Lessons learned or earned by you!!!

A lesson that should be taught in all schools!Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.Looking around, confused, they asked,"Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?"She replied, "You can't have a desk until you tell me what you have done to earn the right to sit at a desk."They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades.""No," she said.Maybe it's our behavior."She told them, "No, it's not even your behavior.And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period.Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom.Martha Cothren said, "Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you."

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall.By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.

Martha said, "You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you.Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it."

By the way, this is a true story... .If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you read it in English, thank a soldier.

I got this from my mom, and I took it without asking her and I don't care. I also would like to personally thank my dad for serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy. I would also like to thank every soldier who is out there serving our country! I know that it is a hard thing for you to do, and I would like to let you know that I am grateful that you are serving our country. Thank you and God Bless America and the soldiers out there!!!

The Halfling's Gem by: R.A. Salvatore (3rd in Icewind Dale Trilogy)

Assassin Artemis Entreri whisks his kidnapped victim, Regis the halfling, south to Calimport and into Pasha Pook's vengeful hands. If Pook can control the magical panther Guenhwyvar, Regis will die in a real game of cat and mouse.

Using an enchanted mask, dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden hides his heritage and races with the barbarian Wulfgar to save their light-fingered friend. An unexpected ally arrives just as Entreri springs a trap. But can Regis survive unscathed?

The companions from Icewind Dale battle pirates on the famed Sword Coast, brave the deserts of Calimshan, and fight monsters from other planes to rescue their friend...and themselves.

Streams of Silver by: R.A. Salvatore (2nd in Icewind Dale Trilogy)

Oh my gosh!!! These books are sooo good!!! This book had me gripped from the beginning and it kept me on the edge of my seat at the very end! I almost started crying too, the big baby that I am, gosh I can't believe that it actually happened!!!

"Yer eyes'll shine when ye see the rivers runnin' silver in Mithril Hall!"

Bruenor the dwarf, Wulfgar the barbarian, Regis the halfling, and Drizzt the dark elf fight monsters and magic on their way to Mithril Hall, centuries-old birthplace of Bruenor and his dwarvn ancestors.

Faced with racism, Drizzt contemplates returning to the lightless underworld city and murderous lifestyle he abandoned. Wulfgar begins to overcome his tribe's aversion for magic. And Regis runs from a deadly assassin, who, allied with evil wizards, is bent on the companions' destruction. All of Bruenor's dreams, and the survival of his party, hinge upon the actions of one brave young woman.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Here is a very Happy Birthday to Dad today. He is the big 3-9! One more year and he'll be 40, wow, he's old!!! =P Love ya Dad! All I did today was I texted him first, because I didn't know if he was in class, and then when he got back, he called and I told him Happy Birthday again.

And sorry Mom, I forgot to put on here a Happy Birthday for him.

The Crystal Shard by: R.A. Salvatore (1st in Icewind Dale Trilogy)

This was such a good book! I have really enjoyed all of the Drizzt books!

Akar Kessel, a weak-willed apprentice mage sets in motion events leading to the rediscovery of the magical device, the crystal shard. But is it merely an inanimate device . . . or is it capable of directing the defeat of Ten-Towns?

Or have the barbarians already arranged for that themselves? Their brutal attack on the villages of Ten-Towns seals their fate, and that of the youn barbarian Wulfgar. Left for dead, Wulfgar is rescued by the dwarf, Bruenor, in exchange for five years of service . . . and friendship. With the help of the dark elf, Drizzt, Bruenor reshapes Wulfgar into a warrior with both brawn and brains.

But is Wulfgar strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? Can an unorthodox dwarf and renegade dark elf persuade the people of Ten-Towns to put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the forces of the crystal shard?

Utah State vs. University of Utah

On Friday, USU played U of U. We beat them 6-3. Spencer and Eric actually got to play this game, although that was simply because this was the last game of the season. Spencer and Eric were on a line with 2 other guys, this was dumb because you are only supposed to have 3 guys on a line, not 4. So it sucked for them. Spencer told me before the game that he was going to get in a fight, he really wanted to. So in the second period, Spencer is skating along, and "accidentally" elbowed some guy in the head. I don't know if it was on purpose, so that is why there are parantheses. After this happened, this other guy, who had also tried to pick a fight with Spencer earlier, came up and cross-checked him in the neck. (Cross-checking, for those of you who don't know, is when they take their stick, put their hands at opposite ends, and then hit somebody with it.) So Spencer nomrally would have just walked away, but since there was 4 people on his line, he decided to fight the kid. Now this kid hurried and jabbed Spencer twice in the side before Spencer wailed on him. Spencer knocked the kids helmet off, and when he tried to drop his gloves so he could fight better, they wouldn't slide off, so he just started hitting. Now this kid is about as tall as I am, maybe a little taller, and so Spencer just started wailing on his face like it was no big deal, he probably got in 3 or 4 good hits before the ref's came and separated them. Spencer and the other kid got kicked out, but the other kid got called on instigating the fight, which he did. Spencer just finished it. I took pics of the fight, but I have to wait till Spencer emails them to me, but I will post them as soon as I can.

The Goose Girl by: Shannon Hale (1st in series)

This is a really good book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it to everybody!

Page Excerpt:

She was born Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, and she did not open her eyes for three days.

The pacing queen directed ministers and physicians to the crib. They listened to her breathing and her hummingbird heart, felt her fierce grip and her tiny fingers soft as salamander skin. All was sound. But her eyes did not open.

For three days the grave-faced attendants came and went. They prodded her, lifted her lids, slipped thick yellow syrups down her throat.

"You are a princess," the queen whispered to her ear. "Open your eyes."

The baby cooed in her sleep.

When the third day had worn away to the lake blue of evening, a hand parted the nursery curtains. All was still for the night. The queen dozed on the bed. The baby in her crib dreamed of milk, her round, perfect lips nursing in sleep. A woman in a fern green robe pulled aside the curtains and tiptoed across the carpets. She slid her callused hands under the infant's back and head, held her up, and grinned.

"Did you call me out of my house to come and tell you stories?" she said. "I will, my fat one, if you will listen."

The queen awoke to the sounds of the rocking chair creaking and a voice singing about magpies and pigeons. She stood up, ready to call to the guards, then saw that it was her own sister who sang to the baby, and that the baby was looking back at her aunt with wide eyes.

It was the aunt who shortened the crown princess's name to Ani.

Work Out

On Friday, Spencer and I went running. We didn't run as long as we normally do, only 18 minutes. I ran 2.20 miles and I burned 182 calories.

