Sunday, September 16, 2012

"I wanna hold the whole wide world"

As you may or may not have noticed, my blog looks a little different than it did before. I did this because I wanted it to reflect some other changes- changes in me and in my attitude. Before these physical changes in my blog, my writing here really had no common purpose. It was all just a bunch of random and jumbled thoughts. But, I have been through a lot in the last year and I have learned a lot too. I am a whole new person. I have a new attitude and a new outlook on life. For a while, I wasn't really sure what that outlook or attitude was but I could feel something burning inside that I never had before. Then one morning while I was getting ready for work, a song came onto my iPod that I'd listened to a thousand times before but for the first time, I really listened to the words and I realized what that burning was.

"I wanna hold the whole wide world
Right here in my open hands
Maybe I'm just a little girl
A little girl with great big plans
...
I'm gonna live a crazy dream
Impossible as it may seem
Doesn't matter what the future brings
I'm gonna live a crazy dream"

After really listening to those words and letting them become my new motto in life, I've been learning to do what I want and to follow my dreams. For so long I was pushing away those dreams or desires for "smarter" things or because I thought my mother wouldn't approve. I was always saying "later" or "someday" and trying to move on. If there's one thing that I've learned from everything that I've been through in the last year, its that you never know what's around the corner or what the future's got up its sleeve. So, if you've got some 'crazy dream' or some wild and far-off goal, stop worrying and make it happen! There's no time like now and there's no time to waste!


So, if you didn't catch on, the new purpose of me writing on this blog is to learn to follow my own dreams and to encourage you to follow yours.

To see the full lyrics and the music video of "Whole Wide World" by Mindy Gledhill go here

Sunday, July 15, 2012

the more boys I meet...

"Why can't they be like the ones that mean everything to me
The warm and loyal, open and friendly
It's not like I'm not trying
'Cause I'll give anyone a shot once

I close my eyes 
And, I kiss that frog
Each time finding
The more boys I meet the more I love my dog"

I'm still in love.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Ollie's first week of adventures

Ollie has had a crazy first week at his new home! I seriously am obsessed with him. I adore him with all my heart. I left him for the first time today and literally cried. He's like my first born child. He's been so perfect though. I love him!!!

First bath! He didn't like it very much...

Playing with his new best friend Harley

This is Ollie's most common activity of choice... Mel's guess
 is that he's got a  sleep disorder. He is always sleeping.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Oliver!

I haven't blogged in a long time. A lot has happened that I'm not going to bother telling the internet about. But, today, something that is definitely blog-worthy happened. I bought a puppy! He's my very own and I love him to death! He's a black lab and his name is Oliver. I call him Ollie. He's seven weeks old. He likes to sleep a lot. And cuddle. Tonight, I put him to bed in his kennel and he went right to sleep. He's going to be quite the spoiled puppy. I love him!


Oh! And that fulfills #10 on my bucket list!!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Friends in South Africa

So many things have happened in the last few weeks I could never recount everything. But, by far my favorite thing that has happened is that my family's very good friends from South Africa came to visit! They came to the United States for their son's wedding and we got to spend a little time with them while they were here and I am so glad that we did! They are really my favorite people in the world! You're probably curious as to how my family has such good friends that live half-way around the world... When my Dad was nineteen, he served a two year mission for our church in South Africa and he met a family that he became very close with while he was there and has kept in touch with ever since. He and my Mom even named me after one of their daughters. From the time that I was young, I dreamt of meeting Bronwen and my parents have both been promising since the day that I was born that we would someday visit. As of now, that hasn't yet come true. I did meet her and her entire family when I was three years old when they came to the U.S. to visit but I don't remember it well. Even though I never really knew Bronwen, I always dreamt of really meeting her and that I would grow up to be just like her. After spending time with her all last week, I still feel exactly the same! She is seriously incredible as is her entire family and I hope that someday I can be half as amazing as they are. Cora and Jeff are possibly the sweetest and most down-to-earth people that I have ever met. I love Bronwen and her family so much and already miss them like crazy! They are all so amazing. After seeing them all last week and realizing how much I really love them, I have decided to finally make this dream of visiting them in South Africa a reality. I am determined to make it happen and have already been researching everything so I truly can. I am not going to let anything get in the way. I am working so hard to make this trip possible and am really quite excited! I even started another blog to document my travels while I'm there (and the preparations before). I know that it's a tad early for that since I'm not going until next year but I am too excited to contain it and I needed an outlet. Even though it's a year away, I've got something to look forward to!

