Thriller! Oh, How This Does My Heart Some Good.

Why yes, that's Katherine and I.
Why yes, that is my Stats Practice Final.
Why yes, it is projected behind us for me to study...
The Varsity Theatre.
Finals Week Fall 2011.

Christmas Delight #4

Messiah Sing-A-Long.

I had never heard of such a thing. Until Katherine threatened me several weeks ago that we ABSOLUTELY HAD TO GO--NO MATTER HOW BUSY WE WERE WITH FINALS. She said that her family has been going for years and that she even owns her own copy of Handel's Messiah. So Monday night, we skipped FHE once again (such delinquents we are) and loaded up in Danger my Ranger with multiple old-copies of the Messiah "borrowed" from the BYU Music Library (we even picked up the copies after hours--Katherine has connections)and drove to the Orem Library. Where we stood and watched 4 Opera singers walk out in front of a half-orchestra and sing their solos-which were amazing-and then when we got to the Chorus parts, everybody sang and sang and sang and sang. It was simply glorious. A wonderful night indeed. I finished it off by driving home the 'scenic route' even though I didn't quite know where I was; I knew that we could see more Christmas lights on houses if we took back roads rather than State Street back to Provo. It was a fun adventure and so. much. fun.

Christmas Delight #3

The week before Thanksgiving our Monticello Ward had Service Week. My calling right now is Service Co-Chair, so I had spent a lot of time preparing with my assistant Co-chair, Aaron. The week was amazing. Man Monday. Turtle Tuesday (roommates). Woman Wednesday. Thankful Thursday (bishopric). Friend Friday. Stranger Saturday. Serviceman Sunday. I made this awesome banner that we hung between the balconies of the boys and girls apartment building in the fishbowl. And we had sticker charts for each apartment for people to fill out. We decided that if the entire apartment did service everyday and filled out their chart, our committee would serve them before the end of the semester. I was so excited for our Service Week and made it a point to serve everyday. It was such a joy for me to see service going on everywhere throughout the week. I know a lot of apartments didn't finish their sticker chart, but it was powerful to see through the fishbowl, different visiting teachers, friends, FHE friends, home teachers all getting served by each other. The fishbowl is quite transparent, between our super small sidewalk barely separating our buildings, and the massive windows/sliding glass doors to the balconies, you can basically see what your neighbors across the way are up too, especially when people were serving each other. I love this Ward. By Stranger Saturday, I still didn't have set plans for Thanksgiving. That's when John surprised me with a ticket home to see the beloved parents. Which meant that I would miss our Social Sunday where we planned to write letters to the Serviceman. I felt really lame leaving Aaron by himself to hit off a Sunday evening Ward Social. But today, in our Committe meeting, he stopped by and gave me all the letters my Ward had wrote to the serviceman at this activity. Jim's planning on giving me an address to send to a unit in Afghanistan. I wasn't quite feeling a Sunday nap earlier today, so when the roomies were dozing, I sat myself down and began reading these letters. It didn't take very long for me to get teary-eyed and feeling my heart just begin to swell and swell.

On one side I have this really amazing and special student Ward who I love and on the other side I have a love for these random serviceman who are going to get these letters. I love America. My family has always been patriotic, probably because of the military's influence in my Dad and brother's careers, and the fact that my parents have always shown a respect to what our America's history, values, and general spirit has been. Add some country music to my childhood where I adored any patriotic songs that came from my favorite country singers and I began to also find a love for this country of mine. When John was 18 he enlisted in the National Guard and went to Boot Camp. I remember him telling me that the people you would expect [I would expect as a teenager] to be a part of the Army would be different than whom he came into contact with--the many orphaned, high-school drop outs, messed-up-pasts type of folk. Then Jim was deployed and when he got back, I've heard little bits of snid-bits of information of what it was like for him and his soldiers to be away from their homeland. Comparably similar in circumstances to LDS missions, but also extremely different in numerous ways. So I day-dreamed it up with this a semi-supposed idea of what it might possibly be like to get random letters from a random group of Molly Mormons and Peter Priesthoods, if the most of my life had been screwed over. Which might under some circumstances be a little weird to read. But reading so much gratitude, hope, and love that came from individuals in my Ward who I know and already love was so inspiring. The Spirit basically popped out of these letters that I was reading in my little apartment in Provo, Utah and touched me because I knew, they were going to touch others who needed it. They spoke of truth. Sometimes very blatant truth about the Savior or scripture or America. Ha, especially the little premie who left a Chuck Norris joke: Super herose have Chuck Norris on their PJs, but Chuck Norris has solders on his PJs.

