Mele Kalikimaka

Christmas mornings are usually filled with wrapping paper, cookies, and snow...and generally racing downstairs to see what's laying around the Christmas tree is my favorite, but this year I was more than happy to give all that up for some sun and the beach. After years of begging our dad to go to Hawaii we finally went! Everyday was filled with being lazy on the beach and having shaved ice every.single.day. We went to the temple, Polynesian Cultural Center, more than one beach a day, and on top of all that trying to fit in all the favorite places to eat. On Christmas morning we went on a hike and by the time we were on the way down it had started raining buckets on us. We were soaked within seconds even though we had just dried off after swimming at the waterfall. Good thing I had a towel so that we could wrap the camera and phone up in it! I'm so grateful for a family full of goofballs that are constantly making me laugh. They are seriously my best friends. Now it's back to the snow to get my fill of skiing in. 

Mele Kalikimaka!

My semester is famous!

They filmed a new hosting video while I was there. This brings back so many amazing memories.

I'm going on a mission.

yep. This is real. I'm going on a mission! 

Let's start from the beginning of when this whole process of going on a mission started. One word. Jerusalem. I learned so much about myself there, and I think it was one of the first times I have ever really, unconditionally loved a group of people outside of my family. I loved the people in the program, and even more so the people I met out on the streets. Most importantly, I came to know my Savior, and the more I did the more I had a desire to share my knowledge and happiness with others. Even though I still had over a year till I turned 21 I began seriously thinking about going of a mission for the first time. Fast forward to October 6th.

I am watching the Saturday morning session of General Conference in the Tabernacle. As we were waiting for the session to start I mentioned how the Tabernacle always reminds me of how Brigham Young would stand up in that building and just start calling men to move their entire life and settle a new town, or to leave their family and go on a mission without asking them prior to the meeting. Ironic that I was thinking about that right? Well, when President Monson made the announcement about lowering the ages for boys going on missions I immediately turned to whoever was sitting by me and said, "wait, are they going to change the age for girls too!?" and not too long after that my question was answered. I was so overwhelmed with complete joy and fear the minute he made the announcement. I'm not sure how that works, but I just started to cry(I've become such a baby since Jerusalem), and I knew right then that it wasn't a matter of if I was going to go on a mission but when I was going to go. General Conference was an answer to my prayers in a way I had never expected.

I have to admit though a mission was never on my mind growing up. I always thought go to college, and I'll be married before I graduate because I'll be so old and mature by then. right!? haha, such a lie. I'm the one in the family that struggles with sharing my feelings. I'm the one who cried for at least 10 minutes because I was too afraid to say one thing I had a testimony of (we'll just say I was old enough that that shouldn't have been so scary). I'm the one who doesn't really like talking to strangers, and yet I'm the one going on a mission. 

This mission is perfect for me, and there is nothing else I want to do right now than to share my testimony and love of this gospel with others. The Lord is sending me where I need to go, and even though I know it will be hard at times I am so grateful that I am being trusted with His message. My bishop shared this with me when I started my papers:

I am called of God.

My authority is above that of kings of the earth.

By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative 

of the Lord Jesus Christ

He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him-

to stand in His place, to say and do what He himself would say and do

if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me.

My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts;

my words are His words, and my doctrine is His doctrine.

My commission  is to do what He wants done;

to say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness 

in word and in deed

of the divinity of His great and marvelous Latter-day work

How great is my calling!

-Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Sister bonding

Before it turned into a snow globe here in p-town, Julia and I took a drive up to Sundance to take some pictures before all the leaves fell off the tree. This was the first time I had driven the Alpine Loop, so it took us a while to decide where to stop and take pictures without worrying that a car would come flying around the corner and kill us. If it isn't apparent already let me point it out for you. Julia is drop. dead. gorgeous.

The weekend after that we road tripped it down to Cedar City to watch Les Miserable that the Shakespeare Festival was putting on this year. We are obsessed with this play, and had the best time going to the play and sleeping in a hotel with a queen bed all to ourselves(even if we only got to sleep in it for 5 hours). This summer I read the book, saw the play, and am anxiously waiting for the movie to come out. Needless to say it has definitely been a year of Les Mis, and if you don't know anything about this book please, please, please read it!

For one night we were back

            There is this amazing thing called BYU Arabic Club, and tonight there was a little Arab Festival. We ate pita, hummus, baklava, and falafel. We danced, and talked to people from Jerusalem. We talked about those times we ran into the city to get a falafel, and barely made it back in time for class. We talked about those times we were so full of delicious food, but our friends kept putting food on our plate. We talked about those times we barely made it back to the center for a field trip, and all the friends we made. Tonight, we felt like we were back in Jerusalem, and couldn't be happier.

Sunday Thoughts

Trampoline

Bouncin' upon the trampoline

So high above the ground,

Just as I was goin' up

I saw her- comin' down.

