Special Weekend.

This time of year everyone starts thinking about what truly makes Christmas meaningful.  I love the focus that all have on the Savior.  This is why there is so much joy and peace brought during the Christmas season; our focus is completely on him. I am so grateful for this knowledge in my life. 

I also have some pretty special people in my life. Two of them being my Grandma & Papa Starley.  It has been a unique and special experience for me to be going to college in Provo where they live.  I have been able to spend a lot of quality time with them and learn from them.  They are always doing things for me and lifting the heads and hearts of those in need. 

I got to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert with them in SLC this weekend.  It was such a treat.  Not only are they awesome, but too much fun to hang out with.  How many people have grandparents that are cooler than them? I do.  And my grandpa is the classiest man alive.  Party on. The concert was amazing and instilled the spirit of Christmas into this little heart of mine.  I really needed that.

This weekend I also got to go out with some of my closest friends that I haven't seen in a while.  We went to dinner and then just happened upon two llamas inside of a diamond store.  Things like that just always seem to happen to us.  These girls have been the biggest blessing in my life.  They made college the unforgettable and at times bearable experience that it has been.  I love them like sisters and will miss them when we all leave for the rest of our lives.  So grateful for the angels Heavenly Father places in our lives and hearts forever.

The last thing I did this weekend involved surprising my grandma.  As I mentioned above, she is always looking after others.  I am not sure of the last time that she did something for herself.  I thought it would be fun to surprise her with one of her favorite things.  For Christmas this year I bought her nutcracker ballet tickets.  My roommate, Hollie, and I planned to surprise her.  It worked so well, as she had no idea where we were taking her.  When she found out, she cried and thanked us over and over.  My grandma was a ballerina.  The nutcracker ballet always warms her heart and helps her to feel the Christmas spirit.  She told us she had been wanting to go and could not even remember the last time she had seen it.  I was so happy.  It just added to the special weekend I had already had. I want to make going to the Nutcracker a tradition for Christmas every year. I love it!

 

Merry Christmas & happy finals week to all :]

Updated Employment

Okay peeps...

The time has come where I have to leave Campus Floral.  I have worked there for almost 4 years. CRAZY to think about but it is real.  I have gotten a new job that I am very excited about.  I will be one of the Floral Design TAs for BYU.  I am thinking it is really going to be a blast and teach me alot.  I can't wait to work with the students and learn a little bit more about floral myself.

In other employment updates... I am applying for Sports Camps and EFY this summer! I don't know quite yet which one I prefer.  I did sports camps two summers ago and it was the most fun I had ever had.  I think it might be time for a new adventure though...called EFY. We shall see what I end up doing.  I am starting my applications for both of them once finals are over and can't wait.

It blows my mind that Fall Semester is already over.  Thursday is our last day of classes and then finals begins.  What a dream! I love finals week.  I feel free to use my time in anyway I want and actually like the feeling of taking and finishing tests...especially if they go well.  I feel great about it.

Mostly I am so excited to go home for a little break.  I am potentially going to the Las Vegas Bowl with my dad and some friends, and sleeping by the Christmas tree, and seeing old friends. Bring on the fun.

Eleven DIASSSSS. 

Happy Finals....

Pilates & Lifes' goods!

I used to think that I was just a runner girl.  I really have grown to love yoga too, but pilates I had never tried.  IT IS MY NEW FAVORITE! If I could have it my way I would run 2 or 3 times a week and do pilates 2 times as well.  I am in a pilates class through BYU right now with Hollie twice a week. It is hard, but you really begin to feel and see a difference slowly.

I am hoping that I can continue to take pilates classes.  It is low impact to your body.  It focuses on and strengthens the core.  I have never felt better, thanks to pilates!

Also,  quick update of last weekend... Hollie surprised me and took me to the So You Think
You Can Dance Concert in Salt Lake City.  It was the best thing... made me miss dance and realize how I need to start going to more dance concerts! She had planned it out two months in advance and planned clues to slowly tell me on our drive where we were going.  It was the sweetest thing.  I am so grateful for her in my life and the precious friendship she gives me.  We have plans to surprise my grandma the same way Hollie surprised me and take her to the nutcracker! I can't wait to see ballet, especially with my grandma.  She used to be a ballerina.  I think that is where my love for dance generates from.  GOOD TIMES AHEAD!

Most importantly, I am so excited for Thanksgiving! My family is coming to me this year. PARTY! This are to fun for words and the people I love the most. Let the games begin. Yupppp.

I just have to finish all of my work first..... That's what this weekend is for!! :]

Dreamin'.

This week I had a million dreams and goals revisit my brain... I have again become dreamer girl again and I looovvveee itt.

My newest dream proves my nerd level...no shame

1. Family History trip to England, and Scotland.

Here are the deets peeps: I have just mentally planned a trip for post graduation. I dream of it being a girls trip including my sister, mom, aunt, and grandma. My ancestors stem back to a beautiful little place called Coventry, England. Our great * 12,00 grandpa has a museum dedicated to him there. I can't wait to go. :] England will be our first stop. There we can go to their libraries and do family history research. My Aunt tells me that Scotland is known for it's family history so that will be our next stop. It isn't fully developed, but I am feeling great about it. Yes I am.