Jeff, Cora, and I

Bronwen and Bronwen! And darling little Joshua!

Haha. My Mom, Dad, and Quinton. FOREVER ago.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The simple things in life...

These are my thoughts on life. Rhode's rolls commercials say it perfect: "It's the simple things that make life better..."
1. Tell a random stranger hello.
2. Have a dance party at least once a day.
3. Message/text someone a dumb (yet clean) joke.
4. Listen to love songs (even if you're not in love).
5. Belt a good song when it comes on the radio with the windows rolled down.
6. Draw with sidewalk chalk.
7. Dance in the rain.
8. Eat Lunchables.
9. Laugh so hard that you cry.
10. Ride a horse.
11. Go running.
12. Be a flirt (unless you're married of course. In that case, only flirt with your spouse).
13. Buy a plant and care for it.
14. Ask for a sucker at the bank drive-through even when you're alone.
15. Make promises that you can keep.
16. Have a dog.
17. Buy a coloring book and crayons.
18. Color with them.
19. Write a letter. (a real one!)
20. Send someone flowers.
21. Call your mom and tell her you love her. 
22. Rekindle an old friendship.
23. Find a new favorite band. 
24. Go hiking.
25. If you go hiking, hike in the morning so you can watch the sunrise.
26. Never be afraid to say "I love you."
27. Don't be afraid to say "I know."
28. Go stargazing with someone you adore.
29. Whistle in the grocery store.
20. Call your grandparents on their anniversary.
21. Send out a Christmas card (with a photo) even if you're single.
22. Let yourself fall in love.
23. Go to a park and fly kites.
24. Simplify your life.
25. Remember that you can't be perfect and be happy anyways.
26. Have a firm handshake and look people in the eyes.
27. Smile at kids walking home from school. 
28. Wave at semi-truck drivers to see if they'll honk.
29. Count your blessings.
30. Buy a Snickers without thought for the calories or sugar. 
31. Sleep outside.
32. Wear a flower in your hair.
33. Have a water fight. 
34. Go to Disneyland and take pictures with every character you see.
35. Bring a sick friend homemade chicken-noodle soup.
36. Donate money to a good cause. 
37. Read a book. 
38. Cry for a pain that's not your own.
39. Don't be afraid when you only feel safe in the arms of the one you love.
40. Google yourself and laugh at all the people that aren't really you.
41. Leave a big tip for your waitress even when she brings you the wrong food.
42. Love to love and not to be loved.
43. Go to a City Council meeting and make your voice heard.
44. Tell yourself that you're beautiful.
45. Believe it.
46. Tell someone else that they're beautiful.
47. Always return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. 
48. Pray always.
49. Volunteer at the hospital.
50. Love every minute of all of it!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Joy cometh in the morning

"Yes, 'weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.' Then, in the dawn of your increased faith and understanding, we arise and choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, 'Thy will be done.'... Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal."
--Elder Robert D. Hales 

Monday, April 2, 2012

3 sounds that I hate.

1. Chewing. I detest the sound of someone chewing. Seriously, you'd be better off to shove a vinegar-coated spoon down my throat than to sit next to me while you're eating. I know that eating has become very much a social activity. And that's fine! Nobody is listening to other people eat if they also are eating. But, if you're the only one in the room eating and everyone else is innocently trying to do their homework, enjoying a quiet conversation, or even watching a movie, go in another room and shut the door!

2. Kissing. Let's all be honest with ourselves. The sound of kissing is horrific. Now, I'll be honest too. I obviously don't care one bit when I'm the source of that noise... But, be respectful of the people around you! It's bad enough to see it coming from someone else let alone to hear it. You all know what I'm talking about. It's disgusting. So, do the people around you a favor and keep the smacking-noises to a minimum when in public. Thank you.

3. Goodbye. I absolutely hate that word. It's awful! I can't even fully explain my detestation behind that word but it's there. Let me tell you. So, please. Don't ever tell me "goodbye". Pick a different phrase like "I'll see you later!" or "Peace out!" or "Hasta la vista!" or how about just "I love you.". All of those are so much better than "goodbye".

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sunday afternoons...

Today has been so fun. I started it off with the last two sessions of General Conference (which was fantastic), a little later Josh and I made a delicious dinner (honey-glazed ham and funeral potatoes) which turned out amazing, and I finished the afternoon off by coloring pictures of Disney Characters and listening to Alexi Murdoch. It's been a good day! As my favorite commercial says: "It's the simple things that make life better..." (Rhode's bake and serve... Yum! We had those with dinner tonight too)

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Happy spring!