I think the people who are veterans of war become heroic because (hopefully) the gratitude and appreciation they receive from people who have no need to necessarily give it touches them to realize that what they're doing is something important and of value for the one. It's all about giving charity to the one. Whether it's through one letter written from one person, or one soldier who puts his life out on the line for a battle buddy or another human being from a different culture, or the charity of doing the temple work for 'the one'. And of course, receiving the blessing of being the one who receives the blessings of the Atonement. I am one of the many 'ones' that the Savior was born for, lived for, then Atoned for, and died for. ALL because he understood the love for the one.

Christmas Delight #2

Several weeks ago, I came home to dinner group (one of the roommates was cooking that night) and the roommates said they had a BIG surprise for me. I was pretty excited and anxious, since everyone likes a good surprise. I was handed an envelope and I immediately knew what it was and began to exclaim, sigh, shout, rejoice, call it watch you will. . . Katherine got tickets to the 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I love going to Temple Square and I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir even more than that (I'm a MOTAB Sunday music addict) and I love even more listening to the Orchestra at Temple Square (my dream career job if I ever find myself in Utah when I'm older) accompany the Choir, and I love even more listening to our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Ever since I was a Freshman and won/randomly selected tickets to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with famous Brian Stokes Mitchell and we took off to drive to Salt Lake for the show and ran into traffic. It was tragic for my 18-year-0ld mind to miss the show that night. When we finally made it downtown, construction made parking out of the question and I just remember seeing the minutes switch by on the dashboard feeling more and more hollow and sad. The time passed for us to have been 'seated' and then for the show to start. We finally decided to just head back up to Provo. I silently cried the entire way home from Salt Lake from Provo. I was devastated. Every year since then I have requested tickets for me and everyone in my family to try and increase my odds to go to either the MOTAB Christmas Concert or 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional. When Katherine go the tickets, I knew she would take me. Otherwise, well...let's not go to what I would have done if she hadn't. My night was so much fun with the roommates and ward friends. We made crepes to eat on the way, drove to Sandy, took the tracks to downtown SLC, had AMAZING seats in the Conference Center, heard amazing Christmas arrangements by MOTAB with the Orchestra, and powerful messages from the First Presidency. Afterwards, we took a walk around the Square to look at the detailed lights and nativities from around the world. A cold, fun night. One of those nights where nothing could wipe the grin off my face!

The Retired Couple And Their Dog.

I lived the retired life for a week! John gave up his precious Skymiles to send me as a peace offering to Georgia for the week of Thanksgiving because he backed out of his flight and Thanksgiving plans with my parents. I am pretty spoiled by my brothers. So I found out that I had a ticket and then left 12 hours later from Salt Lake. Thank goodness I have awesome friends who took me and picked me up from the airport. It was great surprising my Mom and Dad though! I've always wanted to surprise somebody by showing up and it was well worth their happy surprised faces to see their favorite child home! For a week! And I get to go home in 3 weeks! S.P.O.I.L.E.D.

Anyways, I immediately began noticing that things were different than when I originally left for college and left them as empty nesters.

