Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! (I know it's late but better late then never right?) We finally have internet so I'll be posting more blog posts. Sorry I haven't been around for a few months :P We've been busy. With work for the both of us and married life to deal with it keeps us on our feet. But we love it. I love Christmas time and I love the fact that it's such a wonderful time to spend time with family. This Christmas was nice, I got to spend time with my family while also having another family to talk to.

I loved being able to spend Christmas with my husband, it was a unique experience and I can't wait to have more :). Although it was different it was fun. I got to spend time with my family and Arles at the same time, they get along so well and for that I'm truly grateful. Our family just keeps growing and before we know it Eric and Chris will be bringing in new people as well.

There is so much I want to talk about but I can't seem to bring my thoughts together in a way that sounds somewhat intelligent. So I'll just list all the happenings around here:
*Eric finally went driving today
*I got more shoes for Christmas
*Sleep is a wonderful thing
*I went out for sushi with the girls last week....oh how I love them
*I took Arles out for sushi the next night
*My brother in law has been living with us
*I cook...amazing right?
*Arles and I are heading to Edmonton for a couple days (I guess you can call it a honeymoon since we never went on one)
...and there's more but I'll post about them later.


Sorry for the short post but I really should get to bed. I've been pretty tired lately and this week is the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep. Oh but one more thing...Emily is engaged :) :). I'm so happy for her and can't wait for all of us cousins to meet up with our husbands :P. Anyways good night :)

Post-Married Life

Sorry I haven't written in a while, without internet it's been hard to stay on top of the blogging world :P. Well it's been five weeks since the wedding and I still feel like we're in the honeymoon stage, we have far to much fun together, we're always laughing and life is wonderful. I have never been happier. I also love that although we're living together nothing has changed in our relationship, he bugs me about my funny little habits (I leave cupboards open...) but it's all in good fun and at the end of the day I love having someone to talk to about the good and the bad. What's even better is our house is slowly coming together :) We just bought a couch yesterday so we're pretty excited about that.

I started a new job just after we got married and I love it. New kids mean new germs so I've been sick off and on for the past month but it's all good. Arles also started a new job, although the hours aren't the greatest (he works 6am to 6 pm), it still gives us time to ourselves at the end of the day. I love him so much :)

So a couple weeks ago I had an experience. I went through a giantic puddle in my alley...and killed my car. There I was driving along when I started to go through what I thought was a puddle so I sped up to make it through. Well then the car shuts down. I call my dad in a panic as I have to be at work in ten minutes (thank goodness dad's are still around after you're married :P). I then start the trek out of my car and toward my house; I step out of the car and realize the 'puddle' was knee deep. Frick. I got home and realized that Arles had come home sick and was at home so I had him drive me to work. I couldn't believe my luck that day. What's even luckier is that my car has been revived!!  It should be dead because I flooded it. But it's not thanks to my wonderful father and lovely husband.

Anyways that's life right now, crazy but fantastic. I love every minute of it and love that every week Arles and I go back to the temple and remember how we felt five weeks ago as we exited the temple as husband and wife :)

PS: Our wedding pictures will be making an appearance very soon :)

{Eternal Love}

It's been a week :). Everything on my wedding day went as planned and it was beautiful!! The weather was gorgeous, the sealing was extra special, and my husband (!!) and I are an eternal family. I could tell you all about my day but it really just flew by quickly, I am so happy. I thank God every day that Arles came into my life because I can't imagine life without him. Seperate we're wonderful people but together we just seem to fit. He makes me better and makes me want to hold true to everything I promised him in the temple. We even went back on Thursday to do some sealings. It was an awesome experience and I'm glad Arles and I both have the desire to attend the temple as often as we can. It's interesting how close you are to the other side when your inside. The first time I went through I felt the presence of someone very close to me {Grandma Wood}. Not only was she there that day but last week as we were in the sealing room I noticed that beside my mom there was an empty chair...it wasn't empty. She was there, the sealer told us that we had some special guests in the room with us and it was then I realized how close angels really are to us. They are always there, the hard thing is reconizing it. I love married life and can't wait to see how it plays out. :)

AHHHHH

So I should be in bed...or cleaning...or packing but instead I'm blogging. Thirteen hours, I have thirteen hours of single life left :) I'm so happy today. Yesterday I had a major break down and fainted...that was fun. But today was tons better, we just chilled and deocrated and got ready for our wedding tomorrow. I'm currently listening to Christmas music that Chris is playing. Hmmm I suppose it does feel like Christmas to me but I don't know about Chris :P . I'm so excited!!! Anyways I should run and get more stuff done :P I'll be back as a Mrs. soon :)

The Final Countdown

I have four days left until I am sealed together with Arles for time and eternity :). I don't know where this summer has gone!! It feels like life has just been flying by, it doesn't seem that long ago that I was hanging out with Arles at the dance and now we're almost married! His parents will be here tomorrow and the rest of his family will be here on Thursday. I still feel a little overwelmed but I know that Heavenly Father is and has been helping me every step of the way.

I am so grateful that he is able to take me to the temple. We went three times last week. I love it in there and the more I go the more I pick up on, I am so glad that I am begining to understand the basics so I can then begin to really look for what the many symbols mean. Each time I go I try to focus on one part and that has really helped to let me understand what it truly means. I love it.

So I got a full time job! I was offered a part time job and I have been trying to phone them back in order to let them know I can take it but they never picked up and never phoned back. I was getting ready to go into town to talk to them when I had a feeling that I should try one more time. I did and my new boss picked up and told me she had given my position away...but she had a full time position to offer me! So now I am employed and ready to take on new challanges. I really like my new boss and I think it will work out for me :). It goes to show that Heavenly Father is mindful of me and knows I needed a new job.

Anyways I have tons to do and honestly I have never felt more at ease with this wedding. I'm going to the temple again tonight and have an eternity with Arles to look forward to. Life is wonderful.

I Love to See the Temple, and I Went Inside.

I went to the temple last night! I can't really put in words how I feel other then I hope every member of the church strives to be worthy to enter that sacred place. I love it. I can't wait to go over and over again. It is somewhere that I can escape the world. I really wish I could explain with words how happy I was to be there and to commit to the higher law but I can't. It's felt not spoken. I'm so grateful for everyone that got me to this point and I can't wait to go next week(!!!!) with my future companion. He's wonderful and I love I got to share this experience with him.

What's That? Only Two Weeks Left Until I'm a Mrs.? YESSS

Where has the time gone? I am so close to my wedding it's unbelievable. Two weeks. Two weeks today I'll be getting ready to be sealed to Arles and become his eternal companion. As for wedding planning things are still going great, I have not stressed all that much and things are all falling into place. I love Arles I really do, he has been great over the past couple of months and has helped me to not stress over the small things. Sure it'll be nice to have a reception to celebrate our marriage but the only important part is the sealing :).

I go through the temple in three days! I can't believe that after waiting and wanting to go so bad I finally am going. Last week Arles, mom, and I went to get my temple clothes including a dress. For me putting on that dress was like trying on my wedding dress. It fit perfectly and it made things set in all the more. I stood in awe for a few minutes thinking to myself "this is really happening!". I can't wait to wear it. It's like my wedding dress in that sense, I feel beautiful wearing it. But unlike my wedding dress it's a differnt kind of beautiful, it's how I know that I will be wearing it many a times inside the temple. I love it and all it does and will stand for in the future.

Last week I had a bridal shower in Calgary :) It went great and I saw many people that I haven't seen in years. I was also surprised at the amount of gifts I got. They were like wedding presents! I have things now that can be used to make a home. We got everything from plates to a three tier appetizer tray (which looks so cute in our new home). I am so grateful for everyone who pitched in and was willing to spend time with little Julie Marie.

On another note Arles moved into our place the other day. It's a cute basement suite with a huge living room and a huge bathroom. It was so exciting putting our stuff away and trying to figure out how to organize everything. I know I'm a geek but I get a thrill not only with taking off stickers but with unpacking as well. Just the fact that it's my home and I can put things where I want is a exciting experience. Just the fact it will be our home makes things so much more exciting

Well sorry again about the lack of pictures, I promise someday I will get some on here. Anyways wish me luck with the next couple weeks and I'll try to blog on Tuesday about my temple experience :) :).

