As I am....

Dear Girlfriend,

2011-11-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

So it's been a year. A whole year since I've seen your beautiful face. A year since you've been a part of my life. 365 day since I've been able to tell you, "Girlfriend, you are the best!"

I miss you. My life hasn't been quite the same since I left, since I've been without you in my life.

I don't like it. I don't like that I wasn't the one to comfort you when he left, to tell you that he never deserved you, that you can do better. I don't like that I wasn't one of the first people you called after your accident. I don't like being strangers anymore. I miss hearing all the little details about your day. I miss your adorable cardigans and tiny heels you always insist on wearing. I miss all our movie nights and girl talk.

A year is way to long.

So I'm giving up, I'm putting aside my pride and breaking the silence. I don't care what happened a year ago, it's not important anymore and honestly, it's all in the past.

I just really miss our friendship, and I really miss you.

So this is my peace offering, I want to be your best friend again.

I want to go back to the way we were before stupid drama got in the way.

So what do you say Girlfriend?

-The Girl with the Sunrise Smile

Okay, so I'll give you a real update....

2011-11-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I'm in another thoughtful mood, so I just wanted to post something to commemorate 11/11/11. Wish I were doing something more memorable tonight, or at least with someone. Oh well, this isn't a pity party. More like a homework party with Pandora and my heated blanket. Oh homework, when will you ever end? {The answer is in 4 weeks actually} :) The semester has flown by this year. You will hear no complaints about it from this girl either!

I will say that it's been a little rough this fall. Lots of changes and lots of work. School is keeping me busy. I am wrapping up my fifth semester at NAU next month. Only three more to go! I am still majoring in Psychology with a minor in Photography. It's a weird combo, I know. I love people and I love my camera, so why not do both? Honestly I just really want to be a photographer, but I figured if I was going to spend four years at a university, I might as well get a degree in something I might need, as opposed to photography. Nobody needs a 4 year degree to take good pictures. [at least I hope not in my case}

It's my goal to open my own studio after graduation. Eventually I want to be able to design invitations and announcements as well. {wish me luck}

So I'm sure you want to hear about what I've been up to.

Well lately....

-Still working as an RA on campus in an all girls hall. It's time consuming and overly dramatic at times, but I work with some great people, so it's a lot of fun usually.

-been taking lots of cool pictures lately, remind me to share sometime. I've been planning my final portfolio for this semester, and if it turns out how I have it in my head, it's going to be pretty awesome.

-School has been kicking my butt this semester. Remind me to never take online classes ever again. {worst idea ever}

- It's getting pretty cold up here in Flagstaff. We got about six inches of snow last weekend. So I made a huge snowman with some of my residents and he was awesome. I find myself actually wishing for more snow. Crazy I know! I'm still a valley girl when it comes to summer, but there's just something about snowfall that's so beautiful.

Well I better get back to doing homework, the evil mistress that perpetually haunts me these days.

{1 week till Thanksgiving Break and Turkey Death Day}

Make a Wish!

2011-11-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

So as everybody knows, today is November 11, 2011 {11/11/11}

On a Friday too, How amazing is that! A day full of epic wishes...

So in honor of that, I will share with you eleven wishes of mine, not necessarily today's {it wouldn't come true if I told you} but some other things I've been wishing for lately, however crazy they may be.

1. Strength
I wish for the strength to get through the rough days with a smile on my face, to push through those hard times and keep my chin up no matter what life dishes up.

2. Faith
I wish for faith to know that things will get better, faith to know that I'm where I'm supposed to be right now.

3. Hope
I wish for hope to look forward to the future, to hope for brighter days, hope for the best.

4. Courage
Courage to stand up for what I believe in, courage to make the right decisions though they may be difficult, courage to keep up my journey to a better place.

5. Love
I wish for love to be my guiding force, true and amazing love that I hope to find one day. Love for my family friends. I wish for the ability to love all things, even the difficult ones.

6. Brilliance
I wish for brilliance to spark my mind and heart, to light up my days and start a fire within my soul.

7. Safety
Like many, I wish for safety for my friends and family, especially those far from me.

8. Laughter
I wish for my life to be filled with laughter everyday because a day without that is a waste of precious time.

9. Clarity
I wish for clarity in my life, especially at this time of big decisions ahead.

10. Peace
I wish for peace, especially as the holidays approach. I wish for peace to enjoy these special moments with my family, especially because next year will be so drastically different. I wish for peace to accept these changes as they come with an open heart.

11. This is my wish for a good year, for opportunities to learn and grow, develop my talents, maybe make my business take off, meet new people.

There's one more 11:11 11/11/11 left today, last one for a thousand years. I hope you all make it count.

A Note from Daddy....

2011-09-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

So I was flipping through one of my old writing notebooks from high school, back when I thought I was cool for writing angst-y poetry. ha ha But as I was leafing through all my memories of 2009, I happened upon this note my Dad wrote me on a particularly dramatic and emotional Sunday two years ago.

You are way too sensitive.

What's wrong? No Friends?

You always have me.

I'll always love you and be your friend.

You realize I'm willing to listen to you and offer constructive criticism. Even when you don't want to hear it. And it's always sincere and what I believe is best for you, even if you can't see it at the moment. I know you are not happy with me at the moment, but I do love you, just like your Heavenly Father loves you. And he does not always give us what we want, but what we actually need. Even if it's not fun or hurts at the moment. What you need to remember is that it is always for our best and that somebody when you can look back and see the whole picture you will realize just how much I loved you. So buck up and try to be happy. "And this too shall pass"

Love ya,

Dad

I wonder if he even remembers writing this to me so long ago... I still teared up a little bit as I read his sarcastic yet endearing note telling me to buck up. I guess that passes for love in my house. ;) Just kidding I still think it's really sweet, and especially true.

We're not always given what we want, but what we need.

Definitely some food for though for me these days. I'm so blessed right now, our Father really does know our needs, even if we don't.

Some things I learned over a bowl of bad chinese food...

2011-09-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

First of all, hello again blogland! It has been quite a while since I have posted, but I am finally back from my summer hiatus and I've missed you all. :) My goal is to start posting regularly again. (but that's always been my goal hasn't it?) Well I will do my best to find time to inform you all of my mundane and hair brained life as I tackle school, work, life, love, and family.

So I just ended my forth week of the fifth semester at Northern Arizona University. Plainly put, I'm a month into my junior year. YESSSSS! I'm just ready to graduate and do my own thing, no more papers, no more analyzing minute rhetorical devices, no more psychological research! Augh! This semester has been crazy stressful already if you haven't' noticed... I'm taking my junior level writing and research methods class this semester and it is MURDER! The lab is Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 PM and every Tuesday I contemplate switching majors or just quitting school in general. It's that rough.

But I know I will be okay. I realized something today while I was eating crappy chinese food sitting in the union by myself, contemplating life.

I can do this!

I have a Father in Heaven that loves me, an older brother that would do anything for me, and an eternal family that's always there for me. I am blessed, and I will make it through this trial in my life with faith and perseverance.

Seems like common sense right? haha, guess I just have to figure it out on my own first for it to sink in. :)

But while I'm challenged with my own weaknesses I know there are plenty of people out there that love me and I'll be okay.

And while I sit here watching all my friends get engaged, married, and have babies without me, my day is coming. My perfect guy is just getting ready for me. This is my time right now, my time to be a little selfish and do just what I want. Stay up late, eat junk food, go on adventures, just do things for me. And I'm going to ENJOY IT!

I'm going to be happy!

And I realized today that the only person that can make this decision is me. (I think I knew it all along) So I will smile everyday and be grateful for my amazing blessings and all that I have, all the friends and family, the ability to get a good education and broaden my horizons, my job that helps pay for school and all the other amazing things in my life.

I am blessed and everyday spent not enjoying it is one more day wasted that I will never get back.

So thank you for following along with my personal revelation today. Hope you enjoyed the ride. ;) And I promise this won't be the last time you hear from me....

Until then....

<3 Keara

Lately....

2011-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

So summer is finally in full swing, which means working a ton, trying to save up for that car... My face has been de-puffified. Glad that's whole ordeal is over... Lots of Sunsplash!!! Dates with my pre-missionary, waiting for his call to come in (next week hopefully) cross your fingers. And just enjoying uninterrupted time with my family. :) What a wonderful summer so far.

I love my new singles ward, they are amazing. I meet new people every week because they just come right up to me and introduce themselves. Haven't been able to make it to many activities yet (stupid work) but it'll happen this summer.

I've let myself take a break from pictures, it's gotten a little out of hand lately. But that just means that my future business is growing. :) I can't wait till it becomes official and I open my studio! SO keep and eye out for Kiki Mills Photography coming soon....

Notes from the puffy-faced girl....

2011-05-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Whew it's been a crazy month! I just finished my sophomore year of college up at NAU, passes all my finals, cleared out my building for the summer and started my job at Target back up.

