tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61807333511760359892024-03-13T06:51:32.669-06:00tonibug.ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-4084651394942135042015-01-06T19:21:00.003-07:002015-01-06T19:34:03.895-07:00hey there 2015...let's tango.<div style="text-align: center;">
Well ya'll it has been quite some time since we last hung out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hello again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Back in January of 2013 I started the tradition of a new year blog post. This was for two reasons. One, to help me remember the highlights of the year because my journal writing is slacking. Two, because often times I find my blog writing is a very different style then my journal. When I journal I leave it all out on the table. I'm all over the place and usually using it as a place to vent frustrated feelings. When I blog it tends to be more reflective and helps me realize a lot about myself, keeps my attitude in check, and often humbles me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started 2014 living with my favorite old roomie. We have been roomies for most our lives and by golly it felt good to have her back. We always pick up right where we left off and have a grand old time full of inside jokes, tears shed, and late night DMCs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNXQngodQQ/VKx9WxtnfpI/AAAAAAAABwg/nS7j6pHU4-g/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYNXQngodQQ/VKx9WxtnfpI/AAAAAAAABwg/nS7j6pHU4-g/s1600/photo%2B(8).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was working at Primrose still but began a new position as the Preschool I teacher. I moved from 18 month old children to 3 year olds and what a difference! What a time for children to be exploring a new phase in life, learning to navigate relationships with others, controlling behavior and emotions, and engaging in school-level language and math skills.This is honestly the age I feel you can really make an impact on the foundation that is built for their future. I absolutely love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBoPGMmgM-M/VKx9en7REnI/AAAAAAAABxg/3g4MuhAoBOI/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBoPGMmgM-M/VKx9en7REnI/AAAAAAAABxg/3g4MuhAoBOI/s1600/photo.PNG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh and I got to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway...no biggie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxz26ulZPLU/VKx9USLgxmI/AAAAAAAABvs/ZbgdU9Ez6Vs/s1600/photo%2B(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxz26ulZPLU/VKx9USLgxmI/AAAAAAAABvs/ZbgdU9Ez6Vs/s1600/photo%2B(10).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
April was the start of the 'year of weddings' for me. My sister Chelsea was marring her high school love in the Bountiful Utah temple and I couldn't have been more excited for her! She was so genuinely happy that day and I knew she was ready to embark on this new chapter of her life with an amazing man by her side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBoPGMmgM-M/VKx9en7REnI/AAAAAAAABxg/3g4MuhAoBOI/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcWx_rfyn_w/VKx9S7IyU-I/AAAAAAAABvQ/O9usuUvzMIs/s1600/bridesmaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcWx_rfyn_w/VKx9S7IyU-I/AAAAAAAABvQ/O9usuUvzMIs/s1600/bridesmaid.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PY9ZZZE0ASw/VKx9S1A4B1I/AAAAAAAABvI/1MrmAmMW4GQ/s1600/chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PY9ZZZE0ASw/VKx9S1A4B1I/AAAAAAAABvI/1MrmAmMW4GQ/s1600/chelsea.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I couldn't make a trip out to Utah without catching up with my old loves so after the festivities I headed up to Logan for a few days of Chipotle eating, moving watching, girl jabbering fun. We also held our 3rd annual tea party and had a grand time lifting one another up and reminding each other how amazing we all are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHOesfZ4lGs/VKx9bMMB5_I/AAAAAAAABxE/37g0Ki7wLIs/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHOesfZ4lGs/VKx9bMMB5_I/AAAAAAAABxE/37g0Ki7wLIs/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHmKh72Emy8/VKx9akNtOEI/AAAAAAAABxI/zcZnSyj4E5I/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHmKh72Emy8/VKx9akNtOEI/AAAAAAAABxI/zcZnSyj4E5I/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QiSk_qFWQ/VKx9bAD7x8I/AAAAAAAABxA/g_ErP9aePC0/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QiSk_qFWQ/VKx9bAD7x8I/AAAAAAAABxA/g_ErP9aePC0/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzowj6iFRwA/VKx9ZFiHJ5I/AAAAAAAABww/KN5zSPrNQAE/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzowj6iFRwA/VKx9ZFiHJ5I/AAAAAAAABww/KN5zSPrNQAE/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Oh, and I couldn't wait to show off my alumni to my baby sister. I am not so secretly trying to brain wash her into going to Utah State. It is after all the best University. Ever. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UyW8eNQEFg/VKx9WC280NI/AAAAAAAABwY/PkQuiAh9J_8/s1600/photo%2B(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UyW8eNQEFg/VKx9WC280NI/AAAAAAAABwY/PkQuiAh9J_8/s1600/photo%2B(7).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My summer was pretty chill just working and hanging out with the family. I have enjoyed the time getting to know Brandon and Tiffany again. I especially realized this summer how much they really have grown up and changed. When I moved away from home they were 6 and 10. What a difference 7 years can make! I am so proud of the people they are becoming!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3uu56a6-4U/VKx9U53S9SI/AAAAAAAABv4/HsGS9Y8FfB8/s1600/photo%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3uu56a6-4U/VKx9U53S9SI/AAAAAAAABv4/HsGS9Y8FfB8/s1600/photo%2B(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IxrmxjJ-Io/VKx9fksdZTI/AAAAAAAABxo/Bv-MkBbbaoI/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IxrmxjJ-Io/VKx9fksdZTI/AAAAAAAABxo/Bv-MkBbbaoI/s1600/sisters.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lF8xgEZD8g0/VKx9U-yGDXI/AAAAAAAABv8/eRZYVrPu_Rw/s1600/photo%2B(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lF8xgEZD8g0/VKx9U-yGDXI/AAAAAAAABv8/eRZYVrPu_Rw/s1600/photo%2B(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYK355re2q0/VKx9Xqw-InI/AAAAAAAABwo/Nn74_EKGOgQ/s1600/photo%2B(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYK355re2q0/VKx9Xqw-InI/AAAAAAAABwo/Nn74_EKGOgQ/s1600/photo%2B(9).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In August my sister Brittney got married. I was defiantly not ready to lose my partner in crime. You can ask ANYONE and they will tell you we are a packaged deal. She knows anything and everything about me and she is my personal psychiatrist. haha. She looked beautiful on her big day though and I knew I could trust her to still only be a phone call away. I was happy to support her and loved seeing her so happy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rqe2-b2vI/VKx9hYdgtnI/AAAAAAAABx8/PlPUWY8Bi6o/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rqe2-b2vI/VKx9hYdgtnI/AAAAAAAABx8/PlPUWY8Bi6o/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNpNnEq5Zm0/VKx9hvRuFVI/AAAAAAAABx4/tZawciPXQzE/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNpNnEq5Zm0/VKx9hvRuFVI/AAAAAAAABx4/tZawciPXQzE/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The summer ended with me losing my co-teacher at work and she is pretty darn amazing! I really was not ready for this change and sad to see Justine go. People don't always realize how important a co-teacher is. They become your 'spouse' essentially because you are spending 40+ hours a week caring for 24 children together and trying to maintain a well organized and functioning classroom. They are really the only other adult you communicate with for those hours and I was lucky to have someone who was so fun to talk to and see eye-to-eye on matters with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgdLROGnQ8A/VKx9Tsd1TMI/AAAAAAAABvU/Nm6Ev42GDzs/s1600/coteacher2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgdLROGnQ8A/VKx9Tsd1TMI/AAAAAAAABvU/Nm6Ev42GDzs/s1600/coteacher2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Three weeks after she left I was offered a new position as the Preschool II teacher and I was so excited for this welcomed change! I would be working by myself for the first half of the year with 12 adorable children. While a little overwhelming at first, I loved this new position and classroom!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4g5J6w9Aifc/VKx9Tlg_UPI/AAAAAAAABvo/fa9jsvXIWdQ/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4g5J6w9Aifc/VKx9Tlg_UPI/AAAAAAAABvo/fa9jsvXIWdQ/s1600/halloween.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
November brought on wedding number three for my family as my girl Jess was getting married to her boy she meet earlier in the year. I had a hunch back in April she would be getting hitched to this kid Ben she insisted on me meeting so I wasn't to surprised when she asked me during the summer if I would be her bridesmaid. This girl could not have been happier or more ready! I was ecstatic to fly back out to Utah and spend time with her and catch up with old friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rTSLLSiTNk/VKx9aZZPGUI/AAAAAAAABw4/bCSGSfLD_Xs/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rTSLLSiTNk/VKx9aZZPGUI/AAAAAAAABw4/bCSGSfLD_Xs/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One of the highlights of the trip was probably her bachelorette party. The sisters spent the morning/afternoon at the spa which was complete with soaks, facials, massages, pedicures, naps by the fireplace, and sipping sparkling cider. We then met up with everyone for dinner and after had a private paint class complete with a dirty 30. We topped off the night with the Mockingjay premiere. (Duh!) It was fun to throw this party with Aly and catch up with her and the rest of the gang. It was fun to hear what everyone was up to and see us all come together to support our girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kczxntKqlNg/VKx9gGMmW3I/AAAAAAAABxw/ll3UrsrAglI/s1600/spa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kczxntKqlNg/VKx9gGMmW3I/AAAAAAAABxw/ll3UrsrAglI/s1600/spa.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2t4p7wGM00/VKx9UMBlqBI/AAAAAAAABv0/CQNrIccVWlI/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2t4p7wGM00/VKx9UMBlqBI/AAAAAAAABv0/CQNrIccVWlI/s1600/paint.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDaqB1rV0Fc/VKx9T1vcNHI/AAAAAAAABvc/Ny4t1sHVUwQ/s1600/old%2Broomies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDaqB1rV0Fc/VKx9T1vcNHI/AAAAAAAABvc/Ny4t1sHVUwQ/s1600/old%2Broomies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dncNwAJCR8/VKx9bz23r1I/AAAAAAAABxQ/-oUSDB1ocbg/s1600/photo%2B2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dncNwAJCR8/VKx9bz23r1I/AAAAAAAABxQ/-oUSDB1ocbg/s1600/photo%2B2.PNG" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I returned from Utah to a new co-teacher and a handful of new students. While a little nervous at first, I really lucked out. Alison is a seasoned pro and so great to work with! I have enjoyed getting to know her and our classroom is a ball of fun! We have even started to dress the same. Unintentionally. Plus she is going to help me on my journey to loving vegetables this year! Work really was a highlight for my year. I was honored to be recognized as teacher of the month in March and again in November. I love the relationships I have built with my students and their families and find so much joy in what I do. I can't think of a single day this past year that I didn't want to go to work. For that I feel truly blessed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPvdNFLznMw/VKx9S3_tf7I/AAAAAAAABvM/o-cLRkQWtao/s1600/coteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPvdNFLznMw/VKx9S3_tf7I/AAAAAAAABvM/o-cLRkQWtao/s1600/coteacher.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended by blog last year with this resolution:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;">"May it [2014] be a year I can be proud of. A year I make a difference. A year I allow Heavenly Father to shape me into the person He knows I can become. "</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Well if I am being completely honesty I did not live up to it and pains me to go back and read it. Because hiding behind all these wonderful smiling pictures and stories, is a girl who really struggled with staying true to who she was. I told myself moving back to Ohio was going to be hard, but damn. It was hard. I will spare you all the gory details (as mentioned before, I save that for my journal) but I will say that I lost who I am. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;">I lost that feeling of being needed, being useful, being loved.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"> I feel back into old addictions, unhealthy ways of thinking, loneliness, and self-loathing. Instead of facing this challenge with courage and integrity, I faced it with fear and doubt. I stopped being honest with myself and didn't want to put in the work that was being asked of me. I stopped</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"> believing in me and sadly even lost a little faith in my Father in heaven. So many things were changing, so many people were moving on, so many challenges were piling up, and so many tried attempts failed that I stopped searching for a way out and just gave up, letting the walls cave in. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Ironically</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> New Year's Eve was my turning point. I had another panic attack, my third one that year. After using the last of my inhaler and silently begging the Lord to make the pain stop, I realized things needed to change and it had to start with me. I wasn't going to have another year like 2014. I didn't want to overwhelm myself with a list of resolutions or goals so I took a page out of Jess's book and decided to find one word to center my thoughts on. One word to help guide my year and the changes I want to make. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">TRUST</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Trust in myself. Trust I am not my mistakes. Trust I am strong enough. Trust I am an agent for change. Trust I can forgive myself. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;">Trust in others. Trust they are sincere. Trust they are dependable. Trust they believe in me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;">Trust in my Heavenly Father. Trust His plan and purpose. Trust He hasn't and won't leave me unaided. Trust He wants the best for me. Trust He is forgiving.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Happy New Year! May you all find trust in your life to make the changes you want and love the life you are living!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-16031809767339497072014-06-05T22:35:00.001-06:002014-06-05T22:35:26.712-06:00good day.<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello stranger.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been awhile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is going to be a short one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Ever have one of those days that comes to an end and you look back and think, "Oh wow. Today was just a really awesome day!"? Well today was one of those days for me.<br />
<br />
I have been in a slump really and just going through the motions of day to day life. Nothing bad happening, just nothing real eventful or worth taking note of either. I have been super stressed with things that I don't have a whole lot of control over right now, which makes them even more stressful because there is nothing I can do to change it. Today was different.<br />
<br />
While it was still a pretty normal day with no profound events, I thoroughly enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
I got like 8 hours of sleep. That is a beautiful thing.<br />
<br />
Was able to get in a bit of morning scripture study, an area I have been slacking in.<br />
<br />
My class only had 13 children today. 13! I truly enjoy all of my students, but to go from the usual 24 to 13, it was a nice relaxed and calm day.<br />
<br />
We even had a picnic with the children that was a lot of fun, with the bug attacks and all.<br />
<br />
Came home from work to see delicious buckeye cupcakes waiting for me. Thank you again Jamie and Brittney.<br />
<br />
Spent the evening sitting on the porch, enjoying cold lemonade, grilled chicken, and fresh fruit.<br />
<br />
The night ended with a few hours of much needed girl talk and laughs shared with some amazing ladies.<br />
<br />