I moved to Georgia with Mom and Dad, I spent 4 years with just me and them at the dinner table, Church, movies, FHE, scripture study, prayer. I am SO glad I convinced them to let me keep Macey my Junior year. It was so fun to be there for her puppy puppy years and then leave her to still be a stinker-pot (as Mom calls her) for my parents to adjust to life without me. And Macey has just waltzed right in to be a huge part of my parents routine. It's really quite adorable. And now--going on 3 years of me being away--I can tell that the parents have finally gotten into the routine of being around each other ALL THE TIME and doing their retired such activities/new hobbies:

-Morning walks (sometimes together) with Macey

-Macey's restlessness til Dad plays this game where he throws treats down either way of the hallway for her to go and fetch Help in the kitchen. Then her daily mid-morning nap on various rugs/parents room. Lunch time stroll through the house to see what's up and if she can see any bunny rabbits in the front yard from the windows to bark at, afternoon in the backyard soaking up the sunshine, coming in to be let out of the house without her leash to get the mail with Mom--pretty exciting for her, then off to beg for attention and play, and follows the parents around at dinner, and then off to lay in the bedroom soft carpet for evening naps.

-Mom cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner

-Dad drives the kids to school (he's a bus driver! LOVE IT.)

-Mom reads, sews, plays the piano, cleans, Blogs (that's new)

-Dad still maintains his many hobbies which have expanded with the use of the internet and time. (hunting, maintaining his dutch ovens, guns, food storage, a form of blogging with others who believe its the end of the world (AVOW), listen to talk radio FAITHFULLY at 12 noon with every radio in the house blaring, and every Monday he's gone as a County volunteer firefighter!!! And going to the County Political Meetings and lunch meeting every Wednesday.

-Mom loves her TV Shows, which I miss watching with her in the evenings, and Dad still goes to bed quite early.

Of course when I'm home we change a few things due to us rubbing off on each other. But life slowed down A WHOLE LOT, when I was home. It felt so familiar. Funny how much life changes within a few short years but when you step back into the old lifestyle it all comes back deja vu with familiarity sensors going wild. But that's for another post.

The Best (Girl) Friends.

This question: "Whose Your Best Friend?"--I dislike. Everyone knows that you can have more than one bestie--basically. And that family and boyfriends and roommates (generally) at the time usually trump the other friends. Best friends become the "best" for different reasons. And when we're really close they move in and out of the bestie category. But I just decided to take the names that first couple of friends I am closest too right now who I am grateful to be me because they are in my life. They're the friends that I hope we stay in contact; if not, then I'll use my stalker skills to hunt them down. Rather than showing you how I remember them, I decided to show how they're all different and unique by showing you their current Facebook profile as of right now:

Emily Watts

Lovingly referred to as:

Emiline

Em wins the loyalty award because we have been friends since the beginning. Like Washington beginning. Like 1st mormon friend. We became friends through the years of awkwardness, HUGE changes (moving to Georgia and Utah for us both), and we have always stayed close. We just know each other. We're different--but we've grown so much. But I absolutely know I wouldn't have had half the experiences I have had without her. She's the one who is NOT the morning person but will wake up early to drive me to the airport or stay up all night editing my paper. Selfless, she wouldn't think it--but she is and she has taught me a lot about it. I know we'll always be friends. We can be friends at a distance or I can live right above her; we can go months without talking if we're living states away and then spend summers together--it doesn't matter--we just pick up where we left off. I love Em for her care-free, optimistic mood in life. No matter what, she's there for me. And her clothes. :)

Megan Wright

Lovingly referred to as:

Sunshine

I wouldn't have transitioned to Georgia very well, or at all, if it wasn't for Megan. I loathe this girl! (Inside joke) Megan is a sister. We shared High School together. Peach County. She is The Southern Girl who got me to talk with an accent, wear pearls, have Vera Bradly, straighten my hair, dress up every Thursday, love window-down-driving-country-music blaring, love a good tan, and we respect each other and our beliefs. Megan is Baptist; I'm Mormon. People told her she couldn't be my friend. But we proved them wrong! I know we'll be at each other's weddings and will always have that connection. After all, those years in High School learning about life, gaining independence, breaking ups, and countless sleep-overs just bond people together. It did for us.