But this week I am now home recuperating. I just had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed this morning. And before all of you veterans start cringing in pain from the memories of yours, I'm doing pretty great actually. Most of my face is still pretty numb and tingly, but there hasn't been too much pain at all. I'm still a little tender, and Very swollen, but I'm not complaining. This is one of the few times that all of my brothers are nice to me, so I'll take it as long as I can :) I'm hoping the morning doesn't bring a surprise of more pain and swelling, but I got a lovely bottle of pain killers with my name on them :)

I guess you can cross your fingers for pictures ;)

BEDA is over!

2011-05-02T23:46:00.000-07:00

Sad day.

But I'm still about 2 weeks behind cumulatively. I apologize again for my absence last weekend. I went home for my Grandfather's funeral and remained fairly occupied during the rest of the weekend.

But now I'm back at NAU cranking away during Reading Week. It's the week teachers are supposed to not teach any new material or give out tests or projects. Coincidentally it is this week that I am the most busy because of tests and projects... who would've though? Huh. >.<

Please shoot me now. I've got 12 more days of this stuff then I'm home free! Ugh. The 15th can't get here soon enough. So I apologize if my posts seem scattered or disjointed (if I manage to post at all). I'm going to be a little stressed for the next week and a half. But I am doing my best to stay on top of everything and not procrastinate which is completely unlike me. But as stressed as I am now, it will only get worse if I don't work my butt of now.

So I will apologize in advance for my absence from posting. This time it's intentional though. I shall be posting pics from my brothers prom in the near future. (as soon as I find time to edit them that is)

So I hope everyone is well. Wish me luck for the next 2 weeks, hopefully I survive. :)

2011-04-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

I was surfing Facebook and came across this link posted by a friend from CNN that I really enjoyed

If you don't wanna read it, here are the highlights:

-LZ Granderson: Some parents dress their young girls in provocative outfits
-Retailers have encouraged this behavior by marketing inappropriate clothing
-He says it's OK to blame retailers, but it's parents who are ultimately responsible
-Children need parents who will set rules, not be their friends, he says

It's absolutely ridiculous that children dress this way today, and even crazier that their parents would encourage. Can't we just let them be kids without forcing the crazy world of sex appeal onto them. Where has innocence gone?!?

Best dang thing on the Planet!!!

2011-04-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

lemme just say that these are my FAVORITE!!! Best thing in my Easter basket was a bag of these ^^^

So I realize...

2011-04-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

It has been four days since my last post, and for that I am truly sorry. I took a short hiatus to spend Easter with my family. But I promise that I will make up for all these missing posts. April has just been a really hectic month for me I guess.

But back to Easter. I had a lovely weekend with my family. It was just good to be home after a month of school and work. Hanging out with my brothers just like old times. :) I can't believe how much they're all growing up now. Conner is graduating in a month. Collin is going to prom for the first time. Dallin will be starting high school in August. They just get so big. [physically and metaphorically] I swear it's not a good weekend to them unless I come back to Flagstaff bruised with a couple cracked ribs..

So this year for Easter we had our typical easter egg hunt. I gotta say they get a lot less entertaining after you turn 20. But I love my mom for still trying. But it's definitely better than hardly any easter at all like some of my friends with older siblings. But I still enjoyed it. I got a super cute swim suit this year, and more candy than I know what to do with. Dang am I spoiled!

I think dying the eggs was my favorite part this year though. Usually I don't get as into it. But it was just Mason, Branson and I this year, AND we had tye dye egg dye! Needless to say, I had a blast. Plus we celebrated our annual post easter tradition of dying the cat with the leftover egg dye. That was probably my favorite part of the whole weekend, not gonna lie. ;) I know it sounds completely cruel and unusual, but when you have a completely white cat and a bunch of leftover dye and a completely overactive creativity drive, weird things tend to happen.... just sayin...

I'm just glad my hands aren't multicolored anymore

<- like this

please ignore the fact that this kinda looks like animal abuse. I promise no Maxs were injured in this process. (just severely pissed off I guess)

Yes, I shot this.... but then again, I probably shouldn't be bragging

2011-04-21T18:24:00.001-07:00

my first stab at studio portraiture

Just in case you were wondering what my top ten favorite movies were....

2011-04-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

(in no particular order)

1. Tangled [of course]

2. When Harry Met Sally

3. How to Train Your Dragon

4. Anastasia

5. UP

6. Lilo and Stitch

7. Despicable ME

8. The Notebook

9. Hercules

10. A Knights Tale

(yes, I am aware that more than half of these are kids movies, but that's the best part)

three months

2011-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

So I was reflecting back on the last 6 months up here at NAU, and I can honestly say that they have been The Hardest 120 days of my entire 20 years so far. I haven't disclosed all the details to most of you, but I'll give you the gist.

Last semester I rented an apartment off campus with two friends from my residence hall and a friend of a friend. And we had the cutest apartment ever! I thought I was destined for an amazing year, but I was DEAD.WRONG. Something happened that fall and that apartment quickly became the most miserable place on earth for me.

I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but all I do know is that 2 out of the 3 roommates started hating me. (can't-stand-to-sleep-in-the-same-room as-me hate) And sadly, the third roommate, one of my best friends, was too afraid of unpopularity and she followed suit.

Those were the quietest, more tear-filled three months of my young adult life. I couldn't leave my bedroom without feeling daggers in the back of my head. I called my mother at least twice a day just to have somebody to talk to. (not that there's ANYTHING wrong with that) At first I cried every night, then eventually it hardened me.

I was so blessed to find a friend looking for a roommate in the middle of the semester, so I could escape. The damage was still done unfortunately.

It's been 4 months since I moved out. I think today is the first day that I can admit that it doesn't affect me anymore.

I lost a lot of myself in that apartment. I lost that friendly, smiling girl that talks with everyone and loves to make new friends. I lost that passionate optimist. I hate that I wasn't strong enough to escape unscathed, but these are my scars of experience and I wouldn't trade them because I learned so much in those three months, about myself, other people, about true friends. I have come so far in 6 months.

I am so grateful to my Savior for getting me through this dark patch in my life, but I have finally found the light at the end! :) I don't carry the burden of that experience anymore. And while I'm trying to forgive those girls, I have a renewed love for Jesus Christ and all he's done for me.

Which House are You?

2011-04-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

How about something a little more lighthearted tonight? I came across this on my other blog and thought I'd share. :) Feel free to copy and do yourself.

Kinda funny that I tied for Gryffindor and Slytherin. The two polar opposite houses... I'm weird I know.

Gryffindor:
[x] You are loud.
[x] You like/d going to school to see your friends.
[] You’ve had more than a couple detentions.
[x] You always have something to do on the weekends.
[x] You like to be the center of attention.
[x] You get above average grades in school.
[x] You’ve been called bossy before.
[x] You’re a bit of a daredevil / you like an adrenaline rush.
[] You are athletic.
[] You are one of the best players on your team.
[x] You would do anything for your loved ones.
[x] You like the color red.
[x] Your favorite class is Transfiguration or DADA.
[x] You would never break a promise.
TOTAL: 11

Hufflepuff:
[x] You have many acquaintances, but only a handful of good friends.
[] You get average grades in school.
[] You’ve been called boring before.
[] You don’t like to brag about your achievements.
[x] You value honesty.
[x] You don’t mind working hard to get what you want.
[x] You like the color yellow.
[x]You have a job.
[] You are athletic.
[x] You are a team player.
[x] You are in the middle of the social totem pole.
[x] You are easily amused.
[x] You like helping others.
[x] Your favorite class is Herbology or Divination.
[] You like the music played on the radio best.
TOTAL: 10

Ravenclaw:
[x] You get good grades in school.
[x] You like to read.
[x] Dumb people annoy you.
[xx] You are creative.
[x] You’ve been called a know-it-all before.
[] You would say your intelligence level is higher than most.
[] You hate cheating.
[x] People often want you to help them with homework or projects.
[x] You are more into the creative arts: theatre, dancing, drawing, etc.
[] You are extremely logical in your way of thinking.
[] You are considered shy or quiet by people you don’t know.
[] You like the color blue.
[x] Your favorite class is A History of Magic, Charms, or Care of Magical Creatures.
[] You tend to over analyze things.
[] You can focus and pay attention well.
TOTAL: 8

Slytherin:
[x] You are very competitive.
[x] You like the finer things in life.
[] You think welfare is a waste.
[x] You’ve made fun of someone in the past week. [indirectly, it wasn't intention]
[x] You’ve been called a snob before.
[x] You think the end (can) justify the mean.
[] You’re not afraid to say something to someone else’s face.
[x] You tend to think people are a bit jealous of you. [only certain people because they don't know me well enough]
[] You’ve made someone cry by just saying something to them.
[] You tend to root for the villains in movies, books, etc.
[x] You are very good with words. [usually]
[x] Above all, you want to be successful in life.
[x] You like the color green.
[x] You love to win. [doesn't everybody?]
[x] Your favorite class is Poison or DADA.
TOTAL: 11

Sorry for the 3-day Hiatus...