Tax Frustration

So I went to get the application for my residency on Monday. The girl at the counter gave me the paperwork I needed and proceeded to tell me everything that I needed to know, than she said that I could not be claimed on my parents taxes. Now, Dad and I had decided for them to claim me because we thought the FAFSA needed it, but that conflicts with getting my residency. I have already filed my taxes and gotten my return, I got $179 back. Well I talked to my financial aid advisor and she said that for me to get my residency, Mom and Dad can't claim me for 2007, if they do, I have to wait until Spring 2009 to get my residency, which would suck. So today, I went to get my taxes amended. I just went to the VITA on campus, they did my taxes. I get there and tell them I needed my taxes amended and the girl who was going to help me immediately calls over someone else and asks what to do. He tells me at first that they didn't do amendments. He then decides to just help me himself so he takes me over to his computer. He proceeds to tell me that he wasn't sure how long it would take or if it would work, but he wanted to help so I wouldn't have to go to an accountant and pay them to help me. After 30 minutes, he finally finishes and prints it off and tells me that I have to mail it in. I was like, "ok, no problem". The catch was that the IRS might deny my amendment because I can be claimed on my parents taxes. I have to wait until my amendment gets there, and then an indefinite time before they get back to me to tell me if my claim was passed or denied. This sucks! I need to be independent or else I can't get my residency, I think I'm going to go to my advisor tomorrow or Friday and explain to her what is going on and to see if that will affect my getting residency, hopefully everything goes good! Pray for me! Love you all!

Sojourn by: R.A. Salvatore (3rd in Dark Elf Trilogy)

I really enjoyed this book! It was really good and I liked the humor that R.A. Salvatore put into it, I definitely laughed a couple of times in this book.

Far above the merciless Underdark, Drizzt Do'Urden fights to survive the elements of Toril's harsh surface. The young drow begins a sojourn through a world entirely unlike his own--even as he evades the dark elves of his past. He begins to understand his new home and its inhabitants, but acceptance among the surface-dwellers doesn't come easily.

Page Excerpt:

"Run, Eleni!" Connor Thistledown cried, waving his sword and bearing down on the drow. "It is a dark elf!"

Of all that Connor had cried, Drizzt only understood the word "drow." The young man's attitude and intent could not be mistaken, though, for Connor charged straight between Drizzt and Eleni, his sword tip pointed Drizzt's way. Eleni managed to get to her feet behind her brother, but she did not flee. She, too, had heard of the evil dark elves and she would not leave Connor to face one alone.

"Turn away, dark elf," Connor growled. "I am an expert swordsman and much stronger than you."

Drizzt held his hands out, not understanding a word.

"Turn away!" Connor yelled.

On impulse, Drizzt replied in the silent code of his people, an itnricate language of hand and facial gestures.

"He's casting a spell!" Eleni cried, and she dove into the blueberries. Connor charged, his sword leading the way.

Before Connor even knew of the counter, Drizzt grabbed him by the forearm, used his other hand to twist the boy's wrist and take away the sword, spun the crude weapon three times over Connor's head, flipped it in his slender hand, then handed it, hilt first, back to the boy.

Drizzt held his arms out wide and smiled. In drow custom, such a show of superiority without injury signaled a desire for friendship. To the oldest son of farmer Thistledown, the drow's display brought only terror.

Connor stood, mouth agape, for a long moment. His sword fell from his hand; his pants, soiled, clung uncomfortably to his thighs, but he didn't notice.

A scream erupted from somewhere within Connor and he grabbed Eleni, who joined in his scream, and they fled back to the grove to collect the others, then farther running until they crossed the threshold fo their own home.

Drizzt was left, his smile fast fading and his arms out wide, standing all alone in the blueberry patch.

Work Out

Today Spencer and I worked out after Institute. I ran 3.41 miles and I burned 3.29 calories in 35 minutes. I'm doing great! I have definitely been doing better each time! Spencer is doing a lot better than me, running twice the distance and burning twice the calories that I am, but that's ok, I don't mind.

Exile by: R.A. Salvatore (2nd in Dark Elf Trilogy)

I really like these books, they are really good. I definitely recommend them!

Hostile in ways that a surface-dweller could never know, the tunnel-mazes of the Underdark challenge all who tread there. Among these souls are Drizzt Do'Urden and his magical cat, Guenhwyvar. Exiled from his drow homeland, Drizzt must fight for a new home in the boundless labyrinth. Meanwhile, he must watch for signs of pursuit--for the dark elves are not a forgiving race.

Random Tag Meme

I was tagged by Craig at with a meme.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you. (See above.)
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag at least three people at the end of your post and link to their blogs.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the fun begin!

1. I am going to college at Utah State University.
2. I absolutely LOVE to read sci-fi/fantasy books.
3. I need to find a job or else I'm going to lose my phone (EEK!!!)
4. I am a horrible procrastinator!
5. I love to eat food and I actually eat a lot of it, it just doesn't show. (I'm bragging, I know =P)
6. I have over 40 aunts and uncles from both sides of my family, and half of them are younger than me.

I tag Shanna, Montse, and Shaela. I changed my blog because Craig showed me how to do the cool link thing! =D

Sherri Dew Fireside

I realized as I was looking at my blog today that I forgot to blog about my choir concert with Sherri Dew. On Friday night, we had the fireside. It was really good, well at least the parts that I was awake for were really good. I will admit that I have a problem with church meetings and dimmed lights, I don't know what it is but it always puts me to sleep. The opening song with the congregation was "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet" and I must say that the spirit was so strong after we were done singing. Before Sister Dew gave her talk, the choir sang "My Kindness Will Not Depart From Thee". That is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and sang.

For a little while Have I forsaken thee; But with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee For a moment. But with everlasting kindness will I gather thee, And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings, For the mountains shall depart, And the hills shall be removed, And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea, But know, my child, My kindness shall not depart from thee!

Though thine afflictions seem At times too great to bear, I know thine every thought and every care. And though the very jaws Of hell gape after thee I am with thee. And with everlasting mercy will I succor thee, And with healing will I take thee ‘neath my wings. Though the mountains shall depart, And the hills shall be removed, And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea, Know, my child, My kindness shall not depart from thee!

How long can rolling waters Remain impure? What pow’r shall stay the hand of God? The Son of Man hath descended below all things. Art thou greater than He?

So hold on thy way, For I shall be with thee. And mine angels shall encircle thee. Doubt not what thou knowest, Fear not man, for he Cannot hurt thee. And with everlasting kindness will I succor thee, And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings. For the mountains shall depart, And the hills shall be removed, And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea, But know, my child, My kindness shall not depart from thee!

These are the lyrics to the song, beautiful aren't they. Sister Dew's talk was on Joseph Smith and the prophets, and for what I was awake through, it was really good. One thing that she said that really stuck in my mind was something that she said at the beginning of her talk. She told a story about her friend looking for a house and her asking Sister Dew to come help her. They found a very nice house that seemed like the best for the standards that she had chosen, so she asked Sister Dew to pray and ask the Lord if it was the right house. Sister Dew went on to pray and she said in her prayer, "...Let them get this house if it suits Thee, or help them find something better..." Now this is an indirect quote and I don't know if I even quoted it right, but what stuck with me was asking the Lord to find something better. Not putting a limitation on what God can do for us. It really made me think and realize that that is what I need to do when I ask the Lord if what I am praying for is good, or if He can get me something better if it suits His needs.

