Missionaries

I LOVE missionaries. 

 It's true! They give up a year and a half-two years of their lives to serve the Lord and help share this amazing gospel with those around them (What missionaries are). Their selflessness is really inspiring.  I know I will only marry a returned missionary one day, because it is so important that a young man serve a mission.

At the same time, having so many of my friends leave on missions has been really, really hard. I feel like I can name more of my friends from high school who are on missions right now than aren't, and that's an amazing thing!! But I miss them. Like, way bad. In only a few months, a majority of the people who I would consider my best and closest friends will be out of state-lots out of country. I love it, they are incredible. But it's so hard not being able to talk to them all the time. Sometimes I just want to talk to one of my friends who has known me for so long, and knows me so well.. just hang out with them. But I know they're doing the right thing :) 

Not only my high school friends, but also a lot of people who I've become close with since starting BYU have left, or are soon leaving, for missions. 3 of my 5 roommates are leaving on missions after this semester! That's insane! I'm so proud of them!:) I've especially grown to love my roommate Kait. She is amazing! This last week we had tons of fun hanging out, cleaning the apartment, awaiting the mail, and just everything! Haha:) I feel like we both help each other out. She's way good at talking some sense into me sometimes;) She's going to make one heck of a missionary!:) 

So to all of those missionaries out there serving, or who will be shortly, this is for you:) I really wish I could explain just how much I truly admire and look up to you:) This gospel of Christ is the most amazing thing imaginable, how can we not share it?? So thank you:

Taiwan, Tahiti, South Carolina, Ghana, Argentina, California, Brazil, Chile, Korea, Hawaii, New Jersey, D.C, Czech Republic, Peru, Washington, Texas, Canada, Mexico, Pennsylvania, and so incredibly many more.

Those are just a few of the places where friends of mine are/will be serving. Love you all. To death. :) <3

Have a smashing day 

 In a couple months, all of these 4 amazing people will be serving missions, 2 of which already are. <3

Three of my closest high school friends. Both of the guys are on missions right now! Way to be!

 The roomies:)

A Tribute to the Favorite

Alright. So, as many of you know, I kind of like The Little Mermaid...kind of ;P 

Ok, that's probably the biggest understatement ever...so on that note, I decided to finally tally everything Little Mermaid that I own. Here goes nothing!

 

I got this keychain when I went to Disney World last year with my oldest sister!

I also bought this pen when I was in Disney World last year...I think it cost me $14...We were in a hurry and I was showing my sister and she just told me to get it! So I made a rash decision and did it! I'm not sure how worth it it was but...oh well!;P

This stuffed doll was a surprise for me when we got to our hotel room at Disney World last year...I have the best sister ever!:)

I also bought this pin last year in Disney World..the end.

I've had this towel for as long as I can remember!

I bought this shirt at Disney Land on the choir trip senior year!

My friend got this necklace and earrings for me on the choir trip! They were presented to me when I got asked to Prom! haha:)

 

My sister Anna gave this to me for Christmas last year! It hung on my rearview mirror all senior year and will be on my Christmas tree in my dorm this year!;)

My awesome roommate over the summer went to a birthday party and came home with this for me! They knew me too well;) Sadly, it deflated eventually haha. 

I got this when I needed a new pencil pouch before senior year..yes it has all the princesses on it, but Ariel's the best;)

 

One of my friends gave this piggy bank to me for Christmas last year:)

 

My mom gave this coloring book to me awhile ago..I'm not sure for what or when though haha. I know it was a few years ago!

For a dance junior year, my date and I went as Ariel and Eric! Our whole group went as Disney characters.

 

The back of the shirts I made!

I made this starfish into a clip and put it in my hair for that dance!

 

This was my birthday cake when I turned...you guessed it, 18! .......