2011-04-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

My amazing Grandfather passed away Wednesday afternoon after an eighteen year battle with cancer. He defied what doctors told him and led an inspirational life. I was blessed to be his granddaughter.

He did so much in his life. He was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam war, he worked for Channel 3 tv laying cables, and a cancer fighter. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in 93 and the doctors gave him 5 years to live. Since then he's been through multiple surgeries and relapses. He was a fighter. Now he can finally rest with his Father in Heaven.

He Loves Me

2011-04-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

11 days still goin strong!

2011-04-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a sweet wall post I got from my old RA that made my day.

Amanda Knox:
So I was at home a few weeks ago... My brother was on the computer and goes "Amanda come here quick! How do you know this girl? She's really pretty!" He had your profile up on Facebook! Apparently you were on his list of suggested friends. Totally random, but he's right... You are really pretty :-) I hope you're doing well and loving life!

As conceited as it may sound this made me really happy. :)

Hope you're having an amazing Monday!!!

Tangled!!!!

2011-04-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight I shall spam you about my favoritest movie on the planet!!! TANGLED!!! Disney was absolutely brilliant with this one. Great music, plenty of comedy, dramatic parts, and of course romantic parts! It basically makes me wish I were a lost princess with 400 feet of magical hair and a sexy thief to climb my tower. ;)

Flynn Rider is the SEXIEST!!! They really did an amazing job with him, not to mention picking Zach Levi to do the voice. AH-MA-ZING!

The animal sidekicks were great too. It's incredible the amount of personality they can convey in an animated animal that doesn't speak. Maximus is hilarious, but I have to admit I'm quite partial to Pascal. I mean who wouldn't love a tine chameleon?!?! Freaking ADORABLE!!!

So if you haven't already figured it out, I am IN LOVE with the movie Tangled.

Day 9!!!!

2011-04-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

I honestly have no idea what to post today :/ I've been stuck inside all weekend because I'm on call. It's been nice being forced to do nothing though. So here's a video that I love for your viewing pleasure...

my favorite Ke$ha parody ever

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7n8GqewJ2M

Still Goin Strong!!!

2011-04-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

Vicki Grad Shoot!

2011-04-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is my favorite day, no just kidding, it's really Friday ;)

2011-04-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to refrain from singing that ridiculous song for you guys. I swear it's worse than being rick-rolled!!!

Honestly I'm really not sure what to post tonight so I guess I'll give you a list of my 10 favorite things as of now!

1.

3. Taylor Swift-Better than Revenge

4. Whippy Cake

5. Warby Parker

10.

yes I know all the pictures are a little cut off, but I think it gives me a little bit of an artsy edge ;)

Welcome the Dal-Man!

2011-04-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Since I was about an hour late today, here is a sneak peek at my latest project with my Stud of a brother...

Fun Day Monday! Day4

2011-04-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

I think I shall keep it simple tonight. :)

Today was really good all in all. Made it to all my classes, finished my homework, got to make sand castles in my Geology lab, finished my schedule for next semester. This week is looking pretty good so far.

Here are a couple of quotes to get you pondering tonight:

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars"

-Og Mandino

and

"Though my soul may set in darkness it will rise in perfect light I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

-Sarah Williams

#thank you David Shade

I really would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to weigh in...

Conference! Day #3

2011-04-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Let me just say along with everyone else that Conference was AMAZING this year! This was probably the first time in forever that I was able to watch all four sessions. It definitely wasn't easy considering I had to watch them on my own on my laptop online. Not complaining though. I am incredibly blessed to have the ability to watch conference in my native language at my leisure.

This was a very good year for me. There were countless talks that I felt were for my benefit. So much of what the authorities were saying directly correlated to what I've been struggling with personally this last year or so.

I think my favorite sessions were on Sunday but so many of the talks had a direct impact. I especially loved Elder Holland's talk. He is by far my favorite apostle. I just love the way he directs the people of the church in such a loving and careful way. Even when you're feeling rebuked you feel his love for you. :)

Some other themes I noticed were:
-Temple Marriages
-Being examples
-withstanding trials in your life and their importance
-Repentance and the atonement
-Tithing
-Receiving Revelation
-The impact of the music the choir sang
-Charity and the Welfare Program
-Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy
-and Family

And of course everybody was talking about this:

So funny.

Well I hope everybody had a great weekend. :) Feel free to weigh in on your personal highlights of conference down here VVV

April Challenge Day #2

2011-04-02T17:41:00.001-07:00

Yay! I made it to day 2! Just 28 more posts to go. :) I can't wait, I hope you're ready!!!

For my first real post, I won't go too far back, just 2 weeks when I celebrated my amazing BIRTHDAY! That's right world, I am now 20 Years Old!!! And boy was I spoiled!!!!

I celebrated with my family during spring break while I was home. My mom and I went to the local beauty school for facials, pedicures, and a blowout. It was lots of fun and super cheap. We'll definitely be going back. The facials alone were awesome!

Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of pics from most of the events.

That night I got to open my presents!

Cute Shoes!!!

Second Gift....

A gift certificate to this place....

That's right! I went SKYDIVING!!!!

Oh yeah, and I got to go with my Daddy!!!!! :D

Signing our lives away....

suiting up...

ready to go!!!!

with our awesome instructors!

on our way...

MADE IT!!!

And this was just the first half of my birthday!

My amazing boyfriend Mason, took me here for my Real Birthday!

SOOO spoiled right?? :D

I didn't take many pictures while we were there though :/ Bummer...

We had a blast though. It was Spring Break in Cali so the place was packed, but we managed to hit up most of the good ones. Goliath, X2 (my fave!), Apocalypse, and some of the milder ones like Revolution and Jet Stream. So much fun!!!

All in all, I think I had an AH-MAZING 20th birthday! I feel so spoiled and loved :)

The only bummer is the depression that hits the day after all the festivities are over. :( 12 months till I'm 21 I guess... haha

Recap!

2011-04-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, sorry it's been almost three months. I love how I said I was going to start blogging weekly. haha Well I am determined to join the blogging movement and blog every.single.day.in.April. Yes, you read me right, EVERDAY! Yeah. I can do it, just you wait. Hopefully I don't run out of topics to keep you all entertained with haha. But you will be hearing a lot. So prepare my dears, for a Keara-overload!!!! muahahahah

Dear Girlfriend,

2011-01-03T23:40:00.001-08:00

I miss you. I miss my best girlfriend. The one who used to make wedding scrapbooks with me, the girl who shared my shoe addiction, the excellent cook, my Vegas buddy.

I miss my favorite person.

But I'm also mad at you, and heartbroken. Mad that you didn't stand up for me and heartbroken that I wasn't the worth the risk. Mad that you let them treat me that way, and heartbroken that you wouldn't help me.

I thought I was worth it to you, but I guess I was wrong. It still hurts that you didn't have the guts, that you were too afraid of what they would think, that I was too much of a risk.

I miss how it used to be.

I hope you miss it, what we used to have. I thought our friendship meant something to you. It did to me.

I would have stood up for you. I wouldn't let anybody treat you like that, no matte what. But I guess that's just me.

So now I guess I just hope you're happy with your choice, happy with them, because I wasn't worth it.

You shatter my heart love. I just hope it was worth it...

Sincerely,
Girl with the Sunshine Smile

Tender Mercies

2011-01-03T23:16:00.001-08:00

So just let me say that the last 4-6 months have been some of my hardest so far. I feel like I've been to hell and back almost. I seem to have lost all my friends and almost lost myself in the process. I've felt my fair share of fiery darts this last semester. The adversary was working overtime with me.

But through all of this I found a little comfort. :) My ward split a few years back and I was really sad to see all my friends and favorite leaders put into the other ward, but even with that I got the best deal. My new bishop turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. Bishop Peterson has been a second father to me almost.

Even though I've been gone almost 2 years, he still takes the time to talk to me every time I come home and check up on me. I can feel the love of my Savior through him every time we speak.I love this man so much. He always helps me understand whatever trials I happen to go through and gives me the most insightful advice without me even asking.

Like I said, it's been really tough lately, but he just made me feel so loved. He told me to just what I needed to hear.

"You've been hit with some fiery darts lately. A lot of them. But now's the time to stand strong, to get in that defensive position. But don't lose that Keara we all know and love, the Keara that always smiles and radiates confidence and beauty. Don't lose her through your trials. Pray to your Father in Heaven, don't crunch numbers, just pray to be put into the situations you need to be in and things will work out. Next time I see you I want you to be a 12. Don't stop smiling girl" :)

I really love this man. I can't wait till I get to come to him with a huge smile and a boy on my arm that I want to spend the rest of eternity with and he loves him almost as much as I do. :)

Hello Twenty Eleven!