Baylee Martz Haynie

Lovingly referred to as:

Bales

Meet Bales. Gah! I love that this was her photo (although her wedding and engagement photos are GORGEOUS). But, this photo shows Baylee. The Baylee who loves Marching Band and is madly in love with our Drum Major. We met as Freshman at BYU and spent 2 wonderful years together. She taught me how to be Relief Society President, knows way to much about a lot of boys--probably because she asks and then just listens--and I"ll recount the same story after story of boys I currently like. We bonded at 6:30am in the snow in COLLEGE. I love her so much until we became roommates and inseparable 'til she met 'ol-man-Jared, her husband. They fell madly in love and I was lucky enough to see it all happen. I think I"m one of the luckiest people alive to have lived with Baylee my Sophomore year, and spend as much time as I did during her short single years because I got see her change. She claims she's no good with change--but she's better than ANYONE I know. Which is why she's going to be such a great mother. She does everything before me, and then humbly teaches me how to do it! I HOPE beyond hope, we always stay in at least phone-call-friendship; she's a special one.

Natalie Hodges

Lovingly referred to as:

Natty

Oh, how I love Natty. Basically this picture sums her up! THE END. Haha, but seriously. Pictures speak 1,000 words. Natalie is one of the most talented, righteous, optimistic, color-yellow, best-pruners, best EFY-er's, best piccolo-sitter-next-to-at football games, and overall just a GREAT person. I'm so curious to see who she marries. She has no fear and can laugh with anyone--definitely a spiritual gift. Natalie and I met in BYUs Marching Band Freshman Year, pruned together on our work crew last year, and were roommates in Rexburg this summer at EFY. I miss her like crazy, even though I see her 3-4 times a week. I'm always down to having a good conversation with her.

Katherine Steinacker

Lovingly referred to as:

Stinker-pickle or PleaseSlapMyButt or WigWam Lover or RSP or Dragonfly or My Current Roommate or Chill Dog

She's going to hate me, but I had to save the best for last right? I LOVE Katherine (she's on the left). She's so chill that sometimes I see how long it will take her to snap at me. Usually, it's at the end of the day, right after dozing on some books, and I do something to really get her and then BAM! She yells or throws something and I'm just ecstatic inside. Immature of me, I know. But for some reason, she brings that out of me. I hope for and dread the day Katherine gets married. I love being her roommate. She's the first roomie I have ever gotten into long discussions at night with and NOT fallen asleep first. She's super chill and just a down-to-earth, realistic person. She just DOES when a thought comes in and has opinions, but doesn't get over-heated at them at all. Most of the time, she listens and tunes me out. But I absolutely love the days that she opens her mouth and then just doesn't shut it. I could listen to her forever, and she has an awesome laugh. And she loves sports like Sis. Watts (that's saying something). And I love being with her all the time. I love her clothes. And I love that I know she's doing what the Lords wants her to do--be with me.

And and and and and

I miss her!

(And you better comment Katherine, because you always stalk this blog but NEVER do!)

My Old Chump Carrots.

For being raised with boys and with her top 5 movies being decently action-packed ones:

THE FAVORITE

(movie--that horrifyingly--my mother didn't introduce me too until I was 15!)

Would have to be about the dramatic, simple, and hilarious life,

of a red-headed girl,

and her (make-shift) family

in a beautiful location.

Anne with an "e"

Some Favorite Quotes:

-"My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes. That's a sentence I read once and I say it over to comfort myself in these times that try the soul."

-"This is the most tragical thing that has ever happened to me."

-"Can't you even imagine you're in the depths of despair?"

-"I thought nothing could be as bad as red hair. Green is ten times worse."

-"Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088727/quotes

Hopeless Romantic For 3:51.

[Please push play before reading for the full effect of the story.]