 

 Me and my friends with Ariel on the choir trip!:) (notice shirt and jewelry;))

And, of course, the picture my family took in San Diego of me singing on the rock like Ariel does;)

So I don't ACTUALLY have this picture...but I think it's amazing! And I found it in puzzle form and asked for it for Christmas...haha:) And Little Mermaid socks.. :)

I'm not that obsessed! I just really like The Little Mermaid! haha. I mean, come on, I have red hair, blue eyes, I'm a singer, I'm the youngest child, I've always loved mermaids, and I think Prince Eric's the best prince. How much more similar could we get??

;)

Have a smashing day!:)

Shine On

 Thanksgiving is in t-minus 3 days!! I'm so stoked, I can NOT wait to go home and enjoy a nice break with my family:) 

Being at college makes me realize just how much I love my family! Yesterday I got to meet my sweet little nephew for the first time and see my niece, nephew, brother, and his wife who I haven't seen in over a year. It was so happy! They live way too far away. I am SO glad that I have 7 amazing siblings and 20 awesome nieces and nephews:)

Me and my sisters at Amelia's wedding :)

Me holding baby Levi for the first time

 I decided it's important to be optimistic sometimes. Have a dance party in your kitchen. By yourself. Or with others, it doesn't really matter:) But I even have a song for ya! It's this video of Noteworthy a few years ago, singing "Shine." Its my jam! It's such a good, happy song!:)

Life's not perfect! I mean, heck, I just burned myself on scalding hot water from microwavable pot-stickers and am currently icing my hand with frozen corn! (hashtag 1st world college probs)

Here's a little secret I'm gonna let you in on: life's hard sometimes. The end! But there's so much happy in the world. So find it. :) (In good things of course:))

Oh, and have a smashing day. :)

Kindness Counts

The little things matter. 

I cannot stress this enough. People who take time out of their day to do little acts of service impress me so much! No matter how chiché it may sound, really just a smile, or a compliment, or a phone call means so much. 

Today I walked to the mail delivery place really quickly before I had class to send a package to the MTC, and once I got there, realized I forgot my wallet. The problem was, by the time I realized this I had already gotten a box, put everything in it, wrote the address on it, and the lady sealed it up. I told the lady that I forgot it and was trying to figure out what I was going to do when she said "Don't worry, we'll just send it this time." I was shocked. "Really?? Are you sure??" was my reply. She insisted and said it really was fine. I was so incredibly grateful to this nice lady who really had an impact on my day. Had she not been so kind, I would've had to run home, be late for class, and not even get the package sent that day. She helped my entire day to run smoother. Because today wasn't the best of days, her little act of kindness affected so much. 

I guess my call to action is for everyone to pay attention to the little things. Recognize when you can do something small to brighten someone's day. It doesn't even have to be sending their package in the mail for free. If you notice that you like someone's outfit, appreciate their input, or something else like that, tell them. It really will brighten their day, whether you know it or not. ALSO, notice little things others do for you. It helps me to have a lot more gratitude when I pay attention to the little things around me. Even write them down! You'll start noticing just how many little blessings you have each day. I promise. :)

Oh, and by the way, have a smashing day. :)

The Worst is Over

Not gonna lie, this week has probably been the hardest week I've had since starting college back in June.  The whole world seemed to be fighting against me, in everything that I did. On top of my regular, busy schedule including classes and homework, I had 19 (NINETEEN!!) hours of Noteworthy this week alone. I also had 3 big tests, a relief society lesson to prepare, an audition to work on (I'm still working on that), and various other things pertaining to my emotional health going on.  I simply felt that I couldn't do it. Let's just say I may have had a few breakdowns, but that's besides the point.

Even with this killer, crazy week, I noticed a few amazing things happen that I am incredibly grateful for. I would be extremely ignorant to not recognize these blessings.

