake, and Abby. I love you all. :)

Dancing Queen

I saw this on Madison's blog and thought it might be fun, so here we go!!

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, MP3 Player, or whatever on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song, no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” you say?
Keep The Commandments - Paul Cardall

How would you describe yourself?
Sunshine and Summertime - Faith Hill
[I've been told I have a sunny disposition.]

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

How do you feel today?
How Shall I Live - YW Selected Songs

What is your life’s purpose?
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

What is your motto?
Jesus Said Love Everyone - Paul Cardall

What do your friends think of you?
Chiquitita - ABBA

What do you think of your family?
Raise Your Voices to the Lord - Hymns

What do you think about very often?
Jesus, Once of Humble Birth - Hymns

What is 2 + 2?
Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman
[Yeah, math is not too high up on my happy list...]

What do you think of your best friend?
Faithful - Paul Cardall

What do you think of the person you like?
I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair - South Pacific Soundtrack
[Hmm, I don't think this fits...]

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Prima Donna - Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Speeding Cars - Imogen Heap

What will you dance to at your wedding?
The Loco-Motion - Little Eva

What will they play at your funeral?
If My Heart Had Wings - Faith Hill

What is your hobby/interest?
Strength Beyond My Own - Seminary Music
[This song is sooo beautiful. It's about the temple, I can't wait to go!]

What is your biggest fear?
Everything - Michael Buble
[HAHA]

What is your biggest secret?
How To Save a Life - The Fray

What do you think of your friends?
How Gentle God's Commands - Hymns

What will you post this as?
Dancing Queen - ABBA

Ready or not...

With four weeks left to go, the semester is winding down, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I've been pretty busy over the last several weeks, which is why I haven't posted anything in, like, a month. School has been taking up almost all of my time, but I did get to go to a wedding last weekend!! The bride was one of my very favorite Hallmark ladies, Krista. The ceremony was simple but beautiful. I'm so very happy for her and her new husband, Nick, and hope they both find their "happily ever after!"

I've also been getting ready for my baptism (2 more days!!!), and I am so very excited!! It's hard to believe that the day is almost here...a month ago, it felt like ages away! I wish I could say I'm not nervous, but that would be a lie, haha. I'm not having second thoughts about my decision or anything like that. It's just little stuff...I keep finding myself thinking things like, "What if the water's like freezing cold?" and "Don't forget a towel!" Stupid stuff like that (although it's probably a good thing that I'm thinking about the towel, haha!). I know that whatever happens, though, it will still be a day that I will cherish forever...the first step in the beautiful journey back to Heavenly Father.