It was a nice reminder that attitude is everything and that Heavenly Father is looking out for me. Today was the exact kind of day I needed and I am grateful for every minute of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXXO59bb5kU/U5FEIse-X1I/AAAAAAAABuM/EbDaT97rQc8/s1600/blog1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXXO59bb5kU/U5FEIse-X1I/AAAAAAAABuM/EbDaT97rQc8/s1600/blog1.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjyR-2QA5TQ/U5FEInoWUOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/LCRe2z-hHfM/s1600/blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjyR-2QA5TQ/U5FEInoWUOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/LCRe2z-hHfM/s1600/blog.JPG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-23038000742575552852014-02-02T19:51:00.000-07:002014-02-02T19:51:02.466-07:00meet the giffords.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My family is pretty great. I have had people time and again almost pity me for how large my family is and ask how I do it. They always end up making a remark along the lines of how they can't even stand their one sister, how do you handle three? Trust me, we have our issues and problems like all families do, seven people in one house, five of which are hormonal women, yeah it <strike>got</strike> is crazy. We make it work though and I wouldn't trade any of them. At the end of the day, after the fights, the messy bathroom, the favorite box of cereal already eaten, the closet ransacked through for clothes, and having to hide in the car for some peace and quiet, I love them. Yes, I can't wait to move out again and be on my one once more, but for now this is where I belong, and I find myself enjoying the noise and chaos most days and love how there is always someone around ready to play a board game, or go shopping, or watch a movie with you. Looking at the big picture I know we are all trying to lift one another and support one another as best we can. I couldn't get through this life without them.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRfW-t4Jb8/Uu7rOgznSxI/AAAAAAAABs0/yajFfeS8X1c/s1600/Capture3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRfW-t4Jb8/Uu7rOgznSxI/AAAAAAAABs0/yajFfeS8X1c/s1600/Capture3.PNG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouJGGxN-e9Q/Uu7reOvMLdI/AAAAAAAABtE/f3hRqYVYQnM/s1600/Capture5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouJGGxN-e9Q/Uu7reOvMLdI/AAAAAAAABtE/f3hRqYVYQnM/s1600/Capture5.PNG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuoYWyNb_5w/Uu7rgdmuoTI/AAAAAAAABtM/MESuMmY_x-E/s1600/Capture6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuoYWyNb_5w/Uu7rgdmuoTI/AAAAAAAABtM/MESuMmY_x-E/s1600/Capture6.PNG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik4kJzkuyfE/Uu7rsU_HCiI/AAAAAAAABtk/MvtY8q9oai4/s1600/Capture9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik4kJzkuyfE/Uu7rsU_HCiI/AAAAAAAABtk/MvtY8q9oai4/s1600/Capture9.PNG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYTTgtfNkfI/Uu7rrHaC3iI/AAAAAAAABtc/lSLWplki_tc/s1600/Capture8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYTTgtfNkfI/Uu7rrHaC3iI/AAAAAAAABtc/lSLWplki_tc/s1600/Capture8.PNG" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmvWw5rzAKM/Uu7rmCqKT-I/AAAAAAAABtU/9YL-jq__bZs/s1600/Capture7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmvWw5rzAKM/Uu7rmCqKT-I/AAAAAAAABtU/9YL-jq__bZs/s1600/Capture7.PNG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQnaiebmg0I/Uu7rNqfniLI/AAAAAAAABss/m2nfJ1P1PCI/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQnaiebmg0I/Uu7rNqfniLI/AAAAAAAABss/m2nfJ1P1PCI/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am incredible grateful to be as close to my siblings as I am. They are built in best friends. I use to always want an older brother, someone to look after me, but I can't deny how much I love being the oldest! I love being "in charge" and watching out for everyone, trying my best to care for them. No, I have not always been the best big sister, but I am definitely trying to be and hope my siblings know that they <i>always</i> have at least one person on their side. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brittney is my go to girl when it comes to "growing and learning" from life. I don't do anything, and I mean anything, without first checking in with her. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but stunningly beautiful on the inside. The girl would give you the shirt off your back if you asked her to. She shows more diligence, faith, and trust in our Lord than anyone I know . She is my confidant and the only person I have ever told everything to. She is the one person who can give me advice and I will actually listen. Without her I would be a hot mess. Brittney has taught me to try and be a selfless person and has helped me to remain humble and true to who I am. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chelsea is my go to girl when it comes to "pintersting" our life. Our style can be so similar and she is extremely talented in everything she does, and I mean everything. If Chelsea says it is going to get done, you better believe it is going to happen and it is going to turn out better than you dreamed. This girl grabs life by the horns and throws it down. You would never think she has ever had a challenge or trial because her gorgeous smile has never faded from her face. She is going to become an amazing wife this April, and an even more amazing mother (much later down the road. haha). Chelsea has taught me to just keep smiling no matter what life hands you. I always tease that I feel like I am always in a silent competition with her to be the better sister but that has helped me to become the best version of myself and to continue striving to be even better. Without her I would have stopped trying to be a better person long ago and given up on thinking I can improve.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tiffany is my go to girl when it comes to actually "living, experiencing, and loving" life. The girl is non-stop moving from one activity to the next. She is so enthusiastic about life and always looking for the fun and adventures within it. She will give anything a try at least once and usually loves it after. The girl will talk to anyone and befriend whoever wants to make the world a better place. I believe she wants to leave her mark on this world, and trust me you will see her mark soon enough if you haven't already. We always tease her that she was my "mini-me" growing up, and while I would like to think I have a lot of her same qualities, she has definitely taken those qualities and perfected them. She is sassy. She is confident. She is bold. She is kind. She is unstoppable. Tiffany has taught me to not let anything get in your way, that everything is worth achieving with a little coaxing, negotiating, and humor. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brandon is my go to guy when it comes to "working hard and improving" my life. The kid is a well oiled working machine. He works so hard to achieve his best in everything he does. He is consistently pulling straight A's despite his learning disability and puts 110% into his sports and boy scouts. He is constantly wanting to learn more and looking for the best way to accomplish any task. He loves trying new recipes he found online or science projects he found on youtube. He looks for the why in everything and absorbs new information like a sponge. As much as he denies it, I think he likes being the only boy in the family and is a total sweetheart and will give you a much needed hug at the end of a rough day. Brandon has taught me to face every challenge with optimism and determination. Nothing is impossible and no matter how tough the challenge, it can easily be conquered with a go-getter attitude and a hug from a friend.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B2OfMOL9NM/Uu7rdIk61rI/AAAAAAAABs8/3TJy1irSiMQ/s1600/Capture4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B2OfMOL9NM/Uu7rdIk61rI/AAAAAAAABs8/3TJy1irSiMQ/s1600/Capture4.PNG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOGbrOjIrZY/Uu7rLsmr5uI/AAAAAAAABsk/cBMUN1UF1gM/s1600/Capture2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOGbrOjIrZY/Uu7rLsmr5uI/AAAAAAAABsk/cBMUN1UF1gM/s1600/Capture2.PNG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHryO6azMB8/Uu7q_vcAB7I/AAAAAAAABsc/Qwf9XWC8Cwc/s1600/Capture10.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHryO6azMB8/Uu7q_vcAB7I/AAAAAAAABsc/Qwf9XWC8Cwc/s1600/Capture10.PNG" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love families! I hope everyone out there has a family they can turn to, no matter how it is made up. If not come talk to me, I like to think we are a pretty welcoming bunch.</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-63787626318877837392014-01-01T13:18:00.001-07:002014-01-09T17:48:23.808-07:00Welcome 2014.I almost feel bizarre writing this post, I feel like I just wrote my 2012 year in review <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://tonibug.blogspot.com/2013/01/here-is-to-2013.html" target="_blank">(here)</a>. </span>Yet I am summing up 2013 and it is so bitter sweet. I laugh every time I write this kind of post because I always start or end it with something along the lines of "this has been my toughest year" and here I am a year later saying the same thing wondering if this can possibly get any tougher. Trust me folks, it can. It always can. I ended last year with a wish to all that 2013 would,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 20.796875px; text-align: center;">bring all of you hardships, heartaches, and tears. Hardships so you can see your amazing strength and grow in humility. Heartaches so you can see the amazing support and love from your friends and family and build trust in the Lord. Tears so you can truly feel the joys of life. The joys that bring so much happiness all you can do is cry in gratefulness for those moments." </span></blockquote>
Well this last year certainly had plenty of that for me. I think I am still working on the humility and trust in the Lord part. It doesn't come easily, at least not on my end.<br />
<br />
I started 2013 living at Legacy Village in Logan, Utah with these amazing women. We couldn't have all been more different. haha. But we made it work and it truly was a blessing to get to know them, become friends, and create a small home for us to turn to when life got crazy. I look back now at each face and know exactly why Heavenly Father put them in my life. Each of them helped me learn a very specific lesson and develop and nurture my trust, love, patience, and charity towards others and towards God. Plus we had some awesome Dirty 30s, tribal ski-pole fights, check-outs, and OTH marathons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaHsPoLJc5o/UsRwDuCUmoI/AAAAAAAABqU/rt01ZwmlqBA/s1600/z2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaHsPoLJc5o/UsRwDuCUmoI/AAAAAAAABqU/rt01ZwmlqBA/s1600/z2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20cdDmhGxok/UsRwEYUzV6I/AAAAAAAABqQ/xRjbob6zBE0/s1600/z3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20cdDmhGxok/UsRwEYUzV6I/AAAAAAAABqQ/xRjbob6zBE0/s1600/z3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzWtrPQP6KA/UsRv6H5FKGI/AAAAAAAABok/Khp-anlRBLk/s1600/z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzWtrPQP6KA/UsRv6H5FKGI/AAAAAAAABok/Khp-anlRBLk/s1600/z1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The school year continued as usual. Full of fun and parties. I love my girlfriends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXUS0QJcI34/UsRwF8Gb-jI/AAAAAAAABq4/YBPi_Ie1Pjk/s1600/z4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXUS0QJcI34/UsRwF8Gb-jI/AAAAAAAABq4/YBPi_Ie1Pjk/s1600/z4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgVxnt0gYLo/UsRwGV1mZBI/AAAAAAAABqs/tfthax8LJC0/s1600/z5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgVxnt0gYLo/UsRwGV1mZBI/AAAAAAAABqs/tfthax8LJC0/s1600/z5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edalDHLumKc/UsRv56WRm7I/AAAAAAAABos/2ofigszzfy0/s1600/z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edalDHLumKc/UsRv56WRm7I/AAAAAAAABos/2ofigszzfy0/s1600/z.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grGEzyL7p0I/UsRwJip2wHI/AAAAAAAABrU/1GuZdGcWs74/s1600/z6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grGEzyL7p0I/UsRwJip2wHI/AAAAAAAABrU/1GuZdGcWs74/s1600/z6.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I accomplished one of my biggest goals in May. One I set when I was 10 years old. To graduate from Utah State University. I did just that and it felt so good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cTUDOhKw0E/UsRwHpU2sqI/AAAAAAAABrI/DdeS36LzSKI/s1600/z7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cTUDOhKw0E/UsRwHpU2sqI/AAAAAAAABrI/DdeS36LzSKI/s1600/z7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DLMrmtwQ7M/UsRwIdLemeI/AAAAAAAABrA/ubQ4WNIwxpE/s1600/z8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DLMrmtwQ7M/UsRwIdLemeI/AAAAAAAABrA/ubQ4WNIwxpE/s1600/z8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPMMUIgPzUo/UsRwJYF6aAI/AAAAAAAABrQ/EIzySy7NXxM/s1600/z9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPMMUIgPzUo/UsRwJYF6aAI/AAAAAAAABrQ/EIzySy7NXxM/s1600/z9.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I spent the summer just relaxing and having a blast with some of my dearest friends. I felt I deserved it after graduating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNOZnk_cCGY/UsRv9AfVtkI/AAAAAAAABpY/sY8j7toWIpE/s1600/z11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNOZnk_cCGY/UsRv9AfVtkI/AAAAAAAABpY/sY8j7toWIpE/s1600/z11.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OK7Bdr6L7I/UsRv6Akxt6I/AAAAAAAABo8/noReZbFcN7E/s1600/z10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OK7Bdr6L7I/UsRv6Akxt6I/AAAAAAAABo8/noReZbFcN7E/s1600/z10.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23l-1MICpiI/UsRv75uEOxI/AAAAAAAABpE/UgBd_m1k2FU/s1600/z13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23l-1MICpiI/UsRv75uEOxI/AAAAAAAABpE/UgBd_m1k2FU/s1600/z13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp9bVI7Gglc/UsRv7RELFTI/AAAAAAAABpA/MT_0M-0lT8Q/s1600/z12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp9bVI7Gglc/UsRv7RELFTI/AAAAAAAABpA/MT_0M-0lT8Q/s1600/z12.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R97Dw9qQl5A/UsRv_U1UwVI/AAAAAAAABpw/gzTa40eWP5c/s1600/z14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R97Dw9qQl5A/UsRv_U1UwVI/AAAAAAAABpw/gzTa40eWP5c/s1600/z14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8Dwr-VftqE/UsRv9ATjtaI/AAAAAAAABpU/Sr26KGHvV4k/s1600/z15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8Dwr-VftqE/UsRv9ATjtaI/AAAAAAAABpU/Sr26KGHvV4k/s1600/z15.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3D1RrdIl_M/UsR1FqmlZXI/AAAAAAAABr8/Zi0IJt48ajI/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3D1RrdIl_M/UsR1FqmlZXI/AAAAAAAABr8/Zi0IJt48ajI/s1600/a4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9n2xXa5eHc/UsR1EUSpSYI/AAAAAAAABr0/aG8EMgP9qSw/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9n2xXa5eHc/UsR1EUSpSYI/AAAAAAAABr0/aG8EMgP9qSw/s1600/a2.jpg" height="320" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ3Cb8nDrP4/UsR1EZDoCoI/AAAAAAAABrw/NpvqPM18pAs/s1600/a1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ3Cb8nDrP4/UsR1EZDoCoI/AAAAAAAABrw/NpvqPM18pAs/s1600/a1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-rttuHdg-c/UsRwBdgTnNI/AAAAAAAABqM/ipcX8TdbiAQ/s1600/z17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-rttuHdg-c/UsRwBdgTnNI/AAAAAAAABqM/ipcX8TdbiAQ/s1600/z17.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcpHDVYMw4/UsRv-WTsNDI/AAAAAAAABpg/MDMdM56xfoM/s1600/z16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcpHDVYMw4/UsRv-WTsNDI/AAAAAAAABpg/MDMdM56xfoM/s1600/z16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48eonQtiqeA/UsRv_ShuhzI/AAAAAAAABpo/B9ndQ6rAOLo/s1600/z18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48eonQtiqeA/UsRv_ShuhzI/AAAAAAAABpo/B9ndQ6rAOLo/s1600/z18.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Looking back at my amazing summer, I also feel like it was helping me avoid looking to the next step. I didn't really plan anything after school. I liked school. I liked my identifier being "Student at USU". No one really ever wants to completely grow up and work a 9-5 job rest of their life. No one wants to start paying back the student loans. If they do, its a lie. haha.<br />
<br />