Once upon a time there was a five-year-old Becky who was born in the 90s and who loved music. Absolutely adored it. From turning up her Mother's boombox in the kitchen and jumping on the trampoline to taking music and dance classes and choreographing songs with the neighbor kids, to being obsessed with soft rock on the radio anytime she was on the go; music was always around and always on. Her first memory of the song--that you should be hearing in your ears this very moment--became her favorite song on a drive home from a brother's baseball game. They were driving down this long lane of trees in the dark, windows open, 92.5 (?) blasting, and it was either a Wednesday or Saturday (because that was Becky's day to sit in the front seat of the Suburban), and Donna Lewis came on with this song. From then on, every time this magical song came on, imagine Becky's little blonde head holding a gleaming smile shouting the words with with her lisp (she unfortunately had until the 4th grade with a few letters) at the top of her lungs.

Then it became an old 90s hit and rarely came on the radio. Seven years later Becky decided to start one of her first searches on the computer to find this song name and artist. Once she did, she BEGGED for the CD, which wasn't even available in any entertainment/music stores. Luckily, her Mother found an old used CD from somewhere and surprised Becky with it. Oh the joy! Even after the hundreds of new favorite tunes that have been chosen to be played on repeat over and over and over again (sorry Mom, Katie-1st roommate ever - freshman year, Baylee-sophomore year, and Katherine-junior year) on Becky's trusty CD clock/radio, stereo, iPod, desktops and laptop. You probably have never even heard this song. This song trumps all. Guess it shows the hopeless romantic I am. :)

76 Trombones

Last week Katherine showed me the media center within the walls of Harold. I had no clue [exaggeration--I had forgotten] that you could get movies from the library. I mean--I remember the days with Mom headed to the UP Library to pick up a few VHS's every now and then; but, I suddenly grew up and didn't get things from the library when they upgraded to DVDs. Needless to say, my generation thinks the best thing out there is Redbox and Netflix. Which takes all our limited college funds. Now that I found a decent collection at the library, I think I'll go old school for the time being.

And Fully Enjoy

Being Able

To Rent...Something Named:

THE MUSIC MAN

Over the summer after a few Music Man references (which I didn't get at all), Katherine just about freaked when she did more digging and found out I hadn't seen it even once in my 20 years. Then after I quoted it in my talk I gave in Sacrament Meeting a few weeks ago, Katherine put some action to her words and we brought home the DVD to The Dwelling to watch it on Saturday night. The roomies and I had already made our social quota [boy quota] for the day so we just curled up with blankets and used our flat screen TV for probably the 4th time ever to watch a movie.

And I loved it. About halfway through I began to get antsy that it would end not the way I wanted it too, sincerely warning Katherine she would be in some big trouble and feeling some pain if little-red-headed-lisp boy got hurt. Or if handsome professor hill would just leave town without falling for librarian woman.

One theme I loved was how people can change. That because librarian woman chose to see the good that fake teacher hill brought to the city (even while knowing his fraud), he was able to have a change of heart. What an example! And that no matter how bad someone can be, you can still love them and see the good.

Now I'm antsy to fall in love with all the other great musicals that are out there...maybe Singing In The Rain will be next?

Our Greatest Fear

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

Happy Valentines Day...Thump Thump--Thump Thump

My Valentines Day consisted of:
-seeing two boys i had crushes on in middle school
-getting my hair done
-looking cute and being brave to flirt with boys in my class
-having a friend set me up on a date with someone in her ward
-receiving 3 cards! yes 3! thank you dad, oma, and megan (my sisterrr)
-receiving a box of chocolates from a nice boy
-having a texting poems session as a thank you for the chocolates
-reading some special emails that make my heart happy
-being sung to "Sweet Valentine" (really Sweet Caroline) and this other song at the doorway while i was in my PJ's by a dear friend and his acapella group (where all my neighbors drooled with envy
-oh, and seeing another crinkle
All and all....this usually NEVER happens<3

I LOVE THESE TWO sooooooooooooo MUCH!

