I stink..

At blogging!  
Lately, other things have been on my mind...
                              Such as:
Am I ready?
Finals, finals, finals.
My mom is coming down to Cedar to pick me up next week.
I leave in 17 (almost 16) days!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true people.  So true!
My roomies are the best!
I love Christmas oh so much.
I love running.
I need to run more.
I shouldn't sleep in...
How am I going to sell my contract?
I should be reading scriptures right now.
I love the moon.
I want it to snow on our fake roommate Christmas!
I need to call my Aunt.
What is the point of a Gen.Ed. geology class?  It's way harder than it should be.
I have two math finals. TWO.
I play the recorder...and I ROCK it. :)
I want to play the piano so bad. 
I can't wait for FHE tomorrow. 
I want to drink hot chocolate 24/7.
I bought a scarf online. When I tried it on today, it looked like a weird wedding veil.
Dry shampoo just might be God's gift to WOmankind.
I love the Temple. Oh so much.
I want to go to the Temple right now.
I want to live in the Temple, then I don't have to think about anything else.
Why do boys only want to date a girl when she's unavailable.  Weens.
I'm scared of watching the walking dead...but my roommates love it.
I love Christmas movies.
I love Christmas lights.
I love my family.
I love having brand new apartments.
Someone moved my laundry for me.  What a sweetheart.  Except...I think it was a boy...and he moved my underwear load....awkward.  Sorry dude.
I need to mail my missionary letters.
I have 3 more years of college when I get back from my mission.  Yay for double majoring!
How many stamps does it take for a letter to get to Africa.
Why hasn't Corb written me back?  He's the only missionary I really write.
I miss Josi.  So much. 
I hope I'm good at teaching people the gospel.
I also miss Andrea, Sydni, Morgan, Kaitlyn, Alli, and my lacrosse girls.
I want to be able to play lacrosse for the rest of my life.  Too bad I probably suck now.
I love piano music. 
I can't wait to teach 2nd grade.
This is all just word vomit from my mind onto the page.  Sorry.  
But on the bright side, happy birthday to my sweet Mom on Wednesday! Love you!
Goodnight moon.  This girl's getting in bed.

Called To Serve!

Dear Sister Ward:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Montana Billings Mission.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months. 
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.  You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. 


WOOO HOOOOO!!!!! I am so happy it's absolutely wild!!!!

I Am Thankful.

So, I don't typically follow trends, but this month, people have been saying daily things they're thankful for and I love it!  So I'm going to start too!  Here's to being a thankful person and here's to this absolutely lovely month! (I have to list a couple today because I'm behind!)
Nov. 1 - I'm thankful for Melissa Kruger and her beautiful hometown of Brawley.  Everyone in Brawley is so sweet and now I know why Melissa's just that cool!  Melissa's family is fantastic, Melissa's fantastic, the trees are fantastic, the weather is fantastic, our nails look fantastic, our new clothes are fantastic, and meeting her friends was fantastic. 
Nov. 2 - I'm thankful for Courtney Lynn Boss.  Every time we leave for weekends and then come back, the greatest moment is when I see her and she gives me the greatest hug!  You think you have a good roommate?  Well you have no idea what a good roommate even is until you meet mine!  She's kind to everyone, loving, never judgmental, and so so funny!  Even when she kicks the bottom of my mattress when I'm trying to fall asleep, I still like her...and that's saying something, because I love my sleep!  Courtney is the sweetest and she understands me more than anyone else!  She is a fantastic example to me every day!
Nov. 3 - Courtney Ann Robertson is seriously a champion.  This girl is just as loud as me and so so fun to be around.  I'm so thankful for her!  I love going on adventures and just talking crazy like we do.  She lets me sleep on her floor when Boss is gone because I'm a ween and I can't sleep in a room by myself.  She laughs with me and when I'm sad, she always comforts me.  She's got the motherly sense and she can totally tell when something is skewed in anyone's life.  She's going to be a fantastic nurse and she is a fantastic woman!  
Nov. 4 - I'm thankful for cute Megan Jump!  She's also a sweetheart.  She's the most kind-hearted person I know.  She would never ever look down on others.  She's super fun to be around and I love when she tells me stories.  I love our dance parties in the kitchen and when she calls me DaniGirl.  I love that she's in love and I am so so happy for her!  
Nov. 5 - I'm so thankful for Kaleigh Wayment!  She was my roomie last year and now she's a house-mate this year! :)  Kaleigh and I had an insanely awesome first year of college together.  We were never bored.  We sang songs, shaved legs, and made videos together that will never be shown to anyone else for fear of serious embarrassment.  She's always so bubbly and brings happiness to everyone around her.  Love that girl!