Marshmallows Float

Things are busy around here so I haven't been updating my blog as much as I would like. So this week we finally got our engagment photos back :) They are natural and so beautiful! Here's a few of my favorites:

I love all of these mainly because Arles and I are goof balls, during the whole session we were having a grand time. I love him and the fact he brings out the best in me. He's everything I ever wanted. Never did I ever think that I could deserve someone who loves me so much, he treats me with the uttermost respect and makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. Only 28 (4 weeks!!!) until we're an eternal family :). 17 days until I take out my endowments!!.

I have to tell this story though. Last week at fhe we had a tiny bonfire complete with s'mores. Well I'm not a huge fan of marshmallows but I ate one anyway. Well Alres decided to make a double decker s'more. That's not even the worst of it. Right after he decided to make a giantic one. It had eight crackers, four marshmallows, two super size marshmallows, and I think four or five pieces of chocolate. He ate half of it then as soon as we got back to my place he went in the bathroom and...well got sick for a while. He came out of the bathroom and said "turns out marshmallows float". Sick. I love him but that was nasty.

Anyways I've been packing up to move back to my parents house until the wedding and I probably should go to bed...night everyone!! I promise I'll update more when I have a minute.

Looking Up

Ok so I left things depressing a couple hours ago but after doing some cleaning, folding, seven loads of laundry (yes it seems I do have that much to wash...poor Arles will have no closet space), packing, all while watching "Letters to Juliet". I feel much better now. Yes I over-dramatize things and yes I'm somewhat of an emotional wreck sometimes but I know that I'm not in it alone anymore. Perhaps it was nice to have an evening to myself to realize this. Even when he's not here, he's only a phone call away :)

I love being near him. The sprituality that radiates from him is amazing. No matter how down I am or how stressed he calms me down. Even if he is trying to blow on my stomach...it usually turns into a battle for about ten to twenty minutes. I love him even if he tries to torture me... :P. Anyways I am heading to bed early tonight so I can wake up ready for more planning tomorrow.

Really??

Seriously? Who stands there crying over the kitchen sink while doing the dishes? Apparently me :P I guess my first 'wedding planning break down' has just occured. Things are going really smooth, they are, but I suppose I'm just stressing. I have five weeks left and I'm starting to stress over everything we have left. It'll pass I'm sure, but for the time being I have more cleaning and packing to do. I hate tears I really do.

Worthy to Enter

I have one.

I have a temple recommend.

I'm just one signature away from being able to enter.

I'm Going Inside {Someday} Soon

Every day we get a little bit closer. Every day we grow closer together. We can be sitting there and I find myself just staring at him while he sleeps (he seems to fall alseep on my couch quite often :P). Today was interesting though, I had a full Sunday talking about temples and I loved every minute of it. As you can guess it's always been a very important part of my life and I get older I know it will continue to be :). Again I brought to tears as my parents and Arles were explaining the layout of the Salt Lake Temple (my family just got back from Salt Lake and apparently at the visiters center there is a replica of the inside). This doesn't seem real and I sometimes can't believe that in a months time I will be able to go past the front desk inside the Cardston as well as every temple on the earth. There is so much I want to know about. So much I have to learn. Ever since I got engaged I seem to be imporving myself; I no longer watch sketchy movies, I am striving to keep my thoughts and actions clean as well as attending temple prep classes. I want to be as prepared for this as possible. I can't wait until I have a recommend in hand and Arles beside me as I enter for the first time. It's only 36 days away!

Just over a month then I will follow President Monson's council to attend sessions as often as we can. Soon I can go anytime I wish. The sealing may be for both of us (I'm so exicted to take this step) but the endowment is for me. It is very personal and although Arles will be with me every step of the way into eternity I am doing this part for me. Not because I am getting married, but like I decided earlier this year. This is for me. I love this gospel and love the people who have brought me to this point. And now the people who will take me forward. Things will change. That's a guantee. But I'm not scared anymore, I'm excited for the future and how things have worked out. Life is good :)

Forever Isn't Long at All

I feel like this post has been stewing for a while now but never had the courage to write it out. Blogging is truly the window to my thoughts. There's only one person who can see into my mind and he's my best friend. I feel like we've known each other for a very long time. The more I'm around him the more I know he's the one for me.

Anyways back to what I originally planned to write. Here it goes. I was re-reading some blog posts from not to long ago and it made me realize how lucky I am now. I was in a dark place. A place I never want to go back to. I was being hurt by someone, someone who I really cared about and at the time I thought I was happy. I thought I could fix it;  I thought I knew what I was doing. I didn't. I broke off the toxic relationship and I believe that was the best decision of my life.

Without everything that happened to me I would not be ready for what came next. Arles. It was almost two weeks after everything ended that I saw him. He was what I always wanted, what I knew was good for me but I didn't feel that I deserved him. Not that I ever talked to him :P Like I said I felt very inadaquate of him. But funny enough I was told that he thought the exact about me.

Both of us have experienced things that have brought us both to this point. Without those experiences I would not have him right now. I remember reading somewhere that there is more then one person out there for you, that any worthy young man and any worthy young woman can make it work. But I know that Arles and I are meant for each other. He is outgoing and fun, I'm more quiet and observant. But he brings out a side that most people don't see. I'm spontaneous and fun. I ran through a water park fully clothed the other day. Just randomly :P. Arles looked at me as we were driving by and said "do you want to go?" my reply was "right now?" he answered "yup" so we did.

We just get along, I don't think we've had a serious argument yet. We've been planning this wedding for almost a month now and we have not hit any snags. Everything just seems to fall into place for us. Basically all we have left to do is the finishing touches. We have the temple booked and my endowment apointment booked. That's all that matters :)

Have I mentioned how grateful I am that he can take me to the temple? Well I am. Everytime I think about going it brings tears to my eyes. This is all I have wanted for a very long time. I had even decided that I didn't need a man to take me, that I was going to go just for me. Well that's when Arles was thrown into the mix :P but I find it interesting that as soon as I decided I was going for me, that the Lord found me ready enough for marriage. I not saying I feel ready yet, not in the least but I know that if it was wrong I would know. My parents would know. That everyone really close to me would know. But none of us have those feelings.

Yes we have been getting looks and people talk behind our backs. They think that we're taking it to fast. Granted I know we did. But you know what? We have eternity to get to know each other and waiting a certain length of time would be stupid. We both knew and so why put it off?

I really love this man. He is my everything and really, who else would sit through Harry Potter with me when he hasn't even seen the other movies? :P I am the lucky one. I can't believe that I have him in my life. And that in seven weeks we will be in the sealing room being bound for all time and eternity :).

All time and eternity!

My New Family :)

I just got back from visiting my new family and I have to say although I was super nervous I felt right at home, my in-laws are all great and made me feel like part of the family. Arles is from the middle of no where aka Bella Coola...so it took us about ten hours on the first day and three or four on the second to get there. But it was so worth it, the mountains and surounding area is so beautiful!

Again I mention I was super nevous to meet the family, so for the first little bit I really didn't talk. But as I got more comfortable I talked more and more, so much in fact that when my father-in-law Denis asked me to say closing prayer after I said it I replied with "does this mean I don't have to give my testimony?". All I got was a laugh and "well we would love it if you still did" *smile*. So I did. It was great. Actually he gave a great lesson on adversity, I love lessons that make you think and reflect on what they are there for. Had it not been for some experiences that I had the past few months I would not have been prepared for Arles. After the most difficult trials, comes the best blessings :).

Anyways I also got to see my niece. She is so cute! I could hold her all day long. I can't wait to see her in a month and a little bit, it's like holding heaven in your arms I love it :). That little girl is going to be quite spoiled by her aunty Julie and uncle Arles (well uncle Arles will just have to dip into the emergency shoe fund to let his lovely wife spoil her :P) .