2011-01-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of year again,

time for fire works, after Christmas sales, and....

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

*muah ha ha ha*

I know it's technically the second, but I was working today, so this will have to do.

Everybody always makes resolutions and forgets about them before Valentine's day, but I am determined. Not only am I making a list, but I'm also making a plan of action to begin implementing them into habits.

I decided on 11 in honor of 2010 so....

1. Journal/blog at least once a week.
-blogging could be considered journaling, so I resolve to post at least once a week, whether it be a full blown post or just a pic. I will post something every week. (so stay tuned)

2. Be more health conscious.
-this always makes the top ten of the resolution list, but everybody can always aim to be a little more healthy, so I resolve to do a few things:
-cut soda down to once a week or less
-eat at least one serving of fruits AND veggies EVERY day
-start exercising more by staying active every day and going to the gym at least once a week, stretch every day

3. Be less self centered and selfish
-put somebody before myself at least once a day

4. Be more positive
-make a conscious effort to smile
-always look on the bright side of everything
-work to make others happy

5.Build my relationship with Heavenly Father
-read scriptures every night
-say morning and evening prayers EVERY night!

6. Get more organized with my time and stuff

7. Widen my literary perspectives
-read more books of varying genres

8. Get more involved in church and school
-attend activities whenever possible
-volunteer for more responsibilities

9. Meet more people
-get more involved
-be more social
-don't be afraid to introduce myself

10. Continue to develop and discover my talents

11. Make 2011 another memorable year

Well I guess that's it for now, but I'll see you in a week!

Catch Up....

2010-10-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, it's been almost four months, I can't believe it. I'm so sorry for being so lax on posts, although I doubt anybody reads this, so I don't think it was missed too much.

Well a lot has happened in the last 4 months. I finished up my summer job as a CA. Goodness it was so fun! I met a bunch of fun new people and had a blast working. Since then school started in August, I moved into my first apartment with three other girls. That has proven to be an adventure all on its own. But I'll get into the details at a later date. Until then I'll just say that things were not as I hoped they'd be.

School has been a lot of fun. I'm still studying psychology and photography and they're keeping me busy. I love my new best friend, my Cannon Rebel T1i.

I just love it! It's been really fun learning about all the technical aspects of photography. Until now I've just been pointing and shooting. Now it's finally all starting to make sense. :) I'm praying that everything will all come together in the end and I will actually end up being a decent photographer. So if any of you want family pictures done, or holiday cards, let me know because I need the practice.

Life has been pretty busy for me. On another note, Mason and I spent a lot of time together over the summer and since I moved back to Flagstaff, and we've decided to get back together. I still really love him, and had no desire to date anybody else, so we're dating again. It's been kind of challenging because of the distance. He's still living in the valley, working and saving for his mission at the end of the year, and I'm three hours away going to school in Flagstaff. I swore that I would never wait on a missionary, but I don't see how I couldn't. I'm just so head over heels for this boy. So don't be surprised if some of you get wedding invites in a few years ;)

I suppose this is it, I have to get up early for psych tomorrow. More updates soon... <3

Summer Life

2010-06-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

So it's summer time.... only it doesn't feel like summer up here in Flagstaff. I've been super busy working on campus for Residence Life helping out with Orientation. I check in the incoming Freshman for orientation, babysit them when they're staying in my residence hall, putting on dance parties and night, then checking them out the next day. It's a lot of fun, but a lot of work, and lots of early mornings. I got blessed with a really good team. The ten of us all get along really well. They're almost family.

Rockin the blue

Team-building Soccer

Soccer Sunburn

Chillin at the BBQ

Burned my hand making cake

YUMMY chicken kabobs

Team BBQ

A prime example of what should be in a College Freezer

Would you just lie with me and just forget the world

2010-06-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

Chasing Cars lyrics

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
That's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
That's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes
They're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things
Will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

This song has been on my mind all day. Would you please just lie with me and help me to forget the world? I feel so alone right now and found some comfort in this song, especially the version by Natasha Bedingfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdMK8KzpLxQ

♫♪ Goodbye My Lover, Goodbye my Friend ♪♫

2010-05-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

So.... it's been 10 months

I have been dating the love of my life for ten months May 4th. If you count both relationships collectively Mason and I have been together for over a year. Unfortunately after dating all Freshman year we broke up May 9th. :(

It was a good parting though, if that's possible. We both decided that this was a good time for us. He's preparing for a mission, I'm moving on with my degree. It was just time.

Even though I feel like I've just lost the love of my life, I still have my best friend.

My first couple of weeks were really rough, I was home, alone, and bored. but I got through. He's been there for me every time I've needed him, I couldn't ask for a better best friend, and that's why I love him. :)

Mason, you are the only one who knows me better than I know myself, you're the only one who puts up with my crazy moods and still love me. You see the real me. I will always love you.

♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?
'Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,
I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.
I've kissed your lips and held your hand.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.

Chorus (2x)
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I am a dreamer and when I wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,
And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.

Chorus (2x)
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bear my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.

Chorus (2x)
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.
(goodbye my lover-james blunt)
♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪

So what's the 411?

2010-05-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

soooo.... it's been a while since I've posted. Lots has been changing since March, good and bad.

First of all, I successfully finished my Freshman year of College and LOVED IT!!! NAU is an amazing school. I am so happy here hands down. I survived the crazy winter, the snow didn't kill me all million feet of it. (this year was actually one of the heaviest snow falls in decades, darn el nino) Definitely had some adventures, met lots of new people, got closer to some old ones. It really was a truly amazing year, and I can only top it ;)

exploring downtown with Veronica and Mason :)
I love this little alley

:O Louie is gonna chop us UP!

the snow covered up the side of the Union, so what would any adventure seeking teenager do???

Climb up to the roof of course!

lots of driving back and forth between Queen Creek and Flagstaff with Olivia <3

my unicycler <3

Spring break brought lots of babies to my house....

Puppies!

and.....

birdies! [all for sale too ;)]

My Freshman year ended well, lots of exploring, adventuring, walking, lots of walking, bus riding, kissing and laughing. I can't wait for what summer will bring. :)

just for thought....

2010-05-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Birthday Weekend Parte Dos!!!

2010-04-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

I never got to finish describing my amazing birthday weekend. Friday morning after I finished my Public Speaking class, I met up with my parents and little brothers to go hike the lava tubes. Everyone was so excited. But as we made our way up the mountain, the layers of snow became more apparent and the weather picked up. When we finally go to the trail, we realized it was snowed over. :( needles to say Mason and Branson we bummed, but they got out, played in the old snow for a while then we headed back to Flagstaff to find something else to do. After lots of driving, my parents decided it would be best if they just headed back home early to beat traffic and save time.

I spent the rest of my Friday chilling with my boy and movie night with the girls. Saturday was the climax of the week though. All my friends and I decided to visit Sedona for the day and have some lunch. We had some issues with the GPS and ended up at a random neighborhood that was NOT our destination.

This isn't Sedona Baking Company.....

Once we got back on course, we headed straight towards Sedona, and The Red Planet Diner.

That was a fun lunch. My friend Emily told them it was my birthday and convinced them to bring me out a deep fried pickle with a candle in it. It was very interesting to say the least. They came out and threw that sombrero on my head, sang to me, then I took a spoonful of ice cream to the face. It was quite the adventure. :)

After lunch we took to the streets of Sedona for some photo op and some fun :)

Operation 19th Birthday: SUCCESS!!!

2010-03-31T13:53:00.001-07:00

Yes, I turned 19 last Thursday on the 25th. This is my last year as a teenager *tear, tear* I'll admit, I was prepped for a terrible birthday. It was the week after spring break, so I wouldn't be home, my mom made me pick out all my presents so there wouldn't be any surprises, and I got terribly sick the last day of Spring Break and spent it in Urgent care, so I didn't even get a yummy birthday dinner. It was looking pretty grim for me. But by the time Thursday rolled around, I had already accepted it.

Let me just start by saying I was LDEAD WRONG. I know that I have amazing friends and an amazing boyfriend, and a super amazing family.
I first woke up to this from my bestest friend Olivia:

She is such a sweetheart.

After this, I dressed up, and wore my super cute birthday outfit, which I didn't get pics of sadly, and went to class. I gotta admit wearing heels was a bad idea, but I don't regret it. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my busy days school wise, so I had a lot of walking around with a heavy backpack. I went to seminary, then Psychology where my friend Emma presented me with an adorable card she painted and my favorite candy, Cookies n' Cream!!! After Psych, I gotta rush back up to north campus for Spanish. Lucky my, my partner insisted the whole class sing to me (in Spanish of course)and proceeded to teach everyone how. It was great =) After Spanish I came back to my dorm for a bit and had more presents waiting for me!