You may have had the wonderful opportunity (or lack of) to sit in the pew in front of my dad during Church. If you have, I feel for your ear drums. Luckily, my dad's lack of musical talent did not get passed down to his children. We all know how to sing on key and keep a note. Seriously though, one time when my Dad was in the Bishopric and sitting on the stand someone later told me they could pick out his voice in the mothers lounge when the Bishop had left the mike on during the closing prayer. I was mortified. The worst part is that he really thinks he's a GREAT singer. He'll be the first person to tell you that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir invites him to sing with them twice a year....during General Conference. What a joke!? He might not be the best vocally, but he does hold a hidden talent. One that not many people may know of. In fact, I bet my brothers aren't very familiar with it--fortunately, I am. When I at a tender young age would awake in the middle of the night, my father would rush into my room (maybe rush is too strong of a word, i still remember crying and crying just WAITING for someone to come). And he would tell me to turn over and lay on my tummy (which i would) and then he would open his mouth and sing songs to me, about me. In elementary school I later recognized that he stole the tunes from the Army and Air Force songs and was seriously offended that it was a "borrowed" tune. I found this video of him singing to Macey. Apparently, he will always sing to his "baby's". Enjoy my father's hidden talent :)

P.S. Locked my keys out of the truck for the 2nd time in my life....yea, i know

On The Bright Side of Things.....

I have the best brothers in the entire world!

A little background: John is in Washington DC for the semester for an internship at the National Defense University and Jim is serving in Afghanistan and comes home this summer!!!!

1. A couple of weeks ago, John had me run down to Cougar Creations (BYUs printing shop) and pick up a packet he had sent int to be printed and bound. When I picked it up, there was two sheets that were printed from his email with the packet. I thought it was a fluke that he had accidentally sent in those to be printed or something. But I later discovered that they were receipts from a DELTA transaction for a TICKET to NYC during the 3-day weekend in February for REBECCA RHODEN! Yes, ladies and gentleman. I'm 19 and going to New York City.

2. When I told Jim I didn't get picked to be a Young Performing Missionary (Service Mission) in Nauvoo he replied back with an invitation to take me to GUAM this summer when he returns!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited if this works out. I mean, have you SEEN pictures of GUAM before? I had from missionaries but now especially after I googled pictures of Guam--the beaches and sunsets are S.U.P.E.R.B!

These pictures of my brothers make me laugh so much! Oh, the memories of childhood. I love my brothers probably more than anything else, even over my baby blankie. And my dog Macey. I don't know how my wonderful parents (who I also love dearly) gave me two of the best, kindest, funniest, talented, smartest older brothers a younger sister could ever ask for. I think I probably trust them more than I ever should: if they told me to jump off a cliff, I would. Isn't that a little weird? Anyways, I love them and when I know that they love me I get all tender! Although they did go to Europe without me a couple of years ago, I think I've forgiven them by now...I think. Maybe after these awesome experiences I will be completely healed...

It Is Hard To Fail But It Is Worse Never To Have Tried To Succeed.

There are many times in my life when I've experienced failure. This week was just another experience. And even though I know that whoever made the decision was inspired--my heart still ached, just hurt. My heart. It's interesting that your spirit can make your body feel that extra pain right there.

Now I'm confused. And feel lost at what exactly to do. I like making plans, but it's hard to have them end up not to what you expected or wanted. I guess its partially what you get when you always allow the "let they will be done" in every prayer.

Funny then that where "failure" would be in the Bible Dictionary "faith" is found instead.

(props to john for the picture. he took it in dc and sent it to me when he found out about my denied opportunity)

Full Circle

A couple of weeks ago I went to the bathroom after one of my classes. As I walked to the wall filled with sinks to wash my hands I looked quickly in the mirror and there sitting on the mirror was a little square sticky note that said something sweet and personal. I felt so loved! I'm sure many people saw the sticky note and went away feeling more hopeful and charitable. I love people and the good they do, the good that they somehow eminate for me to become better. I hope I can share that one day, full circle.