I think I was also avoiding the fact that I wasn't even close to my other goal, and that is being a mom. I would have never admitted that six years ago. I didn't even want that ten years ago. I know women around the world are laughing right now telling me "you are so young, the world is so big, just relax and give yourself time". I give myself that pep talk all the time. trust me, I realize that. However, I wanted to be a mom in Utah. I love that place. You see, I was also trying to push aside the feeling that I needed to move back to Ohio and possibly elsewhere after that. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(You can read all about my decision to move <a href="http://tonibug.blogspot.com/2013/07/on-to-ohio-again.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://tonibug.blogspot.com/2013/08/golden-birthday.html" target="_blank">here.</a>).</span> In a nutshell, it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my 26 years of life. I still struggle with the decision today but know it was the right one and turn to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's comforting words,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">“God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future--to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe.”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So in August I made the move to Ohio. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBcV4WPStaI/UsRwAZnK8WI/AAAAAAAABp0/syUzMb3NyKQ/s1600/z19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBcV4WPStaI/UsRwAZnK8WI/AAAAAAAABp0/syUzMb3NyKQ/s1600/z19.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH0S2Fb2Xbw/UsRwGIXlqjI/AAAAAAAABqo/WIGYEQBYrgk/s1600/z23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH0S2Fb2Xbw/UsRwGIXlqjI/AAAAAAAABqo/WIGYEQBYrgk/s1600/z23.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmfhyoQ9SaQ/UsR1EpcHouI/AAAAAAAABrs/XOfYzS_GagQ/s1600/a3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmfhyoQ9SaQ/UsR1EpcHouI/AAAAAAAABrs/XOfYzS_GagQ/s1600/a3.JPG" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmLQ7PhKHmc/UsR3EgsrfoI/AAAAAAAABsQ/cqsKzpIRVjk/s1600/1493132_10100378319871247_1277582480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmLQ7PhKHmc/UsR3EgsrfoI/AAAAAAAABsQ/cqsKzpIRVjk/s1600/1493132_10100378319871247_1277582480_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0uXpsJfLiA/UsRwDKIUHxI/AAAAAAAABqI/zHA8j_5Yhvk/s1600/z21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0uXpsJfLiA/UsRwDKIUHxI/AAAAAAAABqI/zHA8j_5Yhvk/s1600/z21.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The last few months of 2013 seem pretty usual. </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">While looking for a job, I was thinking about my last one in Logan. I enjoyed my time working with families at the Child and Family Support Center in Logan, but I realized I missed teaching. I taught a program called Good Touch/Bad Touch while at the center and </span></span><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">absolutely</span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> fell in love with it and being in the schools. I miss it </span></span><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">tremendously</span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">! (if anyone knows of a program like it in Ohio, please let me know!) So when I moved to Ohio I got a job teaching 18 month old children at a Primrose school. I do enjoy my job but I am excited to be moving up the preschool room in a week! I can't wait to get my hands on the curriculum and working with older children. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">What makes Ohio so hard is the feeling of not knowing my purpose in my life at this moment. Logan was that for me. I knew exactly what my </span></span><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">purpose was</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> there. I knew the exact people I was helping. I knew exactly who my friends were. I knew exactly what I needed to be doing. I like to feel needed. I like to feel like I am making a difference in the world and contributing to society in some way. I don't feel that in Ohio. I can't seem to find that I am needed here. I can't feel like I am contributing in anyway. It's going to take time for me to find it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">2014 is going to be a busy year for my family and I hope it is for me too. I can tell you right now I am going to need to find more of that trust in the Lord. I can be pretty </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">stubborn</span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">. I am </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">continuing</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> on the journey of creating the best version of me. Seems like that is going to be a </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">lifelong</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">pursuit. I won't bore you with the "small and timely" goals I set, but </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I want to do everything in my power this year to help that process along. I hope I can make people proud this year. I hope I can make myself proud. I hope I can be a friend someone always needed, make a difference in someone's life this year. I hope I can allow myself to let someone to be that friend for me.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So here is to 2014! May it be a year I can be proud of. A year I make a difference. A year I allow Heavenly Father to shape me into the person He knows I can become. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I think I can handle 2014 after all. There are only 78 days till Divergent comes to theaters and 324 more days till Mockingjay. Oh and this woman is going to be my roommate!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X77xW317y4/UsR2vfaQyJI/AAAAAAAABsE/p6uK-MsPG0g/s1600/Capture1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X77xW317y4/UsR2vfaQyJI/AAAAAAAABsE/p6uK-MsPG0g/s1600/Capture1.JPG" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Walter Turncoat'; line-height: 20.796875px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-79947070878891092412013-12-06T19:23:00.003-07:002013-12-06T19:25:17.650-07:00real deal.<div style="text-align: center;">
There is something about a REAL Christmas tree that is just majestic. Yes majestic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe that is why a real tree just makes Christmas all the more magical and warm. I love the fresh pine smell it brings inside the home. I love the unique look that changes every year. I love how full the branches are with soft pine needles. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of all, I love the tradition of going to the tree farm and picking our very own tree. One we deem worthy of the Gifford household and we can care for (and trust me, it is more care than you think. That tree can drink at least a gallon a day.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first vivid memory of the Christmas season goes back to my good ol' Texas years. I remember riding a huge hayride out to the Tree farm and walking around tons and tons of growing Christmas trees. I remember we would actually cut down our own tree and watch them shake it in the shaker. I would then get to go see Santa and ask for the best toys and get a candy cane and hot cocoa. It was always so fun and loved the time spent with my cousins and siblings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is totally worth the work though when the house is silent, a mug of hot cocoa sits in my hands and all the lights are off but the Christmas tree lights. Majestic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-hQ0d9rnT8/UqKDsqve8fI/AAAAAAAABnE/NWyqoZWajtY/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-hQ0d9rnT8/UqKDsqve8fI/AAAAAAAABnE/NWyqoZWajtY/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOTgXLT-PkE/UqKD0Bl7BiI/AAAAAAAABnc/X-rO6pFrNms/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOTgXLT-PkE/UqKD0Bl7BiI/AAAAAAAABnc/X-rO6pFrNms/s320/photo+(23).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpw6bzpYiNc/UqKD2lk9n8I/AAAAAAAABnk/U53XU8hpwvs/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpw6bzpYiNc/UqKD2lk9n8I/AAAAAAAABnk/U53XU8hpwvs/s400/photo+(25).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't the little trees just so cute?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pI4ASCQFrg/UqKDyyKTP6I/AAAAAAAABnU/r3vwjQaLsr4/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pI4ASCQFrg/UqKDyyKTP6I/AAAAAAAABnU/r3vwjQaLsr4/s320/photo+(26).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IjZbmbLa-Y/UqKD4wanxzI/AAAAAAAABns/9Ot-6thE9b0/s1600/photo+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IjZbmbLa-Y/UqKD4wanxzI/AAAAAAAABns/9Ot-6thE9b0/s320/photo+(27).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and I tease my mom about this one, but she really does just look so happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1beeBQadoI4/UqKDwwHhu4I/AAAAAAAABnM/5o4Gl1pzt9M/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1beeBQadoI4/UqKDwwHhu4I/AAAAAAAABnM/5o4Gl1pzt9M/s320/photo+(24).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-14408012176173807822013-11-25T19:05:00.002-07:002013-11-25T19:44:30.244-07:00family pictures.As most of you know this Christmas is going to be the first time in five years my entire family has been together for the Holidays! It is about to get crazy up in the Gifford's household! I am so stoked and as the season approaches I am getting more and more excited. It is going to be a good holiday, I can just feel it.<br />
<br />
With this joyous occasion we are going to be lucky enough to do something I wish my family has done more of growing up, family pictures! I think I am just as excited for the pictures as I am for Christmas, if not more. I just love pictures and some of my favorite kind are family pictures. Rarely do you get the opportunity to see an entire family together really enjoying each others company and then be able to freeze the moment forever to look back on and cherish. I love seeing who looks like who or knowing one person like a friend or co-worker, but then seeing them in a picture with their family and it just makes me realized how blessed we are to be part of such a wonderfully and divinely planned unit.<br />
<br />
I guess I am a little biased as I did graduate with a degree in family studies, but I just love families! It is the one place someone can be completely 100% themselves and be loved to the moon and back. It is where we can feel safe and secure in the midst of a troubled world. It is where we can go when we need help or advice. My sisters have become my most trusted confidants, the only people that know every detail of my life; my secrets, worries, concerns, fears, goals, hopes, and future dreams. My siblings have become the people I can go to when I just need to feel silly or goofy like hiding under beds waiting to scare your sister, or watching the Walking Dead marathon, or duct taping your brother like a taco in a blanket and rolling him down the stairs, or have sing-offs and epic dance battles, or just being together, knowing you are not alone in this world.<br />
<br />
I know one too many very close friends who have not been as lucky to have a wonderful family life or support system growing up. However, as they have grown up and made it through such trials, they have created their own family unit of amazing friends or spouses and their own children. I hope everyone is able to feel the love of a family, no matter the form it comes in. If you don't, come find me and I will be happy to be your big sister, little sister, grandma, aunt, or mom, whatever you need.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYq_0F8RNB4/UpP-HLFtwzI/AAAAAAAABmc/_U8gyF8mjI8/s1600/Gifford+Childrean+Nov-00.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYq_0F8RNB4/UpP-HLFtwzI/AAAAAAAABmc/_U8gyF8mjI8/s400/Gifford+Childrean+Nov-00.gif" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2000: Oh the bangs. haha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-owbOk1mdg/UpP-aJP1RbI/AAAAAAAABmk/2EKFnzAaEVw/s1600/Christmas+2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-owbOk1mdg/UpP-aJP1RbI/AAAAAAAABmk/2EKFnzAaEVw/s400/Christmas+2004.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk9TuR8ArkM/UpP-jSYyVuI/AAAAAAAABms/ubslGJAyWU0/s1600/644_527227694817_2309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk9TuR8ArkM/UpP-jSYyVuI/AAAAAAAABms/ubslGJAyWU0/s400/644_527227694817_2309_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9IQpCVZ7Gc/UpP-lFIf1TI/AAAAAAAABm0/cVjVXDBf9KQ/s1600/644_527227699807_2582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9IQpCVZ7Gc/UpP-lFIf1TI/AAAAAAAABm0/cVjVXDBf9KQ/s400/644_527227699807_2582_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because we are that cool. You just might want to make that video right down there fullscreen. It is that epic.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4DLeO_aKaFA" width="375"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I have had a few friends ask me recently about my spiritual beliefs when it comes to family. While I have already shared with them my thoughts and feelings of families being eternal, I wanted to share a few links to videos that I thought summed up my beliefs beautifully:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/HYRb4DNf8wc?t=18s" target="_blank">Families are Forever</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/XQqlG9LK1D4" target="_blank">Spending Time With Family</a>ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-8691579877162860642013-10-27T20:11:00.001-06:002013-11-25T19:44:52.333-07:00still here. A friend recently asked me where the heck I have been lately and why I haven't updated the blog or called or written and such. I explained to him there just wasn't anything to tell, my life is pretty mundane right now and I have nothing to share. There is nothing people want to know or that I am necessarily proud of. It's just life and I am going day to day with the usual.<br />
<br />
Well he kindly but firmly reminded me that I need to be staying in touch, even if my blog post is only a few sentences long, or our phone calls or only to say hi. He also reminded me that no matter how mundane I may feel my life is, people still care to know and some are still learning from my experiences. I was honored to hear that he has always looked to me as an example and source of valued advice, especially now more than ever as he will soon move on to his next stage of life that is following a path very similar to mine. It was a nice reminder that I am loved and I was very touched. Thank you.<br />
<br />
As for my life, I have fallen into a pretty simple routine. I am working as a toddler teacher full-time at a Primrose School. I have mixed feelings about the job. I do love it, and I have really enjoyed getting to know the ladies I work with, they are all pretty awesome. I can tell already though, it is something I do not want to be doing the rest of my life. I know I want to be working with older children down the road. I love the schools curriculum and goals and I can see myself moving up and possibly being a curriculum coordinator in the very long future. One day at a time I guess. One thing I have learned is plans and goals are always changing because you never know what life has in store for you, so I am trying to keep them simple until I really figure out where I fit in.<br />
<br />
Since I am working full time I usually don't get home till 6:30 or so, eat dinner, do some reading, catch a favorite TV show, clean, then off to bed. I wake up at 7:00 and do it all over again. That literally is my life right now. Thrilling I know. haha.<br />
<br />
I attend a young single adults ward down on OSU campus and everyone I have met has been friendly and welcoming. I was recently called as the temple preparation teacher and I am pretty excited about that. Since I live a good 25-30 minutes from most people in the ward I haven't really gotten to know anyone yet. By the time I get off work I usually am not in the mood to drive 30 minutes to an activity that I am walking into alone. I HATE going to social events where I don't know anyone. I'll save that little experience for another day.<br />
<br />
Well that's my life in a tiny nutshell. In all honesty, no it is not how I want it to be right now and no it is not my plan but, life is good. I am blessed and things will work out. It just takes time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY5KuXurAyc/Um3HyGOY00I/AAAAAAAABmM/vbDKn1Qv5dg/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY5KuXurAyc/Um3HyGOY00I/AAAAAAAABmM/vbDKn1Qv5dg/s320/photo+(21).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-5411670690970022012013-09-24T18:28:00.002-06:002013-09-25T16:52:15.088-06:00sunday thoughts.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is a shorter version of a talk I prepared for church last Sunday. A few people asked for a copy of my talk so I figured I would just post here. I was asked to speak on James E. Faust October 2006 General Conference talk, Discipleship.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<br />
There is a favorite primary song in our church that starts;<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm trying to be like Jesus,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm following in His ways,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say..."</div>
<br />
These words resonate something in me. They resonate something in each of us.<br />
<br />
Why? Because as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are doing just that; we are trying to be like Christ and follow his example. In doing so we become disciples of our lord.<br />
<br />
But what is discipleship? In the October 2006 general conference, James E. Faust answered this question:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It is primarily obedience to the Savior. Discipleship includes many things. It is chastity. It is tithing. It is family home evening. It is keeping all the commandments. It is forsaking anything that is not good for us. It emphasizes price or exercise. Self-discipline and self-control are consistent and permanent characteristics of the followers of Jesus."</div>