Sorry, didn't get pics of this either, but Mason, my amazing boyfriend convinced my roommate to let him in so he could leave me surprises. He gave me the movie "When Harry Met Sally" more yummy dark chocolate and a bunch of poems he wrote for me. <3 How Sweet!! I'm seriously the luckiest girl ever!!!

I sat through math, *my favoritest class ever* ;) After that, Olivia told me we were going somewhere, so I had to drop my stuff off and then we would go. She didn't tell me where or why, so we just walked back to my dorm, and I was greeted with a copious amount of balloons and streamers. :) Lucky girl right... but that's not the end. I could tell that Liv was acting weird, so something was up. And I didn't know who got into my room to decorate it. I guess my surprise was downstairs, so we went downstairs, and to my surprise my mom and little brothers were waiting to surprise me! Best birthday ever! my friends spoil me and my parents even drove up to hang out with me. I'm so loved :)

We went to dinner at Olive Garden. My mom even brought a cake and candles for me. She even decided to play a nasty trick on me and put 12 trick candles on there out of 19. It was an interesting experience to say the least. haha, eventually I got them all out and we had cake covered in spit and ashes. Yummy!

All in all, I had a fabulous birthday. I know that I am very loved and I'm so grateful for my friends and family. I don't know where I'd be without them. I love you all!! <3 I will post more pics of my fabulous weekend later, but homework is calling. :/ I can't wait till Summer, just 5 more weeks!!!

i hope you're one of those. u know who u r

2010-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today...

2010-02-16T22:59:00.001-08:00

Today was a really rough day for me.

I woke up at 8:30, exhausted, but feeling a tiny bit better than the night before. I really debated going to institute, I was tired and not really up for going all the way down there this morning. But if I needed anything this morning, it was some spiritual guidance, so I threw myself together rather quickly, even for these mornings, and I actually looked pretty good for zero makeup and a ponytail. I was planning on reading my scriptures for another fifteen minutes befroe I left, but I got a text from Emma across the hall saying the busses were running late today, so I decided to walk down to the institute instead.

This turned out to be a blessing; I got to listen to Paul Cardall the entire walk down to the institute building and it definitely helped me calm down and recenter. When I got there, I was one of first three people waiting for class to start. So I opened up my scriptures to find a good one to share for my devotional. Magically I just opened up to Alma 36:3 on my first try and I found something amazing

it says:

“And now, O my [daughter, Keara], behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up in the last day.”

This scripture practically screamed at me and was what I had been praying for all night and morning. This was my tender mercy. I have a renewed faith in the scriptures and in the love of my Father in Heaven. Today’s lesson even seemed to be picked just special for me. We talked about marrying in the covenant and the importance it is to our children. The Lord was just screaming to me today, telling me to wake up and to live the gospel. I’m answering the call, and I’m so grateful for it.

I know this gospel is so true and I don't know how I manage not to scream it to the world. My Father in Heaven loves me and I need him. He sent my Brother to save my life and that impacts my everyday. I know that the scriptures are true and are daily tools for us dat-to-day. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet, seer, and revelator sent to us by God to direct us to rightousness. I just love this work and I am so grateful for it's truth and faithfulness in my life.

Crazy Little Thing Called LOVE...

2010-02-15T13:06:00.001-08:00

Well in honor of love week and Valentine's Day and the fact that this is all we have discuessed in my english class... I'm going to do a little post about love.

I feel like listing everything that I love in my life, and there's a lot, so prepare :)

I love my family. Moving away has really made me appreciate them in a new way. Not that I didn't before I left, but I definitely miss them more now and look back on all my late night chat sessions with Conner or my MOM.

I love my friends, new and old. I haven't seen my best friend from high school, Veronica, very much, eventhough we live like 500 feet away. I got to hang out with her this weekend and have a much needed girls day. It was amazing. I also love my new friends, especially Oliva. We've just recently gotten close, but I really feel like this girl gets me. We mesh so well together. This is a friend I want to keep close forever and grow up, get married and have babies with type of friend. I love her!

I love NAU. I love the weather we've been having this week, it's been in the low 50's and perfect. The snow is all melting and the sun is shining, but not for long, snow is on it's way next week I think. But I love college, I love learning new things and I love meeting new people. I've made so many new friends in the last year and I just love my singles ward. Life is really great. I love most of my classes, I've been learning a lot.

I love my fuscia and zebra striped nail that Olivia painted for me. I love my pink clip in for my hait that I'll probably get done for real in the future. I love how cute and coordinated my dorm room is. I like my fuzzy blanket and pillows.

There's a lot of love going around so pass it on!

Viva Las Vegas

2010-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Yes that's right, I went to Vegas a few weeks ago with my new best friend Olivia. Her dad was having a furniture exhibition, so we got to tag along and reap the benefits of being in Vegas for a day. It was a blast!

Gorgeous Olivia as usual, right after we got off the plane, I looked terrible.

We woke up really early and flew in saturday morning, got there about 8:30. Taxi to the hotel, drop off our luggage, to the furniture showroom, then of to explore!

We started out at the Venetian Hotel to pick up out tickets for Phantom of the Opera! Yes, I got to see Phantom of the Opera live in Las Vegas! It was amazing :)

The Venetcian was definitely interesting. I got to try on Jimmy Choos, Coach Purses, explore Barney's, look at old books worth more than my college eduation, and so many other things. It was crazy.

Of course we had to gamble just a teeny bit. I just wanted to see if I would get caught, I guess I look 21 ;) must have been all the dark circles under my eyes from the lack of sleep. haha

Some Craziness in the Venetician Hotel, they had their own little Venice, even Olivia approved, and she's been there before. The ceiling was painted to look like the sky and they had a canal with singing gondaliers floating around.

Some awesome jewelry we spied in one of the shops. If only.... haha

AT THE PHANOTOM OF THE OPERA!!!

It was such an awesome play. I grew up listening to the music, and I saw the movie, but actually seeing it on stage was so much fun. We had great seats under the falling chandelier. Fantastic!

Now I'm looking forward to next year ;)

Winter-not-a-Wonder

2010-02-04T21:53:00.001-08:00

I know it's been forever. I need to get better at updating, especially with pictures, sorry. I really doubt anybody follows this blog anyways, so I don't know why I'm apologizing, but for the sake of habit I guess I'll keep posting.

Things have been busy. School, School, School, and more School! I've been doing pretty well. I've aced all my math quizes so far, I got a 82% on my first Psychology quiz. I have a speech next week and a paper due in English. Things are starting to pick up.

The weather has been pretty chilly up here. What else would you expect in Flagstaff in January. I honestly thought I would die up here in the snow, but it's been really nice minus all the slipping on the ice. I've done lots of sledding and snowman building, I'm almost a native now ;) just kidding, I'll always love my valley and scortching 120 degree summers. ahh.... I can't wait :)

Speaking of slipping on ice. We had a a pretty big scare last week with Mason. He was meeting me for lunch and he slipped on the way. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal, a few minor bruises and scrapes, but he happened to be carrying a pocket of sharpened pencils in his backpack and one managed to break through the pocket,both shirts he was wearing and his back. It was an interesting trip to Urgent Care to say the least. The entire tip of the pencil lodged 1.5 inches into his back. He got one stitch, dinner at Coco's and a pretty good story out of the ordeal.

Other than that, things have been pretty quiet up here. I went to Las Vegas last weekend with a friend of mine. It was pretty fun, we saw Phantom of the Opera, ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, rode a roller coaster, played penny slots, and just had a blast doing our thing. I'll post pics as soon as I upload them.

I have a interview to be a Resident Assistant this weekend, should be interesting. I'm hot and cold about this job. If I got it, my finiancial problems would be solved. They cover room and board + my tuition is already covered = so... I would make over $3,000 a year with my scholarships. Yay me! But my friends and I have been talking about getting an apartment off campus together and I think that would be so fun. It would be amazing to live with 3 LDS girls in college. We could have movie nights and watch conference together and bake cookies and all sorts of fun college girl stuff. So I guess I'm just going to have to wait and see what happens in the next few weeks. Whatever it is, it will work for the best.

I'll keep you guys updated for the future

<3 Keara

Another Giveaway!

2010-01-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

I know, I'm addicted, but I freakin LOVE blog giveaways!! It's the easiest and best way to get free stuff. I already won two necklaces one from lulu jewelry and one from Whippy Cake

my pendant from lulu looks something like this:

I'll post pics of it when I go home next weekend and pick it up. ;)

My other one looks something like this...

except I'm hoping it says "I <3 Jasper" instead. Yes, I am a Jasper fan, NOT and Edward or Jacob fan. Alice and Jasper are the IT couple, NOT Bella and Edward. :)

Well..... I am blogging about another giveaway that is coming up soon. This one is for a gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl, an uber cute jewelry dealer specializing in sterling silver, personalized charm necklaces.

cute huh? Well if you want to enter the giveaway, go to leelouswag.com and add a comment. :)

Swag Giveaway!