Another thing that Sister Dew said at the end of her talk was she was talking about Abraham 3: 16-17, the scripture about the Noble and Great Ones and how before, she used to always attributed that to the prophets and apostles and church leaders. Now she attributes that scripture to everybody, saying that everybody is a Noble and Great One. It was a really good talk and I was glad that I was there to listen to most of it. For a closing song, the choir sang "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing", arranged by Mack Wilberg.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;Streams of mercy, never ceasing,Call for songs of loudest praise.Teach me some melodious sonnet,Sung by flaming tongues above.Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;Hither by Thy help I’ve come;And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,Safely to arrive at home.Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,Prone to leave the God I love;Here's my heart, O take and seal it;Seal it for Thy courts above.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,Wandering from the fold of God;He, to rescue me from danger,Interposed His precious blood.Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,Prone to leave the God I love;Here's my heart, O take and seal it;Seal it for Thy courts above.

O to grace how great a debtorDaily I'm constrained to be!Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,Bind my wandering heart to Thee:Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,Prone to leave the God I love;Here's my heart, O take and seal it;Seal it for Thy courts above.

Work Out

I worked out again today, I'm starting a good habit. =) Today I only ran on the Elliptical machine. I started playing with the buttons, trying to get a good workout, and I tried doing a Fat Burn workout, but they wanted me to go really slow, and I tried for about 5 minutes and then I decided to do something else. I then did a Cardio workout and I liked that one. I did 3.21 miles in total today, including my 5 minute cool down. I burned 308 calories.

Homeland by: R.A. Salvatore (1st in Dark Elf Trilogy)

Travel back to strange and exotic Menzoberranzan, the vast city of the drow and homeland to Icewind Dale hero Drizzt Do'Urden.

The young prince of a royal house, Drizzt grows to maturity in the vile world of his dark kin. Possessing honor beyond the scope of his unprincipled society, young Drizzt faces an inevitable dilemma. Can he live in a world that rejects integrity?

Work Out

So last night I went and worked out. I went with Spencer. We went running around 9 pm. The rugby team closed the main floor of the Fieldhouse down so they could use it for their own personal use. Before they closed the floor down I got in 5 laps jogging and 3 laps walking. So that is a mile. After they closed the main floor, Spencer and I went upstairs to where the treadmills and elliptical machines and weights. I went on an elliptical machine and jogged/ran 3.25 miles. I burned approximately 350 calories in all last night. I thought I did really good. So I did 4.25 miles in total last night. Afterwards, Spencer and I went swimming afterwards and soaked in the hot tub. It felt really really nice.

My Car

So I finally unburied (is that a word? I dunno know.) my car today. I started about 5-10 minutes after Spencer brought me home, which was around 3 I think, and I didn't finish until about 5. I was out there forever! My arms were so tired when I was done too. I forgot how heavy snow could be. There was a lot of snow to move as you can see. I'm very glad that I finally did it though!

Valentine's Day!

So for Valentine's Day, Spencer and I hung out as usual. I got him Phase 10, a frog that makes kissing noises (which was so totally cute!), and a pack of gum. He got me a card that was really cute, 3 roses, a stuffed puppy, and he took me out to ice cream! It was really sweet! We watched the first half of Varsity Blue before he had to take me home because he left today to go to Montana; which is sad for me, but oh well.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Crazy Weather

So today we had some CRAZY weather. On Monday and Tuesday, the weather was in the 40's and it was sooo nice! It was soo warm and I was so excited! Than today, it was pretty warm this morning, and clear too. At about 11:30, it started to snow, and I mean REALLY snow. It was dumping on us. When Spencer took me back up to campus for Institute at 1:20, there were already roads that were being blocked off. When I left Insitute at 3, it looked like there was a blizzard outside. It was absolutely crazy! It was snowing so hard! So I make a mad dash for the TSC and the comfort of being inside and I start wandering around the Bookstore, just to see what there was. I saw some stuff that I would like to buy as Christmas presents, I'm thinking early for once. While I am wandering around, Spencer calls to see how I am doing and to tell me that there is a blizzard outside, not that I didn't know that already =). I told him that I was not looking forward to walking to my math class, because my math class is about a 7 min walk that is mostly outside, I can cut through some buildings, but I would still be outside most of the time. Spencer asked if I had a test in math today, I told him "no" and he suggested I skip class because of the bad weather. I had already contemplated skipping class, so he just helped me decide quicker. He picked me up and we went swimming for about 2 hours, it was so nice. The pool was warm and the hot tub was very hot, it was great! When I got home, which was about an hour ago, I was talking to Keely and she told me that all the classes after 3:30 approx. were cancelled, so I didn't have a math class to go to. It was great! The weather here is pretty crazy, but I hope it stops soon so I can get my car safety inspected and registered.

Old Magic by: Marianne Curley

JARROD THORNTON IS MESMERIZING, BUT KATE WARREN DOESN'T KNOW WHY.

The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom.

Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey--one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

Speak by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth.

"Out of Small Things" Talk

So I had to give a talk today in church. I really did not want to do it! I wrote the talk last night at like midnight, and I whipped it out in about 30 minutes. I had to base my talk on the Oct. 2007 General Conference talk by Elder Michael Teh, it was called "Out of Small Things". The talk was basically on service. You know what, I'm going to put my talk on here. Let you all know about what I mostly said. This is going to be long, so you don't have to read it if you don't want to.

So I started out by telling everyone my name and saying how most everybody didn't know me because I am anti-social and this would probably be the first time anybody had heard me talk. Than I got started. Now most of this won't be exactly what I said, I did a lot of improv. I just put down the main points to read and just blabbed something of my own to fill in between. So you will just get the main points and not my blab.

"The following advice, given by the deceitful Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood in C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters...The great thing is to direct the malice to his immediate neighbours whom he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference, to people he does not know. The malice thus becomes wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary."-Elder Teh

"Finally, serve willingly. You are a mighty force for good, one of the most powerful in the entire world. Your influence ranges far beyond yourself and your home and touches others all around the globe."-President Monson (Nov. 2007 Ensign)

"...Much of the service needed in the world today relates to our day-to-day associations with each other."-Elder Teh

"Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another: a question concerning a person's family, quick words of encouragement, a sincere compliment, a small note of thanks, a brief telephone call. If we are observant and aware, and if we act on the promptings which come to us, we can accomplish much good. Sometimes, of course, more is needed."-President Monson (Nov. 2007 Ensign)

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another--I say unto you that if ye should serve him from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another--I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."-Mosiah 2: 17, 20-21