<br />
When I think of disciples, I immediately think of Peter, James, John, and others that were with Christ during His ministry on earth. What Ii need to remember is that each of us is a disciple. When we decided to obey and follow the Savior.<br />
<br />
<i>How great of a calling we each have then!</i><br />
<br />
When I was reading Faust talk, He made me realize how important this calling is for each of us to carry.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"True follower of the Savior should be prepared to lay down their lives, and some have been privileged to do so."</div>
<br />
In Doctrine and Convents section 103: 27-28, we learn of revelation given through Joseph Smith on February 24, 1834. Parly P. Pratt and Lyman Wight came to Kirtland from Missouri seeking help and counsel from the prophet. Persecutions of the saints in Jackson County were growing and they didn't know what to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple."</div>
<br />
Faust goes on to tell of this story about Edward Partridge, the first bishop of the church:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"On July 20, 1833, Edward was sitting at home with his frail wife, who had just given birth. Three mobsters burst in and dragged him into the street and then in to the square, where they had already taken Charles Allen. A mob of about 300 demanded through their spokesman that Edward and Charles either renounce their faith in the Book of Mormon or leave the county. Edward Partridge responded: 'If I must suffer for my religion, it is no more than others have done before me. I am not conscious of having injured anyone in the county and therefore will not consent to leave. I have done noting to offend anyone. If you abuse me, you are injuring an innocent man.' The mob then daubed Edward and Charles from head to foot with hot tar containing pear-ash, a flesh eating acid, and then threw feathers that stuck tot eh burning tar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The prophet Joseph Smith characterized Edward's death in these words: 'He lost his life in consequence of the Missouri persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required at their hands.' Edward Partridge left a legacy that lives on in an large and righteous posterity."</div>
<br />
Including Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, there are countless other faithful members, disciples, who have laid down their lives for this Gospel. What an amazing legacy of faith and courage that has been paved before us to follow! Now today, in our society, most of us will never be asked or required to give up our life for the church. But as Faust says,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"What is required is not to <i>die</i> for the church, but to <i>live</i> for it. For many, living a Christlike life every day may be even more difficult than laying down one's life."</b></div>
<br />
In our society today we will likely be asked to sacrifice something entirely different:<br />
<br />
Maybe it is giving up that cup of coffee every morning. Maybe it is a missed night out with friends because of their media choices. Maybe it is losing hours at work so you could be to church on Sunday. Maybe finances are suddenly tight and that 10% tithe seems a lot harder this month.<br />
<br />
Or maybe it is something bigger:<br />
<br />
Losing your job entirely because you didn't agree with that morals of the company. Maybe it is breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend because they won't go to the temple with you to be sealed. Maybe it is an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or pornography that make it struggle just to get through the day without giving in. Maybe it is finding out you are unable to have children and you can't understand or see the plan Heavenly Father has for you instead. Maybe it is losing your entire family because they are not ready for the truth of this Gospel. Maybe you are struggling with an en-ailment or life threatening disease that won't allow you to live a care-free and normal life. Maybe you are feeling completely and utterly alone.<br />
<br />
Brothers and sisters, I don't know what sacrifices the Lord has asked you to make, what trials you are having to face. I do not mention these examples lightly because every one of them is someone who is very dear in my life or something I am struggling with personally. I do not mean to say I know exactly what you are going through, no one's burdens are light to carry and you are the one to carry them. But I can tell you the one thing that I do know. <i>You are not alone. The Lord is ALWAYS there to help you.</i><br />
<br />
The primary song I spoke of earlier continues:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice."</div>
<br />
Satan is still around. He is still adding his two cents into our lives. So we may slip up, commit a sin, or two, or ten. Faust gives us words of hope:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b>It is never too late to change</b>. Discipleship does not come from positions of prominence, wealth, or advanced learning. <i>The disciples of Jesus Christ come from all walks of life. </i>However, discipleship does require us to forsake evil transgression and enjoy what President Spencer W. Kimball has called 'the miracle of forgiveness.' "</div>
<br />
When speaking of the Atonement, my favorite words come from the April 2009 General Conference where Elder Jeffery R. Holland spoke of this amazing gift to each of us. When I heard him speak, I was in a point in my life where I was choosing to not be a disciple of the Lord. I had decided it was to hard, to much was being asked of me, it hurt to much to suffer through what trials I was facing. I felt it was easier just to do things my way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly along, 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 that 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 the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that <b>we will never be left alone nor unaided</b>, even if sometimes we may feel that we are...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My other plea...is that these scenes of Christ's lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day...may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear...<i>may we stand by Jesus Christ 'at all times and in all things and in all places that we may be in, even until death,'</i> for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone."</div>
<br />
The primary song ends:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Love one another as Jesus loves you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try to show kindness in all that you do;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught."</div>
<br />
As disciples of Christ, we need to follow his example. Faust gave several examples of lessons we can take away from Christ ministry, these are the ones that I feel are most important.<br />
<br />
We call all do something good every day-whether that is for a family member, friend, co-worker, or completely stranger. Be the good you want to see around you. Look for those opportunities to serve. Second, we can seek out those who are lost or lonely-befriend them. We were not meant to go through this life alone, why do you think the Lord has surround you and I with so many people? We are here to support one another and lift each other. Brighten someones day by talking to them and wanting to sincerely know how there day is going. Have compassion. Lastly, remember that you are a disciple and you can "stand as a witness of God at all times."<br />
<br />
Like I have done before, many will think this is too hard. The price of discipleship is too expensive. How is this all worth it?<br />
<br />
When we are obedient, we receive the strength needed to find happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Don't forget Holland's words, we are never alone. Discipleship can bring comfort, peace, and joy. As Faust taught us,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Through discipleship of the Savior, we come to know and believe in our hearts and minds the saving principles and ordinance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Through discipleship, we come to appreciate the profound mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith in restoring those saving principles in our time. Discipleship brings purpose to our lives so that rather than wandering aimlessly, we walk steadily on that straight and narrow way that leads us back to our Heavenly Father."</div>
<br />
I can't think of a better reward and blessing than eternal life with my family and my Heavenly Father. I want to be able to return to Him and be able to say. "I was and I am your devoted disciple."<br />
<br />
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-81437039688668405412013-08-26T21:03:00.000-06:002013-08-27T11:23:09.390-06:00golden birthday.<div style="text-align: center;">
Turned 26 years old.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My birthday is the 26th of August.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That makes it my golden birthday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently that is a big deal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If that means being at a point in my life I never thought I would be, than I guess it's true...It's a big deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXm7D4hHsSU/UhwUFxpCHiI/AAAAAAAABh8/qHW_focGuw4/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXm7D4hHsSU/UhwUFxpCHiI/AAAAAAAABh8/qHW_focGuw4/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfQel1rrBJ0/UhwUHooa3NI/AAAAAAAABiE/Oeu29jgO76Y/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfQel1rrBJ0/UhwUHooa3NI/AAAAAAAABiE/Oeu29jgO76Y/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I guess this "golden birthday" comes on the day most of my friends return to classes at USU, reminders that my parents were already married and just about to have their first child at my age, a day off work because I am currently unemployed, and the realization that I have no idea what is to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have officially moved back to Ohio. The one state I vowed to never live in again. I didn't know saying good-bye could be so hard. I have done it before but this time was different. This time it came with a deep pain and feeling like I was suffocating and had no one to blame but myself. When I moved at 8, it was a fun adventure to be going where all my extended family and Mormons lived. When I moved at 16, I had my parents to push all the blame on to for "destroying" my teenage years. When I moved at 20, I had my unhealthy addictions and disloyal friends to take the fall for "forcing" me to leave. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This time is different. This time it is all me. It is my decision. It is my choosing to leave behind all that I know to be good and comfortable to follow a prompting. I guess the big fear lies in the unknown. I don't know what Ohio has in store for me or why I need to be here. I am trying my best to not live in the past, to embrace the present, and to look forward to the future with faith. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have said it before and I will say it again, I have a stud of a family who has supported me 100% of the time and helped every step of the way. I have an amazing group of friends that did not make it easy to leave, but let me know they will be there for me still. I was constantly in awe the last few weeks in Logan, every time a friend heard I was moving, they greeted the news with surprise and sorrow. I knew my friends cared about me but the amount of encouraging letters, gifts, pictures, and kind words said to me always left me speechless. I never knew I had such an impact on others and was such an example. I was stunned to see I did have a positive impact on so many people and hope it was like that for anyone that has ever crossed my path. They all definitely left a huge imprint on my life and I am so humbled that they were willing to share their friendship with me.<br />
<br />
Above all, I have a Heavenly Father who has not left me comfortless during this time. He has shown me time and time again how blessed I truly am and offered me support and love through the people I am surrounded by, the words of prophets facing similar trials of faith in the scriptures, priesthood blessings, personal prayer, and the solace and peace of the temple. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe this really is a "golden birthday". Not in the sense of being the funnest or best (let's face it. It is not.), but the start of something exciting and new. It is not going to be easy. I know there are more trials to come, but I can't wait to see what is in store. To feel the pleasure and joy one day at knowing I did everything my Heavenly Father asked of me and he is pleased with my effort.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you to all my amazing friends and family for your support and belief in me. I hope I can live up to your standards and continue to be an amazing example, like you all are to me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**Warning: Picture overload! There are a lot of people I wanted to recognize and love!**</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvyZdpKOd6k/UhwUjmnv6_I/AAAAAAAABi8/Zdu7lD91kVI/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvyZdpKOd6k/UhwUjmnv6_I/AAAAAAAABi8/Zdu7lD91kVI/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing parents! Love you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvAhR02fDjY/UhwVWUx6aHI/AAAAAAAABkE/eOsWjFv_TrM/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvAhR02fDjY/UhwVWUx6aHI/AAAAAAAABkE/eOsWjFv_TrM/s400/photo+(15).JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely little sister Jessica Sizemore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1II8_OOG28/UhwUmGFp7VI/AAAAAAAABjE/ssjNC5xJOFk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1II8_OOG28/UhwUmGFp7VI/AAAAAAAABjE/ssjNC5xJOFk/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful best friend and cherished roommate Brittani Doney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvyZdpKOd6k/UhwUjmnv6_I/AAAAAAAABi8/Zdu7lD91kVI/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFZ1jQo0Ecc/UhwUq9pZBXI/AAAAAAAABjM/JJIquK5mYjI/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFZ1jQo0Ecc/UhwUq9pZBXI/AAAAAAAABjM/JJIquK5mYjI/s320/4.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gorgeous best friend and fellow Ohioan Kylie Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-toMT_5CqVBE/UhwVNQu5MfI/AAAAAAAABjg/SlgS3YIpxm4/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-toMT_5CqVBE/UhwVNQu5MfI/AAAAAAAABjg/SlgS3YIpxm4/s320/photo+(10).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rock and good friend Blake Bowen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XWU0qlt2lU/UhwVSpQiwVI/AAAAAAAABj8/ktIabyXUcgo/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XWU0qlt2lU/UhwVSpQiwVI/AAAAAAAABj8/ktIabyXUcgo/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My partner in crime and best friend Kristen Hellwig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5TOFoPeq34/UhwUYqeoJzI/AAAAAAAABiM/tsdvhPNxc8U/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5TOFoPeq34/UhwUYqeoJzI/AAAAAAAABiM/tsdvhPNxc8U/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweetest best friend Aly Moffett and the most patient stud Bryan Groll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYPVQw96Kwo/UhwUirzf9xI/AAAAAAAABis/Hyj-4imOAJw/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYPVQw96Kwo/UhwUirzf9xI/AAAAAAAABis/Hyj-4imOAJw/s400/photo+(6).JPG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My adorable best friend Camille Ostler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQsRtE-XDaw/UhwUrK1ms-I/AAAAAAAABjQ/BjW60crXelk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQsRtE-XDaw/UhwUrK1ms-I/AAAAAAAABjQ/BjW60crXelk/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fun loving studs Ryan McLeod and Oisin Tong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgJzGLwbAsw/UhwVNaE7puI/AAAAAAAABjc/zfm0sgzsZeo/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgJzGLwbAsw/UhwVNaE7puI/AAAAAAAABjc/zfm0sgzsZeo/s320/photo+(11).