Oh Boy Did I Luck Out!!! A Night With BYU's Cecil :)

Suite 15 is where it is at!!!! Tonight I went to the BYU mens basketball game at the Jazz's Energy Arena in Salt Lake (against Arizona). John lucked out with 2 special tickets, and after asking several girls and being denied, John decided to take me since I'm always back up. :) Suite 15 just happened to be President Cecil O. Samuelson's suite. For those of you who don't know him, you should. He's the President of BYU and in the Quorum of the 70. With BYU having 30,000 students, it's not very likely that many people get to personally meet the President and especially watch a basketball game with him and his wife. It was so much fun! The suite had delicious food, a cute bar with tables, flat screen tv, 3 rows of seats, a personal bathroom, and random waiters to check on us. With only us, Pres.& Sis. Samuelson and their granddaughter, there was also the Vice President of Athletics (another Q of 70 member) whose wife knows John and was the one who offered the tickets with his wife and daughter also there. I definitely had a wonderful evening with President Cecil O. Samuelson :) I promise I'm not that much of a creeper, but here are some highlights:

-When pulling into the parking garage in salt lake, we let a car in the opposite left lane cut in front of us and then when we pulled in to pay at the booth the guy told us that the car in front of us had payed for our parking!!! So nice, especially at Christmas!

-Shaking President and Sis. Samuelson's hand, visiting with them.

-When Sis. Samuelson leaned over to talk to the other lady and Pres. Samuelson said, "Sharon, watch the game!"

-Hearing Pres. Samuelson talk to all the players quietly under his breath, "Oh jackson!" or "Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right."

-Sis. Samuelson turning around and always saying, "Wait, what just happened?"

-During halftime, when Pres. Samuelson got a personal text showing that Noah Hartsock received a minor concussion and 6 stitches to the upper lip when hit during the first 10 minutes of the game.

-Having special sporting officials checking up on us during the game:)

-After the game, walking through a beautiful Barnes&Noble and reading random books while awaiting traffic to die down. I will always dream of having a beautiful library of gorgeous books one day!

-P.S. Did I mention BYU won?

Primary Program....I Am His Daughter

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go and visit and watch my friend Michael give his talk at his Sacrament Primary Program. He's 4 1/2 and read his talk beautifully (right now he's at a 3rd grade reading level). He was so short, you couldn't even see his head over the podium. But I was able to fill the Spirit as He talked about how much He knows the Savior loves him.

I loved watching Michael's primary, the sweet tender faces as they sang, squirmed, and testified of the Savior:)

Some best friends interested me to this song and I am in love! I think its my theme song in life RIGHT NOW. I Am His Daughter.

His Hands And Feet

DISCLAIMER: This picture is above my bed. And above our piano in our living room in my apartment. I decided around Augest that my fall semester theme was going to include Jesus Christ somehow, someway. I went through several experiences that led me to want to know Christ better. A whole lot better. So I began to pray specifically for this occasionally, read the New Testament, think more....and BAM!!!!

Sometimes I am amazed by what I learn. Not necessarily taught by someone, but things that the Spirit just ends up making me feel and that get those mind juices flowing and I guess what I'm suppose to learn at a specific time. I'm going to share one of these mind processes that happen as I daydream, think, question and find answers... (I'm trying to be better at writing this stuff down...hope you don't mind reading).

I began thinking earlier about what will happen when I die. I know that when that time comes, I'll eventually go to meet the Savior Jesus the Christ, The Redeemer of the World and of Mankind, The Light of the World, The Anointed One and all the other countless titles He is referred too. Reverently and with the deepest respect tinged with awe--I hope to be able to walk humbly, but with confidence towards Him.