"-That assurance from the Master can help those of us feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances. In the hardest trials, as long as you have the power to pray, you can ask a loving God: “Please let me serve, this day. It doesn’t matter to me how few things I may be able to do. Just let me know what I can do. I will obey this day. I know that I can, with Thy help.”-The quiet invitation to you may be to do so simple a thing as to forgive someone who has offended you. You can do that from a hospital bed. It may be to go to help someone who is hungry. You may feel overwhelmed by your own poverty and the labors of the day. But if you decide not to wait until you have more strength and more money, and if you pray for the Holy Spirit as you go, you will when you arrive know what to do and how to help someone even poorer than you are. You may find when you get there that they were praying and expecting that someone like you would come, in the name of the Lord.-For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart. Your circumstances may not be improved in all the ways which you desire. But you will have been given new strength to carry your burdens and new confidence that when your burdens become too heavy, the Lord, whom you have served, will carry what you cannot. He knows how. He prepared long ago. He suffered your infirmities and your sorrows when He was in the flesh so that He would know how to succor you. The other promise I make to you is that by choosing to serve Him this day, you will feel His love and grow to love Him more. -By serving Him this day, you will come to know Him better. You will feel His love and appreciation. You would not want to delay receiving that blessing. And feeling His love will draw you back to His service, wiping away both complacency and discouragement."-President Eyring (May 2007 Ensign)

"We can't do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere."-Elder Richard L. Evans (1906-71) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."-Matthew 25:35-40

"No man can be a true Latter-Day Saint who is unneighborly, who does not reach out to assist and help others. It is inherent in the very nature of the gospel that we do so. My brothers and sisters, we cannot live unto ourselves."-President Hinkley

"Our service to others should be independent of race, color, standing, or relationships. After all, the commandment to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" did not come with qualifications."-Elder Teh

"This service is to be given unselfishly, with no thought of personal gain or reward. It is to be given as needed, not when convenient. Opportunities to serve may not always seem obvious, as it is human nature to worry about our own wants and needs. We must resist such tendencies and look for opportunities to serve. When we visit with those who are suffering from sickness, loss of loved ones, or other heartbreak, it is not enough to simply say, "Call if there is anything I can do." Rather, look for ways to bless the lives of others through seemingly simple acts of service. It is better to do even things of little consequence than to do nothing at all. Service requires unselfishness, sharing, and giving."-Elder Steven E. Snow (Nov. 2007 Ensign) of the Seventy

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."-D&C 58:26-29

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Serving others need not come from spectacular events. Often it is the simple daily act that gives comfort, uplifts, encourages, sustains, and brings a smile to others."-Elder Teh

"Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone's burden been lighter today because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try," but go and do something today. 'Tis noble of man to work and to give; love's labor has merit alone. Only he who does something helps others to live. To God each good work will be known."-"Have I Done Any Good?" (Hymn no. 223)

Ella Enchanted by: Gail Carson Levine

That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me. She meant to bestow a gift. When I cried inconsolably through my first hour of life, my tears were her inspiration. Shaking her head sympathetically at Mother, the fairy touched my nose. "My gift is obedience. Ella will always be obedient. Now stop crying, child."

I stopped.

Father was away on a trading expedition as usual, but our cook, Mandy, was there. She and Mother were horrified, but no matter how they explained it to Lucinda, they couldn't make her understand the terrible thing she'd done to me. I could picture the argument: Mandy's freckles standing out sharper than usual, her fizzy gray hair in disarray, and her double chin shaking with anger; Mother still and intense, her brown curls damp from labor, the laughter gone from her eyes.

I couldn't imagine Lucinda. I didn't know what she looked like.

She wouldn't undo the curse.

My first awareness of it came on my fifth birthday. I seem to remember that day perfectly, perhaps because Mother told the tale so often...

Princess Academy by: Shannon Hale

IT WAS A LOVELY IDEA AND MIRI WISHED SHE COULD BELIEVE IT, BUT SHE KNEW LOWLANDERS WOULD NEVER ALLOW A CROWN TO SIT ON A MOUNTAIN GIRL'S HEAD.

High on the slopes of rock Mount Eskel, Miri's family pounds a living from the stone of the mountain itself. But Miri's life will change forever when word comes that her small village is the home of the future princess. All eligible girls must attend a makeshift academy to prepare for royal life. At the school, Miri finds herself confronting bitter competition among the girls and her own conflicted desires to be chosen. Yet when danger comes to the academy, it is Miri, named for a tiny mountain flower, who must find a way to save her classmates--and the future of their beloved village.

Last Night

So Thursday night, Spencer's sister, Julie, and her husband and daughter came to visit. So yesterday night, we all hung out for the most part. We went to dinner at Olive Garden and had fun there, and then after that, Julie and Kelsy didn't want to go to the hockey game with the rest of us, so they went back to Kelsy's house to watch "The Nanny Diaries" while they put Callie, Julie's daughter, to sleep. The rest of us, Brad, Eric, Ben (Julie's husband), Spencer, and I all went to the hockey game. It was USU vs. BYU. We beat BYU 7-2. It was a great game, although we didn't finish it. We left after the second period to go to Brad's house. I thought we were going to talk and have fun, but all we did was finish watching "The Nanny Diaries", oh well. Spencer and I amused ourselves by rolling a green ball to each other. It was fun. I found out the score from Spencer, who found it out from someone on the hockey team. I wish I could have finished the game, but it was fun hanging out with the others.

Specials by: Scott Westerfeld (3rd in series)

FRIGHTENINGLY BEAUTIFUL. DANGEROUSLY STRONG. BREATHTAKINGLY FAST.

Tally thought they were a rumor, but now she's one of them. A Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

But maybe being perfectly programmed with strength and focus isn't better than anything she's ever known. Tally still has memories of something else.

But it's easy for her to tune that out--until she's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

Pretties by: Scott Westerfeld (2nd in series)

These books are really really really easy reads. But they are sooooo good!!! They hook you in from the start and the whole time you are wondering what is going to happen next. I loved them!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PERFECTION ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH?

GORGEOUS. POPULAR. PERFECT. PERFECTLY WRONG.

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is toally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun--the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom--is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life--because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

Uglies by: Scott Westerfeld (1st in series)

IN A WORLD OF EXTREME BEAUTY, ANYONE NORMAL IS UGLY.

EVERYBODY GETS TO BE SUPERMODEL GORGEOUS. WHAT COULD BE WRONG WITH THAT?

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license--for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from repellant ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really good time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk her life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world--and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choise she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

Dragon Venom by: Lawrence Watt-Evans (3rd in series)

First came Dragon Weather: a wave of incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark angry clouds...and dragons. Dragons with no remorse, no sympathy, no use for humans; dragons who destroyed an entire village and everyone in it. Everyone, that it, except the young boy Arlian. Orphaned and alone, Arlian was captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. He finally escaped, fueled by his vow to bring justice to all who had wronged him.

After killing those who enslaved him, Arlian sought out The Dragon Society, whose sworn purpose was to stand against the dragon menace. It was there, among his peers, that Arlian discovered he is humanity's best hope for defeating the dragons...permanently.