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend and only trusted fellow decorator Deanna Lamont</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpjaVbHfBE0/UhwUi-dI4LI/AAAAAAAABiw/eCXAWA8c7Ys/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpjaVbHfBE0/UhwUi-dI4LI/AAAAAAAABiw/eCXAWA8c7Ys/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My always cute and fun loving friend Kim Inkley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlWDctrH5Bg/UhwdouPKoOI/AAAAAAAABlM/lYR3qweKDME/s1600/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlWDctrH5Bg/UhwdouPKoOI/AAAAAAAABlM/lYR3qweKDME/s320/photo+%252821%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'lil brother' Kyler McPherson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-ioqrm2Xzg/UhwVNjVcpEI/AAAAAAAABjs/pVj1YmBNwas/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-ioqrm2Xzg/UhwVNjVcpEI/AAAAAAAABjs/pVj1YmBNwas/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tender spirited best friend Megan Sheldon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNE_3TmvcSA/UhwdoJK9nXI/AAAAAAAABk8/1IkRHsMznbQ/s1600/photo+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNE_3TmvcSA/UhwdoJK9nXI/AAAAAAAABk8/1IkRHsMznbQ/s400/photo+%252817%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My New York sister from another mister A-Will! (Alyssa Williams)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Az1OVyHLMY/UhwdoSbnRwI/AAAAAAAABk4/kfgocybiHj8/s1600/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Az1OVyHLMY/UhwdoSbnRwI/AAAAAAAABk4/kfgocybiHj8/s320/photo+%252820%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Idaho crazy BFABB friend Jamie Clarke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbjETS6mqAo/Uhwdo_dmGnI/AAAAAAAABlA/gMXc-oGx-Yo/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbjETS6mqAo/Uhwdo_dmGnI/AAAAAAAABlA/gMXc-oGx-Yo/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My long lost and stunning best friend of USU Kristina Sanders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEPF2gJHvE/UhzS7V11oMI/AAAAAAAABls/u8XN6QxkKOw/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEPF2gJHvE/UhzS7V11oMI/AAAAAAAABls/u8XN6QxkKOw/s320/photo+(25).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend who opened up her home to me for the summer and has one of the most contagious laughs Cara Spendlove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsJswAFTlDc/UhwdoJK550I/AAAAAAAABk0/HHKiXSZb_P4/s1600/photo+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsJswAFTlDc/UhwdoJK550I/AAAAAAAABk0/HHKiXSZb_P4/s320/photo+%252819%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Old Farm roommates turned best friends Kelsey, Shirelle, Crystal, and Amanda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_vjEBDpmdQ/Uhzdc-DZP-I/AAAAAAAABl8/7nlJhUaXs80/s1600/IMG_2681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_vjEBDpmdQ/Uhzdc-DZP-I/AAAAAAAABl8/7nlJhUaXs80/s400/IMG_2681.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first college roommate and crazy best friend Jordan Haynes Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rBa25289U/UhwdnoCjRtI/AAAAAAAABko/Nlx_bE2SvYU/s1600/photo+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rBa25289U/UhwdnoCjRtI/AAAAAAAABko/Nlx_bE2SvYU/s320/photo+%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My freshman fabulous Liz, Kelsey, and Laura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddan1vTAeso/Uhwg-TlKvbI/AAAAAAAABlU/aCGl61omA2M/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddan1vTAeso/Uhwg-TlKvbI/AAAAAAAABlU/aCGl61omA2M/s320/photo+(23).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My uncle Noal and Aunt Leslie. I would not have been able to experience my Utah journey without their tremendous help my first year. Some of the best people you will ever meet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9HDei63PhE/Uhwg-fkRziI/AAAAAAAABlY/R-LHCrClxvM/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9HDei63PhE/Uhwg-fkRziI/AAAAAAAABlY/R-LHCrClxvM/s400/photo+(24).JPG" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Clarissa Law. So so so many great memories because of her crazy photo shoots! She always had a listening ear and helped guide me through the ins and outs of USU.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9x5zr9vA2I/UhwUZ_drp8I/AAAAAAAABic/1fkFy0VWMSo/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9x5zr9vA2I/UhwUZ_drp8I/AAAAAAAABic/1fkFy0VWMSo/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecoMrlK6c8/UhwVQJt8NTI/AAAAAAAABj0/G0CPv1Ch3J8/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecoMrlK6c8/UhwVQJt8NTI/AAAAAAAABj0/G0CPv1Ch3J8/s320/photo+(13).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and to ALL the other amazing friends and family who impacted my life in the most remarkable way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-60183531644641900022013-07-31T22:48:00.000-06:002013-07-31T22:54:31.767-06:00On to Ohio. Again.<div style="text-align: center;">
I have avoided this post like the plague. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have gone to write it, then rewrite it time and time again only to stop half way and shut off my computer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think that if this post really does happen, if I share to everyone what my next step is, it is actually happening. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know if I am quite ready for it yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But here goes, guess life just doesn't have a pause button, at least not when you want it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am moving to Ohio.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There. I said it. Like ripping off a band-aid quickly. It has been a decision that has been long in the process and it has come time for me to follow through with it and just do it. So as of August 21st I will be back in Ohio. What a surreal feeling. When people ask me what the heck I am thinking or what has prompted this move, I honestly don't know what to tell them other than it just feels like the right step.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you have two complete opposite feelings at the same time? Because I do. All the time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love Utah! I love everything about this place. I love all the people I have met. I love how beautiful it is. I love the weather. I love every ward I have been in. I love how strong the church is here. I love everything you can do here. I love that I actually know how to get around. Utah is comfortable to me. Utah is safe for me. Utah is home for me. When people ask where I am moving to, I tell them, "Oh back to Ohio" or "back with my parents for a bit." Because I just can't bring myself to call Ohio home, not when I have spent so many years working to make Utah my home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be honest, I am tired of moving. I have done it my whole life. I think the longest I have ever stayed in one place was eight years...that is a record! Usually only in a place for four or five years and then I am off again. So when I moved back out to Utah for school, I was determined I was going to make this place my home. Did't matter if I was married with a small family in a small town or single and working my dream job in the city, this was going to be my final stop. This was going to be where I created and nourished all my memories to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the last few months I have received tender mercy after tender mercy leading me to Ohio though and as scared and as sad as it makes me, I feel strangely at peace with it all. I tried to make moving to Salt Lake work. I then tried to make staying in Logan work. To this day I still feel like either one is a great option and nothing bad would come of it. But I was never at peace with those decisions. I always felt anxious and nervous and so confused and out of place. The moment I realized I decided to move back to Ohio I was so calm and felt like this is going to work. Ohio is where I am needed now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course I have a whole new set of nerves and anxiety setting in because I feel nervous and sad at the exact same time I feel calm and ready. I have panic attacks on a weekly basis and yet I continue to start packing, turn in my two weeks, and buy my plane ticket. That is so not normal, right? haha. I guess that is why it took me so long to accept this idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know now though that these feelings of anxiety and depression are not from making a dumb decision, but from letting fear and doubt take over my life. I don't have a plan when I get to Ohio. Get a job. Hopefully one I will enjoy. That literally is the extent of my planning. I feel like every time I plan any further, something else comes along and the entire plan is thrown out the window. Also, I might have made the decision but that does not mean it is getting any easier. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving behind amazing friends and a life I created over the last seven years was never going to be easy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is damn hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are still reading this, I do want to let you know I am not always having a pity party. I do know that there are people struggling with trials beyond my comprehension. I have been blessed with an amazing friend right now who has been so positive and uplifting every step of the way. He is constantly reminding me that I will be more than okay because the Lord is not going to leave me now, if anything I am going to feel Him closer than ever before. I have had parents who have supported me 100% and helped organize the chaos of it all. I don't know how people do it, go through life without believing in and relying on our Lord. I tried it once years ago and I have never been more miserable. As hard and as trying as this move is going to be, I already know I am a step ahead of my past. I am doing this with the Lord at my side who is so tenderly trying to help hold me as I walk and who will ever so gently pick me up when I fall and carry me the rest of the way. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBQClKniyOs/UfnnPfGPNlI/AAAAAAAABhs/ToJxkQ7Id5w/s1600/6755dff2e70e760f3b9752501b1cc2c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBQClKniyOs/UfnnPfGPNlI/AAAAAAAABhs/ToJxkQ7Id5w/s320/6755dff2e70e760f3b9752501b1cc2c4.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic Source: Deseret Book on Pinterest.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-43554781040182847012013-07-01T12:52:00.000-06:002013-07-01T18:10:16.933-06:00little things.<div style="text-align: center;">
Few things I have learned these last few weeks that I think are vital to life:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. It is the little things that matter most.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. It is the amazing people I have surrounded myself with to feel uplifted and loved that matter most.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Life is good. I am so blessed and I strive to see that everyday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It has not been my easiest year, and a lot of challenges I didn't think I would have to deal with are coming along.<br />
<br />
I do a great job at avoiding. If I don't like it or don't have time to deal with it, I ignore it. I also do a great job of masking things. Just put on a smile and act like nothing is wrong and it will just go away, it has too.<br />
<br />
This post was not meant to be a complaint, we all have problems and today I don't want the focus to be on mine. Instead I need to share my thank yous and my gratitude to those amazing people that do little acts of service that remind me I am loved. The people that see past my mask and avoidance and help me deal with life. The people who have served me. You make life worth it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend who left me flowers by my bed.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that surprised me with Diet Coke. Most people have blood in their veins...I have Diet Coke in mine.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that took me to the driving range. Hitting a few golf balls...hard...really is a great release.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the artists who have some powerful music. A good jam session really can speak to your soul and heal your heart.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the co-worker that feels my frustration and will rant with me till we are blue in the face. Sometimes you just need a good vent. She has become one of my dearest friends.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that always has a listening ear, and then will give me the reality check I need.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the author of an amazing new book series. It is nice to get lost for a few hours in another world.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that answers her phone at 2:00am to talk me out of another panic attack.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that gave me the hug, even when I tried to avoid it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to the friend that let me serve them instead, so I can remember to think of others and not dwell on myself.</i></div>
<br />
Most of all I am thankful for a merciful and loving Heavenly Father who has never given up on me. For giving me a gospel that serves as the perfect compass for my life. I hope when people spend time with me, they are left feeling better and loved. Because I know the wonderful people around me have done just that. I hope I have, and continue to, serve those around me, so we can all feel like this life is as good as it really is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqmBLmyh6Y0/UdHOBACCV2I/AAAAAAAABhc/oUKV_i2gpL8/s648/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqmBLmyh6Y0/UdHOBACCV2I/AAAAAAAABhc/oUKV_i2gpL8/s400/Capture.JPG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image source: pinterest.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-29801392281284089512013-06-14T13:33:00.002-06:002013-06-14T14:00:16.739-06:00another one bites the dust.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYexJNDu43I/Ubtpe1Vd2JI/AAAAAAAABg8/PjYIpIyRi70/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYexJNDu43I/Ubtpe1Vd2JI/AAAAAAAABg8/PjYIpIyRi70/s400/photo+(3).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This girl has been with me since 2010.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(She is not the first to go, </span><a href="http://tonibug.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-used-up.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">as pictured here</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woke up to go to 7:30 classes with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Braved the cold Logan weather with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Got down at every dance and 'dirty 30' with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tasted the deliciousness of aggie ice cream for breakfast with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fought the Vegas and California sun with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ventured on the Lake with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kissed the cheek of that one adorable boy with me <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(the cutest little baby you ever did see)</span>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've been through a lot.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wXZch3ECvg/Ubtpejcjn1I/AAAAAAAABg4/HYB786vOG3U/s1600/photo+(20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wXZch3ECvg/Ubtpejcjn1I/AAAAAAAABg4/HYB786vOG3U/s400/photo+(20).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She finally bit the dust two days ago.<br />
<br />
I seriously teared up when I saw her gone (I know. I have issues. At least I am not hearing voices of past Hollywood stars or naming puppets after dead presidents.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was just another piece...very tiny piece...of USU I was having to let go of before I felt like I was ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a second or two of mourning and reminiscing old USU memories, Queen happen to come on my ipod and so kindly give me a quick pep talk:<br />
<br />
<i>Are you ready,</i><br />
<i>Are you ready for this</i><br />
<i>Are you hanging on the edge of your seat</i><br />
<i>Out of the doorway the bullets rip</i><br />
<i>To the sound of the beat.</i><br />
<br />
Thankfully no bullets are ripping past me as I walk out of my apartment, but life is happening and it is time to move to the beat of it, live in the moment and look forward, or I am going to be left out and alone. So as Queen puts it so nicely,<br />
<br />
<i>But I'm ready, yes I'm ready for you</i><br />
<i>I'm standing on my own two feet!</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-63258131114964677252013-06-07T15:48:00.003-06:002013-06-07T15:58:00.155-06:00live in the moment...right.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3fcPlC_Zc0/UbJVKq4hcMI/AAAAAAAABgM/Y6v0PTaajRI/s1600/8890_10151684431346240_1996357645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3fcPlC_Zc0/UbJVKq4hcMI/AAAAAAAABgM/Y6v0PTaajRI/s400/8890_10151684431346240_1996357645_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-K_rHJA2uU/UbJVKitUcuI/AAAAAAAABgQ/yeuO0hSo6GY/s1600/946992_10100215994772047_321981142_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-K_rHJA2uU/UbJVKitUcuI/AAAAAAAABgQ/yeuO0hSo6GY/s400/946992_10100215994772047_321981142_n+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am sure you have all heard the words, live in the moment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, me too. </div>