Well, that was easy! Roomies are the bomb! Stay tuned for more Thankfulness!
Happy Monday!

Food for thought.

"Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Changes.

Life changes.  Just like that people.  It's incredible what Heavenly Father has in mind for us.  I have just decided to make my availability date December 17th. 
I was sitting at my desk at work and thinking about my availability date.  I was thinking, "you know what, maybe I do want to make it sooner, maybe I do want to leave as soon as I possibly can."  I opened up my email and this quote was what I got from Youth Gems today:

"The decision to serve a mission will shape the spiritual destiny of the missionary, his or her spouse, and their posterity for generations to come. A desire to serve is a natural outcome of one’s conversion, worthiness, and preparation."

—Russell M. Nelson

I do have a desire to serve, I am so excited to serve a mission!  I am so thankful for my great Bishop, Mission Prep group, and friends who are helping me progress and become even more excited and worthy to serve a mission!  I seriously can not wait!  I know with my whole heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the restored gospel, and IT IS TRUE.

Sidenote:  One of the things I've become more focused on in my life is music.  Recently, I have only been listening to my Pandora LDS Hymns of Worship channel.  It is full of hymns and simply inspirational music.  I've noticed in my life that things have gone much smoother and I've had a much clearer mind because of my choice of music.  I never realized that music has such a huge effect on my life.   Take a listen kids, you'll love it.  It'll take a while to get used to not hearing popular "radio" songs, but it's worth it.  Seriously.

To the side of that sidenote:  This weekend is Fall Break.  I'm leaving tomorrow!  I can not wait!!  I am soo excited to see my family.  In President Dieter F.  Uchdorf's talk in conference, he talked about how we need to spend more time with the people we love.  This semester, before conference, I was distant from my family.  Not because I wanted to be, but I just didn't have time to talk to them a lot and I prioritized other things before them.  HUGE MISTAKE.  My family is incredible.  Seriously.  I always knew that, but I have been realizing it more and more as I prepare for my mission.  I look up to my parents and my siblings soo much.  They have no idea how much they have impacted my life.  I love them so so so very much.

To the side of the side of that other sidenote: ROOMIES.  I've got the best ones out there.  You may want to argue, but mine will always win.  HANDS DOWN.  They're phenomenal!  My roommates have always supported me in my decisions and now they're supporting me more than ever.  I love each of them so much.  Every girl in our house is so unique and awesome.  They have become my best friends.  I love them more and more each day.  We have so much fun together and I love the atmosphere and Spirit I can feel at our home.  Home is where the heart is and there is definitely a lot of heart in our home!  My roommates can read me like a book.  I love that.  They always know what to say and when to say it.  I love them dearly and I will definitely miss them when I leave on a mission!  But roomies, looky here, I'll be home sooner rather than later.  Think of our past year and a half together!  It blew by!  We'll be reunited quicker than you can imagine! Don't worry about me.  I'll be in the right place doing what God wants me to do.  My love for you guys will never decrease.  Just remember that! Okay? Good!

My Heart is Full.

My heart is so full right now.  After just one session of General Conference, my whole life has been shifted.  Last week, I posted a "I finally know post".  Well friends, this just shows that God has an Eternal plan for us and just when we think we've got our life planned out, he surprises us! :)  I am so grateful for the revelation given in General Conference.    My life is just about to switch gears.  For those who missed it, President Monson said that worthy young men may now serve LDS Missions at age 18, and young women at 19!  That means, my friends, I can serve a mission now!  Not, in 2 more years, not when I'm old with my husband, NOW! :)  I am eternally grateful for this revelation.

I have had a feeling for quite a long time now to get my Associates Degree.  I'm not graduating, I just felt like I should get it.  I reasoned with myself and decided it was probably so if there was ever an Emergency in my family, I could leave and take care of my brothers and sister without losing my credits.  I applied for my Associates Degree earlier this week and paid my fee.  I will be receiving it on Dec. 5th.  I am soo happy.  I am even more happy because now I know I didn't just apply for my degree for no reason.  I applied for it because I am going on a mission!  I am soo happy! 