2009-12-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

I've had some extra time on my hands due to procrastination, so I found a few awesome blogs, Leelou Swag is doing giveaways to one of my new favorite blogs, Whippy Cake. If you haven't heard about it, CHECK IT OUT.

but for now, check out the site and sign up for their giveaways!

Update!

2009-11-17T23:18:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of photos guys... one of the setbacks of living without a camera :/ maybe for Christmas....

School is good, winding up my first semester. Everything has been awesome so far, just trying to stay focused in my final weeks and hammer out those pesky papers due in a few weeks.

I've been bonding with my singles ward and my FHE family, they're great <3 I feel like I'm just starting to fit in, but I still have tons of time.

Next semester should be great. I have a pretty great schedule, I'm bummed that I couldn't get my photo class in, but public speaking should still be fun. I'm taking and english class, Mat 125 (pre-calc), Spanish 102, Into to personality psychology, and public speaking.

For those of you that don't know, I am currently a Psychology major and a Photography minor. A camera-less photo minor, but so is life. haha

I'm really excitted about this weekend, I'm going to Six Flags Magic Mountain with Mason and another couple. It'll be my first time in Six Flags, can't wait!

Monday is Turkey butcher day, repeat from last year, I'm debating if I'll come home in time to help out or opt out? haha But I'm am looking forward to coming home next week. Nothing like going to college to make you miss home. :) Christmas break will be here before you know it.

Can you say CRAZY?!?!?!

2009-09-21T02:01:00.000-07:00

What a week man! So much has happened, I figured I'd give you a little update

Tuesday
The stake was doing a blood drive, so I signed up. I've already tried to donate twice, but some complication always came up. First my veins were too 'shallow' and the tech was to 'callow' so she went right through my poor little vein, but not before she tried stabbing me four times. The second attmept, everything went smoothly, except on of the valves in the bag deactivated so oxygent got in and voided the sample, rendering it useless. So you can imagine that I would be a little nervous to try it again. Well... I got through the questions and all that jazz, I learned to always ask for a 'super stick', meaning that I get the supervisor to stick me, instead of the new, less experienced techs. I told her about my history, and she got that needle in! I was pleasantly surprised. It took twenty minutes, but everything went smoothly. I still have a gigantic bruise on the inside of my left arm, but I'm a finially blood donor!!!!

The week only got better from there! My best friend Veronica fell out of her chair and hit her head Wednesday night. Thursday, she was getting a headache, so she went to the health centr on campus, they weren't very helpful. I came over after class to keep an eye on her. But by 8, she was getting worse, so we took her to the ER. That was DEFINITELY an experience. We spent over four hours in there, not too bad in general I guess. While we were waiting we ended up befriending a homeless girl who likes to refer to herself as Gemni. It made for an interesting night. She asked to borrow my computer and that made for a very uncomfortable time, until the nurse was kind enought to kick her out. Well, after four hours, all Veronica's x-rays came out negative, so we went home. She has a concussion, but she's just fine. Defintely made for an exciting weekend though.

Friday was a fun day. After sleeping off one adventure, we prepared for another. We went mudbogging with Colleen, Veronica's roomate. That's was wicked. Nothng like Queen Creek, but it was fun getting lost in the forest. After that we came back to campus, dinner, then Game Night!!! We played Curses and Apples to Apples. Totally fun, then we finished off the night with ice cream and a movie.

On Saturday, we slept in yet again.(don't you just LOVE college? :D) We did a mini photoshoot on campus before catching a showing of The Proposal @ the Prochnow. Can't be a $3 movie and free popcorn and drinks. I'll try and post some of the pics from my friends camera later.

Sunday was even great. It was stake conference so I got to go with Mason. Great talks, virtue seemed to be the prevalen subject. But it all seemed to be necessary revelation. I somehow managed to get some laundry done in the chaos. Then home teaching, which was Just What I Needed. I finially got to meet the mormon girls in my building. Things have been kinda hard, getting into the ward and settling. But I met one girl named Emily. She's a freshman as well, but we are so totally the same. She's a Theater major and an art minor. All the things I wish I could be. We clicked instantly and subsequently started planning art and craft parties. :D! It was an answer to both our prayers. I am just so thrilled to finially find a new friend that shares all my passions as well as my standards. It's just a testament that our Father listens.

Well, that about sums up my week. See, I told you I would update :P I hope you all are well, I'm missing you guys, but not too much cuz I'm having so much fun.
Take Care,
See You at Thanksgiving
<3's
~Miss Keara

College!!!!

2009-09-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Sorry it's been sooooo long, but you know the busy life of a college student. :) I've been meaning to update for AGES, but I wanted to post pics of my room, but surprise surprise, my camera is nowhere to be found. :( ugh! so frustrating, I just bought it too.

Well, I'm about a month into my freshman year at Northern Arizona University. I'm currently majoring in Psychology, but we'll see how much this changes in the following years. It's a total blast though! College is so much fun!

I haven't been too homesick at all really. I mean I came home for labor day, but I guess I'm just enjoying the independence. Hopefully the fam is coming up next weekend for a premature parents weekend. It should be fun.

So far I'm doing pretty good in all my classes. This is definitely an easy semester. I probably have the best sched. None of my classes start before 11 am, and I get fridays off! YES!!! I'm really excited for some of my classes this semester. My favorite one is probably my Global Village one. We discuss the different aspects of globalization and the pros and cons it has to the world. Sorry, probably doesn't make a ton of sense, but I get excited for it. ^.^

My roommate is pretty chill. She's really quiet and passive. We seem to be getting along so far. I think it just took a bit for her to adjust to my craziness, but we're cool now.

I'm trying to balance my time between school, friends, boyfriend, institute and YSA activities, and other clubs and stuff. I thought I wanted to work, but I have no idea when I'd have time to. Whew! College kids stay BUSY!

The weather is absolutely gorgeous up here though. We're going camping this weekend if it doesn't rain. Today was surprisingly chilly, it was like 65 and raining. Totally nice. I still kinda miss the heat in QC, not gonna lie, but a girl could definitely fall in love with Flagstaff too.

I love and miss you all, hope everything is going well. I'll try to be more regular about the postings ;) and HOPEFULLY I'll find that stinkin camera soon, so I can show you the awesomeness that I know as Flagstaff.

<3 till next time
Keara xox

My <3

2009-08-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Well I guess there's no time like the present. haha

Time to spill the beans:

and some MORE beans.....

I'm just gonna say it, I'm in LOVE!
and I'm a dork, but I just don't care.

Summer Update

2009-07-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been two months. Things have been crazy, believe it or not. haha

soooo.... I officially graduated from High School sixth in my class on May 28, 2009. I am attending Northern Arizona University starting on August 24. And for the record, I am SOOOO TOTALLY STOKED!!!! I can't wait to move to Flagstaff and be independent and on my own! I'm staying in Cowden Hall, because I am in the honors program. Tentatively majoring in Psychology. I'm moving up there on August 20th. Definitely not looking forward to packing up my life and storing it away, but I'm excited to be turning a new page.

Branson was so funny. A few weeks ago while I was at work he was sitting in my room with my Mom. He kept asking he if I was taking my jewelry box, or a Wicked poster she kept telling him no, Sissy's taking that with her. He was a little bummed when she told him I was probably taking almost everything. Then he said that my pink walls were too girlie for him, so they'd have to paint black and white zebra stripes, or or blue and red since they were ''boy'' colors. lol It's nice to see that I'm not even gone and they're already hawking my stuff.

I'm still working at Starbucks, it's a fun job. I can't wait to be done with it though. I think I'm ready to get out of food service now. I'll be working on campus, but I haven't figured out where I want to work yet. I guess we'll see what happens.

New York

2009-05-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

My mom and I went to New York for a choir tour April 24-27. It was AMAZING. We crammed so much into 3 days. Here are the highlights:
My bff Veronica and I waiting @ the airport

scary take-off

We MADE IT!!!!

PEOPLE on the way to the hotel
Bryant Park

JUMP! haha thought this was a cute pic, just me and some friends jumping off a fountain in Bryant Park

"Under My Um-ber-ella-ella-ella"

Rockefeller Building (I went to the VEEEERY TIPPPPYYYY TTTTOOOOPPPP)

New York skyline @ night.......via Top of the Rock!
TIMES SQUARE

mommy/daughter moment

"I'd like to thank the Academy, and my wonder full family....."

that's right~ Keara <3 poles!

pretty much.... this is me, trying to learn our Lion King dance number (and failing miserably) haha

This is my choir after we performed @ St Paul the Apostle's Chapel in New York

Believe it or not: this is the New York Temple
CENTRAL PARK

FAO Schwartz (no childhood is complete without going there)

Carriage Ride through Central Park

Look Familiar?
YES, I DO think, sometimes..... (just not when there's boy around apparently)

SO DANGEROUS

Authentic New York Pizza! chew on that!