There is so much family but I'm grateful that they all have accepted me into the family. I love Arles and I love them too. I can't wait to become a Tippie and be part of all the Tippie name has to offer.

On a ligher note here are all the stupid things I said and did while on the trip. Enjoy!!

"It feels like a piano"

"I haven't seen that move
You haven't?
Oh wait...yes I have, what am I saying??"

*Going to kick Arles while holding a cupcake*
*Feet fly out from under me*
*Thump*
"Ouch"
*Arles turns around*
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah...at least I saved the cupcake"
(from the kitchen) "What did the cat just do?"
*laughter* "It wasn't the cat, Julie just tried to kick me and just fell!"
*Arles lies down next to me and we both block the hallway*

"You're having a moment of boyhood"

I love this man

I'm the Lucky One

So yesterday I came home to find an arangement of flowers sitting on our table, not only did I get some lovely flowers but Arles gave me a wedding planning book as well. Often days I wonder how in the world I got so lucky, he is so easy going and willing to help whenever needed. Like yesterday for instance, Kim and I were complaining about how dirty our house is getting and next thing we know he has a cloth out and is dusting the house down. He's always the first to do the dishes and most nights when I'm begining to stress out he is the one to calm me down. He is wonderful and I can't wait to spend eternity with this man.

It's been an eventful week for me. Work has been pretty slow but I actually don't mind since I got tons more planning done. On Wednesday not only did I get my ring (!!) I also gained a niece. Her name is Desiree and by the looks of the pictures she is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. I can't wait to go and meet her along with the rest of the family next week :). Arles and I also went to look at a place. When we got there we were a little bit early so we knocked on the front door. Little did we know we actually know one of the girls living upstairs. When the landlord got there we along with three other people began to fill out applications. Since Arles and I were the only couple it took us twice as long to fill it out, but it was actually a good thing it did. While I was finishing up my part Arles talked to the landlord for a bit then she told us that she is willing to offer us the place if we want it.

It's amazing to me how much the Lord loves us. Everything for this wedding has been falling into place, it shows me that we are making the right choice. If someone would have told me back in April that I would be married by my next birthday I would never have believed them, but like I said we both have recieved a conformation that this is right. And no matter what people may say about us. We know and the Lord knows. That's all that matters :)

PS: I'm heading to the states later to pick out a wedding dress...!!!!!! I'm so excited :)

The Long Awaited Story... :)

I don't even know how to start this post quite honestly. So I guess I'll just say it. I met a man. And he's amazing. I tried to be vague in previous posts but since it's on facebook...I'll just come out and say it. I am engaged. Yes. Care to read that again? :P I Julie O'Brien am getting married. Does that look strange to you? Yeah me too. But I know it's right. We both do and you know what? Yes this will come as a huge shock to almost everybody but we both feel very strong feelings that this is what we're suppose to do. If you know you know right? So I guess you'll want to hear the story...

Well back in April I saw this guy sitting in church and thought "hmm, he seems like a nice guy" so natrally I asked a friend if he was single. Turned out he was but being Julie I didn't talk to him. Then as quickly as he was there, he was gone. So I gave it up for a while, there was no chance he would ever like me in that way I thought.

Well three weeks later guess who showed up in town? Arles Tippie. Again the butterflies started and I was told to ask him out, which I never do. Ever. Now this is the past that may send some people into confussion. I started dating someone else. But then at the YSA conference I found myself liking him more then my boyfriend, which really shouldn't happen. I hung out with him all weekend thinking that nothing could ever happen between us, how could it ever? I was with someone else. But never the less we talked and laughed together.

That next night I had a dream where I was dating Arles WHILE I was in a relationship with the other person. I knew I was with the wrong person, but I didn't feel like explaining that. Turns out my ex felt the same way, he broke it off a couple days after that. I wasn't sad. My ex and I had only dated a week so I felt no obligation to him.

Now here comes the part you might be familiar with :P I went to FHE and there I got soaking wet. Arles was one of those lovely men who was dumping water on me all night. We flirted and laughed. He tells me it was then he knew I liked him and turns out he liked me too. So after that I added him on facebook, we started talking until two in the morning about random stuff. No one can make me laugh like he can. Really.

He then proceeded to ask what fun things there were to do around here. I gave him some ideas then all I get is "how about all of the above?" I was a bit confused so I asked what he meant then he says "how about we start with a walk around Henderson tomorrow?" Oh my gosh he was serious, he had just asked me out.

Well at church we talked a bit and I honestly thought he had forgotten about our walk until he asked me when would be a good time to go on it. So we went. We walked and talked. We laughed tons. Then spontaneously we start listening to a concert playing for the dragon boat races. It starts to rain so we start to dance in it. We danced in the rain :) He came back to my place and we watched a movie. He kissed me.

Monday I slipped in the back at FHE. Or so I thought :P. He was put in the hot seat and they asked the normal questions "What do you look for in a girl?" "Sweet or salty?" but then they ask "when was the last date you were on?" He says "Yesterday" Well it didn't end there Stephanie Drew decided to ask "Who??" You know how I so thoughtfully slipped in the back? He saw me. And in front of everyone said "Oh she's sitting right in the back". I pretty much died. They never ask who! Anyways it was fun never the less. He went to play rugby and I played with Jill's neice...big surprise there :P. After FHE we talked and he came over to watch a movie with Kim, Jessie, and I.

The rest of the week we went on a few dates and hung out tons. I really liked this guy. And something happened between us that is hard to explain, ket's just say after much thought and prayer we both recieved an answer as clear as day. I knew. He knew. And now we had to decide what to do with that knowlege. It hadn't been very long. At all. Funny enough when asked previous what our relationship was, Arles said "let's just take it slow" later that night he told me he was falling in love with me. So mucd for slow hey? :P

But somehow it all just felt right, so I took him to meet my parents. My dad and him hit it off right away. It was like he was already part of the family. He took my brothers swimming and helped load the dishes after dinner. My family I think was hooked at that point, my parents knew something was coming. And fast. My dad then invites him for Sunday dinner, something I never expected him to do. I thought to myself "wow, my dad really likes him!". Eveything was falling into place.

The night after I was talking to Arles about how I am scared that this will end and he'll leave me heartbroken. Remember I had fallen quite a bit for this guy. He was exactly what I always wanted in someone and not only did he care deeply for me. He showed it. Well then he told me that he had asked Kim my ring size (at this point I think I muttered a couple "oh my gosh"s I was in shock). He asked me to be sealed to him for eternity. I said yes. The whole next day at church we wanted so bad to share the news but he wanted to talk to my dad to gain his permission first.

At dinner everything went well, we talked more, he got to know my family a bit more. But I could tell we were both on edge. What if my dad said no? Of course we would respect his wishes but we both KNEW.It took Arles until 10:00 to finally spit it out. I think it was so perfect in that my dad stood up, shook his hand, and said "I would love you to marry my daughter". We were on cloud nine and finally we could make things offical. So we did. After we phoned his parents of course :P.

It hasn't been easy and people are continuously telling us what a mistake we are making. But the more I am with Arles the moreI know it will be ok. I love him so much and know that this is real. The fact we have had so many spiritual experiences tells me that this is what we are meant to do. The wedding plans are all falling into place, and we are just happy. The date has been set and whether people think we're crazy or not is irrevelant (there are quite a few people who have expressed their concerns either to our face or behind our backs). We know, and the Lord knows. That is all that matters. Plus I finally have an apointment to take out my endowments! You have no idea how excited I am :). Everything that has happened to me in the past year makes sense now and I can't wait to begin my life.

September 17th I'll marry this man here.

Anways there's the story. Sorry about the length but I love this story. And I wanted to share it with the internet world. Keep your eyes open for more plans and wedding stuff as they come up. We are so exctied to be doing this. Together. :)

Se La Ve

I, Julie O'Brien brought another person to the blogging world. It's pretty sweet :) I love blogging and I especially love gaining insight into other people's thoughts. In a way blogging is like a journal...one where the whole world can see it. I love it but sometimes I hold back just a tiny bit, just to keep the suspense :P.