2. I want to learn to play the piano/sing more.

I just remember how great and important good music is the weekend. I want to participate in it more!

3. I can't wait to graduate college and be in the work force...whattt?

Never thought I would say that. I met with a good friend today that graduated this past year. She is one of the angels in my life and always gives me the greatest advice. She got talking to me about the difficulties of real life, but that got me so excited for some reason. I am really excited to hopefully plan events and influence people to be happier or better in their lives.

4. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Of all the blessings in my life this is my favorite. It is the place from which all of my other blessing stem from. It is the pep in my step and the reason for my happy heart. When I will serve a mission, I don't know. But, I know that I will serve. I don't know everything, in fact I don't know much. But I know that I have a Savior that is always there. I am grateful for opportunities to get to know him better, even though they mean difficulty. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven, who's spirit and love I can access at any time.

Happy 2 week of November ya'll. Thanksgiving is almost here! :]

2 dias...

Well folks it is now officially only two days until I am back in my very own mother land. I am stoked out of my mind for the trip!!!

I am taking 8 of my friends from DC home with me. Thanks to my angel mother & dad, we will all be sleeping at my house. I love roadtrips, especially if they are head south toward one of the places that I love most. We have some fun things on our agenda & I can't wait to report back. Some that I am rather excited for are hiking in red rock and seeing the Vegas sign. It is so much fun to show friends around. The most glorious part of the weekend is definately going to be the fact that it is going to be 70 DEGREES. That is my favorite temperature. Feelin great about that little number. And most of all...I can't wait to hug my family. They are the greatest and most fun people that I know.

Bring on the great weekend! Pray that I can do my homework without getting car sick... :]

Maria & Luigia.

To old for Halloween?!

NEVER. 

:)

 

 

The Halloween festivities have begun and it makes me so happy. FALL will always BE THE BEST.

We had our ward party last night.  It was awesome. Hollie was Luigia and Maria.  The female-ish versions of Mario & Luigi.  We are going to be working at the Provo Halloween Carnival. We have done it for the past three years and it is one of our favorite things.  Yes, it is a LONG event, but it is so fun to be around kids and families on Halloween.  We have too much with all of the kids and this year we get to help with the crafts...as Mario and Luigi. Hopefully we don't freak them out.  :]

 

 

And nowwww foorrrrrrr...BOBBY'S BIRTHDAY BASH!

 

 

 

 

We threw a birthday party for our good friend Bobby Moulder.  It was a blast to have old friends come to our apartment and eat there hearts out.  Thanks Bobs for having at 25th Birthday.  I would rather host a party than do homework ANY DAY. :]]

 

At this time next week I will be in Vegas with my family and my good friends from DC.

Party on People!

 

 

how'z Life?!

That title is totally grammatically incorrect.

This girl passed her grammar test this week.

Waddddupppp.

(not grammatically correct)

:]

 

This week went by so fast, but was definitely a good one.  I have two midterms this week that I passed and feel super about. YES.  Next week is my economics test...pray for me real hard about that one. :]

 

My roommate Kara shared a quote with me today that I love.  It reminded me a lot of the words that we heard at General Conference last week.  Can we talk about that for just a second?! AMAZING.  It is a miracle and a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, that every heart is touched and taught at such a deep level.  General Conference was just what I needed.

 

Here is the great quote that I think we should all remember...

 

"Adversity is like a strong wind. I don't mean that it holds us back from places we might otherwise go. It also tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that afterward we see ourselves as we really are, and not merely as we might like to be."

 

-Memoirs of a Geisha; Arthur Golden.

 

 

I was touched by that quote.  I am greatful for the refinement of trial.  I have to often remind myself that I am here on this earth for the purpose of preparing, not relaxing.  Trail gets us to our bare bones; , to remind us of who we are and who created us.  Christ is always by our side, and we are always in his and the Father's hands. I am greatful for the struggle.  I am greatful for the strength and depth of character, testimony, and love of the Savior that follows. I love Him and the gospel.  It is wonderful.

What does trial mean anyways? I have always assumed it to mean a period of difficulty, but I was wrong.  I looked up the definition and learned so much.

Trial
1a: the action or process of trying or putting to the proof
b. a preliminary contest
2: the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue.
3: a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation
4a: a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness
b: one of a number of repetitions of an experiment
5: Attempt

Trial is the attempt. It is the test.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

 

:]

 



Just call me Julie Andrews...

Life is so good. Guys, it's so good.

(exclamation point)

:] 

 

 ... & these are a few of my favorite things currently:

 

Fall.

I can't get enough of the Fall weather in Provo.  After this week I am positive that Provo, Utah is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world.  I walk home with the greatest feeling of content. It is like a small piece of heaven for me. The brisk feeling of the wind on your face and a little rosie-nose -- I love them! The change of the seasons and the start of the celebrations make even the saddest heart bright.

 

GENERAL CONFERENCE.