THE LION KING!!!!! it was totally AMAZING!!!!

To Pennsylvania Rail Road Station silly...

First Time Subway Rider!

'nuff said
I can ride the subway with no handlebars.....

Lady Liberty via Staton Island ferry

~~w~i~n~d~y~~~

NY harbor
Photo Op

Okay, I know this is a REALLY WEIRD picture, but you have to hear the story behind it. One of the things I HAD to experience in New York, was a REAL, authentic Pretzel. I had one in Central Park, but it was gross. so there was this Pretzel place inside the ferry terminal. So I just HAD to get one. They smelled SOOOO good. So this is my face after The First Bite. IT WAS FLIPPIN AMAZING!!!!! Oh My Goodness!!!!! Adequate Words Fail Me!!!!

Ground Zero
YEP!

Home Again!!!!

Now that I have sufficiently made you all jealous.... haha

UPDATE! finally!

2009-05-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Sorry Guys,
I know it's been, like, FOREVER, since I posted. Life has been very interesting. So much has happened. Let's see.... Prom, Birthday, Boyfriend, School, pending Graduation, just crazy stuff. But, I do promise to be more vigilant from now on. Mostly because people keep bugging me, and because this will be your source for college updates.

That's RIGHT! Keara's Going To COLLEGE! I will be leaving for NAU in August. I'm planning on studying Psychology. Honors Program. Staying in Cowden Hall. I hear it 's pretty good. I am SO excited, but SO absolutely TERRIFIED at the same time. This is a huge step, I've been waiting all my life for. I can't wait to get into the world and try it out! Be an 'adult', kinda, just have some fun, gain the college experience. Don't worry, I won't go TOO crazy. :o)

Prom was fun. I went with a big group of friends, wore a GORGEOUS dress, partied all night long, and lots of other crazy shenanigans. My date had to leave early due to a reoccurring injury, which was a bummer. But I still managed to dance the night away. We went cosmo bowling after. It was really interesting, especially in prom dresses. HAHA The funniest thing was the three drunk guys in the lane next to us trying to flirt with me after they found out I had no date. Hilarious

And..... I'm single. Weird thing, I know. haha But I'm hoping that it will last. But the last time I said that, I only went like three or four weeks. haha So cross your fingers for me ;)

I'm thinking about trying institute out for the summer. They're offering classes out at Higland HS. I figure I'll get some friends to go with me and make a party of it. haha

Wow, it's still hitting me that I only have like 7 school days left. I graduate May 28 at 7pm. You're all invited if you want to come. I'm having a family party before and another part after for everyone else. Should be a blasty blast. lemme know if any of you wanna come. But WOW, a chapter is ending, as a new one opens..... how EPIC

Sadie Hawkins

2009-02-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys....
I know it's been like MONTHS since I've updated. I've just been super-busy and my Facebook addiction has limited anything else that I could possibly do on the internet. lol

I've just been staying busy with work and school. I'm just trying to finish my senior year without completely falling off the deep end and hopefully get some scholarships by the end of the year.

But...
I'm super-excited about the Sadie Hawkins dance this weekend. The theme is "Save the Last Dance For Me". You know that Michael Buble' song? Well, it should be a really fun night.

I asked this super-cute priest in my ward, (I really should be careful what I say on my blog though, because I know he reads it from time-to-time.) So I’ll be brief on the details, but you can always call me for more. Lol ;)

So, I asked him about a week ago. Some friends and me went to Wal-Mart after mutual and got some supplies. We left a bowl of fish on his doorstep that said:
“Out of all the fish in the sea, would you go to Sadie Hawkins with me?”
with my name on the bottom. Then we rang the doorbell and ran.
It was so much fun!!!

But I think the most fun part was waiting for my answer. So, that Saturday night around 10:30 the doorbell rang. I figured it would probably be my answer, but what I didn’t expect was this:

That’s right, I found a FISH on my porch. Funniest thing EVER!!!! So I brought it in the house and I found a tab that said PULL. So I pulled it and I found a note inside the fish. After I got it out and unwrapped it said;
“Out of all the fish in the sea, it’s an honor you have chosen me. YES”

Needless to say, very exciting week for me. Lol Now I just need to figure out some fun day date ideas. Feel free to pass on any ideas, thanks.

Oh, I almost forgot. I'm also really excited about the jewelry that I'll be wearing to the dance.

Yes, that's a candy necklace! lol This all started from an inside joke before prom about wearing candy jewelry to be cheap. But I really liked the idea and my mom found this on ebay. The cool part is that the you can keep the charm after the candy is gone. Isn't it super cute though?

Tagged...

2009-01-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

The Rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write six random things about yourself that not everyone knows.
3. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
4. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
5. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Mmmm-kay...
6 random things....

1.)I don't like feet. (or at least people touching mine)

2.)I'm not usually a shy person. (As you guys all know.) But I get really nervous calling people I don't know over the phone. I'm not sure why, I just don't like to do it.

3.) I can ride a Ripstick. (well, kinda sort of. Okay, fine! I only made it three feet and I fell off. But I rode it!)

4.) One of my legs is longer than the other. It caused me some problems last year. Sent my hips out of line and made my spine crooked.

5.) I am an aspiring photographer. Hoping to make it a career in the future. I'll have to post some pics next time.

6.) I have never broken a bone. I can't tell you how many scars I have, but no breaks. (yet... ;P)

I tag Jill, Chelse', Austin, Sara, Kayla, and McKenzie.

New Kitty

2008-12-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

Update:

We found a kitten about two weeks ago. We weren't really looking for a new cat, but I guess he found us.

He's a cutie though, and a terror. lol My dad named him Petey, aka Pistol Pete.

AND A MONSTER:

Happy Thanksgiving (only three weeks later)

2008-12-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I've been meaning to post this for awhile. As some of you know, Thanksgiving is NOT my favorite holiday, and some of you know why.
**This is my official warning, VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED, these are pictures of what I was doing the Monday before Turkey day. (NOT PRETTY) But at least you will understand why I hate Thanksgiving. :)

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER: (YUM!!)

Sorry to anyone who might be offended, but you were aptly warned. (and I didn't even post the really cool ones (: ) Now you know what Thanksgiving means @ the Miller house.

Happy Hollidays!!

Christmas

2008-12-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

All my friends have got me so excited for christmas, I know it's still in like three weeks, but I am SOO excited right now. At Starbucks we're playing Christmas music around-the-clock. Some days it gets annoying, but it's really nice. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE christmas music. My friend Shelly got me all excited about this. I think it is especially the best-est in choirs. (especially the latin pieces) The harmonies are just gorgeous. I just get so happy when I think about all this. But it makes me kind of sad at the same time, knowing I'll be leaving soon. *tear tear*

2009 is going to bring so many new things: a new president, new school, new people, new friends, opportunities, learning, growing up, moving away, coming back, tears, smiles, good times, and bad. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life. I think it just completes everything and just makes the world a better place. I can't help but smile everyday because I know that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me, and an older Brother who would do ANYTHING FOR ME. The world seems so much brighter when you look at it that way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I'm done blubbering now. (promise)

What I was really going to say was, I wanted to preview some stuff I'll be posting soon, I've just been busy.
I wanted to post my late Thanksgiving pics (you might not want to see these ;P)
I still haven't introduce Charlie
talk about the 'kitty situation'
maybe discuss some politics
economics
and whatever else I decide to roll around in my head.

Now that you're done reading my crazy post; you have more of them to look forward to. " ]

ta ta,
<3's for all

It's that time of year

2008-11-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

I got this inspiration from my friend's blog.

Things I'm thankful for:
family
friends
the gospel
a good job
technology
education
Dr. Pepper
flowers
knowing my own Edward is still out there *giggle*
college
dorky christmas decor for my car
CHARLIE!!!!!
my mom
the great outdoors
my own room
e-mail
music!
freedom to do what I want
driving
my new ward MONTELENA
my church leaders
the Sonoran desert
my callings
talents
opportunities to share them
clean sheets
my daddy
black nail polish
being able to go far but not too far
sleeping in
cactus!!!
little notes
random comments (usually made by me @ the wrong time in a conversation)
smileys ;P
laughing
breathing
my blog " ]
singing
modern medicine
swing dancing
cell phones
cute modest clothes to wear
friends who care
having the forest and the cactus all together in one state!
stargazing
mormon boys :)
mountains
writing
my extremely out of tune piano
poetry
reading
good books that keep you up all night
living in the valley
the Book of Mormon
my bishop
christmas
christmas music
weird voice messages
photography
CRAZY DANCING
hot summers!!!!
long, late night phone calls
musicals
going to the mall
rain
elder Holland's talks
crying your heart out
skipping
lip gloss
seminary
falling in love
good songs on the radio
the prophet
parents
little brothers (i know, and yes I'm writing this)
high school and all its drams (makes you appreciate simpler things)
sticky notes!!!
my giant photo collage
singing in the car
pink pens
flip flops
brown notebooks with all your little secrets in it
acting and drama
Arizona
everything life has to offer, even the bad stuff, because it gives you a chance to brush yourself of and to learn from the fall, and then to go on with a smile because you know how strong you really are

Merry Christmas Guys!!!
I love you all

ACCEPTED!!!!