With that said I would like to say how truly happy I have been this week, I can't believe how things are working out for me, quite honestly it's weird. I'm just waiting for the rug to be pulled out from beneath me like it has been all the times before. It hasn't yet. And somehow I feel like it won't be this time. Weird right? Actually no it's not that weird I'm just silly and ignore signs. I must be prepared and ready or else Heavenly Father would not have thrown new people and experiences into my life. Each has prepared and led me up to where I am currently standing. I really wasn't expecting this, not yet anyway. But like I said I have to believe I'm ready for what is to come next. You know how I said at the begining of the year that I felt like something huge was about to happen? Yeah I am still getting that vibe, however it's begining to make more sense and it's only half way through the year!

The thing is though I am not all that scared for what seems to be coming, of course I am a bit scared, that's a given with any change. But there is no such thing as coincidences and I don't believe in the fate mumbo-jumbo stuff. There is only Heavenly Father and his plan. Sure we stray off the path a few times but we can always get back on track eventually. I've had some interesting experiences this week and they have brought me closer to some of my goals. I know what I want. And although life keeps throwing me upside down and every which way, I'm keeping focused on Heavenly Father and trying to turn to him for guidance, because frankly I can't do it alone. No one can.

***

Yesterday was Canada Day :) Although this year I did not attend the parade I went home and had a good chat my mom while the boys were swimming. Our deep conversations often end in tears and yesterday was no acception. I love my mom to death and am thankful that she and I can have conversations like we do. I have great respect for my dad as well. He's always been there for me and never have I seen him raise his voice in full fledged anger. He's a hard worker and always looks out for his family. He has been there for me through everything. As I get older the relationship with my parents change, and although I know it will change even more as I get older, they will always be my parents.

Anyways after the boys got home from swimming we all ate dinner and talked for a while. It still makes me smile how much my dad talked to my special friend last night. And how much he liked talking to my family members, we were there for almost six hours! I have to say though, it was neat to see :).I can't wait for more visits like the one we had last night.

I ended my Canada Day with the fireworks at Henderson. I love this country and the freedoms I have. Life is good.

This Thing Called Life.

"A curve ball can be hard to hit in baseball, but when you do...it can be a home run"

Again, I got to comfortable. I've really got to stop doing that...anyways it just seems my life has been so crazy lately. Quite honestly I don't know where this is all coming from. Each week just keeps getting better and better and it seemed that some things finally clicked these past few days. Let's just hope it stays that way, but really who am I kidding, life never slows down. But honestly I am begining to understand why I had to go through so much the past couple years with work and school among other things. It just all came together in a way. It's interesting how life works sometimes.

But the quote above is fantastic, and so very true. It all depends on your stance and how you go about hitting the ball, you can just throw in you're bat and say "I'm done" and give up. Or you can line yourself up and prepare for it so when it does come you can hit that home run and make it back to our true home (if you couldn't tell I love interperting quotes). Isn't that what this life is all about? Trying our best to hit those curve balls and in the end it makes you a better player, not only in terms of baseball but a better player in life. Every new curve and angle makes you into a better person, a stronger person. If we were thrown easy ones we wouldn't learn that sometimes you have to get a few misses in order to get that almost perfect hit. I need to work on this, everyone has their mess ups and no one is perfect.

Sunday Thoughts

Today in Relief Society we were talking about being the best we can be. It got me thinking am I who I want to be right now? Last time I asked this question I didn't like who I was but right now life is going awesome. I am heading towards my goals and am really happy. I am learning not to judge people because who am I to judge? People make mistakes and repent so I should let them do so :). I was thinking today that often we forget that who a person was in the past is not who they are today. I am really trying to be more positive.

It was a great lesson. It also seems that everything is falling into place for me, ever since I decided on my plan to happiness life has got so much better. Every week brings something new and I love it, I am so happy. People actually are talking to me at church and know who I am. It's pretty awesome. I'm finally learning that if I just be myself then either people will like me, or they won't and really it shouldn't matter.

Also on Thurday I got my wisdom teeth out, I was pretty scared but honestly today was the first day I felt any pain and it wasn't even that bad. I'm lucky though I have an awsome roommate who relates to me and helped me feel ok about my semi-puffy cheeks. I'm also lucky that I didn't have to take any tylenol 3's. Those really make me feel out of it. Hopefully in a couple days I'll feel good enough to eat normal food.

PS: The weather has still been lovely :) It even rained today and it was still nice.

From Notes to Water

Well already it's been a great week :) It started on Sunday where for the first time in a long time I took notes at church. I always think of doing this but I never really do. On Sunday however I did, and it's amazing how much more you get out of the lessons when you do so. I didn't even have a piece of paper so I ended up taking notes on my phone, I'm sure people thought I was texting the whole time but really I wasn't, I was just getting so much out the lesson that I couldn't stop clicking away :P

 In Sunday school we talked about the sacrement and as I relfected on what I truly think about durring the sacrement I realized that I sometimes don't give it my full attention. I have a special place for the Atonement and I really should be thinking about it more. A point that was brought out that stood out to me is that once you've repented, you're forgiven so move on. It's like that sin is gone. I need to remember that sometimes because I am pretty hard on myself, I need to let the past be the past and live in the here and now.

***

Yesterday however was totally different. For FHE we combined with a few other wards for a huge bar-b-q. Kim and I had decided before hand that we were going to leave before the sceduled water fight happened but instead we were having to much fun watching everyone else get soaked that we decided to stay for a bit. You can see where this is going...you're never safe at a water fight.

There I was laughing with Kim at people running around getting water thrown at them. When I see my friend look at me from across the field, he was carrying a cooler of water...then Kim says to me "he just mouthed you're name to his friends" so I ran. And Screamed. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough and one guy grabbed me and my friend pours the whole thing on me. I was in shock :P I didn't even know what to do so I stood there for a bit, then I decided to join in. We're talking Julie here, do you think I can aim? No, not at all. So instead of getting them wet I missed and they got me a few more times. So I gave up for a while.

Well Kim and I decided to head home so I could put on some warm clothes. So I go around to where the boys are standing filling up their water bottles and such and tell them we're leaving (Kim is still dry at this point). Well it probably was not the smartest idea to go right where they were getting water. They dumped water on Kim, splashed me and after a cup of water being poured down my shirt *glaring at the screen here* we took off our shoes and joined in full force. Again this is Julie we're talking about, I can't aim so for every half a cup of water I dumped, at least three or four were thrown at me. Anyways needless to say I was completly soaked after an hour of this.

I mean it was totally worth it and I had a blast, but I was soOo cold and I'm pretty sure Kim and I were the worst soaked girls in the entire place. That's what you get for hanging out with guys I suppose. And to think we almost got away dry...oh well, it was tons of fun :)

Well I hope you enjoyed story time readers :) Moral of the story? Never laugh at the people getting soaked, you may just end up getting more wet then all of them.

Going Back

About a month ago Kim and I were youtubing and ended up looking up old bands and artists we liked as teenagers. Stuff like Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Brittany Spears, and Hilary Duff. It was interesting to listen to these songs in a new light. I never really listened to music, and deffinately not rock (I recently listened to Guns and Roses...they're actually not bad) when I was younger but I can always appreciate good music. Today I found Jessie McCartney...haha so funny, I remember listening to one of his songs on Family Channel. Here's the video so everyone can appreicate a flash to the past :P 

I am so looking forward to unwinding this weekend, licencing came and we have so much to fix :( on top of licencing yesterday we had the Heath Inspector today and Accreditation this past Monday...lets just say I'm getting sick for a reason. It's not that my centre is bad but we focus more on the children then the paper work and so we get nailed for little things. Apparently I put a child in a dirty high chair, but what the report didn't say was that I had taken the child out to change a diper then put him/her back in. Silly? I think so. Anyways time to continue cleaning the house.

PS: I'm cutting my hair tomorrow...like at least two or three inches. Let's hope I don't regret this.