She had a daisy in her hair,

She wore a silken gown,

But when she started goin' up,

I was comin' down.

I tried to say, "Hello--nice day."

She smiled and spun around.

"come up awhile with me," yelled she,

But I was goin' down.

And so, as yet, we've never met

Because we've sadly found 

That one is always goin' up

While one is comin' down.

-Shel Silverstein

Most of the time I read Shel Silverstein's books for comic relief, but since it's Sunday I'm feeling all profound or something like that, so here are my thoughts this afternoon. Take some time out of your day to talk to that person you've meant to talk to, but have been too busy to do so. Call up an old friend you haven't seen in a while, and spend some time catching up with them. You don't know what they are going through, and they might just need someone to talk to or need to know that someone cares.  So cut your Sunday nap short 15 minutes and go find that person! I promise it will put a smile on their face and yours!

Conference Weekend

This year is the first year that the family has come down to watch General Conference, and I am so glad they came. We hit up the BYU women's soccer game, and the football game against Utah State all in one night. We must like sports or something. We watched the Saturday morning session in the Tabernacle, and watched the afternoon session in the Conference center. It was fun to see everyone's observations of the small things that I noticed my first time watching Conference in SLC like how there is a collective gasp and excitement when an announcement is made (two temples and lowering the ages of missionaries!!!???). When we walked past the protesters either Gabrielle or Marie (sorry can't remember which one) said that the missionaries should go talk to them. haha so sweet, and the funny thing is our Granma did try one time, but they had to take their headphones out before they could take to her.

So many of the talks were amazing, and I couldn't possibly choose a favorite. All of the talks were just what I needed, but in different areas of my life. I am so grateful for inspired leaders in our Church that can feel and know of all of our needs and be able to address all of them in just 2 days! I can't possibly express how much I depend on the gospel and the truth that it brings into my life!

Help a sista out

My awesome roommate SJ, back in Jerusalem made a film for a competition. If she gets the most views on youtube then she wins! She even gets more points if you comment on the video! So you guys should all head on over to youtube and comment on the video after watching it. Then all you have to do  is share it with everyone you know and all the strangers you don't know in Walmart!

Thanks for the help!

Let's be honest

Last night was one of those crawl in a hole, snuggle up with a blanket, and sleep everything away kind of nights. I took a nice long, hot shower in hopes that I would sleep good. Well that definitely backfired. I didn't sleep at all last night. Thank goodness it's Tuesday, and there was a devotional today that was exactly what I needed to hear. Seriously, who is telling these people what I'm going through!? The last 2 devotionals have been perfect, and if you missed it here's the link to read or watch the speeches. http://speeches.byu.edu/ My favorites were Jeffrey Wilks entitled Optimism and Joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then todays was given by Ray Huntington(it's not up yet, but you should check everyday until it's there!). Brother Huntington talked about a gratitude journal, and I think that's just what I need. So here's my gratitude journal for the day:

I'm grateful that 2 of my sisters and a brother in-law are here at BYU with me. Plus, I have always been blessed with great roommates. I seriously would go insane without them.

I'm grateful for an able body that can run, jump around, swim, and play sports.

I'm so incredibly grateful to be in a major that I love (no matter what all you haters think about Elementary Ed.)

I'm grateful for opportunities to serve, and those special moments when you find out they really needed it that day.

I love it when people comment on my smile. It makes my whole entire week!

I'm grateful for parents that raised me in a loving home that showed me that the gospel should be the center of our lives.

I'm grateful for fall days, sweaters, and hot chocolate.

I'm grateful for grandparents that have served missions, and are amazing examples.

I'm grateful for general conference coming up, and having the opportunity to listen to the Apostles and Prophet speak to ME.

And most importantly, I'm so grateful that my family, minus Nat:(, are coming down to Provo on Friday! I can't wait to spend a weekend not thinking, laughing with my family, and being spiritually uplifted!

What's in your gratitude journal today?

Gettin' Dirty

 This weekend the Jeru Crew got together, again, to tackle the Dirty Dash. Let me tell you, this is every little kids DREAM! Some went a little crazy and were doing belly flops into the mud. Me? I just stuck with a plain ole cannon ball. We were floating in the water/mud, screaming and laughing about all the mud getting everywhere. EVERYWHERE! We had the time of our lives as we jumped back in time to when we didn't care how dirty our clothes got or how much we squealed over how much fun we were having.

Even if you aren't a runner you have to do this! Honestly, we probably walked half the time. I know it's a little on the pricey side for a fun run, but definitely worth it. Check it out over at the Dirty Dash website. Meanwhile, I'm going to continue trying to clean the mud out of my ears:)

All I want...

I miss this place.

