This is me procrastinating my homework!

Well, right now I am putting off writing an essay that is due later this week. Usually I am really diligent about getting my schoolwork done early but I am taking a much needed break! I just just did a little over an hour of studying for my Spanish class this evening in addition to the two hours this morning. I even have started trying to put some Spanish in my letters to Heather to help me practice. I think she will appreciate my effort!

While I have much to learn, I am heartened by my progress. As the class got into pairs to practice this last week, my partner asked if I had ever taken a Spanish class to which I replied "no". She was surprised with how much I was able to say. I hope that as I remain diligent in my studies, that success will be my companion. I read a scripture earlier this week that has provided me with a lot of comfort and has helped ease my worrying and stress. It is D&C 123:17. It says, " Therefore dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I figure that if I do all that I can, Heavenly Father will make up for my inadequacies. I am still trying my best at the "standing still" part!

I am enjoying my classes at BYU immensely. In addition to Spanish, I am taking a Book of Mormon class as well as Strengthening Marriage and Family. The course is based on the Proclamation on the Family. At first I must sheepishly admit that I wondered how the professor was going to manage to stretch it out over the course of a whole semester. Now I am perplexed as to how we can cover the multitude of topics contained in the proclamation.

This last Tuesday at Devotional I had the great opportunity to hear from Elder Jeffery R. Holland! He had some wonderful things to say about looking forward to the future. He admonished us to not dwell on the things of the past but to learn from it and press forward with faith. His talk really buoyed my spirit.

There is a whole lot more I can write about all that has transpired in my life but perhaps I should get started on that essay that has been nagging me.

Love to you all!

It Can't Be Over!

I just can't seem to quite come to grips with the fact that this year is almost come and gone. It has been a fantastic year for both myself and my family. It has been one with many changes. Some have have more trying than others like the death of my grandma in April. Some have been bittersweet like Heather leaving for her mission to Texas. And finally, others have been exciting and terrifying all wrapped up in one. I'm referring mainly to my acceptance and admittance to BYU and the multitude of changes that have accompanied it.

I have moved into my brother's and sister's home recently. It has been an enjoyable experience to live with them. I get to spoil my nieces and nephews on a daily basis. How lucky am I?!

My family had a fantastic Christmas yet a little more unconventional than ones in years past. We got up at about 7/7:30am and left our home to go to my brother's and sister in love's home. We arrived around 9am and made some breakfast preparations and visited until 10am. It was then when we got to speak to my twin sister! We talked for about an hour. We all hated to be the one to hang up the phone, but we wanted to be obedient to Heather's mission rules. We ate a brunch and then opened our drawn gifts to each other. We didn't stay too long due to the weather. When we arrived home we all elected to take a Christmas day nap. It turns out that we didn't open our gifts till about 5pm! So, however unconventional from Christmases past, we enjoyed it thoroughly.
I am looking to this new year with anticipation and excitement. See you next year!

Christmas "Getting to Know You" Questionaire

So I saw this Christmas questionaire online and thought I would answer it here. So here goes!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Umm... I use both but I like how easy gifts bags are to use!
2. Real tree or fake?
Fake. I'm allergic to real ones.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Whenever we can actually get the chance!
4. When do you take the tree down?
Around the first week of January.
5. Do you like eggnog?
The funny thing is that I loved it when I was younger. Not so much now.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A pink convertable for Barbie. She rode around in style!
7. Hardest person to buy for?
It's a tie between my Dad and my brother David.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My twin sister! We have similar tastes and interests.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Sure do!
10. Mail or Christmas cards?
Love 'em both!
11. Worst Christmas you ever received?
A box of pencils.
12. Favorite Christmas movie?
Muppet Christmas Carol!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Around the last of November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I plead the fifth.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Coffee cake on Christmas morning. Yumm!
16. Lights on the tree?
You betcha!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night and Silent Night.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
HOME!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
If I say yes will that suffice?
20. Angel or star on top of the tree?
I prefer a star.
21. Open the presents on Christmas or morn?
Morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Mucky roads.
23. Favorite ornament or theme or color?
Not particular.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
No preference.
25. What do you want for Christmas?
I am most looking forward to speaking to my twins sister on the phone. (She is on a mission in Texas)
26. Favorite thing about Christmas?
Being with my family.

Wow! So much has transpired since I last wrote! For one, I am now employed at BYU! I am so glad to be working there. I enjoy the atmosphere in which it work. Lately, I have been fervently trying to learn all the necessary policies and procedures of the job as well as the names and faces of fellow coworkers. I am excited for my future at at BYU.

With the ushering in of a new job I ended another. It has been seven wonderful and certainly unforgettable years at El Matador!
I learned and grew a lot in my time there as it was one of my first jobs I ever had. While I miss the close associations I have formed during my time there, I do NOT miss perpetually smelling like a burrito!

I recently ended my time at Salt lake Community College. It is without question very different from the campus of BYU, but I have immensely enjoyed and valued my educational experience at SLCC. It has provided me with invaluable experiences and knowledge that will greatly aid me in both my educational pursuits and my personal life. I am going to miss it a lot.

I have enjoyed this time of year and the music that accompanies it. Music has the ability to invite in the Spirit for me. This Christmas myself and my family has had the opportunity to attend many concerts and events such as "The Forgotten Carols" -which my brother Doug was involved in.

Well, that's about it for now. I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!