Today has been quite fantastic! It's been sunny and warm and, this afternoon, my roommates and I did sidewalk chalk out in our parking lot. It was so fun just enjoying the spring-time warmth of the sun and playing outside!



Also, the real reason today was so fantastic: today was General Conference! Being able to sit and listen to the words of the living prophets is more and more amazing every time. The two sessions this morning were incredible and the spirit was so strong. If you missed it this morning, don't fret! You can watch recordings of this morning's sessions here and don't forget to tune-in for the morning and afternoon sessions tomorrow here. You won't regret watching!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

I'm barely breathing...

"The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for a purpose, they're still looking for life.

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm hondin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you"
--Lifehouse, Broken



Broken by Lifehouse on Grooveshark

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Cry like a girl

"Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhhh'd. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don't let someone steal your tenderness. Don't allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it's a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all-- look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love."
--Zooey Deschanel

Okay, so I love this quote for a couple of reasons. First, simply because I just love Zooey Deschanel. She's pretty much adorable. Second, because this quote just strikes home with me. For the last few years, though I have recently been doing a splendid job of getting over it, I have sort of just struggled with being a girl. Now, please don't take this the wrong way. My issue deals less with being a "girl" and more with being "girly". It used to just bothered me for some reason. I honestly had to be told by my cross-country coach in high school that "it is okay to be a girl!" multiple times. I'm honestly not very sure why I've ever been bothered by it so much. The only thing that I can figure out is that, in my head, being "girly" has always been directly associated with being "weak". In my head, being girly meant I had to be afraid of bugs. It meant that I wasn't allowed to love fishing and camping or getting a bit of mud on my face. It meant that I had to tear up when I saw commercials about homeless kittens on TV. And, quite frankly, I didn't want to be any of those things. I love camping. I love fly-fishing. And, I am probably a little too fond of making mud hand-prints on my calves. So far, as I moved down my mental checklist of "girly attributes I should avoid", it seemed that I was doing a pretty good job. Then it came to the crying thing... Not good. I don't just cry at everything. But almost everything... I would never in a million years cry at a homeless kitten commercial but I do cry during "Beauty and the Beast" when the Beast almost dies and then turns into the prince. I cry during "The Lion King". I sob through the entire second half of "Charly". Let's be honest, I cried during a preview of "Titanic". I haven't even seen the full movie. With all of this as evidence, I was convinced that there was something wrong with me. Nobody in their right minds could claim immunity from the term "girly" and cry during a preview for a movie. This honestly concerned me for the longest time. But, over the last year or so, I've learned that it's okay to be girly and it's okay to cry. Why should I hide what I'm feeling? Why should I pretend to be tough and hardened? I shouldn't. That's lame. "Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to be truly affected by things."
Thanks Eve Smith for sharing that quote.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Cupcakes!

So, today is my lovely roommate Courtney's birthday and Cheri (my other roommate) and I decided to make cupcakes for the occasion. Behold!


Courtney really likes Giraffes.

Rachel actually made these cupcakes a few weeks ago and I just helped her frost them and take pictures. I just never got around to posting them. 


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

You're not alone.

The last couple months of my life have been pretty crazy. I sometimes look back at the things that have happened and wonder how in the world they all really could have occurred. These times have been filled with much stress, fear, and hurt. Too many tears have been shed and too many nights have been spent alone. Even though these things are true, and even though I have been through so much, I still am standing here today with a smile on my face. Through everything that has happened and through everything that I have gone through, seemingly alone, I have had one constant companion; my Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt alone and abandoned at times. But, if I had really payed attention, I would have realized that He has been here, by my side, all along. I am so grateful for my Savior and for His love. I am so grateful for the Atonement and for the knowledge that Christ knows everything that I am going through and is here to help me along. I know that He loves me and wants me to succeed. He is here to wipe my tears when I cry, help me up when I fall, and carry me when I can no longer walk and I am so grateful.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Let me go home

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take a short trip home to Provo and it was magnificent! Because my family was in Arizona most of the weekend, I had the house to myself for while, which was lovely, I got to hang out with the best friends in the world, and then I got to see my family before I went home Sunday night. It was so good to see everyone! I miss them all so much. But, there's only a month before I'll be back in Provo for the summer. So crazy! Here a couple pictures from the few minutes that I got to see my adorable little sisters.

Friday, March 2, 2012

"You've got great plans for me"

This song came on to one of my Pandora stations recently and I have come to absolutely love it. The lyrics help me feel a little bit better about just being me, imperfections and all.