<br />
Not so easy though when you are stressed about what is to come and no plan laid out for your future. I am a planner, I like to have a plan and follow thru on that plan, as you all know from my previous post (if you missed that little gem, <a href="http://tonibug.blogspot.com/2013/03/temple-hop.html" target="_blank">click here</a> ). For awhile it seemed like life just got harder and harder to decide and things only seemed to be getting worse. <br />
<br />
Then today it dawned on me, I think I have finally done it, I think I am living in the moment. A few weeks ago I was able to go on a road trip to the beautiful California beach (special thanks to my roommate) and just relax and unwind from everything; work, graduation, any and all major adult decisions. It was perfect. Until I got home of course and life was still waiting for me. It's like a pet dog that just sits and taunts you till you play with him. Not cool. So I decided, after one to many panic attacks, a few stressed phone calls, and lots of pro/con lists and prayers, to just make a decision and roll with it (more another time on how that finally came about. promise. I know you are all waiting in suspense about what my future holds. haha). Then I just let go. I released my stress and said, "Hey Toni, it's summer time, your favorite time of year. Yes, you don't get enough hours at work, yes, your bank account is looking pretty slim, yes, you need to still follow through with your decision, yes, life is still waiting around the corner. Guess what though? Just relax and live in the moment". So that is what I am doing and it has been beautiful.<br />
<br />
I have hung out at the pool, gone to the batting cages, read a few good books, eaten my fair share of snow cones, played some intense late night rounds of Monopoly and Ticket to Ride, and enjoyed the company of my close friends. I have also put into perspective that while life is tough for me right now, others are going through far more and I am grateful for all that I do have and am blessed with. While I know what is to come is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, I will grow and learn far more than I ever thought imaginable.<br />
<br />
Funny isn't it? Right when you think you have learned as much as you can and accomplished all that you can, the Lord smiles, and with a chuckle says, "my daughter, you couldn't be more wrong". I am a firm believer the Lord has a very witty sense of humor. In a loving way of course.<br />
<br />
Elder Holland puts it best I think:<br />
<br />
"One of the greatest temptations of life is to spend so much time looking back or so much time looking ahead that we fail to see the opportunity right in front of us. Certainly we should study the past. We all ought to learn the lessons of history....we all ought to plan for the future. We all ought to look ahead. None of us should be surprised when tomorrow comes and new circumstance present themselves. But having learned from the past and while preparing for the future, we can in reality only deal with the present day. Life has to be lived in the present tense. The current hour is the only one we have."<br />
<br />
Elder Holland continues by discussing when Moses was to rescue the Israelites and asking what he should say is God's name when the Israelites ask, God responded by saying, "I AM THAT I AM".<br />
<br />
"Grammatically speaking, that is a divine declaration of God in the present tense. Yes, He has been with us in the past and yes, He will be with us in the future....But when challenges are immediate and overwhelming, He is with us in the present tense. I AM, I AM, I AM. Surely God is trying to teach us a great truth here. He is. He does live. He does act in our lives. He is engaged with us in the first-person, present-tense, active voice. Nothing could be more comforting."<br />
<br />
Live in the moment. Enjoy life. Know that everything WILL WORK OUT.ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-32011322878881987172013-05-19T20:36:00.001-06:002013-05-22T17:18:11.805-06:00remedy for emotion. part 5.<div style="text-align: center;">
Music has been a release for me lately. It just speaks to your soul, ya know? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here is my playlist as of late:<br />
(click on the links for a party in your ears)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EltOWKhL5no/UZmJ8dZ5BnI/AAAAAAAABcw/QRa2D4ueAkU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EltOWKhL5no/UZmJ8dZ5BnI/AAAAAAAABcw/QRa2D4ueAkU/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1aF54DO60">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1aF54DO60</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaGLBSDFboE/UZmJ8S-es2I/AAAAAAAABc0/WRRCT4Yc8Rw/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaGLBSDFboE/UZmJ8S-es2I/AAAAAAAABc0/WRRCT4Yc8Rw/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9vF6K5yUQc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9vF6K5yUQc</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tW-Q7sWgCXk/UZmJ8UwCLTI/AAAAAAAABc4/1sRVSXgl7Jc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tW-Q7sWgCXk/UZmJ8UwCLTI/AAAAAAAABc4/1sRVSXgl7Jc/s1600/2.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfl5I5Qm6p8/UZmJ8uXCY5I/AAAAAAAABc8/z0DXGWERUr4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfl5I5Qm6p8/UZmJ8uXCY5I/AAAAAAAABc8/z0DXGWERUr4/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AByfaYcOm4A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AByfaYcOm4A</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwnzSCmA6Gg/UZmJ82uQxOI/AAAAAAAABdA/40daukHwGrs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwnzSCmA6Gg/UZmJ82uQxOI/AAAAAAAABdA/40daukHwGrs/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvtXgNtYFMs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvtXgNtYFMs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1513tcGCJQ/UZmJ8z9u4jI/AAAAAAAABdE/i3e_k1_rt9I/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1513tcGCJQ/UZmJ8z9u4jI/AAAAAAAABdE/i3e_k1_rt9I/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ZBiXmGOxA/UZmJ9HNGq-I/AAAAAAAABdI/kqVPn44tPIk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ZBiXmGOxA/UZmJ9HNGq-I/AAAAAAAABdI/kqVPn44tPIk/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOQDsmEqVt8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOQDsmEqVt8</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPx2S6VAjRc/UZmJ9AQ1mtI/AAAAAAAABdM/ejibfrehlb4/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPx2S6VAjRc/UZmJ9AQ1mtI/AAAAAAAABdM/ejibfrehlb4/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZ9xRO7M9M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZ9xRO7M9M</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k-CGHgfCI8/UZmJ9UZHy4I/AAAAAAAABdQ/8meRk-6hD18/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k-CGHgfCI8/UZmJ9UZHy4I/AAAAAAAABdQ/8meRk-6hD18/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McdMwOV0y6c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McdMwOV0y6c</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7Nj5Nfomco/UZmJ9qskGSI/AAAAAAAABdY/srDe2HuDkrI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7Nj5Nfomco/UZmJ9qskGSI/AAAAAAAABdY/srDe2HuDkrI/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36mCEZzzQ3o">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36mCEZzzQ3o</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-40518582798095453622013-05-11T21:45:00.000-06:002013-05-11T21:46:30.471-06:00graduation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It finally happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I graduated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQCLCUgj4bs/UY8KyrdQ7YI/AAAAAAAABbc/nBGUqFIAR98/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQCLCUgj4bs/UY8KyrdQ7YI/AAAAAAAABbc/nBGUqFIAR98/s320/DSC_0085.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcAM3WDg3rw/UY8KzFjhmFI/AAAAAAAABbk/hOu6yAMNAWI/s1600/DSC_0091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcAM3WDg3rw/UY8KzFjhmFI/AAAAAAAABbk/hOu6yAMNAWI/s320/DSC_0091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIvnhAezQNg/UY8K0GBawJI/AAAAAAAABb0/_ZrSdkO0Q4s/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIvnhAezQNg/UY8K0GBawJI/AAAAAAAABb0/_ZrSdkO0Q4s/s320/DSC_0103.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oB9x8bwNTs/UY8K0YzmY7I/AAAAAAAABb4/X8m6jAcdbcU/s1600/DSC_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oB9x8bwNTs/UY8K0YzmY7I/AAAAAAAABb4/X8m6jAcdbcU/s320/DSC_0155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJBvwomQg-8/UY8K02Lt23I/AAAAAAAABcA/-MDW29mcqS4/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJBvwomQg-8/UY8K02Lt23I/AAAAAAAABcA/-MDW29mcqS4/s400/photo+(3).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_IseEXdyMc/UY8K1WWxPcI/AAAAAAAABcM/xESZ570a-ak/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_IseEXdyMc/UY8K1WWxPcI/AAAAAAAABcM/xESZ570a-ak/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It honestly is a surreal feeling. One minute I am jumping for joy so excited and the next I am having a panic attack trying to figure out where to go from here. Its a mess really, and I hate not having a plan or idea of what is to come. I could go on for pages about what is terrifying me right now and the loneliness I feel at times but that will just make things worse and honestly, it hasn't helped me out much so far. I just have to stick to the few truths that I do know and hold on for dear life:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truth #1: I have AMAZING parents who have been by me every step of the way, even if they are 2,000 miles away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truth #2: I have 3 adorable sisters and 1 stud of a brother who bring so much joy in my life and a lot of fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truth #3: I have a group of friends that is pretty stellar. It is always changing, we have our troubles, and we are far from perfect, but we hang in there, throw some awesome parties, and have each others backs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truth #4: I have the unending blessings of the temple. I don't always realize them, but I know they are always coming because well, life is good :)</div>
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-88908086504991725462013-04-11T12:43:00.000-06:002013-04-11T12:54:08.964-06:00goin' country.<div style="text-align: center;">
I downloaded <strike>a country song</strike> three country songs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gasp.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who knew Toni G, the girl with the latest hip-hop and rap albums, would be buying country music one day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(yes, I did just speak in third person. I blame Chris Keller.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a confession though, I use to be the BIGGEST country fan. I have home video of me opening a birthday present full of country tapes by Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Billy Ray. I basically had a conniption because I was so excited. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My aunt would kindly remind me that I lived in Texas for eight years of my life, its in my blood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here's the thing, I love to dance. I love a good beat, and when you can move to it, its even better. I don't country dance. It is not fun and I feel rather stupid doing it. ha. A night with the girls having a 'Dirty 30' or car dancing to the top 40 is a heck of a lot more fun! I've got some good memories jamming out to the latest siick beat. (yeah, I sound cool. haha)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately I can't get a good jam though without it being laced with F-bombs or about skanky chicks up in the club, one night stands, and being wasted and crunked up. It's annoying. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So it finally happened. Country lured me in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Song #1: One Tree Hill had a country artist on the show for awhile. Had to get her song of course.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaIweKb5ivc/UWcE2l8aSQI/AAAAAAAABaI/Qg-yhLfGLlM/s1600/51IuVqXZuhL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaIweKb5ivc/UWcE2l8aSQI/AAAAAAAABaI/Qg-yhLfGLlM/s1600/51IuVqXZuhL._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Song#2: Started watching The Voice and Blake Shelton is a funny guy. Rather good looking too. Had to get his new song of course.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C07p7tvbK3s/UWcE2qAqOqI/AAAAAAAABaQ/XxpJlN3NbNM/s1600/5183HZ61+xL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C07p7tvbK3s/UWcE2qAqOqI/AAAAAAAABaQ/XxpJlN3NbNM/s1600/5183HZ61+xL._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Song #3: I was listening to Taylor Swift's 'I knew You Were Trouble' song on Youtube (because her new album is definitely not country) and the auto play starting bringing in all these country songs. Youtube officially brainwashed me. Had to download this new song of course.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaL35EVK17k/UWcE2olqT8I/AAAAAAAABaM/0AgqgWlc1GI/s1600/51keg-U-R6L._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaL35EVK17k/UWcE2olqT8I/AAAAAAAABaM/0AgqgWlc1GI/s1600/51keg-U-R6L._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So to all country artist, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for actually having lyrics and a story to tell. Thank you for not being explicit. Keep it simple. No over the top banjos and hillbillies with sob stories about dead dogs and drunk daddies and you got yourself a new listener. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And no worries, I downloaded this new song to balance myself out. I am BFABB after all. haha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpdaBu6hMbE/UWcFwiLYEFI/AAAAAAAABag/MG6n8Nbef8I/s1600/51P32YqMkpL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpdaBu6hMbE/UWcFwiLYEFI/AAAAAAAABag/MG6n8Nbef8I/s1600/51P32YqMkpL._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-18465619470875445942013-03-21T12:01:00.001-06:002013-03-21T12:03:08.097-06:00temple hop.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This spring break I got to work and do intern hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Obviously not that exciting and I was itching for an adventure, big or small.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So that weekend I decided to do a quick temple hop and try to do work at as many Utah temples as I could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My roommates Kris and Megan were <strike>crazy</strike> nice enough to join me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDyeLA7Aggs/UUs8EdLTMwI/AAAAAAAABZA/55Jgv_RpJsU/s1600/Silly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDyeLA7Aggs/UUs8EdLTMwI/AAAAAAAABZA/55Jgv_RpJsU/s320/Silly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We look like small ants in most of the pictures, but think of it as an exciting 'Where's Toni?' hunt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The temple is the most important part anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-HXM8OHX7M/UUs7_8frBuI/AAAAAAAABY0/a6XvWiaY_co/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-HXM8OHX7M/UUs7_8frBuI/AAAAAAAABY0/a6XvWiaY_co/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bountiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS8cHYUgtuc/UUs79qUcheI/AAAAAAAABYA/z9xXF7w9cM0/s1600/SLC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS8cHYUgtuc/UUs79qUcheI/AAAAAAAABYA/z9xXF7w9cM0/s320/SLC.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt Lake City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY3OgxexI90/UUs79GMhE7I/AAAAAAAABXw/znVKwFqBD5s/s1600/JordanRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY3OgxexI90/UUs79GMhE7I/AAAAAAAABXw/znVKwFqBD5s/s320/JordanRiver.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfYEbuPvWuI/UUs79Gy6r8I/AAAAAAAABXs/xh-yc4MO0v0/s1600/OquirrahMountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LfYEbuPvWuI/UUs79Gy6r8I/AAAAAAAABXs/xh-yc4MO0v0/s320/OquirrahMountain.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oquirrah Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUdWqXQiLr8/UUs789aJ-5I/AAAAAAAABXo/iDorti0N7js/s1600/Draper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUdWqXQiLr8/UUs789aJ-5I/AAAAAAAABXo/iDorti0N7js/s320/Draper.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahYiOKExTlg/UUs79dJ-gKI/AAAAAAAABX4/ODstEzOFZkA/s1600/Timpanogus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahYiOKExTlg/UUs79dJ-gKI/AAAAAAAABX4/ODstEzOFZkA/s320/Timpanogus.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timpanogos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DrThZAcxZE/UUs794biaoI/AAAAAAAABYQ/qsVXdcSlI1Y/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DrThZAcxZE/UUs794biaoI/AAAAAAAABYQ/qsVXdcSlI1Y/s320/photo+(20).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0W5uI6au5c/UUs7-2L3BhI/AAAAAAAABYk/5TNKgXMImnU/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0W5uI6au5c/UUs7-2L3BhI/AAAAAAAABYk/5TNKgXMImnU/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYSM22lD2fY/UUs7-jMhEZI/AAAAAAAABYc/Y1J4kOJ7CoQ/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYSM22lD2fY/UUs7-jMhEZI/AAAAAAAABYc/Y1J4kOJ7CoQ/s320/photo+(23).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. George</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c64r2rzAVrk/UUs7-Z2KCAI/AAAAAAAABYY/4ljG2mwtnBk/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c64r2rzAVrk/UUs7-Z2KCAI/AAAAAAAABYY/4ljG2mwtnBk/s320/photo+(21).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to enjoy this beautiful weather for two days!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WR-2QgyHI/UUs7_-6YZZI/AAAAAAAABYw/HBk97wNxdXA/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-WR-2QgyHI/UUs7_-6YZZI/AAAAAAAABYw/HBk97wNxdXA/s320/photo+(24).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and there is a zebra in Utah. Meet Marty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ogden and Brigham City were closed and Vernal and Monticello were to far east to fit in the short amount of time we had. Nonetheless it was so neat to go to the nine temples we did fit in. Of course part of me was hoping for some divine inspiration as to what to do when I graduate. It really is my biggest stressor right now and I am terrified and clueless as to what to do.<br />