Some other main points from General Conference I loved: 
- My testimony is my most precious possession.
- If you have faith, you will have trials of faith, and then your faith will be increased.
- We are all under the Savior's command to love and care for each other.
- It is our sacred duty to do our very best.
- In my morning prayers, I need to ask Heavenly Father to guide me to serve one of his children. 
- I need to come unto Christ and offer my whole soul to him. 
- God is mindful of us and will NEVER forsake us.
- As we prepare to meet God, we win a much more important race than the race of the world. 
- I'm a Mormon. I know it, I live it, I LOVE IT!
- Knowledge is the power of God unto Salvation.
- Every aspect of the temple is exquisite.
- We determine our happiness.
- This life is a step in the journey to meet Heavenly Father.
- Serve with a sole hope of making life better for others.
- I  need to put everything on hold for my deep desire to serve the Lord.
- Love every sunrise that's given to us.
- Spend more time with those we love.
- Seek to be edified, sanctified, and instructed.
- and Many, Many more things.

I am so grateful for modern day revelation. I know, with all my heart, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true.  There is nothing I want more than to share my love of this Gospel with others who don't know of this truth.  

I.Finally.Know!

This week has been a superb week for me!
I finally know....
- I'm taking the Praxis exam in 2 Saturdays!
- I passed my interview to get into the Education Program!
- I'm getting my Associate's of Science in General Studies in December!
- I am a duel major! 
- I will be graduating in May 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with a Math Emphasis!
- I am doing the Color Me Rad run with some superb people!
- I like to eat Watermelon slush.  A lot of it.
- Although I feel inadequate, my church calling is once again, Sunday School Teacher.
- I should never trust first impressions.  People are awesome!
- Heavenly Father helps and guides me every day!
- I can run 3 miles with Megan in 26 minutes!
- I am running my first official 5K race on Saturday!
- Work out clothes are my favorite type of apparel!  
- I have the best roommates EVER!
- I have the best neighbors EVER!
- This weekend will be incredible! 
- I am going to be a TEACHER!!  :)

I already knew some of these things, but it never hurts to be reminded. 
It's a good life kids,  it's a good life. 

Reality.Check.

Tonight was the best Friday night I have had in a very, very long time.  It could've been spent out at a party or doing something crazy, but instead it was spent in my apartment with my six favorite people, plus one Priesthood holder.  We had never planned on staying in and being overcome with the feeling of the Holy Spirit, but sometimes Heavenly Father has much larger and more important plans than we do.  

Long story short, a couple of my friends received blessings and then the Priesthood holder asked if anyone else wanted one.  I had no idea that I would ask for a blessing, but I realized I hadn't had a Father's blessing before I left for school, so it wouldn't hurt.  Immediately after I asked for the blessing, tears welled up in my eyes and began to pour down my face.  I'm not typically a crier, but I think that when the Spirit's got to tell me something, my eyes get sweaty.   

During my blessing, I told so many things that I had no idea I needed to hear.  My eyes were opened and I was reminded of what was truly important in my day to day life.  I was reminded of the incredible, immense power of the Spirit and of the Priesthood.  I was overwhelmed with a feeling of pure truth, so even if I wanted(I did not want to, but scenario wise..) to deny something that was being said, there is no way I would've been able to. 

Before the Priesthood holder gave blessings, he testified of the power of the Priesthood and being able to give blessings.  He reminded us that the gift Priesthood holders have to give blessings is typically not utilized enough.  

I know that God is real, and he is there.  I know Jesus Christ sacrificed for my sins and felt all of the pains, sadness, joys, and happiness I feel.  I know Christ can walk by me everyday if I choose to be worthy.  I know the blessings which were given were not the Priesthood holder's words from his brain, but direct revelation from heaven.  I know Heavenly Father is simply waiting for us to humble ourselves and come unto him.  I know one way I can do that is by receiving Priesthood blessings.  I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel and the immense feeling of truth I felt during my blessing.  I know Heavenly Father is looking out for me and everyone else in his eternal plan daily.  I know that there is an eternal plan for everyone.  I am very blessed to have the people in my eternal plan that Heavenly Father has introduced me to.  I can not wait for the day when Christ and Heavenly Father both hold out their arms for me to hug them.  The gospel of the Jesus Christ is true. 

I.Whip.My.Hair...

...While my life whips right by!

This past month has been soo incredible, I haven't had any time to sit down and blog. These words and pictures are a summary of the month!

Ending Summer Fun Camp.Moving down to Cedar City.Red and White Dance.Hiking.Paint Dance.Statistics.Making Zucchini Bread, Muffins, and Fries.Celebrating my Birthday.Getting a bike.Starting School.Being an SUUSA associate.Casino Night.Writing Missionaries.Art Festivals.Whipping my hair back and forth while I do dishes in the kitchen.Falling asleep at outdoor movies.Dirty dancing in my room.Sleeping on my top bunk.Tailgating.Going to the gym.Boondogling.Making roommie friendship bracelets.Cliff Jumping at Sand Hollow.Getting a video from my siblings.Getting a letter from Corb.Going to Powell.Painting.Orientation.Gangnam Style.