Weekend Updates :)

First I would like to apolagize. I didn't take any pictures of my weekend. It was the YSA conference this weekend so I thought I would document it. Well that didn't happen :P. Sorry! It was a great conference never the less, there were tons of great classes and activities and I gained some new knowlege when it comes to goals :). I'm the type of person who has them but doesn't write them down but I learned I need to in order to succeed. Without goals you would have no direction or something to work towards. So I've started to write them down in hopes that my goals will become a reality. It was a great over all weekend. To top it off it was lovely weather. No more rain for us (I hope).

My talk on Sunday went well. I learned tons about Spencer W Kimball and can't believe all he went through. Not only was he extremely humble but he was a great prophet :) I was so grateful to have the opportunity to learn about him. He's one person I would like to learn more about. Did you know that as a child he used to sing hymns and memorize scriptures as he milked the cows? What child wants to do that? Times really have changed. He also had both parents die by the age of twenty two. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose both parents at such a young age. I love mine dearly and I love learning about the prophets and what brought them to the point they were at when they became prophet. They are amazing men :).

Oh and I'm about half way through that book I bought a month ago. I love it and am learning so much. I'm glad that I finally have time to catch up on my reading after months of only text books. I am actually reading a book about temples and it's so refreshing. I don;t understand everything that goes on in there. Nor will I for a while but this book does help me understand some things. I'll tell you how the rest of it goes.

Also yesterday I Julie Marie went bridge jumping...mind you I only jumped once and it was freezing cold but I did it and you know what? I actually liked it (besides being freezing cold) and to be quite honest I will probably do it again this summer. In warmer weather of course :)

Enhanced Vocabulary

So recently I have enhanced my vocabulary...gamers vocabulary to be more specific :P. Who knew in order to understand gamer talk you needed to learn a whole new language? Apparently you do. Almost every night for the past week I've watched the boys upstairs play Call of Duty, and with the help of Jessie and Andrew I have defined a few words:

Camping hard: When someone hides out in the spot you reapear at after you are killed. It's the cheap way of getting kills.

Noob: Not exactly sure what it means but I know it's said tons. Usually it's said  in frustration, "Ahhhh! Noob..."

Nuke town: A nuclear town, there's tons of bombs and such going off. It's a good time.

(A personal fav) Winning: "While trying to stick someone with a grenade you are killed, but you kill them as well." This is different then 'win'

Win: When you get 75(?) kills and move on to the next round.

(Also a favorite) Failing: "To be stabbed in the gut". Such a lovely description.

I'm sure I'm missing quite a few words but I'm somewhat understanding what's going on now. But I don't think I'll ever really get into playing it, it's to entertaining to watch the person playing. Apparently it's intense. It's alright though, as long as it doesn't become a huge addiction it's all good. Although the "ha ha I just stuck a knife in your face!" talk concerns me a little :P.

***

On a side note yesterday the Elders came over and taught a lesson to Jessie's best friend. I have never sat in on a lesson to a non-member before and it was great. Seeing someone get a light in their eyes and knowing that there is something there that wasn't there before is by far the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time. I love this gopel so much and being able to watch someone learn and actually take the challange to find out for themself is mind blowing. The lesson went well and by the end he had commited to read the Book of Mormon and come to church on Sunday (which I'm giving a talk at, I thought I could stay invisible forever...apparently such is not the case).

I really am just amazed at how one person can effect another. Jessie got baptized a month ago and already is spreading the gospel, something I have never been good at. His testimony is so strong, so powerful, and pure that you can't deny that he knows it. He's brought me close to tears on a couple of occasions with his testimony. I wish every member had that fire.

Anyways we all had a good chat and I can't wait to see how this all pans out. I love this gospel. So much. There is so much I want to say but can't find the words to express it. I am so spiritually filled today and so happy for the gospel in my life. Without it I wouldn't be the person I am today :) Well anyway there will be more posts to follow. There is tons going on this weekend and I plan on taking as many pictures as possible. Keep an eye out :)

PS: This is my hundredth post!! Crazy hey??

Curve Balls

I truly believe that situations and people come into your life for a reason. You don't always know why but in the end it makes sense. I was at the point a few days ago where I was getting complacent and apparently a little to comfortable with things, I say apparently because this weekend has thrown some curve balls at me, I mean this time one of them was actually ok and pretty welcomed :P. It all seemed to come at once but I'm finding that I feel very calm about it all. I must be ready for these new things or else I wouldn't have them in my life, Heavenly Father knows me and where I am on the path. Everything is put in my life for a specific purpose and my job is to roll with it until I figure it out and move on to the next thing. Life is ever changing and the person you were yesterday is not the same person as today. You just have to get up in the morning and say "Heavenly Father, please bless that nothing will come my way today that you and I can't handle together" I admit that some days are better then others but I know that I'm never in it alone.

Conversation of the Day

Child: Do you live with your mommy and daddy?
Me: No, I live with some friends.
Child: Oh, so you're the mommy now?
Me: No, I don't have any children.
Child: Well you should.
Me: Someday (Child), not for a while though.
Child: Well all you have to do is go to the doctor and ask to have a baby.
Me: Oh really now?
Child: Yes, then I can see it...because I want to see your baby.

I suppose if you see a special doctor it could work that way :P. However I don't think that's the way I want to do things. Children are funny.

Humbled.

Have you ever wondered how people percieve you? Or what the first thing that pops into their head when they hear your name? I don't really care what other people think of me and that's how it should be. But twice in the same day I got a glimpse of how two of my friends see me and was surprised at what they see. I was telling my friend Chuck about my day yesterday and he told me that he likes how I'm always diligent in seeking happiness, how because of what I did he's going to do better in that area as well. Then later I was talking to Julianna on the phone and she told me that besides her mother I'm the strongest person she knows...as well as when people ask who the kindest person she knows is, it's me she thinks of.

How can people see something that I don't see in myself? I was so humbled by both conversations. I'm just trying to do my best like everyone else, so why is it that people are so inspired by me? I don't see myself as that strong or that inspiring, sure I actively try my best in all that I do but what's so motivating about me? I tried to tell both of them that there are far greater people out there to look up to, but both of them basically said that it's because I'm actively trying to better myself that they think I'm so awesome. I'm not perfect (no one is) and the fact that my friends see me in this light is beyond comprehention. Again I am so humbled by their words. It's hard for me to accept compliments, especially ones this hefty...but I have to admit it makes me feel good. Perhaps I am making some progress in becoming that person I have always strived to be.

So many blessings came from one simple act yeterday. So many. I have gained a greater sense of direction and know where my priorities lie. I'm going to knock on wood here but I think that I may have just overcome a huge hurtle in my life. Everything feels so peaceful, all that stress and helplessness that I have been feeling for the past three or four months has left. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and it feels amazing (yes mom, an 'I told you so' is in order :P). And to think when I got up yesterday morning I almost didn't do it! But I am so glad I did.

This is who I am. The girl writting this post is me. I am finally happy.

Finding Personal Happiness (day one)

Lately I've been a little down, and quite honestly I know that the person who was feeling that way was not me. I'm happy with my life and where I am so feeling that way was strange, but earlier this week I came up with a plan to change that. Today was the first day of my plan and it went wonderfully. I have not felt this at peace and happy in a long time and I cannot to wait to continue this. There were so many blessings that came today from doing one simple thing. I'll tell you more about details in a while but for now I just want to keep the specifics to myself. Just know that I am finding happiness and feel at peace with where I am. My goals will become reality soon but like I was told not to long ago "be patient" they will come but just in the Lord's time and not my own, this is hard to except but it will be worth it in the end. I also came to the realization that it's not where you are now, but where you are heading that is important. Today was wonderful and much needed. I wish I could express in words how I feel but I can't, I'm just plain happy and know that the Lord is proud of me for who I am becoming; I may not be able to do some things but I know that if I keep myself worthy and continue to head down this path there are so many things in store that I can't even imagine. I love this feeling. So much.

PS: I purchased a church book today. I have a feeling that I'm going to really like it :)

Reflection

Look at me

You may think you see

Who I really am

But you’ll never know me

Every day, is as if I play apart

Now I see

If I wear a mask

I can fool the world

But I can not fool

My heart

Who is that girl I see

Staring straight back at me?