Now, Arlian seeks his final vengeance: death to all of dragonkind. But with each death of the evil beasts, wild magic seeps into the Lands of Men, sowing chaos and destruction in its wake. Will Arlian's all-consuming quest for justice consume humanity as well? The answer may lie within his ancient foe's most lethal weapon: Dragon Venom.

Deadly Game by: Christine Feehan (5th in series)

It begins as a mission to protect a politician from an assassination threat. But the operation takes an unexpected when Mari, a mysteriously beautiful GhostWalker, is taken hostage. At the same time, Ken Norton, expert assassin and himself a GhostWalker warrior, is on a mission of his own--one that reaches into Mari's past. No stranger to the ways of violent warfare, Mari must join forces with Ken and trust his every move--each one more intimate than the last.

Night Game by: Christine Feehan (3rd in series)

Gator Fontenot of the Special Forces paranormal squad can't refuse an urgent request to save the elusive Iris "Flame" Johnson, a victim of the same horrific experiments that warped Gator. Now unleashed, she's a red-haired weapon of unimaginable destructive powers, a walking time bomb bent on revenge in the sultry bayous of New Orleans and hunted by a shadowy assassin. It's Gator's job to reel Flame in. But can two people haunted by violent betrayals trust the passion that soon ignites between them? Or is one of them just playing another seductive and deadly night game?

RIP President Hinckley!

So yesterday I found out that President Hinckley died from Mom and Brittney. I read the text and I felt like I was hit in the stomach. All of my breath just left me. I stared at my phone in shock and disbelief and I told Chippy, Keely, and Kendal and they were just as shocked as I was. Kendal and Chippy went downstairs to check the computer for more information and I just sat there in shock. It is hard to think that he is actually dead. I don't remember when President Benson was alive, I was too young, President Hinckley has been the prophet for most of my life, it will be weird to watch conference and not see his smiling face up at the pulpit. Yesterday, I had a choir performance and just as we ended our concert and sang our last song was when President Hinckley passed away. We realized today that our last song, which is called "Go Ye Now In Peace" was sang at the time of his passing. It was a humbling moment, today in choir, we did a little service of remembrance before starting class, I was glad to be able to be there and hear everyone's stories.

Worked Out Yesterday

Spencer and I finally went and worked out yesterday for the first time, and I am really sore. =( I don't know for how long we were there, but I got a good work out. I just ran, did nothing else, I didn't want to do anything else. The way I ran was I used my iPod, and I ran for the entirety of one song, and then when that was done, I would walk a lap and then start again from where I stopped and finish out the current song I was on and run for the whole next song. I got in 3 laps for every song. I listened to 14 songs. So I ran 21 laps and I walked 7 laps, so I did 28 laps in total, which is 3.5 miles. I did good. Spencer did 20 laps in total, which is 2.5 miles, and I don't know how he split his up. I got more laps in because he left his school ID at home, so he had to go back and I just stayed at the gym and got started. It felt good to be running, but I was tired afterwards. And after we finished, we went swimming at the pool outside his house and sat in the hot tub as well.

Shadow Game by: Christine Feehan (1st in series)

The classified experiment is the brainchild of renowned scientist Peter Whitney and his brilliant daughter, Lily. Created to enhance the psychic abilities of an elite squadron, it can transform their natural mental powers into a unique military weapon. But something has gone wrong. In the isolated underground labs, the men have been dying--victims of bizarre accidents. Captain Ryland Miller knows he is next. When Dr. Whitney himself is murdered, Ryland has only one person left to trust: the beautiful Lily. Possessed of an uncanny sixth sense herself, Lily shares Ryland's every new fear, every betrayal, every growing suspicion, and every passionate beat of the heart. Together, they will be drawn deeper into the labyrinth of her father's past...and closer to a secret that someone would kill to keep hidden.

Lost in Translation by: Nicole Mones

This book actually wasn't too bad, it sucks you in, and once you get used to the Chinese phrases in there, you can enjoy it.

At dawn in Beijing, Alice Mannegan pedals a bicycle through the deserted streets. An American by birth, she spends her nights in Beijing's smoke-filled bars, and the Chinese men she so desires never misunderstand her intentions. All around her rushes the air of China, the scent of history and change, of a world where she has come to escape her father's love and her own pain. It is a world in which, each night as she slips from her hotel, she hopes to lose herself forever.

For Alice, it began with a phone call from an American archaeologist seeking a translator. And it ended in an intoxicating journey of the heart--one that will draw her into a perilous search for archaeological treasure, plunger her into the vast, uncharted terrain of northwest China, and bring a man named Lin Shiyang into her life. As the expedition twists perilously through the violent history of China, as Alice and Lin slowly seek shelter in each other, an extraordinary series of events begins to unfold...in this haunting, utterly unforgettable novel.

Heath Ledger is Dead!

This is so sad! Heath Ledger has died and it is a very shocking thing! To think, he was only 28 yrs. old and he had a 2-3 yr. old daughter who is now without a father. It is very sad, I really liked him. He was a great actor! I'm looking forward to seeing his last movie in "The Dark Knight", he played the Joker. This is sad and very shocking! I was absolutely shocked when I heard he died.

The Sweet Far Thing by: Libba Bray (3rd in series)

This book is sooo good!!! I could not put it down and when I had to, I freaked out!

It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength to turn catty schoolgirls into loyal friends, and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances with headstrong Felicity and timid Ann; with Kartik, an exotic young Indian man whose companionship is forbidden; and with the fearsome creatures of the realms. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.

Rule-breaking Felicity must do as she's told or risk losing her inheritance, and Ann's dream of a life onstage slips away. The Order, the mysterious group Gemma's mother was once part of, is grappling for control of the realms, as are the Rakshana. It is there that the girls meet their adored friend Pippa, who is not the same...or is she? The power to change everything--both in and out of the realms--rests in Gemma's hands.

Pulled forward by fate, the destiny Gemmma faces threatens to set chaos loose, not only in the realms, but also upon the rigid Victorian society whose rules Gemma has both defied and followed. Where does Gemma belong? And will she, can she, survive?

Dragon Society by. Lawrence Watt-Evans (2nd in series)

ONE MAN MUST STAND AGAINST THE DRAGON MENACE!

It all began with Dragon Weather: a wave of incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark angry clouds...and dragons. Dragons with no remorse, no sympathy, no use for humans; dragons who destroyed an entire village and everyone in it. Everyone, that is, except the young boy, Arlian.

Orphaned and alone, Arlian was captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. Years later he escaped, fueled by years of hatred for the dragons, bandits, and slavers that took away his youth--and a personal vow to exact retribution from those who have wronged him.

Arlian seeks out The Dragon Society, whose sworn purpose is to stand against the dragon menace. What he learns there is shocking: that he may well be the best hope humanity will ever have for defeating the dragons...permanently.