"At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see 
I'm free to be me.

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything 
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it's easy to believe."
--Francesca Battistelli


Free To Be Me (Album Version) by Francesca Battistelli on Grooveshark

P.S. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Thursday, March 1, 2012

To do...

These are the faces I was making while looking at my "To Do Before You Leave Tomorrow List". Yuck. Thank goodness for Jamba Juice, Pandora, and Andy Grammer! I can do it!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Well, there's a first time for everything!

I woke up this morning thinking it was just a normal Saturday morning. Apparently I was wrong. But, I'm just going to let this video tell the story of today's crazy adventure.


I know it's so crazy and I can hardly believe that I did it! It's definitely taking some getting-used-to but, I love it! It's a fun change and I feel like a new person!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

You Should Know Better

This is a great song. My Andy Grammer station has suddenly jumped to the position of "most listened to" on Pandora and it's sorta freaking me out because my Brandon Flowers/Brendan James station has held that position for quite a long time. I'm having somewhat of an identity crisis. But, I'll get over it. Anyways, listen to this song because it's great.
"You should know better than that
And before you go on breaking my heart and I fall even deeper in love 
And my lungs screaming out
"can you hear me?!"
You should know better than that 
And here we are, here we are, ohhh
Here we are, here we are again

Some forgive just to forget
I've not forgotten yet
I still believe in you
But there's a crack in our cement
This time it's permanent, permanent"
--Andy Grammer


You Should Know Better by Andy Grammer on Grooveshark

Saturday, February 11, 2012

We Bought a Zoo

"All you need is twenty seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come out of it." 
--Matt Damon, We Bought a Zoo

To all of you who haven't seen this amazing movie yet, I strongly encourage you to. I absolutely loved it! It instantly took first place on my 'favorite movie list' and I dreamt about it all night last night. It is seriously incredible. Please go see it.

The soundtrack is also pretty great! You can listen to it here. Please do.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Behold, God is my salvation!

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he has also become my salvation.
Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. 
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. 
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."

I came across this short chapter while reading during my Book of Mormon class today and wanted to share it. The writings of Isaiah (quoted by Nephi in this case) are not only true and powerful, but they are so beautiful! They are definitely worth their difficulty of reading. I can truly feel Isaiah's testimony of the Savior while reading them.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

We're the perfect two...

I absolutely love love love this song! My roommates showed it to me last semester and I just remembered how much I love it! Also, I'm learning to play it on the ukulele.

"Don't know if I could ever be 
Without you cause boy you complete me
And in time I know that we'll both see
That we're all we need.

Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the smoke to my high
And you're the one I wanna marry."
--Auburn


Perfect Two by Auburn on Grooveshark

Monday, January 30, 2012

Master, the tempest is raging!

There is a lesson that I have had to learn the last few weeks. In the movies, when the hero of the film stops and says to themselves "You know, I really don't think things could get any worse." and then they get hit by a bus or their mother dies: those times really happen. But, I honestly believe that it is in times such as those that we can and must have the most hope. They are the times that we have the most opportunities to grow, to become better people, and to grow closest to our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that, no matter how hard things get, we can always make it out of whatever trials we are experiencing. That is a lesson that I have learned before and that I have had to desperately cling to lately. One thing keeps happening after another and I sometimes wonder how things could have possibly gotten as bad as they have. But, I know that I can make it. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if there is no hint of it in sight at the moment. But, I also know that I don't have to travel this long road alone. In General Conference, April 2009, Elder Jeffry R. Holland said, "because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path--the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel." I hope that that is something that we can all remember, not only in times of trial, but always. Our Savior Jesus Christ sacrificed His life and suffered for our sins and for our sorrows so that we could have companionship during this, our test on Earth. Never forget that He is there for you and that He loves you. He wants to help you and will. Mosiah 24:14 says "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I , the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." 


This hymn has come to mean so much to me and I thought that I would just share a few of the lyrics.
"Master the tempest is raging.
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershoadowed with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep, 
When each moment so madly is threat'ning 
A grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, 
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be,
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!"
--Master, The Tempest is Raging

Sunday, January 29, 2012

An ode to the greatest friends.