• On Thursday, Noteworthy performed at a disability center about 45 minutes away. My words cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity.  Those people were the most genuine, sweet, loving people I have ever met.  They were so happy and excited to have us perform for them, and gave us many hugs and handshakes afterwards. One lady asked for our autographs, many wanted pictures, and the center as a whole had "Welcome Noteworthy" and each of our names painted on the hard floor.  As we were singing, I just kept thinking about how God loves EACH of His children.  He loves those children at the disability center so much, and I'm so lucky to have met and sang for them.
• One night, after an especially hard day, I came home from Noteworthy practice to a room decorated with paper hearts by my roommates. That little, simple act really meant a lot to me. My roommates are so sweet.
• Amidst the crazy, I MADE time to go to the temple.  And I am so glad I did. I felt the most calm there than I have at any other time during the week. My Heavenly Father truly blessed me with that.
• On Thursday night, I called my sister Amelia, on the verge of tears, and asked her if she could help me study for my Physical Science test before I had Noteworthy practice. She took the time out of her evening and drove to campus, picked me up, listened to me have a breakdown in the car, and then helped me figure out my schedule, fed me dinner, and helped me study for my test. That was such a kind, selfless thing for her to do, as I know she had studies of her own to take care of.  It really meant a lot and greatly helped me.
• One night I was stressing out about finding the time to prepare my lesson for Relief Society, and I texted a girl in my ward asking if there was any way she could switch with me last minute. She, without hesitation, said she would do it, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I cannot even express my gratitude for her.  Maybe I should make her cookies.
• When I went to the temple, there was a very nice girl who helped me out. I don't even know her name, but she really made an impact on me, I wish I could thank her. 
• I made a pie in my cooking class, and even though I felt like I did everything wrong, it turned out perfect.

It amazes me how even though life is hard, God is still there and loves me and blesses me in little, everyday ways. I'm so grateful for the people around me, who watch out for me and take care of me. I really appreciate it more than they know. The little things really mean a lot to me. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

"Sometimes when I consider the tremendous consequences from little things...a chance word...a tap on the shoulder or a wink of an eye, I am tempted to think, there are no little things." 

-Emily Dickinson

Sometimes I just need to remember that God's plan and God's timing are perfect. Perfect. Then I know that everything's ok :)

Have a smashing day :)

The apple pie I made

Temple <3

At the disability center <3

A ghetto picture of one of the hearts my roommates put in my room. Thank you guys. :)

Life Comes At Ya!

Sometimes life gets crazy busy, and you don't have much time to update a blog...don't worry, I've called myself to repentance and decided it's time. ;)

Just kidding. BUT. I am going to give a little update:) So a huge chunk of my life is filled up with Noteworthy, which I love to death, but is definitely time consuming. Here's a little bit of what we've been up to!:

Singing on campus!

Recording a new Christmas song in the studio!

Performing at Guru's (where my family, including 2 cute neices came to watch me)

Looking fine for our photoshoot ;)

Among other things, including getting ready for a big concert on December 7th! Y'all should come. I'm not even southern, and just said y'all. It's fine. ;)

I've also been having a blast doing other fun things:

I got to take some pictures for my sister and her husband (which won't be posted without their permission, so I'll just post this beautiful scene instead) :)

I love this picture. The earth is seriously so beautiful, it astounds me. Fall is gorgeous. <3 :)

I got to Facetime with this cutie!! Love my nephew. :)

I spent over an hour one day just chilling by this stream and playing in the leaves, taking in the beauty of fall. :) It was extremely satisfying.

Yes, I was wearing sandals..

I made these cute treats on Halloween! Yay for mummies!

I carved The Little Mermaid into a pumpkin...it was possibly the best thing of my life.  

Ok, that may be exaggerating a little bit, but it was pretty dang awesome. And Emily carved a Christmas tree..who can compete with that??:)

We made graham shacks! Yes, graham shacks, NOT gingerbread houses.

This picture is too amazing for words.

Life is busy. Very, very busy. It comes down to school, homework, studying, Noteworthy, attempting a social life;), and sleep.  And, since it's 2 in the morning right now, it's obvious that I'm not quite getting the latter.  Whoops. 

I have so much to be grateful for, how can I complain?:) 

Have a smashing day!:)