Dragon Weather by: Lawrence Watt-Evans (1st in series)

Arlian had never left his home village on the Smoking Mountain. The stony ground, jagged peaks, and black glass were all he had ever known of life, and he knew deep in his heart that he would probably never leave.

Until the dragon weather came. Incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark and angry clouds...and dragons. Dragons with no feelings, no sympathy, no use for humans; dragons who destroyed his entire village and everyone in it.

Everyone, that is, except Arlian.

Orphaned and alone, Arlian makes his way through life, obsessed with the concept of justice, determined to avenge his family and his village. But can one righteous man change the entire world for the better? Or is he doomed by his own actions to become as unjust as those he seeks to destroy?

Christmas Present Exchange Finally

Well Spencer and I finally exchanged our Christmas presents that we got each other. A little late, I know, but we both ordered them late and so the gift I got Spencer came in on Monday and I think that that is when the gift that Spencer got came in as well. Well I got Spencer two shirts from the Colorado Avalanche, which is Spencer's favorite hockey team. It is a three-in-one shirt because it came with a short sleeve shirt and a long sleeve shirt and then you can layer them and make a different shirt. He looked like he really liked it. What Spencer got me was the first season of "Lost". Now the funny thing about this is that Dad got Mom that for her birthday, although I was the one to buy it for him, so that is how I knew she got it. Now the funny part is that when I bought it, I was telling Spencer about how I was so jealous that she got the first season, and by this time, he had already bought it, so he was just laughing inside. And then when I told Mom last night that I got the first season, she was saying how jealous she was that I got it. So this morning, Mom and I were laughing about it. It was great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

This is a Happy Birthday blog to my mom! Her birthday is the 10th, I just blogged this kinda late, sorry Mom. I just want to tell Mom that I appreciate everything that she has ever done for me my entire life! I hope you had a great birthday Mom and I'm really sad that I had to miss it, to think that this is the first birthday ever that I have missed! That is really sad and I don't want to think about it anymore... Your present is in the mail and should arrived by next week at the latest. I hope you like it! I love you so much and I want to you to know that whenever I do something, I always think about what you would do if you were here or in my situation. You are my hero Mom and I hope that I grow up to be just like you!

Love you lots!!!

Wizard's Daughter by: Catherine Coulter (10th in series)

I totally didn't know that there were other books in this series when I bought it, I thought it looked good, so I got it. So, oh well, it's not exactly a series in that it deals with the same people each time, it just follows the same family, immediate and extended, and goes into their lives over a period of time. An excellent book if I do say so myself.


When Ryder Sherbrooke finds a child nearly beaten to death in an alley in Eastbourne, he takes her home to Brandon House. She doesn't speak for six months. Her first words, oddly enough, are a haunting song:



I dream of beauty and sightless night
I dream of strength and fevered might
I dream I'm not alone again
But I know of his death and her grievous sin.



Ah, and just what does this strange song mean that was seemingly imprinted on the child's brain?

She names herself Rosalind de La Fontaine since she cannot remember who she is. In her first season in London in 1835, under the aegis of the Sherbrookes, she meets Nicholas Vail, the seventh Earl of Mountjoy, newly arrived from Macau. It is instant fascination on both their parts, but for different reasons.

With Grayson Sherbrooke, they are led to an ancient copy of a mysterious book written by a sixteenth-century wizard. The book is written in a baffling code that neither Grayson nor Nicholas can read.

But Rosalind can, easily.

Strange things start happening. Both Nicholas and Rosalind know it has to do with the old book, and, perhaps, even her past, particularly the song she first sang as a child. The urgency builds as they realize Rosalind is the key to a centuries-old mystery.

"Bring Him Home Santa" Video

This song is sooo sweet and cute! The first time I heard it, I wanted to cry, and then I watched the video that this guy made for the song, and I did cry...I am a cry baby I know. But I have good reason for this song, it is just cute and sad and you can't help but love it! You have to go and watch this video! I know you will love it! Especially you Mom, you will get the same reaction I did. I tried to get it so you could watch it directly from my blog, but I'm not smart enough to do that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5leMiif4pM

The Great Escape by: Boys Like Girls

This song is a really good song, I heard it in Texas while driving the Uhual. It is a good song with good lyrics!


- Boys Like Girls Lyrics

FHE

I went to FHE (Family Home Evening) for the first time in like 4 months tonight and I had an absolute blast! It was so much fun! It was at Brother and Sister Hoth's house and there were about 15 people in our little "family" there tonight. The lesson was on families I think, but I don't remember because it was really short. Most everybody went downstairs to play games, but I stayed upstairs and talked with Sister Hoth and a bunch of the other girls. We had an absolute blast, and Sister Hoth is so funny, I mean she is freaking hilarious! I'm glad I went tonight, it was fun!

School has started

Well school has officially started again, and it was so cold today. =( It sucked. Kendal took me to school and I ended up being an hour early to school, so what I did was I bought some hot cocoa to warm my hands because they were absolutely freezing and I looked around the Bookstore to see what kind of books they had and then I sat on the comfy couches until Spencer came and we went to class. My classes this semester are a geography class, an english class, a nutrition life science class, a math class, and an economics class. And in February, I start a water safety instructor class as well. And along with all of this I will be taking Institute Choir and a regular Institute class. And I'm getting a job as well. So I am going to be very busy this semester, I am already looking forward to it being over!

Oh and Mom, when you get internet and read this, tell Elder Snyder if he is still there that I have his dad as my Economics teacher, we were talking about that when I went to church with you guys.

And Then You Die by: Iris Johansen

SHE EXPECTED SUNSHINE AND BALMY BREEZES. WHAT SHE SAW WAS EVERYONE'S WORST NIGHTMARE.

Bess Grady has heard the unmistakable sound before. She knows what it means. But not even the eerie lament of the howling dogs can prepare her for what has taken place in the small village. The seasoned photojournalist had been sent there on an easy assignment, and now she has stumbled upon something she was never meant to see. Amid chaos and fear, she joins forces with an intimidating stranger, a man whose alliances are unclear but whose methods have a way of leaving bodies in his wake. For what she has witnessed is only the first stage in a plan of terror that may kill us all. And she has no choice but to stop it--or die trying...

The Husband by: Dean Koontz

What would you do for love? Would you die? Would you kill?

We have your wife. You can get her back for two million cash. Landscaper Mitchell Rafferty thinks it must be some kind of joke. He was in the middle of planting impatiens in the yard of one of his clients when his cell phone rang. Now he's standing in a normal suburban neighborhood on a bright summer day, having a phone conversation out of his darkest nightmare.

Whoever is on the other end of the line is dead serious. He has Mitch's wife and he's named the price for her safe return. The caller doesn't care that Mitch runs a small two-man landscaping operation and has no way of raising such a vast sum. He's confident that Mitch will find a way. If he loves his wife enough...