<br />
Option 1: I have thought of moving back home (I know my mom would love it) and I miss watching Tiffany and Brandon growing up, I have already missed so much. It would also save me quite a bit of money but I also feel like it is a step backwards after coming so far and I just don't know what else is for me out there.<br />
<br />
Option 2: I have thought about staying in Logan working at the Center because some jobs are opening up with more hours and better pay. I feel though, I will just be stuck here forever if I don't move on at some point and this just might be my chance. I have been here for five years now and I think I have done what I need to here. I don't think there is much left for me.<br />
<br />
Option 3: I have thought about trying and finding a job down in Salt Lake area, but as much as I don't want to stay stuck in Logan, it has become home and I will miss my friends dearly and afraid I am giving up an opportunity to work for a great organization. I also don't know where to begin looking for a job in that direction.<br />
<br />
Option 4: This one is pretty much out, but just in case you were all wondering, I have thought about just picking up and moving to a random state and just seeing what happens. I decided though I need to have friends nearby. I did the whole "pick up and move away from everyone thing you know and love" thing once already. While it was the best decision of my life in the long run, I don't want to go through that again.<br />
<br />
This whole being a big kid thing is kind of lame at times. haha. If I am being completely honest, I think this is so terrifying for me because my plan A through Y didn't work out and plan Z was never thought about. I didn't think I would have to reach that far in the play book. I always make what I want to happen, happen. I remember in 5th grade telling myself "Toni you will graduate from Utah State. You will work with children. You will go visit Auschwitz and Germany." And guess what? I did exactly that! I also told myself I would get married in Logan and work wherever my husband finds a job. And guess what? that didn't happen. ha. As much as I hate to admit it though, that is truly what I wanted most and it is starting to hurt it didn't happen. I can't wait for the day I am a wife and mother. I think being a mother is the best job in the world! I am just having to realize that goal and dream is going to be happening later than planned. So doing this next stage on my own is scary, especially when I always assumed someone would be right there making this next decision with me. I don't always like making life changing decisions for myself because what if I mess it up? I screwed it up once and I don't want to go through the pains of fixing it again.<br />
<br />
So why am I sharing all this? Quite frankly I never planned on rambling or sharing my thoughts. However, I was talking to a close friend of mine at work the other day and she is in the exact same boat at me yet felt alone. A few years ago another close friend asked me why am I always so happy? How do I have it together all the time? Well another close friend asked me those same questions again recently. Another close friend yesterday realized her plan has been flushed down the toilet, again, and hating that she has to make a Plan B. Another close friend wanted to graduate years ago and is still hacking away at his degree and worried about some family struggles he feels he needs to be home fixing. I guess what I am trying to get at, is that I am not in this COMPLETELY alone and that part feels nice. I wanted to let those close and dear friends know, and others, that I don't have it together all the time and I am worried about what is to come. I do know that if I continue to do what I know is right and rely on my savior it will work out. It always does. Go to the temple, read your scriptures, say your prayers, ask for help, be kind, be humble, and know that the savior does not want you to fail. He sent you and I here to succeed and he will do all in his power to help make sure we do.<br />
<br />
trust me, that's a lot of power.ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-49033763324000617202013-02-12T22:20:00.000-07:002013-02-12T22:20:55.000-07:00blonde moment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Came home from class this afternoon with a lot on mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Running through my days to-do list. Errands I needed to run. Tests I needed to study for. Work I needed to prepare for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know, the usual.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stood outside for almost 10 minutes getting so frustrated I could NOT get my door to unlock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was even throwing my body weight against the door.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why won't it unlock?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9E07E8YcER4/URshIOrybPI/AAAAAAAABTw/GLOmUEQFosI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9E07E8YcER4/URshIOrybPI/AAAAAAAABTw/GLOmUEQFosI/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yeah...my blonde moment of the <strike>day</strike> year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In other Toni world news, I get to see this beautiful scene every morning. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzmt19JU034/URshH4mgIpI/AAAAAAAABTs/pE6IbcvEuT4/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzmt19JU034/URshH4mgIpI/AAAAAAAABTs/pE6IbcvEuT4/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As small as it may be with all of its little quirks, Logan is a BEAUTIFUL place.</div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-79364985315480030662013-02-04T14:41:00.005-07:002013-02-04T14:41:59.324-07:00roomies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have a giant wall in our apartment with nothing on it so decided to do a few roommate pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Basically we are that cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gZzamEoXeI/URApzymgziI/AAAAAAAABSY/E7wKT5j0ZkE/s1600/afav2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gZzamEoXeI/URApzymgziI/AAAAAAAABSY/E7wKT5j0ZkE/s400/afav2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdiJ-7Flxno/URAp0bo0V9I/AAAAAAAABSc/Fuaol-8MCIs/s1600/afav3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdiJ-7Flxno/URAp0bo0V9I/AAAAAAAABSc/Fuaol-8MCIs/s400/afav3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9SEcdl-25Q/URAp1ZrEk_I/AAAAAAAABSk/QCT9jiXBTTw/s1600/afav6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9SEcdl-25Q/URAp1ZrEk_I/AAAAAAAABSk/QCT9jiXBTTw/s400/afav6.JPG" width="383" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you sense our inspiration? haha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyICesAcW0o/URAp06pa2nI/AAAAAAAABSo/wuleg5CdCng/s1600/afav5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyICesAcW0o/URAp06pa2nI/AAAAAAAABSo/wuleg5CdCng/s400/afav5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-79138308344261923962013-01-26T14:42:00.003-07:002013-01-26T14:43:27.845-07:00little mermaid date.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My roommate Marcy has been dating this amazing boy Albert since beginning of the school year. Well they are never alone. ever. There is always a roommate or two around them and they don't go out because they are so busy with school, work, and sticking to a college students budget. I wanted to do something special for them and the roomies and I finally came up the perfect surprise date night. Albert lived with all sisters and had seen most of the Disney princess movies but has not seen Little Mermaid. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cue the The Little Mermaid Date:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xz5e7p2c8ZQ/UQRH4j6vjhI/AAAAAAAABQk/qCEyFrHTvZo/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xz5e7p2c8ZQ/UQRH4j6vjhI/AAAAAAAABQk/qCEyFrHTvZo/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ueu1mUBRnnI/UQRH6ngjLgI/AAAAAAAABRI/IM3XE8iwuhQ/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ueu1mUBRnnI/UQRH6ngjLgI/AAAAAAAABRI/IM3XE8iwuhQ/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner for 2 of fish sticks and Sponge Bob under the sea Macaroni & Cheese. <br />
Used Christmas lights, sea shells, and goldfish crackers to decorate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEJd8hnQEMI/UQRH6IJxHdI/AAAAAAAABRA/hsFQpRN8gpo/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEJd8hnQEMI/UQRH6IJxHdI/AAAAAAAABRA/hsFQpRN8gpo/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created the perfect cuddle spot ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2z3zVGCwD4/UQRH5wRtA3I/AAAAAAAABQ0/JLNcnzYkyJI/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2z3zVGCwD4/UQRH5wRtA3I/AAAAAAAABQ0/JLNcnzYkyJI/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind each fish was a fun question or activity for them to do. <br />
My favorite was a fish bubble gum blowing contest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17jJPkrMILs/UQRH7gKqRJI/AAAAAAAABRU/RJCgKjXdCV0/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17jJPkrMILs/UQRH7gKqRJI/AAAAAAAABRU/RJCgKjXdCV0/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reese's and Mt. Dew flavors were a hit I hear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsNBF2hUhJc/UQRH5AO-jMI/AAAAAAAABQs/xxcVEBumRAc/s1600/movie2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsNBF2hUhJc/UQRH5AO-jMI/AAAAAAAABQs/xxcVEBumRAc/s320/movie2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rE3EMTOXyVA/UQRIBeQ7bgI/AAAAAAAABRc/tZ0AYylzwBc/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rE3EMTOXyVA/UQRIBeQ7bgI/AAAAAAAABRc/tZ0AYylzwBc/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came back just as the credits began to roll. Perfect timing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-71448932289965407262013-01-11T11:47:00.003-07:002013-01-11T11:48:04.245-07:00garland.<div style="text-align: center;">
Our living room was looking pretty bare after we took down all of our Christmas decorations. That lead to a trip to Hobby Lobby which in turn lead to a fun project. haha </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f79QT6HnMRc/UPBcrHHb9NI/AAAAAAAABPI/zM0IQy6vnr4/s1600/Garland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f79QT6HnMRc/UPBcrHHb9NI/AAAAAAAABPI/zM0IQy6vnr4/s320/Garland.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soak 18' grapevine in bathwater for 8-12 hours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LS5Ui8rE7A/UPBcrE7l3GI/AAAAAAAABPM/-Gh1fw9GR_c/s1600/Garland2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LS5Ui8rE7A/UPBcrE7l3GI/AAAAAAAABPM/-Gh1fw9GR_c/s320/Garland2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim greenery off large stem into small workable pieces. <br />
Use your creativity and imagination :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POpXyFcC57M/UPBcr1zU19I/AAAAAAAABPQ/fpNezm7Safo/s1600/Garland3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POpXyFcC57M/UPBcr1zU19I/AAAAAAAABPQ/fpNezm7Safo/s400/Garland3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lost the picture, but we took wet grapevine and braided it around bamboo sticks and tied it down with floral wire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xh84GMOS2k/UPBcsHuaHQI/AAAAAAAABPc/8G0r7czDrmE/s1600/Garland4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xh84GMOS2k/UPBcsHuaHQI/AAAAAAAABPc/8G0r7czDrmE/s400/Garland4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using your creative juices, place greenery throughout the grapevine with a small hot glue dot.<br />
Beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWtgmdWmuFM/UPBcsT9o-WI/AAAAAAAABPY/mJFk7XUcC0I/s1600/Garland5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWtgmdWmuFM/UPBcsT9o-WI/AAAAAAAABPY/mJFk7XUcC0I/s320/Garland5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used the leftover greenery to tie in our bookshelf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-85177365759729472532013-01-02T21:52:00.000-07:002013-01-02T21:52:52.548-07:00here is to 2013.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2012 has come and gone and like the rest of the world I have spent time reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the new one. It has been a wonderful year full of learning experiences and creating life long friendships that ended up being my saving grace this year. I truly have been blessed this year and so grateful for the amazing friends and family who have supported me and helped keep me on my feet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started the year living at Cobble Creek with some wonderful girls who helped me stay sane when school and work and life got crazy. I loved my church calling as a Family Home Evening mom and all my neighbors were a blast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmCUJGI9sWQ/UOT3t4qNnJI/AAAAAAAABJE/n_ReDbu3eY8/s1600/314393_714175170577_828568000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmCUJGI9sWQ/UOT3t4qNnJI/AAAAAAAABJE/n_ReDbu3eY8/s320/314393_714175170577_828568000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In March the greatly anticipated, and probably highlight of my year, Hunger Games movie came out and we celebrated in capitol style. I was the one and only Effie Trinket of course.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIAxTSGtGVY/UOT4NstuUrI/AAAAAAAABJU/FFT8HCEIfV8/s1600/DSC09171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIAxTSGtGVY/UOT4NstuUrI/AAAAAAAABJU/FFT8HCEIfV8/s320/DSC09171.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1nlVcpTPWQ/UOT4PQM1RHI/AAAAAAAABJc/BPRXumoAnvQ/s1600/DSC09173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1nlVcpTPWQ/UOT4PQM1RHI/AAAAAAAABJc/BPRXumoAnvQ/s320/DSC09173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For spring break I went on a road trip to Vegas with complete strangers. haha. really. One of the girls was my next door neighbor and invited me along and figured why not!? haha. It ended up being the best decision of the year and created some life long friendships. The girls were amazing and have ended up being my best friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImaOyyRYBpk/UOT4osRZuyI/AAAAAAAABKE/OAyT06K2d6g/s1600/DSCN0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImaOyyRYBpk/UOT4osRZuyI/AAAAAAAABKE/OAyT06K2d6g/s320/DSCN0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfcLS1BSJLI/UOT4jBMmPoI/AAAAAAAABJs/H-80plJBm14/s1600/DSC09136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfcLS1BSJLI/UOT4jBMmPoI/AAAAAAAABJs/H-80plJBm14/s320/DSC09136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking Zion's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjjLyJBosc4/UOT4nH93qBI/AAAAAAAABJ8/Qnb-DckzVNg/s1600/DSC09159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjjLyJBosc4/UOT4nH93qBI/AAAAAAAABJ8/Qnb-DckzVNg/s320/DSC09159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coke PJs in Vegas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some more highlights:<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvK1rfwdoFQ/UOT4wFNS04I/AAAAAAAABKQ/kG5hORKjGIc/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvK1rfwdoFQ/UOT4wFNS04I/AAAAAAAABKQ/kG5hORKjGIc/s320/photo+(13).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9GdEuwpclc/UOT4ywZ3wWI/AAAAAAAABKY/BVW31jWUxn0/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9GdEuwpclc/UOT4ywZ3wWI/AAAAAAAABKY/BVW31jWUxn0/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZNvofMM2ig/UOT40y3ssSI/AAAAAAAABKg/9v7Sg-PVuQ0/s1600/DSC09114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZNvofMM2ig/UOT40y3ssSI/AAAAAAAABKg/9v7Sg-PVuQ0/s320/DSC09114.