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

I am now

In a world where I have to

Hide my heart

And what I believe in

But somehow

I will show the world

What’s inside my heart

And be loved for who I am

Who is that girl I see

Staring straight back at me?

Why is my reflection

Someone I don’t know?

Must I pretend that i’m

Someone else for all time?

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

There’s a heart that must

Be free to fly

That burns with a need

To know the reason why

Why must we all conceal

What we think

How we feel

Must there be a secret me

I’m forced to hide?

I won’t pretend that i’m

Someone else

For all time

When will my reflections show

Who I am inside?

When will my reflections show

Who I am inside?

-Reflection by Christina Aguliera

Be free to show who you really are, not who the world wants you to be. I am unique. I am beautiful. I have the potential to be great. I'm not afraid to show who I truly am.

I am me

And that is who I'll ever need to be.

Friends.

Friends: the people who love you even when you're at your most unlovable. The ones who say it like it is. Are there for you when you are making the worst decisions in life and have sympathy. Cry with you when life is being...well life.Laugh with you at two in the morning over something silly. Are there no matter what.

I have the best friends and the older I get the more I realize who my true friends are. Some friends come and go and that's fine I totally understand, over time people drift apart. But then there are the ones who stick it out with you, who even on your worst days they feel the need to talk to you. Those are the friends I want. In high school I didn't really have that many close friends, sure everyone liked me but very few actually liked to hang out with me outside the school setting. There was a time where I felt very alone, but now some of these high school friends I have actually grown closer to. I admit it in high school I was the quiet good girl, I never got in trouble and had a great relationship with my parents. I didn't need extra support really because I had my parents (and still do).

I love my high school friends dearly and know that without them high school would have been very lonely. I wish I was better at keeping in touch but I hope they know how much they mean to me.

 Julianna was especially helpful, her and I became insta-friends and she's had my back through the years. We don't get to hang out as often as I like but we are still close. She is sweet and funny and we have had some good times together. She's been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm surprised she doesn't tire of me. But she's still there whenever I need to talk. She and I understand each other and one of the first people I call when I need someone.

Becky was another high school friend, she is spunky and has a thrill for life that I wish I had. She is sweet and outgoing. I love her and how she took me into her group all those years ago. She's great! I also hardly ever see her but when I do it's always a good time.

Megan is such a strong person, I wish I had her courage and her ablility to see the good in most situations. Since moving out we have grown a little bit closer, I don't see her near enough but when I do I am so thankful she is in my life right now. She is so wonderful and through the last few years of high school she was a good friend to me. She has my back and still does. I am grateful that we are starting to get in contact again. I love her to pieces.

Since moving out however I have found that the friendships I'm making now are so much closer then previous years. Especially with my roomates Kim, Kalina, and now Jill. It was a spur of the moment decision to move out and I believe Kim, Kalina, and I were meant to live together this year. Also after all the roomates we had to go through in order to still live here over the summer I'm glad that Jill decided to move in.

Kalina and I didn't know each other at all at the begining of the year and quite honestly she has become one of my best friends. We had many late night talks in her room where we would stay up until early hours of the morning talking about random stuff. I miss those nights sometimes but I'm glad that come september we'll be re-united again. She is one of the sweetest girls I know and always has some country song to relate to life...it's cool though country is pretty good :P. I love her dearly and can't imagine how this school year would have been without her.

Kim and I met last year and little did I know that we would soon be living together. She is the funniest person I know and has kept me smiling all year long. I swear when life had me down she brought a smile to my face. She and I have grown really close this past semester and she is one of the few people I could talk to all night and still not get tired of her. She has seen me cry more then anyone (excluding my parents) but I know that I can lay on the couch with her and she can comfort me without saying a word. She has helped me in ways I cannot even begin to explain. I love her so much and can't wait to have summer adventures with her.

I haven't known Jill for that long but already I love her, she's like the sweet sister I never had. I can talk to her for hours about anything and she'll offer up some sort of great advice :). She and I have similar goals in life and I love having someone to talk about deep church stuff with. She and I have become great friends this past semester and already she is forcing me out of my shell. She's the best and I know I can count her her for anything.

I have many more friends who have helped me over the years but these are my gals. I love them each so much and would not be where I am today had they not been in my life. I know that someday I may not be friends with some of these ladies but they will always be a part of me <3

< 3

Dear Mom and Dad,
I've been trying to find the words to express how I feel right now and nothing seems to be adaquate. So I'll just say it plainly; I love you mom and dad. You are two of my best friends and I can't imagine how my life would have turned out without you there every step of the way. It's been a hard year filled with stress beyond belief, but you have eased my burdens and helped me get through it. There's still things that I'm working through but I know that you will always have my back. I love you both so much, I know I don't tell you enough but you really mean the world to me. Thank you.
Your Little Girl,
Julie

Stand Firm

"The final and decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars was fought on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium, in the village of Waterloo. What is now known as the Battle of Waterloo ranks as a great turning point in modern history and brought about drastic changes in political boundaries and the power balance in Europe. At a critical moment in this great battle between the forces of the French emperor, Napoleon, and the allied forces under the command of the British general Arthur Wellesley, better known as the Duke of Wellington, an anxious officer dashed into the office of the duke with the message that unless the troops were immediately withdrawn, they must yield before the larger French army.

The duke ordered, “Stand firm!”

“But we shall all perish,” replied the officer.

“Stand firm!” again was the answer of the duke.

(See Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy [1994], 148).

'Stand firm!” was the duke’s order; victory was the result. In these two words of direction—stand firm—I take courage and counsel. Today, sisters, we are engaged in a fierce battle for the minds, hearts, and even the souls of our children, grandchildren, and other family members. But in this fight we have much more powerful weaponry and armor than did the Duke of Wellington’s troops. For we have available to us the strength that comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel’s ordinances. To be victorious we must arm ourselves with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and stand firm in our convictions.' "
-Virginia U. Jensen, Stand Firm

It may not be easy and Satan may be pulling out everything to make us fail, but leaning on the Lord for strength we can stand firm. It will always pay off.

Round two goes to Julie.

Lovin' It

So it's been lovely weather here in Southren Alberta :) and so Kim and I felt the need to clean up the yard. Well thirteen bags later we only finished the front yard and the alley...it's going to take longer then we thought. But hey at least we got something done. Another plus of having nice weather is that we can play outside with the children more, they love it out there and I'm sure if we let them they would be out there all day. Hopefully someday soon I'll be able to start on a tan :P

Last weekend Jill had her cousin's children stay over at our houseand it was so much fun! It's nice to hang out with children without the pressures of ECE philosophy. I can use all the praise I want and no one is there telling me to use encouragement instead :P. They also pretty much loved me. It was great. They also inspired me to clean my room. You know things are bad when a child asks you why your room is so messy...ooops.

So now that it's summer I'm finally getting out more :) Kim, Jill, and I have been going out almost every night this week. We went to a park near our house on Monday and Tuesday then Wednesday we went to a bonfire, it feels so good to not be stuck in our house all the time! Kim and I may be known as the quiet girls (I know right, us quiet??? neverrr) but people are starting to reconize us and slowly I'm talking more :P Yes I know I should be the outgoing girl but that's who I am and quite honestly I'm okay with that. Anyways lets hope this weather continues, because I looove it :)

Mothers Day

My grad in 2009

I love my mom. I say this all the time but she's seriously the strongest person I know. She can balance her calling, family and work and hardly sweats the small stuff. I love her and how she's such an example to me. I'm glad that I still live close enough to be able to visit her and the family every week :) We cry together and often Sunday afternoons turn into deep conversation time :P.I can talk to her about anything and I don't feel judged.

I have learned so much from her over the years. She has made me into the person I am today and for that I am grateful. From a early age I knew that she loved the gospel and put as much effort into her callings as possible. Even now I have seen her grow so much in the past year and a half. I hope that someday I can be like her. She's the best. So this mothers day I want to tell her how much I look up to her and how much I truly love her :).

My Love.