I am so grateful for the things that I was taught and for the things that I felt today.  I felt the fullness of heart immediately as I starting listening.  It was like a filling of my soul.  I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is the Lord's church. I am excited to start my own Mormon.org profile. All of my joy, hope, happiness, and peace comes from the Savior and his plan to bring us home. I hope to be a woman of devoted discipleship my whole life long. This journey we are on is meant to be a learning ground that we joyfully endure.  How grateful I am for modern day revelation and the prophets of the Savior's church. I am grateful for the Father's love and sweet guidance in our lives.

 

Running ...

... has made it's little way right back into my life.  I ran a women's relay in Midway (also a little bit of heaven) last weekend with some wonderful friends. I decided that I want to retire to Midway. Also, I reminded myself how much I love the challenge and great feelings that come from running.  Hopefully more to come.

 

Peace.

A calming to my soul, in this crazy world, from the one true source of peace.

 

ZUCCHINI EVERYTHING

Grandpa gave me a recipe for Zucchini Fritters that has changed my life and taste buds. Delish. I love cooking.

 

Schoolio.

Peeps, school is the world's greatest this semester. I love the feeling of understanding, growth, and development.

 

Kickball

I am on the VTFK3: Von Trapp Family Kickers 3. They are the most fun team of all time in my opinion. We are going into playoffs this next week.

 

Anyways, I am grateful for right now and all the beautiful things of life and Provo town, USA.

 

Kick starting the Week with a little more General Conference tomorrow!

Don't forget it.

Cheerio!

 

 

Crazy week turned awesome.

If life locks you out of your apartment, hit the hammock. :)

Got locked out of my apartment and got to read outside for an hour. I really don't use that hammock enough...

These bad boys below look like gross green pancakes. They are actually the most life changing food in America. Not really. In any case, I LOVE THEM. Grandma &Grandpa Starley made them for me and so I had to get the recipie. They are ZUCCHINI FRITTERS. Yum *12. That means yum times twelve. I am in a math economics class and so I am trying to be fancy. :)

This week ended up being a keeper for sure. Went to the football game tonight and got to sit on the second row... DEEAM. It was freezing cold outside but I could handle it. I even got to see my grandpa! He is one of my favorite men in the whole world. We won the game and then I got to come home and prepare for my relay in the morning! WAHOOOO! I also listened to grammar girl while doing the dishes ... Oh yes, it was great. The only thing that made me nervouse this week is the fact that snow is just around the corner...

Happy weekend-ing y'all. 

TTYL. :)

Weekend of first & favorites.

 

All that I can say is that crazy brains planned the excitement this weekend and I am PLUM TUCKERED OUT.  I feel great about it though.  My roommate Hollie has been wanting to hike Mount Timpanogos for the past year.  Today was the day that we finally had time to do it.  My only condition was that we would make it back for the HOLY WAR... The BYU vs. UTAH football game. 

 

We left for Timp this morning around 7 this morning.  We expected to be done around three in the afternoon. We rounded up all the troops, made a quick stop at Great Harvest for a slice of bread, and we were off to American Fork Canyon.  We started at the Timpanokie trail head in a camp ground.  I was feeling kind of nervous for the hike at this point.  I didn't know what to expect ... all that I knew was that I was going to have to conquer my fear of heights today. 

 

The climb up to the saddle truly was not a bad or incredibly difficult hike at all.  It was just long and consistent in terms of the incline.  We arrived at the saddle and the view was beautiful.  The wind was roaring up there and I was so nervous to continue up to the summit.  After a little break at the saddle we moved on to the summit.  Part of the time it felt like I was scaling the side of a cliff in the roaring wind. INTENSE. Eventually, we made it to the top.  The only words I have to describe finally being at the top are-- PURE JOY. Seriously.  I was shaking a little bit, but I am totally going to cross off my bucket list item, "Conquer your fear of heights" after today. YUP.

 

The way back down to the saddle went by really quickly.  The rest of our descent to the trail head did not feel as quick.  Although,  singing climb every mountain and pretending to be the Von Trapp Family in the Swiss Alps did help.

 

On our way down, I started having a sneezing attack annnddddddddddddd realized I had a bloody nose. MY FIRST one ever.  I felt pretty cool. Weird, I know.  But it is totally something I would feel cool about.  Another fun fact about our hike: my fingers swelled enough to look like sausage links. I couldn't close my hand into a fist.  For the first time in my life I see what my dad means by "sausage link fingers."  I've got 'em. I was a medical wonder today. Ummmmhmmmmm.

 

PICS BELOW:

 

 

 

 

We attempted to go the football game for a little bit.  It is just my favorite thing ever.  The games also make me miss my family a lot too. This would be the 'favorites' part of my blog.  The stadium tonight was the most packed I am seen it in my four years at BYU. I couldn't believe.  Hols and I ended up sitting at the very top of the visitor's side with two Polynesian women.  I would not have rather sat anywhere else in the stadium.

 



 

Let the adventures begin.....

My roommate just brought me a bowl of my favorite Mint Chip ice cream.

Priorities...

SEE YA!