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I kicked off the summer with a trip home to see my family and buy a car from my dad. First time home in three years and it was a much needed trip. My family is pretty great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5GaMiU5eD4/UOT5u2Y6kLI/AAAAAAAABME/tLGduD97OVA/s1600/ohio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5GaMiU5eD4/UOT5u2Y6kLI/AAAAAAAABME/tLGduD97OVA/s320/ohio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My friend Kylie got her mission call to Kirtland, Ohio!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMEuaFuZv_w/UOT4744Q9uI/AAAAAAAABKo/rYrb05zuCIA/s1600/kylie's+mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMEuaFuZv_w/UOT4744Q9uI/AAAAAAAABKo/rYrb05zuCIA/s400/kylie's+mission.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We took a mini road trip to Park City for a weekend and saw the one and only Egyptian Theatre from One Tree Hill. We are all pretty big fans. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K_lgjj8jew/UOT49b_lpJI/AAAAAAAABKw/vpSnkS-fZJM/s1600/oth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K_lgjj8jew/UOT49b_lpJI/AAAAAAAABKw/vpSnkS-fZJM/s320/oth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had another mini trip to Manti for a weekend for the pageant and an afternoon shooting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4h1xy0QgyU/UOT5Epg70PI/AAAAAAAABK4/rKsuPeeyguE/s1600/BC8C3767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4h1xy0QgyU/UOT5Epg70PI/AAAAAAAABK4/rKsuPeeyguE/s320/BC8C3767.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QLtpPVwIpY/UOT5j2uCH6I/AAAAAAAABLo/s8VdNhG3L4o/s1600/IMG_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QLtpPVwIpY/UOT5j2uCH6I/AAAAAAAABLo/s8VdNhG3L4o/s320/IMG_1029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brittney flew out in July to report to the MTC to serve her mission in Reno, Nevada. So proud of her and the example she has set. Saying good-bye to her was probably the hardest thing I have done all year but I look up to her and her strength so much and know she is right where she belongs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIbAjx3Dwaw/UOT7OuNa2oI/AAAAAAAABNU/iFMdlaU1EXQ/s1600/britt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIbAjx3Dwaw/UOT7OuNa2oI/AAAAAAAABNU/iFMdlaU1EXQ/s320/britt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went to my first temple open house in Brigham City.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZIInOhSJck/UOT538-q06I/AAAAAAAABMM/XyITEdyxVAI/s1600/578418_4131825048234_324085544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZIInOhSJck/UOT538-q06I/AAAAAAAABMM/XyITEdyxVAI/s320/578418_4131825048234_324085544_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My girl Brittani got married and loved spending a weekend with her before she got hitched and taken away by her hubby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVG3iAN5-28/UOT7PVZOFLI/AAAAAAAABNY/a1v-FVXw4jQ/s1600/brittwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVG3iAN5-28/UOT7PVZOFLI/AAAAAAAABNY/a1v-FVXw4jQ/s320/brittwedding.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I moved to Legacy and started my last year at USU and it is bitter sweet. I am so excited and ready to graduate but not ready for what is to come after. Probably because I have no idea what is to come. haha. I have created some amazing memories at USU and glad I have a few more months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHNguucOVVk/UOT5m01LGHI/AAAAAAAABL0/f8EE9C2Az5A/s1600/156118_10151656870655534_831301323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHNguucOVVk/UOT5m01LGHI/AAAAAAAABL0/f8EE9C2Az5A/s400/156118_10151656870655534_831301323_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got to see my family again for my Grandma's 80th birthday party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OD7hjV3Vw/UOT6KYHuHWI/AAAAAAAABMk/AG8FgJU_heE/s1600/DSC_0136-e+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OD7hjV3Vw/UOT6KYHuHWI/AAAAAAAABMk/AG8FgJU_heE/s400/DSC_0136-e+(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My girl Mckenna got her mission call to the Adriatic North mission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4p1APMMAo4/UOT6WJ9mc_I/AAAAAAAABNE/fYz_5naTAg0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4p1APMMAo4/UOT6WJ9mc_I/AAAAAAAABNE/fYz_5naTAg0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My roomies this semester are just fabulous. We are all so different and come from all over the country but we have created a little family who has come so close and support and lift one another 24/7. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hpWXWR4b6rM/UOT57RATy_I/AAAAAAAABMU/NZ0tG68hw6o/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etfDo-hCto4/UOT6C6DWTeI/AAAAAAAABMc/_yPlgT0PtDE/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etfDo-hCto4/UOT6C6DWTeI/AAAAAAAABMc/_yPlgT0PtDE/s400/photo+(23).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got a real treat this year and got to go home, again! I saw my family three times in one year. That never happens! I flew home for Christmas and to go through the temple. I am so lucky to have my parents with me and my good friend Megan. From what I can say, the temple is just spectacular. Such a neat experience and yes lots of questions but it just felt right, like I was home. Plus I have the rest of my life to get those questions answered. I highly recommend it to everyone :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imkAa8coXUo/UOT6PlzbEjI/AAAAAAAABMs/5kkgzsS-kgk/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imkAa8coXUo/UOT6PlzbEjI/AAAAAAAABMs/5kkgzsS-kgk/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPE3uupUVmo/UOT6QKf7XbI/AAAAAAAABM0/V5ZTlFoF_C0/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPE3uupUVmo/UOT6QKf7XbI/AAAAAAAABM0/V5ZTlFoF_C0/s320/photo+(23).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
2012 proved to have some of my biggest challenges but also made me see how much I have grown and learned from my past. I saw how much stronger I am and how much more room I have yet to grow. My biggest lesson was probably learning to just trust in the Lord. He has a greater plan for me and I need to keep the eternal perspective in mind. He is always there and will care for me and help me carry my burdens. My main resolution for 2013 is to just learn to keep that trust and to improve me. To become the best version of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is to 2013! May it bring all of you hardships, heartaches, and tears. Hardships so you can see your amazing strength and grow in humility. Heartaches so you can see the amazing support and love from your friends and family and build trust in the Lord. Tears so you can truly feel the joys of life. The joys that bring so much happiness all you can do is cry in gratefulness for those moments. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-28435507874584603342012-12-30T14:22:00.004-07:002013-01-03T13:25:41.499-07:00holiday highlights.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This holiday has been a wonderful one and I could spend pages on it. To spare you all the jealousy, here are just a few of my favorite highlights:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Olc3cD2Kwmc/UOCsHFYut2I/AAAAAAAABFQ/9ba11Ajz7OM/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Olc3cD2Kwmc/UOCsHFYut2I/AAAAAAAABFQ/9ba11Ajz7OM/s320/photo+(20).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas dinner with the roomies. By candlelight of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGxYGSWCFis/UOCsKdH0KPI/AAAAAAAABFw/eG1jvLPMDIQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGxYGSWCFis/UOCsKdH0KPI/AAAAAAAABFw/eG1jvLPMDIQ/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8N76xc3GT8/UOCsIdYXaPI/AAAAAAAABFY/6efF2KmGH8M/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8N76xc3GT8/UOCsIdYXaPI/AAAAAAAABFY/6efF2KmGH8M/s320/photo+(21).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanna was my secret Santa and gave me the perfect gift. Thank you Dee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izquDwxudWM/UOCsJP5qv4I/AAAAAAAABFg/jcQsI-t_--s/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izquDwxudWM/UOCsJP5qv4I/AAAAAAAABFg/jcQsI-t_--s/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34eToDANpVo/UOCsTXiqMQI/AAAAAAAABGg/2cUeeQuzckw/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34eToDANpVo/UOCsTXiqMQI/AAAAAAAABGg/2cUeeQuzckw/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Went through the temple :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6K3YQ_vvEV8/UOCsSe3LvXI/AAAAAAAABGY/wMvXGy0pUJU/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6K3YQ_vvEV8/UOCsSe3LvXI/AAAAAAAABGY/wMvXGy0pUJU/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So blessed to be able to fly home and have my parents with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHWeaH6zy-8/UOCsUrapl7I/AAAAAAAABGw/3VYHKfaZ8Uo/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHWeaH6zy-8/UOCsUrapl7I/AAAAAAAABGw/3VYHKfaZ8Uo/s320/photo+(21).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Christmas cookies for Santa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbD3XX-5OFw/UOCsQqMoydI/AAAAAAAABGQ/9rCqC29f7b8/s1600/image+(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbD3XX-5OFw/UOCsQqMoydI/AAAAAAAABGQ/9rCqC29f7b8/s320/image+(6).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Brittney Gifford says hello from Carson City, NV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeEn_l4OkWw/UOCsQVbWaCI/AAAAAAAABGI/-lm942aiyY4/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeEn_l4OkWw/UOCsQVbWaCI/AAAAAAAABGI/-lm942aiyY4/s320/image+(2).jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All skyping Sister BG Christmas morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KB441feEN0/UOCsT7yohlI/AAAAAAAABGo/E6gtNlgamrU/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KB441feEN0/UOCsT7yohlI/AAAAAAAABGo/E6gtNlgamrU/s320/photo+(20).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Received the royal treatment from my favorite little brother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0e91gfHhX0/UOCsXnDQdFI/AAAAAAAABHQ/WSX28ywv4Wk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0e91gfHhX0/UOCsXnDQdFI/AAAAAAAABHQ/WSX28ywv4Wk/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting Tiffany's room. Only the best, Tiffany & Co. Blue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pf92TL0VCOA/UOCsWEVX41I/AAAAAAAABHI/OtzAU5N89f4/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pf92TL0VCOA/UOCsWEVX41I/AAAAAAAABHI/OtzAU5N89f4/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLIr1OsIBJE/UOCsQGY14hI/AAAAAAAABGA/EA2BH2ddYnE/s1600/image+(10).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLIr1OsIBJE/UOCsQGY14hI/AAAAAAAABGA/EA2BH2ddYnE/s320/image+(10).jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Played some intense rounds of Scrabble. Us Gifford's know how to party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoiNaREsTHM/UOCsUzmjtGI/AAAAAAAABG0/c-2iCG0sjrM/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoiNaREsTHM/UOCsUzmjtGI/AAAAAAAABG0/c-2iCG0sjrM/s320/photo+(22).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spent a week with these two crazies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.</div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-86616999436048687962012-12-12T18:35:00.001-07:002012-12-12T18:37:01.038-07:00on live USU.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Nbn-eHqXk/UMkwl1Ky1cI/AAAAAAAABB0/byM7ifdkK-0/s1600/oldmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Nbn-eHqXk/UMkwl1Ky1cI/AAAAAAAABB0/byM7ifdkK-0/s400/oldmain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you had asked me three months ago about what this post would be about, I would tell you it was going to be my goodbye to USU post and all about my new exciting life as a college graduate.<br />
<br />
Guess what?<br />
<br />
Graduation has been postponed...again.<br />
<br />
It seems I am not meant to leave Logan yet and the more I put off graduation the less excited I am for whatever lies ahead. I think it's that whole unknown thing. Not knowing what is to come and what opportunities I am suppose to be taking and so afraid I am missing them.<br />
<br />
I was suppose to graduate last May but didn't pass a Stats course. I re-took it and pushed back graduation till this December. I come to find out my counselor was wrong, I did pass the course and there was no need for me to push back graduation. I was livid but figured it was too late now and just go with the flow of things. I then realized at the end of this semester I am only one course away from a Sociology minor and felt like it would be a mistake not to just take that one class and graduate in May. I don't walk till then anyway and the job market is looking pretty slim right now. So I am now going to be an Aggie just one last semester. But this is it! I WILL graduate THIS May!<br />
<br />
Unless...well graduate school is looking appealing...<br />
<br />
haha. Just Kidding.<br />
<br />
I do get frustrated with not moving on and out of Logan. I feel kind of stuck with no direction actually. Like a hippo who can't get out of a mud pit. Or like the sloth on Ice Age who really has no where to be.<br />
<br />
(Did I really just compare myself to a hippo and a sloth?...yup. wow.)<br />
<br />
Everyone keeps reminding me I am in Logan for a reason. That I am suppose to be doing something here. That I still have work that is not done or that their are people I am suppose to help. People I am suppose to meet.<br />
<br />
Husband maybe?...He sure is taking his sweet pea time. haha.<br />
<br />
I just have to keep my faith and remind myself of Gordon B. Hinckley's words:<br />
<br />
<b>"It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it all works out. Put your trust in God and move forward, with faith and confidence in the future. If we live worthy of his blessings, He will hear our prayers. Keep trying. Keep believing. Be happy. Don't get discouraged. It will ALL work out."</b><br />
<br />
I'd say he was pretty wise little old man. Just a hunch.<br />
<br />ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180733351176035989.post-49105815542014512692012-11-25T15:11:00.000-07:002012-11-26T10:52:42.224-07:00thanksgiving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLxzuorl4Ec/ULKWE7XkROI/AAAAAAAABAk/KTQerRcq1jE/s1600/DSCN6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLxzuorl4Ec/ULKWE7XkROI/AAAAAAAABAk/KTQerRcq1jE/s320/DSCN6327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ug2R7LD9A/ULKWHHMt20I/AAAAAAAABAs/wacAekHlUeQ/s1600/DSCN6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ug2R7LD9A/ULKWHHMt20I/AAAAAAAABAs/wacAekHlUeQ/s320/DSCN6335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKbnacFBVYI/ULKWKdhMqVI/AAAAAAAABA8/GL9BdYfhoz4/s1600/DSCN6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKbnacFBVYI/ULKWKdhMqVI/AAAAAAAABA8/GL9BdYfhoz4/s320/DSCN6338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my roommate Deanna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanksgiving was a little unorthodox this year. Well I guess for most people my Thanksgiving's are all ready unorthodox because I don't go home for them. (Ohio is kind of an expensive plane ticket just to eat turkey with my mom and dad.) So I have usually gone to my wonderful aunt's home with my sister from Provo. However, I was on call for work this year and had to stick around Logan. I was bummed at first but it ended up being a very relaxed Thanksgiving, plus my roommate decided to stay in Logan as well. We threw together a mini dinner of chicken roll-ups, stuffing, and sparkling cider. (Pretty legit for college students if you ask me.)We watched Harry Potter, put together a jigsaw puzzle, and stayed up till the wee hours of the morning discussing Hunger Games and Twilight and dissecting the authors web pages. This makes us sound like total nerds but it really was a relaxed and happy Thanksgiving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also realized how thankful I am to have so many friends and family willing to open their home to me on the holidays. Without fail, every year, I have handfuls of people ask if I want to spend the holidays with them because they know I am from Ohio. I am so grateful to each and every one of those friends or family members, it always makes me feel loved and cared for. I am so blessed and thankful for all the wonderful friends I am surrounded by, the opportunity to be attending Utah State, the job that I love going to, the internship that makes me feel like I am able to make a difference no matter how small, the awesome roommates I have, the never ending love and support of my parents, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the countless blessings the atonement has brought into my life.</div>
ToniBughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051900105551595412noreply@blogger.com1