You know, what will I do then? Will I get a chance to hold His hands in mine?? To watch my tears splash His hands as I realize who He is? I wondered today what I will do when I see the holes in his hands and feet. Those scars. Those small stripes of the purest of white skin that make up a scar; will I realize that I am a part of Him? That I, Rebecca Rhoden am literally engraved into His image like Isaiah says? Physically and Spiritually! Because of the Atonement He knows me. He knows what I have felt when I have sorrowed, sinned, or been sick. Isaiah says that "with his stripes we are healed." He knows how to teach me, comfort me, and love me. I think I'm barely beginning to understand. I am a part of who He is!! On an extremely minute level, and with his stripes, there's proof that I can be healed because He knows me. What a thought!?

It will always be me who separates myself away from Him for He cannot nor ever will be able to separate Himself from me! He's bound by spiritual Law for He knows me through and through. He can never leave me. He will never forsake me. He suffered everything there is to go through both the good and the bad and has 4 visible reminders on His hands and feet. He has taken my image upon Himself and somehow already refined and added it into His perfect being.

He needs to be in my image and countenance just as much as I will always be a small part of His. When this happens will I know that I used the Atonement effectively to its fullest potential? Will I then be able to say that I have never forsaken my Savior? That I took His countenance and name upon myself? Will I be able to gradually look into His eyes and have my confidence wax strong as I remember who I am??

Dear Baylee

I've now just known you for a year, 15 months to be exact. I've met your family. Slept in your house. You've met my family. And now we share a room. I love you! And everyday I grow to love you more. Thanks for making me laugh, wiping away my tears, always listening to me, loving me more than just a best friend but as a sister, and learning how to deal with me. I don't think you realize how much I love you and how surprised that you still love me! Thanks for opening my eyes to my weaknesses and first and foremost, dealing with them. I open my mouth to much, say things I shouldn't and do all that junk that you know all to well. You are so beautiful! And will always be a special person in my life. Remember when you were Relief Society President our freshman year? And then remember how you passed the mantle to me? The other day we went through our history and came to the conclusion that our friendship was set up by Heavenly Father. I have grown so much from living with you as a best friend in 3 months then I did all summer!

I love you.

Becky

11 Things On September 11

1. Last night (earlier this morning really) from 12-12:30 John guarded the flag on campus for memorial of 9 years ago.And this morning I got a call from Jim from Afghanistan<3

2. I have found a new appreciation with talking to my mom on skype. Mainly because I get to see Macey. But I also love watching her face talk:)it's so cute.

3. Started an Ultimate Frisbee tournament with the Band. Go team COSMOSITYYY!!!! Of course we won 11-9.

4. Felt the heart-strings (as a friend would say) get pulled in the temple as I
reflected on baptisms for the dead and the many who have died or lost hope because of war. Thank goodness for repentance, baptism, and resurrection!

5. Watched BYU get slaughtered by Air Force in football. Go figure, we DID play with them on September 11. Which ended up giving me a fabulous 30 minute nap.

6. Realized how humble I should always be as I thought about being an "instrument in the Lord's hands". The only way we are able to do things is because the Lord does build us up, enlighten us, and help us fill our capacity. Since when did we go to a band concert and say, "did you hear that trumpet player?". No, its the whole BAND who sounds good. The trumpet player may have talent, but he's just an instrument to bringing about something much better.

7. Realized I have more weaknesses than I personally am willing to live with and now have daily confessional with my roommate Baylee who patiently listens to every little frustration that I have and listens to how I'm going to try and overcome all these nasty things I dislike.

8. Went to HumorU and died laughing at their highlight stand-up comedy dude Stephen Jones.

9. Wouldn't life be so grand if we just got rid of grades and money? Seriously, I thought I was going to go broke after buying my groceries today. And after writing a paper at 11pm on a Saturday night, I would much rather just not worry about getting a grade, but an education.

10. Accidentally got a bit confused and went to neighboring stakes adult session of conference. Loved it though!

11. FINALLY have a router where I can lie on my bed and B.L.O.G. happy days have come once more.

p.s. 3 weeks into school and have pretty done more than i did all summer: thinking, goal-setting, accomplishing, playing, crying, etc. etc.