Mitch does love her enough. He loves her more than life itself. He's got sixty hours to prove it. He has to find the two million by then. But he'll pay a lot more. He'll pay anything.

Confessor by: Terry Goodkind (11th in series)

Descending into darksness, about to be overwhelmed by evil, those people still free are powerless to stop the coming dawn of a savage new world, while Richard faces the guilt of knowing that he must let it happen. Alone, he must bear the weight of a sin he dare not confess to the one person he loves...and has lost.

Join Richard and Kahlan in the concluding novel of one of the most remarkable and memorable journeys ever written. It started with one rule and will end with the rule of all rules, the rule unwritten, the rule unspoken since the dawn of history.

When next the sun rises, the world will be forever changed.

New Hair Color

So on Thursday 20, I had my hair colored a dark brown. Shanna did it for me. I like it a lot! I sent a pic to Spencer and he didn't even notice it at first =( How sad, huh? I will get pics on here as soon as I can, Mom's computer is being gay.

Last Leg (this is a little graphic near the end)

Ok, here goes the last leg, we left Scooter's house at about 10:30-11, none of us was looking forward to the drive ahead of us. The one plus was that we would be on the interstate or the highway or whatever so we could drive faster. We had about a 10 hour drive ahead of us, which really sucked! So we got going and everything was good. I basically listened to my iPod the whole time and sang at the top of my lungs so I wouldn't fall asleep, even though I had No Doze in me constantly. I basically had my iPod on so I wouldn't be bored, I would intersperse my iPod listening with talking to Spencer, although I don't really remember everything we talked about, it was basically stuff to keep me occupied, so really random stuff. We drove for ever and let me tell you, New Mexico and Texas suck to drive through because they are really boring! They are flat and boring. Ok, so as we were nearing the New Mexico/Texas border, we could see fog ahead of us, New Mexico was really clear, but Texas had this fog over it. So we drive through and you know, it is just a basic fog, but than it starts to snow...*Duh Duh Duh* =) We stop in Amarillo for gas for my Uhual and it is just pouring snow, it was kinda bad. Dad says that if we drive through Amarillo and beyond, and get to a town called Childress, we would pass the storm and be ok. So we get to the next town around 7 or 8, I can't remember. The town was called Clarendom or Clarendon or something like that for dinner and gas for the Penske and truck.

Oh wait, I almost forgot, I think it was when we hit Texas, after the snow started, my mom and dad switched vehicles, because the boat kept sliding and swerving on my mom, so my dad took over for her. At Clarendon, we had dinner at Pizza Hut, and I only had half a pizza, Connor, Karissa, and Brittney were all feeling sick as well, so none of us really ate. My dad finally said we would get a hotel for the night because we still had another 5 and half hours to go before we hit Fort Worth. There were no open hotels in Clarendon, and no open hotels in the next town, Memphis. So we called Stan to find a hotel in Childress for us, my dad booked a room for us there and we left. Now Childress was about an hour and a half away at our speeds, because we were only going like 35 at the tops. As we left, my dad was in the lead, I followed, than my mom came last. I went about 25-30 mph to stay up with my dad while giving him distance and my mom was going about 15-20 mph. I was talking to Spencer while I was driving because I was having problems staying focused.

Well I drove onto those bumps on the side of the road and it started to suck me in, so I told Spencer to hold on because I was drifting. Well I started to correct myself and the Uhual started to go sideways on me. Well I immediately went "oh crap, hang on Spencer" and I dropped the phone so I could grip the steering wheel better and I managed to right myself when the Uhual went sideways the other way. So i try to correct myself and I slide off the road. As soon as I stop I immediately put my face in my hands and I burst out crying. Spencer the whole is freaking out and trying to get my attention, I finally hear him and tell him I am ok. Now this whole time, my dad had pulled the truck over and was running down the hill towards me. My mom had finally spotted me and Britt had called her to say I went off the road, but I was ok. Now she hit the same patch of ice that I had and her Penske want sideways, so she manages to straighten it out, but it over corrects itself and she corrects it again. Now behind her was a big semi that had tried to slow down for her, but his trailer jack-knifed and he was slowly inching his way towards my mom. Dad in the mean time saw all this happening and was trying to tell my mom to get off the road and my mom is just freaking out and trying to do that at the same time. Now I didn't know that all this was happening, all I knew was I needed to get back on the road and out of the snow.

By the time Dad got to me, I was unstuck, he told me to just drive on the shoulder of the road, not the actual road. The road had about 2 in. of ice on it, almost like an ice skating rink, it was really bad. My dad went back to the truck and started up the hill, but he had to stop to throw up because he was so nervous. He finally found like a little parking lot at the top of the hill, so we all went up there to stay the night. Now the place we stopped at was called Donley's County Gin, whatever that was and it seemed to be trucker heaven, there were so many truckers stopped there. Mom put Boo and Gracee in my Uhual and I went and stayed in the Penske with her. By this time it was 11:15 pm. Before I was even comfortable, I realized that I needed to throw up, so I got out of the Penske and threw up what little dinner I had. And then every 20-30 minutes after that, I had to get out and throw up. It really sucked. And at one point, I had to go to the bathroom, so i went to the truck and got out the butt wipes, and went to the back of the truck and went pee and took a dump. Sorry for whoever reads this.

At around 5:30 am, we finally left, I thought I was ok, but when we got to Clarendon, I realized I wasn't so we ended up staying there for about a 2 hour nap, for me and dad atleast. When we woke up, I thought I was feeling better, but not even 5 minutes later, I had to pull over to throw up again. It really sucked. We had no more problems other than me throwing up and we got to Fort Worth just fine. It is a beautiful house and I'm happy for my family.

First Leg

I am going to break down our trip from Fallon to Texas into two parts. For most of the trip, the order of who drove what vehicle was I drove the Uhual, Mom drove the truck with the boat attached to it, and Dad drove the Penske. We first drove to Salt Lake City for Christmas, and then we left for Albuquerque, NM for our first pit stop. For Christmas, I got 3 books by Christine Feehan and $100 from my parents, I got a CD from my grandma, and I got some chocolate and a $30 gift card to Borders from my Uncle David.

Now before I go any farther for the trip to New Mexico, I have to tell about my first time driving on the freeway in Salt Lake. We drove into Salt Lake at about 11:30-midnight. Now I had talked to my mom earlier because she was making sure I wasn't falling asleep or anything like that and so I told her I would talk to Spencer until I got to Grandma's. Before I hung up, she asked if I was ready for freeway driving and I said I would be fine. So I was talking to Spencer when all of a sudden all of these little cars came up and around me and in front of me and I started to freak out, but than I was fine, all I knew was I had to stay behind Mom and I would be ok. Then we got to a portion of the freeway that was under construction, and there were barriers on one side of the lane, another lane, and then more barriers. So there was no room for error. Mom was freaking out in her truck because there was this little white car just sitting behind the boat, almost in a blind spot and he wouldn't pass her. So I was driving behind Mom and thinking "Just stay in your lane, but don't get too close to the barrier because I don't want to die" basically over and over again. Then all of a sudden, this little black car came up and started to tailgate the white car. I was thinking "Oh crap, where did this guy come from!" So I backed off a little more, and it was a good thing I did, because Black Car moved in front of me, and there was no signal or nothing, Black Car was not wanting to stay behind White Car, even though White Car was getting off the freeway and as soon as White Car moved, Black Car moved back, again no signal, and passed Mom. When we got to Grandma's, I unbuckled and unlocked the door because I felt like throwing up, it really sucked.