Have you ever noticed how everytime you listen to something it brings you back to when you first heard it? Or if there was a specific time in your life that you listened to it over and over again, when you hear it now you can't help but smile. I was listening to my music today and I find it funny how certain songs have memories attached, I mean my music library has everything from disney to church with some country and pop thrown in there so sometimes it's a surprise as to what will come on next. I love it though, there are some songs from my childhood up through the present and each one brings back specific memories. It's great.

A few years back when I was still unsure about what I was suppose to do my mom asked me what I was passionate about. At the time I was unsure but over the years I have found two; music and children. I have said this over and over but I love music, it can move you to do wonderful things. I don't know if there is any greater influence then music, it can control everything from your mood to your actions. It's pretty powerful.

This past semester I did a music play area and although the children were crazy on the drums I loved being able to combine my love of children with my love of music. It's not very often that we let children go wild and make 'noise' but they absolutely loved it :) and I loved hearing them have fun (taken with two advil of course). But never the less it was fantastic. I love music and how it speaks in a way that nothing else can.

Where words fail, music speaks.

-Hans Christian Andersen

Children :)

So I've gone back to work :) I love it so much, I never realized how much I loved these children until I waqs back with them. Honestly, they are the best. I love the feeling of walking in and knowing for a fact that I am loved and missed. The first day I came in and immediently one child came up with a big smile and gave me the biggest hug then asked if I could read a story to her. I cannot explain how good it feels to know that even when I show up with no make-up, and hair pulled back into a pony tail the children still think I'm beautiful :P actually that happened yesterday and the same child that was so excited to see me a couple days ago looked at me, stroked my hair, then said "I like your hair" it's those moments that make this job worth it.

I also have a funny story. So today I turned off my alarm at eight and thought "I'll just lay here for five more minutes"...well five turned into forty. I had work at nine and of course I live twenty minutes away so when I wake up five minutes after I'm suppose to leave it's never good. Well anyway I threw on some clothes, put on some eyeliner, brushed my teeth and ran out the door, it is now 8:45. I sped all the way to work, what usually takes twenty minutes took me ten. Luckily I was only a few mintues late and no one asked why :P Anyway I'm thinking I need to get more sleep so this doesn't happen again. At least the children are always happy to see me :P

Anyways life is good. And school being out for summer is always a plus :)

Yes Seriously...

So I've been meaning to do a post on this for a while now. One Sunday I came home to our fridge smelling unusally nasty. So being the smart person I am, I decided to clean out a couple bowls that had been on the shelf for a while....well lets just say fruit + yogurt + three weeks = nastiness. Here is what the bowl looked like AFTER washing it three or four times:

Yes those are permanent mold stains. They did eventaully wash off, but seriously??? This wasn't the only bowl either, there was a salad in the fridge too :S. My mom found it quite funny when half an hour after I leave their house I phone asking how to get rid of mold stains :P Anyways it was an experience and I now will make sure our fridge has been cleaned before I leave on weekends.

PS: Easter is this Sunday :) I can't wait to spend time with family.

Changes

As promised here are some pictures of new things Kim and I have been working on:



Flowers we put on the table

 



Antiques Kim found

 


Some glass jars we found to put some bathroom stuff in.





Flowers in the kitchen :)

 

Our table





A new coffee table.

  So there you have it, some of our house improvements. It looks so bright in here I love it, but as always we're not quite done yet so keep your eyes open, we have a few other projects on the go :). Also a sidenote, most of these were from the dollar store and second hand places. That coffee table you see above cost us thirty...amazing hey? Anyways today I was actually productive and cleaned the whole place so when Jill moves in tomorrow she'll see that we are actually clean :P (the last time she came over we still had our matresses in the living room, dishes in the sink...anyways it wasn't pretty).

This past week I went out to lunch with my friend Megan. It was so great to see her and be able to talk to her again. We really haven't talked in almost two years :( which was why it was so much fun to talk with her and update each other on our lives. Her baby is the sweetest, and he's almost eight months! Crazy!

Oh another update is Kim colored my hair and it looks great :) then yesterday I got a hair cut as well. It looks pretty fantstic if I do say so myself. I can't believe I let Kim color my hair with a box dye...anyways it turned out so it's all good, and it was only ten dollars! I love it.

 I love change every once in a while, it seems lately though I have been changing up quite a bit. Why the sudden urge to change up my room layout, my haircut, my hair color, my blog layout, my house, my nail polish color (not that nail polish matters), my dresses, my shoes, friends? I honestly don't know, perhaps it's because it's spring??? But I just have a feeling that things are about to change even more, like there's something coming, don't get me wrong right now I welcome change...I just would like to know exactly what is coming so I can prepare for it :P But I suppose we're always being prepared, whether we know it or not.

Take my mom for instance, she didn't know that she was being prepared for her current calling but I believe that she was. My mom always jokes that maybe had she not started attending the temple as often she wouldn't have been called to Stake Relief Society President. She would have anyway, but attending the temple deffinately helped :P. It's because of my mom that I am learning that you can't be invisible forever. Unfortunately. But I'm learning to embrace it...slowly. Anyways I love my parents and how much they have taught me. They're great!

To go with the random-ness of this post here's a video that applies somewhat...

New Layout

Since it's spring time I decided it was time for a change.So I decided to change up my layout, it looks very plain but I think I'll like it this way. I would rather people focus on what I have to say more then how cute my blog looks.I also changed up my blog decription "Sometimes the best things in life are not the once in a lifetime occurences; rather the everyday simplicities." And yes that deffinately came from my head :P pretty profound right? Well anyway I will expand on that a tiny bit.

 Sometimes we wait around for the huge WOW factor, the things that make you go "well that was amazing!". But often in waiting around for those you miss the simple things, the tiny moments where you gain a glimpse of eternity. Look around you, there are so many spectacular things in this world, the opportunity to be alive is amazing in itself. I have realized that in the hussle and bussle of everyday life we forget to live. I am very guilty of this, often I just go on autopilot and forget to enjoy life, but I'm trying to gain a greater perspective. I can't believe how fast it's going, and how much even in the past year of school I've learned not only academically but spiritually and emotionally as well.

This semester I've just cruised along, probably missing out on many opportunities for friendships and growth. But honestly if I had to do things over, of course there would be things I would change, but I have realized that through experiences I have had new insight that might not have otherwise come is now mine to keep. I'm trying to keep the insight I have and continue to love life because to be quite honest I do love life. I do love where I am. I do like where I'm heading. I love who I have become. So from now on I'm going to keep things simple, so I can learn to see things in a differnt light.

Weekend

So Elder Scott was amazing :) My favorite quote of the evening was "Hanging out is idleness in flocks" can you tell what his main concern is? Yeah you guessed it, men not asking girls on dates. I think it's becoming a major concern for everyone higher up. Lets just say I'm glad I'm not male, they got quite the smackdown in Priesthood from what I hear :P.

After going to the fireside Kim, Kalina, Lindsey, and I went to this cute Greek place, we tried escargot, calamari, and other things that I don't know how to pronounce. It was quite the experience :). I have missed Lindsey and it was great to hang out with my roomates and I for the last time before fall. Oh and we had a great girls chat, where Lindey told us she's already been ring shopping and guess what?? the day after she got ENGAGED. It's cRaZy! So for all of you that are wondering that's eight engagements that I know of  in the past two weeks.

On Saturday morning we went and bought a new tv for our house. We found one for thirty dollars! AND we found a coffee table as well :) our house looks so homey.But Kalina left on Saturday as well :( It's so sad to walk in her room and see nothing, she's really gone :'(. I know it's only for a few months but still. It makes Kim and I sad. Our mattresses are still in the livng room by the way, we have been to lazy to move them :P

Anyways I have done nothing all day and it feels great! I love having no school :)

PS: I totally got a 72% on an exam I thought I did horrible on.

Finished!

I Julie Marie am finished my first year of college. How does it feel? It actually hasn't even hit me yet, but i'm sure in a week I'll be so happy to be finished :). I finished up my last two tests today and I think they went well, I totally knew the short answer question! I was so proud of myself for memorizing the parts of a hammer and saw, somehow I knew she would ask that and I was right :) Anyways tonight the girls and I are having a party :) after going to a fireside with Richard G Scott of course. It's going to be great :)

PS:Yes I'm aware I used ':)' tons but I am really just that happy :P

Lazy

That is how I feel. I don't want to do anything.