...is my bed. Early morning custodial has taught me a few things...again 

1. that I still can't avoid my procrastinating habits (yes I do realize by trying to avoid it, I am     only making things worse)
2. I can only go so long without sleep before I start not being able to function
3. I am SO incredibly grateful for the new job I got after only working early morning for one week even if it was the busiest week so far since school has started.

I have no classes on Friday, so ya know what that means!? I am laying in my bed all. day. long. well at least until I have to work later that night:)

Happy Sleeping!

Every day is game day!

Friday Night Out

Sometimes you just need to get all dressed up on a friday night even if you're just chillin' with your Jeru family.

You know those times in your life where everything lines up perfectly, and almost everything seems to relate to a specific theme? Well that's how this morning was. A dear family friend, passed away this morning. Bonnie was my Grandpa's secretary for a long time, and our neighbor for a few months. There are so many memories of going to visit her on Halloween or Christmas and despite our lack of singing ability singing her Christmas songs or playing a few songs on the piano. She is one of those people that just make you feel so loved and accomplished. Every time we would walk through the door she would put her hands on our shoulders and just look at us for a second, and say "wow! you have grown up so much!" and then pull us in for a hug.

In spite of this sad news I got right after leaving the temple I can't help, but feel like everything will be ok. I know that Bonnie is finally reunited with her husband and it is truly a happy reunion. Pictured above is my Jeru group in Priene right after Brother Huntsman gave a devotional I'm sure none of us will forget anytime soon. He talked about losing loved ones, and even though it's hard for us that they are now gone they are having a joyous reunion with loved ones that have passed on before them. Death is something very hard, but we will all have to deal with this at some point in our lives. Even though others are losing their mother, grandmother, and friend I just can't help but think of the joyous reunion going on right now. It may be hard for us now, but some day we will all have our happy reunion, and I think that is something to look forward to after a life well lived.

We'll miss you Bonnie!

First day of School

You know those classes that you go to, and something is said that is just what you needed to hear or is something you've thought about but haven't really discussed a lot? Well, that's how every single one of my classes have been so far. Yes, I am an Elementary Ed major so the things we talk about are pretty interesting and fun, to me at least, but I think all my classes this semester are just what I need this year. We watched this video yesterday in one of my Intro classes, and we talked about our legacy we want to have as teachers and what/who our inspirations to become teachers are. 

I know not everyone are going to be teachers (but really we are all teachers in some way), but I think we can all apply this to our lives no matter how old we are or what are career choice is. We all have people that look up to us, and turn to us for advice. So it's our job now to become the person we want to be. How do we want to be remembered and known for? What do we want our legacy to be?

Also, I love the family history section of the library. I was just sitting there minding my own business like I usually do and an old man just started talking to me and we started to talk about education and being a teacher for a little bit. Conversations with strangers make me so incredibly happy, and is one thing that always make me miss family wards. 

P.S. I'll get around to posting pictures(none of which are mine because I haven't charged my camera since Jeru, oops) about my weekend and Bear Lake soon!

Hope you're first few days of classes are as great as mine have been!

Out of Time

The day has finally come. I'm driving back to Utah, but with some fun pitstops planned (Dillon, Rexburg, Bear Lake). I have to admit though I have mixed emotions about leaving this year which is definitely not how I felt at the beginning of the semester. Coming home after Jerusalem was hard, really hard at first. I missed everyone, and hated that I was missing out on all the fun things people were doing together, and at that point the end of summer could have been the next day if I had it my way. Slowly but surely the craving to have friends around me 24/7 like I did at the JC diminished, and I remembered the BEST friends I have living with me right now that will be mine forever. They make laugh constantly, tell me to pull myself together when I need it most, show me how to be a better person, and love me despite all my little quirks. Now that the time has come to leave home and Spokane for another school year I'm so sad how fast the summer went by, and wish I had more time to goof around with the family. I'm so grateful for a family that loves me, sisters(and a new brother!) that go to the same school, and parents that have season tickets to the football games. Summer was great, but it's time to get the school year rollin'. Provo here I come! 

Done!

I am finally done! Time to go give it to the Grandparents and then it's off to the lake!

Things you learn from girl's camp

-How to get a fro-

Step 1: Rag curls

Take small sections of your hair and wind them up in little pieces of cloth, tie them in a knot, and leave them in for a day.

Step 2: Take out rag curls

Enjoy a sneak peek into the future of what your hair will look like when you're 70

-My camera decided to conveniently fog up when we took this picture, no one wants close ups from girl's camp anyways:)

Step 3: Run your fingers through the curls, tease, drench with hairspray, and voila!

Now all you do is enjoy the stares, laughs, make up your own band, and dream that having a fro on a daily basis is socially acceptable:)

By the way, I'm Julia, the third oldest of our clan of girls! Preparing to go to college in one week with my two older sisters! Hope you enjoyed learning how to have a fro! Make sure you have a gallon of conditioner handy to detangle the fro!:)

-Julia