The last few weeks, there has been something continually on my mind. And that is how amazing all of my friends are! I have the single most fantastic group of friends! Really though, every time I see or think about them, I can't help but think how awesome they are and how blessed I am. I honestly can't get over how lucky I am to know all of the people that I do. When we get together, we have more fun just sitting and messing around with each other than I do on my favorite ride at Disneyland. Though, the combination of my friends and Disneyland would be phenomenal! I like to imagine that in fifty years, we'll all still be friends and we'll get together, all of us old with canes and dentures, and sit and laugh and mess around like old times. And all of my kids are going to refer to them as "Aunt ----" and "Uncle ----". I absolutely love my friends. Anyways, my friends, thank you for being amazing! I'm sad that so many of you are leaving me for your missions so soon. But, you are all going to be fantastic missionaries!! 

To some of the good times we've had!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Day 9- Dream

I love this song. That is simply all that I have to say. Please listen to it.

"I was a little girl
Alone in my little world
Who dreamed of a little home for me
I played pretend between the trees
And fed my house-guests bark and leaves
And laughed in my pretty bed of green

I had a dream
That I could fly
From the highest swing
I had a dream."
--Priscilla Ahn


Dream by Priscilla Ahn on Grooveshark

P.S. If you're wondering what all of these music posts are about, go here.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

So blessed!

For the last week or so, I have had so many crazy things to complain about. Honestly, in my opinion, I would almost be justified to skip all of my classes and just lie in bed all day. One thing just keeps happening after another. But, what good would that do anybody? Not much. Now, I wish that I could say that from the beginning I just had an "attitude of gratitude" and that I was just counting my many blessings. But, let's be honest. I'm quite prone to pessimism. While I was in in the bathroom curling my hair, however, something happened that made me realize that I really am so blessed! And it made me realize/remember other things that have happened this week that have shown the same thing. While I was getting ready, just rocking out to Brandon Flowers and being a tad bit of a whiny-pants, the doorbell rang and the post-man dropped a package on my doorstep. And it was totally for me! My adorable Aunt Teruko and Uncle Kenny that live in Hawaii had sent me a little care package loaded with Hawaii paraphernalia ranging from a surfboard key chain to a big box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. I couldn't believe how sweet they are!


That's only one of the awesome things that has happened to me in the last week. Even amongst all the garbage. My family surprised me and came up to visit for the weekend, I got to talk to my best friend this morning, I found a big check that I had lost in my wallet, my roommate stayed up late with me when I needed someone to talk to, and a sweet friend sent me flowers. These are just a few of the things that have happened. But honestly, I am so blessed. I should be feeling grateful instead of being so down. 

Day 8- Please Don't Stop the Rain

I haven't heard this song in a while actually but this morning it came on to one of my Pandora stations and I remembered how much I love it. It's pretty great!

"If it's going to be a rainy day,
There's nothing we can do to make it change
We can pray for sunny weather
But that won't stop the rain.

You're feeling like you've got no place to run
I can be your shelter 'til it's done
We can make this last forever
So please don't stop the rain."
--James Morrison


Please Don't Stop the Rain by James Morrison on Grooveshark

Check it out!

I have some pretty cute sisters.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Visit from the fam!

So, yesterday morning, a glorious thing happened. My family called me and told me that they had just loaded the car and that they were on their way to visit me for the long weekend. And four hours later, they were walking in my door! Basically, it's been amazing having them here! I have missed them so much already and it's so fun playing with them. We've spent the majority of our time so far partying in the pool/hut-tub at my parents' hotel, taking SUPER long drives through beautiful Idaho country and looking at the Tetons, and just chilling. And, though my parents are staying at a hotel, the little girls have been experiencing true college life (AKA staying up until all hours of the night) at my apartment and having a party! Though we were all really tired and made it obvious to our parents we'd stayed up all night, we've had a lot of fun together!



Unfortunately, Brooke couldn't be here because she's partying in Disneyland and Palm Springs for the week. I don't really feel bad for her... But, here's a picture of her too since she's pretty cute. 

Friday, January 13, 2012

Lemons...

Sometimes, life doesn't even give you lemons. It gives you a pile of rotten seeds that you have to plant, water, weed, and then wait for the lemons to grow. But, when they do grow, you can still make some really good lemonade.

Day 7- Marchin' On

So, as I was reviewing my music posts this far, I realized that the majority of the artist/songs that I chose were fairly old. And, though I think that some of the best music is from that time period, there is some excellent music today too. So, I'm going to share a few of my favorite more-recent songs for the next couple of days. Today's choice is called Marchin' On by OneRepublic. This is just one of my favorite feel-good songs. I love it!

"We'll have the days we break,
And we'll have the scars to prove it,
We'll have the bonds that we save, 
But we'll have the heart not to lose it.

For all of the times we've stopped,
For all of the things I'm not.