2008-11-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

I finally bugged my admissions counselor enough and guess what?

I GOT ACCEPTED TO NAU!!!!!!

I'm gonna be a Lumberjack!!!!

So...

2008-11-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awhile since I last posted. Things haven't really been that interesting around here. I'm still waiting for NAU to get back to me. It's driving me crazy! Just trying to stay afloat in school. Working. Sleeping and eating when time allows.

Just typical busy me. I'm ready for thanksgiving to come and go so I can whip out the christmas music and decorate my car. (more on that later) It's just really sad all the stores completely skipped over Thanksgiving for Christmas. Everything is just TOO commercial. Plus the extra reminder that this is my last Christmas living at home is scary. Anytime it comes up, my mom gets a little sad. It's hard knowing that this is my year of lasts. I know I'll come back, but it won't be the same once I'm living in Flagstaff. I just keep thinking about all the little things I'm going to miss. Conner's first date, Conner Driving, Collin dating and driving, Branson prepping for his baptism, just all the boys growing up without me. It just makes me kinda sad, but grateful that I'll only be a few hours away.

I'm super excited to go up to school though. I know it's going to be a blast. I just love hearing about it from all you fellow Lumberjacks.

I guess I'll see you all at Thanksgiving.

2008-11-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

you are deeppink
#FF1493

Your dominant hues are red and magenta. You love doing your own thing and going on your own adventures, but there are close friends you know you just can't leave behind. You can influence others on days when you're patient, but most times you just want to go out, have fun, and do your own thing.

Your saturation level is high - you get into life and have a strong personality. Everyone you meet will either love you or hate you - either way, your goal is to get them to change the world with you. You are very hard working and don't have much patience for people without your initiative.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Thanks Lola

Starbucks. . . Oh My!

2008-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

A lot of you guys know I work at Starbucks in the Target on the Ellsworth Loop. I've been working there for about 8-9 months and I absolutely LOVE it. The guests, the drinks, it's a great combo for me, I get to use my energy and bubbly-ness. I'm especially excited because we started our new Christmas drinks this week!!

I know what you guys are thinking. Coffee?!? But, contrary to popular belief there are things Mormons can drink at Starbucks. So I decided I would educate everyone on the Starbucks lingo and some great coffee-free choices.

So first-sizes: they go Tall (small), Grande (medium), and Venti (large).
[I know they don't make sense, but it's Italian, and they're crazy anyway. lol]

Starbucks has many different ways to order your favorite drink: hot, iced, and my favorite, blended Frappaccino!
The hot drinks are basically espresso, steamed milk, and your favorite syrup of choice.
Iced drinks are very similar except they're cold milk and espresso poured over ice with flavored syrup.
The frappaccinos are like milkshakes, but not quite as thick normally. They are made with a blended coffee base, or a blended creme' base, then syrup, then ice, and blended to perfection.

Disclaimer: All of these drinks have about the calorie count of your breakfast, but they are Soo yummy. But, there are methods to cut down on the calorie count so don't freak out.

So, on to
Flavors: We have the typical Mocha (chocolate), White Mocha (white chocolate), Chai, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, Toffee Nut, Cinnamon Dolce. and our seasonal ones: Peppermint, Gingerbread, and Pumpkin Spice. Some of the more basic flavor come sugar free. But all of these flavors can be mixed and combined to make some Awesome concoctions. ;)

I won't go through a long descriptions of all the drinks we make that you can't have, so I'll just describe the 'Mormon Approved' ones.

For hot drinks, you can order any latte minus the espresso. Just pick your flavor and say 'steamer' or 'creme' i.e. Vanilla Steamer, Caramel Steamer, etc. We also make pretty good Hot Chocolates. The chocolate syrup is kind of bitter, so I would suggest ordering it "Black and White" (half mocha, half white mocha) The Signature Hot Chocolates are decent, very bitter though. But the Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate in Bombin'!

Hot Drink Suggestions: Pumpkin Spice steamer, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha twist creme', Caramel White Mocha creme, and ***Caramel Apple Spice(this one is like apple cider, yummy,my absolute Fav.)***

Iced Drinks: same thing, just order it creme' or end it in 'milk'. I love the starbucks chocolate milk with ice and Whipped Cream, just about everything is the same as the hot drinks.

Frappaccino: You can drink anything coffee-free for a frappaccino, just specify that it's a cream base, or just order it creme'. I'm bad, I make my own frappaccinos and I don't order anything off the menu anymore. I like it complicated. lol
But I suggest a Caramel Mocha Creme', Green Tea Frappe* (you can drink this), Pumpkin Spice Creme', Caramel Double Chocolately Chip, Strawberry Blended Lemonade (this isn't really a frap, but it's really yummy), Captn. Crunch (strawberries and cream with Melon syrup)

* Green tea does not actually have any tea in it, it's all herbal. but the Chai does.

Christmas Drinks: We have the eggnog latte, which for you is just steamed eggnog, not bad, Peppermint Mocha and White Mocha Twist creme' (yummy), Gingersnap steamer (I like it, but I guess you'd have to be a ginger fan), eggnog frappaccino creme, (very good if you like eggnog).

I think this about sums up Starbucks in a nutshell. Just comment if you have questions.

Halloween

2008-11-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

This was my last Halloween at home this year. So I wanted to make it memorable for Branson and the little boys.

Branson and I dressed up as pirates! Arrgg!!

The Boys-Mason, Branson, and Dallin
Darth Vader, Captain Jack Sparrow, and a Ring Wraith

I got a little crazy with the wig.

November!

2008-11-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

It's already November and all the stores are setting up for Christmas. :'(

Halloween is over and now it's time for Thanksgiving. I wish I could say that I was looking forward to it though. As you all know, my family is raising turkeys again this year for Thanksgiving. These are some big suckers too! But, just like last year, we will be butchering and preparing these six GIGANTIC birds, all by hand and in time for dinner (hopefully). I was just lucky enough to be 'busy' last year and avoid the whole process completely. But now that I know how to do it, I'm thinking I might not be so lucky this time. I think it's going to take two days this year.

I'm just hoping I don't scare too many boys off, I mean between my mad driving skills and my expansive knowledge of butchering innocent farm animals, I just might be single for life. lol

The Ant and the Contact Lens

2008-10-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, my mom sent me this story and I just loved it!

Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens . 'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.'

She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.

She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens.

When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'

She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'

Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?'

Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!

The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it' s awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.'

I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.'

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him....I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

-------------------------------------------------------------------
'You Gave Me A Mountain'

Election '08

2008-10-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

As you all know the election is coming up in a few weeks. Crazy times!!!! I hope everyone registered to vote. I really wish I could, but lucky me, I'll be four months too young. YAY, not. I know it's really hard to stay informed on all the issues and everything, especially with all the backbiting going on between Obama and McCain. Just keeping up with the various debates and appearances is time consuming.
My friend of mine runs a political blog in his free time about the election. He's very thorough and he knows what he's talking about. (even for a dropout lol) You should all really go check it out!

And I'm saying this especially to embarrass him right now because he made a crack at my job and I might have to include embarrassing trek pictures in the near future. lol So please check out his blog @ www.conservativeteenager.com and leave TONS of comments. ; )

Austin this is for you:
I think this is sufficient press and media. Here's my advertising, now where's my money? jk lol. I think I have sufficiently embarassed you now. But let me know if I really do need to include pictures so I can call around, k?

Mutual

2008-10-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

So on Wednesday for mutual we had a fifties Sock Hop with all the guys and the girls. We played crazy games and some people came and taught us how to swing dance. It was tons of fun.

After they served refreshments Collin wanted to try a lift he learned with me. I let him try it. He wasn't too bad after a few tries. On the third try, he had me straight up in the air but he started to lose his balance and took a step back. Consequently, he ended up falling and dropping me on my face. Now I have bruises all over my legs. lol And now he wants to try it out at the next stake dance on Saturday.

I guess we'll see.

2008-10-12T01:38:00.001-07:00

My First Blog!!!!

2008-10-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

I noticed everyone in the family is blogging now so I thought I would join the trend. And since I'll be leaving next year, I figured I would start now.

So, I'm starting the second quarter of my senior year. Graduation isn't too far off. Scary I know. Now I'm hitting the college trail. I checked out NAU last week. I'm thinking I might be a future lumberjack. Let's hope.

All the applications are pouring in and the scholarships are stacking up. I'm just hoping I did well on my SATs and that I can get enough money stashed up for school. This is such a crazy stressful process. But I'm SO excited to move out and move up. (just don't let my mom hear that)