Facebook and Broken TV's

It seems that I always blog when I have the most to do. Here I have five tests test this week and I'm blogging...oh well everyone needs a study break I suppose. Well anyway this week I have been thinking alot about high school drama and facebook. When I was in high school I didn't participate in such things because I found it lame so I mostly kept to myself, never really taking sides. Well there has been some internet bullying going on with the children who are currently in high school right now. The thing about facebook is you say what you normally wouldn't say in person so usually the comments are pretty nasty because you don't have to actually say it, just type it. To be quite honest I feel like slugging the kids in the face, but alas I'm an adult and cannot participate in such behaviours. Lame. I'm not even sure what I can do, I just feel so helpless.

On a slightly happier note (well the story is funny...) our TV is now out of commission. Last night after FHE some of us decided to watch Aladdin so Kalina and I offered our place. Wellll Jill brought over a vhs player and after finally getting it plugged in we watched it. After the movie was done one of the people went to unplug the VCR  and the TV decided to topple over. Onto our plant. I always thought when TV's broke that there was sparks and the TV burting into flame...but I guess not. Anyways so we plugged the TV back in and it doesn't turn on. Sad. So now we're TV-less until we find a cheap one :P At least it was funny. And for the reccord the guy who knocked it over was going to buy us a brand new TV but we told him no (multiple times actually, he wasn't taking no for an answer) because we got this TV for free and we can get a cheap one fairly easy. Anyways I hope you enjoyed story time.

Oh and another thing, we found someone who is not engaged to move in for the summer. I probably have mentioned this already but we've had some difficulties with finding someone to move in. First about two months ago we had found someone. Then she got engaged and decided to not move in. So after some scrambling we found someone else. Guess what? She's now engaged and moving in with her soon-to-be inlaws. SoOo with Kalina moving out this weekend * :'( *we were pretty stressed. Luckily our visiting teacher Jill said on Sunday if the one who just got engaged didn't work out she would be glad to move in. Well now she's moving in next weekend. Honestly people can't you hold off on the engagments? Just kidding. But not really :P. Oh well we now have someone who is not in a commited relationship and will be staying all summer :)

Anways that's all for now. Happy Tuesday!

My newest music obession...Tyler Ward. He's pretty much amazing :P

Just a Little Break

SoOo I was doing homework with Kim tonight (this morning??) and thought I was doing good, I was awake and buzzing though my homework fairly easily and then my brain stopped working so I took a break, ate some food, got ready for bed then went back to it. Then I did more, all the while chatting with Kim about random stuff (what else do you talk about at two in the morning? :P). Then Kim busted out with this quote; she looks at her pillow then says "this could be a sleeping bag for babies!" just out of the blue. It was pretty hilarious :P Funny enough it could fit a baby, perhaps I should bring it up with my instructors and see what they think. I think they would LOVE the idea.

Anyways after a few jokes like that we went back to it, she finished one play area and ten activites!! How that is even possible I don't even know but somehow she did it, but the downside (well upside for her I suppose) is that she is now in bed and I'm not. I did get two play area evaluations done and one activity but I needed another break so I decided to blog. So here I am. At 4:30am. Blogging away. This probably doesn't even make sense. But at this point I don't even care. It's probably entertaining to read though. But I'm guessing my mom is sitting at the computer shaking her head and laughing at me. I promise that in a week I'll get some sleep mom :). But for now I need to get back to it... but I would like to thank you readers for reading my incoherent thoughts. I hope you had a good laugh. Good night/morning.

Just one more week

Conference and Other Random Thoughts

"I love to see the temple, I'll go inside someday."

Yesterday and today was General Conference. I loved it. Although I only saw bits and pieces of yesterday morning's session due to the internet cutting out quite a bit, I still got tons out of this weekend. It's amazing to me how the leaders of our church know exactly what needs to be said, it may be uncomfortable to talk about but you can tell they are so passionate about what they are saying. I know that what they say comes from Heavenly Father and everything they say is for my benefit.

 I cried (actually bawled is more like it) this morning durring President Monson's talk about temples, it's something I feel strongly about and something that I wish those who have the opportunity to do temple work would take advantage of. It's one of those things that is so important to me and I hate seeing people being so casual about it. If nothing else works out for me in this life I would be perfectly happy if I had that little piece of paper in my pocket. It's everything to me and I want it so bad. I just laughed at myself through the tears, here's a snippet of what just went through my head; what twenty year old wants to attend the temple this bad? Honestly Julie, pull yourself together...you're twenty!! But when I do have that piece of paper I'll appreiciate it so much more.

My mom and I had an interesting conversation this afternoon. We were talking about how angels are all around us and most times we don't even recognize it. I don't always realize it but there is a connection with one in particular that I do recognize, and she is here tons. Although I don't remember her much I know that she is here more then we realize. This angel is my Grandma Wood. There are times that I feel her very close. My mom always said that I had a special connection with her and I do believe I do, I was her drooly Julie :P. There are times (quite a few times actually) that I wish she were here and that I could talk face to face with her. Sometimes I just want a hug. I think she does give me some and lately I have afraid that I have disapointed her, but she has been close and in her way giving me a hug as if to say that no, I haven't. I don't think I could ever do anything to make her think less of me.

I think I've said this before but I have no memories of her when she was here on the earth, however, I have some blurrs of after she left. I used to talk to her before I went to bed, it's silly but I laid in bed telling her about my day. I don't know for sure but I would like to think that she listened as often as she could. It's not just me she's around though, I think that she loves her family and visits all of us as often as she can. I can't wait for the day when I can ask her :). I'm grateful for the knowlege that I will be able to see her again, I don't know where I would be without this church.

In other news my roommates and I are redecorating again :P (pictures to come later). I love my life :) Anyways I should start packing for my school trip...yay for having to be at the school at seven am!!

Tagged

Yay for my first tag :) There is this blogging thing that has been going around and one of my high school best friends tagged me. Her name is Megan and I adore her. Saddly life has been so busy for the past while so I haven't had a chance to hang out with her but as soon as school is over I plan to have many visits with her and her sweet baby boy :). I miss her.

So here's the list:
1.List three things you love about yourself.
2.Post a picture you love.
3.List five bloggers to whom your passing this along to.

1. This one is hard for me because I tend to get down on myself quite a bit.With that being said I do have some things I love about myself;
A) I love being me, there is no one like me and for that I'm grateful. I may be a product of my parents and how they raised me (which was fantstic by the way, I love them so much) but I am my own person with my own mind and thoughts. I am unique. I am my own kind of beautiful. I am a daughter of God who has the potential to become something far greater then I can even fathom. I love who I am and who I am becoming.

B) I have the ability to feel others pain. This is both a blessing a curse because I tend to take on everyone's problems. There were times in high school where I layed in my bed and cried over something that was happening to someone else. I've gotten better at distancing myself from others problems but even now there times I want to help someone with a major issue and unfortunately I can't. It kills me. But I do love how I can try to relate to people, I'm a naturally caring person and love to listen and try to be there for moral support. My entire life I've been the person who attempts to be strong for others just so they can feel like someone cares. Everyone needs a friend :)

C) I love how I'm not perfect. This may sound strange but I honestly do love how as I go through life I have so many chances to grow and develop as a person. How much would I truly get out of life if I was a perfect person and couldn't progress further? My experiences define me; they have, and continue to, make me into the person I am. Yes at times I wish I could skip the whole 'learn through my own mistakes' thing but really it has made me stronger. The thing I love the most though is that I'm not done learning, I have so much more to learn and I will never be perfect in this life. It gives me an opportunity to grow.

2.

I love my roommates and couldn't ask for anyone better to live with when I'm not at my parents.
PS: I was trying to find a current picture of my entire family and didn't suceed, I guess we'll just have to get on that :P

3. Laura

    Kalina

    Lindsey

Sorry just three for me :)