We put one foot in front of the other,
We move like we ain't got no other,
We go when we go,
We're marching on."
--OneRepublic


Marchin On by One Republic on Grooveshark

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Day 6- Ghost Story

Sorry it's been a million years... It's been a rough week. :) Anyways, Ghost Story. What a fantastic song! And Sting! Ah, what a gent! (As dear Jeremy Sherms would say). Seriously. Sting (and The Police) are one of my favorite artists! I absolutely thrive off of their music. Give this song a little listen. Also, you should look up and read all of the lyrics. They're pretty great.

"You were my compass star.
You were my measure. 
You were a pirate's map.
A buried treasure.

If this was all correct, 
The last thing I'd expect:
The prosecution rests.
It's time that I confess:
 I must have loved you."
--Sting


Ghost Story by Sting on Grooveshark

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

I believe.

"I believe in pink.
I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing.
I believe in being strong when everything seems to go wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day and
I believe in miracles."
--Audrey Hepburn

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 5- Unforgettable

Nat King Cole has always been one of those old classic singers that I am totally in love with. His music just makes me feel happy. I love it. One of my favorite songs is one called "Unforgettable" that, after he died, his daughter also sung and she put their tracks together and made it a duet. It is absolutely beautiful. Please give it a little listen. You won't regret it.

"Unforgettable, that's what you are.
Unforgettable, though near or far
Like a love song that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me.
Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay.
That's why darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too."
-Nat King Cole


Unforgettable by Natalie Cole on Grooveshark

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 4- You're My Best Friend

Queen is one of the most fantastic bands of all time. Ask Jeremy Sherman. This is one of my favorite songs by them. Enjoy!

"Ooh you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me.
It's you. You're all I see.
Ooh you make me live now honey.
Ooh you make me live.

Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had.
I've been with you such a long time.
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true.
I really love you.
Ooh you're my best friend."
--Queen


You're My Best Friend by Queen on Grooveshark

Monday, January 2, 2012

Day 3- Will You be There?

I absolutely love this song!! It's one of those songs that you can feel and not just hear. Especially during the chorus, you can just feel the power of the song. It's amazing. 

"Hold me
Like the river Jordan.
And I will then say to thee
You are my friend.

Carry me
Like you are my brother
Love me like a mother
Will you be there?"
--Michael Jackson


Will You Be There (Single Version) by Michael Jackson on Grooveshark

"17 Miracles"

If you haven't seen this amazing film yet, I strongly recommend it. The plot of the movie is the story of the Mormon Willie/Martin handcart companies and their journey to the Salt Lake Valley and the struggles that they faced. It is truly inspiring and it really made me grateful for all that I have been blessed with in my life. I realized as I watched this movie, if it weren't for the Mormon pioneers and their incredible faith, I would not be living the life that I am now. I wouldn't have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, or maybe even a knowledge of it all. I owe so much to the many saints that gave up everything they had, some even gave their lives, to find and settle Zion. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices that they made and hope that I may always keep their memories with me. And, in times of trial, I hope that I can look back on their example and remember, that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13) and that miracles have not ceased to exist.


The thing that amazed me most about these saints and their stories was their incredible faith in prayer and also the results that that faith, and God's love and mercy, brought about. Time after time, when under horrible circumstances, someone would kneel in humble prayer and ask God for protection and aid and it was almost always given. Their prayers brought them food when there was none, healed their sick, protected them from danger, and gave them the strength to carry on and eventually make it to the Salt Lake Valley. One miracle was always followed by another. I hope that someday, I can have faith as strong as those saints of the Martin/Willie handcart companies.

"What a glorious legacy of faith, courage, and ingenuity those noble early Mormon pioneers have left for us to build upon. My admiration for them deepens the longer I live."
--L. Tom Perry

"You are familiar with their story. You are the fruit of all of their planning and of all of their labors. Whether you have pioneer ancestry or came into the Church only yesterday, you are part of this whole grand picture of which those men and women dreamed."
--Gordon B. Hinckley

"Of all the stories of American pioneers and settlers, none is more inspiring than the Mormon trail... Let us remember that the Mormons of a century ago were a persecuted and prosecuted minority... While today, in the short space of 100 years, their faith and works are known and respected around the world." 
--President John F. Kennedy

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 2- Three Little Birds

I mentioned earlier this week that I was going to have a little musical party on my blog and thus far I have failed miserably. However, today's song is a gem.
"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright.
Singin': Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright."
--Bob Marley


Three Little Birds by Bob Marley on Grooveshark