So to go to New Mexico, we went by way of Nephi, UT, I think it was so we could be a snowstorm. Now for the most part, I had had no problem driving the Uhual. The only part that really sucked was the fact that I had Mom and Dad's big tv sitting shot-gun with me the whole trip, so I had problems looking out my right rear-view mirror. When we went through Colorado, we went onto Route 491, which was a really crappy road. We went over this bridge over Eagle Canyon and I guess my Uhual didn't hit it right, so when I went over the bridge, the bump at the beginning of the bridge sent my Uhual up on two wheels on my right side, then on two wheels on my left side, than right again, and then I finally managed to straighten it out, it was really scary. Mom was driving behind me at the time, so she said I almost made her throw up because she was so scared. It was really bad. But we made it to Albuquerque ok and we stayed the night at my dad's friend, Scooter's house.

Demon Soul by: Richard A. Knaak (2nd in series)

Led by the mighty Archimonde, scores of demonic soldiers now march across the lands of Kalimdor, leaving a trail of death and devastation in their wake. At the heart of the fiery invasion stands the mystic Well of Eternity — once the source of the night elves' arcane power. But now the Well's energies have been defiled and twisted, for Queen Azshara and her Highborne will stop at nothing to commune with their newfound god: the fiery Lord of the Burning Legion...Sargeras.

The night elf defenders, led by the young druid, Malfurion Stormrage, and the wizard, Krasus, fight a desperate battle to hold back the Legion's terrible onslaught. Though only embers of hope remain, an ancient power has risen to aid the world in its darkest hour. The dragons — led by the powerful Aspect, Neltharion — have forged a weapon of incalculable power: the Dragon Soul, an artifact capable of driving the Legion from the world forever. But its use may cost far more than any could have foreseen.

The second novel in an original trilogy of magic, warfare, and heroism based on the bestselling, award-winning electronic game series from Blizzard Entertainment.

Just because you are raised as a military brat.....yes, another one of Britt's blonde moments.

Just because you are raised as a military brat does not mean you know the most simple basic things. Today walking into the house from church Drew start out...Left, Left, Left, Right, Left. Brittney responds with, "Oh, I get that now! I always wondered how they marched when they said only left."
Doh, she though maybe they took a left step and paused, then somehow they would take another left step. Or maybe they just hopped on their left leg. Oh my gosh, what a blonde.

WarCraft: The Well of Eternity by: Richard A. Knaak (1st in trilogy)

Many months have passed since the cataclysmic Battle of Mount Hyjal, where the demonic Burning Legion was banished from Azeroth forever. But now, a mysterious energy rift within the mountains of Kalimdor propels three former warriors into the distant past--a time long before orcs, humans or even high elves roamed the land. A time when the Dark Titan, Sargeras, and his demon pawns persuaded Queen Azshara and her Highborne to cleanse Azeroth of its lesser races. A time when the Dragon Aspects were at the height of their power--unaware that one of their own would soon usher in an age of darkness that would engulf the world of...WARCRAFT.

In the first chapter of this epic trilogy, the outcome of the historic War of the Ancients is forever altered by the arrival of three time-lost heroes: Krasus, the dragon mage whose great power and memories of the ancient conflict have inexplicably diminished; the human wizard Rhonin, whose thoughts are divided between his family and the seductive source of his now-growing power; and Broxigar, a weathered orc veteran who seeks a glorious death in combat. But unless these unlikely allies can convince the demigod, Cenarius, and the untrusting night elves their queen's treachery, the Burning Legion's gateway into Azeroth will open anew. And this time--the struggles of the past may well spill over into the future...

FINALS ARE DONE!!!

I AM FINALLY DONE WITH FINALS! YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED NOW THAT THEY ARE DONE, OR AT LEAST I WOULD BE IF I WASN'T SO DANG TIRED! FREAK I AM TIRED :(

WarCraft: Day of the Dragon by: Richard A. Knaak

In the mist-shrouded haze of the past, the world of Azeroth teemed with wondrous creatures of every kind. Mysterious Elves and hardy Dwarves walked among tribes of man in relative peace and harmony--until the arrival of the demonic army known as Burning Legion shattered the world's tranquility forever. Now Orcs, Dragons, Goblins, and Trolls all vie for supremacy over the scattered, warring kingdoms--part of a grand, malevolent scheme that will determine the fate of the world of WARCRAFT.

A terrifying upheaval among the highest ranks of the world's Wizards sends the maverick Mage, Rhonin, on a perilous journey into the Orc-controlled lands of Khaz Modan. What Rhonin uncovers is a vast, far-reaching conspiracy, darker than anything he ever imagined--a threat that will force into a dangerous alliance with ancient creatures of air and fire if the world of Azeroth is to see another dawn.

USU vs. UVSC/Choir Concert

USU played UVSC (Utah Valley South College) today in hockey. It was a good game. Spencer and I were an hour late because of my choir concert (will talk more on that in a minute). We beat UVSC 6-2 which was great! I guess UVSC is 2nd in the ranking of college hockey, or so Spencer says and USU is 9th in the ranking, so we played really good today to have been able to beat UVSC. Suds got in a fight and kicked out of the game, he lost the fight in my opinion, and Spencer agrees with me :)

Ok, on to my choir concert, although I guess I should switch these cuz the concert was first, but oh well. The choir concert was really awesome. I had so much fun. The pre-show was hilarious and the actual performance was excellent. We had "The Ghost of Christmas Cache" there tonight reminding a janitor who was trying to clean during our performance the true meaning of Christmas, all part of the show in case anybody was wondering :), and both the janitor and the Ghost did a great job at their parts. I am going to buy our CD that the choirs made last month and just now got published tomorrow night at our next concert. It will be great! I am so excited to get the CD.

USU vs. BYU

USU played BYU in hockey Friday night and lost. But they played them again last night and we beat them 6-2 which was awesome!!

Master of Wolves by: Angela Knight

Officer Faith Weston, head of the K-9 department of Clarkston, has lots of experience handling dogs. Except the kind that walk on two legs--like her lewd boss. So Faith puts up a front that reads "all business"...

Jim London is outraged over the death of his friend, a fellow bounty hunter and werewolf--and thinks the police department of nearby Clarkston cooked up a phony story about Tony's murder. The only way to find out is to go undercover. And, in his wolf form, Jim can do that better than anybody...