Why.Ya.Wanna.

So, there's this very handsome, sweet, respectful boy.  I've had a crush on him since I was 15 and he keeps randomly slipping back into my life to remind me that I still have a crush on him.  What a goober.  This song totally describes my life right now!!  Except we were never dating.. :)  Haha.

"Why You Wanna"

Out of all of the places in this little town
Yeah, you had to come walking in here and sit down [He's in my ward.]
I'm hiding and hoping my face ain't too red [I'm pretty sure I blush every time I see him.]
Since we been over, been trying like crazy to get you out of my head

So-o-o
Why you wanna
Show up in a old t-shirt that I love [he always looks handsome.] 

Why you gotta tell me that I'm looking good [He sent me a text on Sunday saying I looked magnificent...]
Don't know what
You were thinkin'
You were doing
Moving in for a hug [He gives the best hugs.]
Like you don't know I'm coming unglued [Next time I see him, I might just explode and say something to the extent of "HELLO. I'VE HAD A CRUSH ON YOU SINCE WE WERE 15!!  GET ON THAT!"]
Why you gotta
Why you wanna
Make me keep wanting you

I wish you had on sunglasses to cover up those blue eyes [Seriously, he has gorgeous blue eyes.]
I wish you said something mean to make me glad that you said goodbye [He's never said anything mean.]
Why can't you look off somewhere if you catch me staring at you [We randomly catch each other's eye during sacrament.]
Why can't you be cold like any old good ex would do

So-o-o
Why you wanna
Show up in a old t-shirt that I love
Why you gotta tell me that I'm looking good
Don't know what
You were thinkin'
You were doing
Moving in for a hug
Like you don't know I'm coming unglued
Why you gotta
Why you wanna
Make me keep wanting you
Keep wanting you

Why
Why
Why
Would you tell me that you call me up sometime?
Maybe we can get a drink and just catch up
Like that'd be enough
No, that ain't enough

Why you gotta
Show up in a old t-shirt that I love
Why you gotta tell me that I'm looking good
Don't know what
You were thinkin'
You were doing
Moving in for a hug
Like you don't know I'm coming unglued
Why you gotta
Why you wanna
Make me keep wanting you

Why you gotta
Why you wanna
Make me keep wanting you

Why you gotta
Why you wanna
Make me keep wanting you

Out of all of the places
In this little town
Yeah, you had to come walking in here and sit down 

-Jana Kramer

BE.EXCITED.

for what's coming.  It's going to be phenomenal.

Shiz.Kids.Say.

Today at work G. told a counselor who told me...

"I would totally date Dani, but I can't because she's black."

What?  

G. is 6.

I am Caucasian.

What makes a 6 year old think he could date a 18 [almost 19] year old? 

"Look, I'll just kiss 'em on the knee."

"When girls kiss guys, their leg always pops. It's in the movies so it's true."

"Can you just shave your legs?  They're smooth one way, but when I change ways... OUCH!"

"Dee Dee. Thanks for being my frend at cap."

 [a note given to me by one of my favorite kids! :)] 

"I just can't shake my hips in our dance like we planned.  Rocky [another counselor] is here watching!"

"Are you kidding me??  I MISSED THE PART WHERE HE BURPS BUBBLES??"

"Me and my brothers are all named after Prophets."

"Mormons are a cult who doesn't have fun."

"If you wear a tank top to City Creek, Mormons will kick you out!"

"I swear this is a bee sting.  Seriously.  Look really really really close and you'll see it."

"No.  I jumped farther than him and he's always wrong!"

"UH HUH.  I saw you two holding hands in the pool.  YOU'RE IN LOVE!"

 

Hahaha I love my job! 

Woah.

I just realized I'm going to be 19 in twenty one days.  I am definitely not mature enough for that! :)  Haha I don't know if I'm quite ready...

Yeah, this goober girl, a.k.a. Me, is going to be 18 'till I die. 

anyway - I just wanna say
why bother with what happened yesterday
it's not my style I live for the minute
if ya wanna stay young get both feet in it - 18 til I die

a 'lil bit of this - a 'lil bit of that
'lil bit of everything - gotta get on track
it's not how ya look, it's what ya feel inside
I don't care when - I don't need ta know why

18 til I die - gonna be 18 til I die
ya it sure feels good to be alive
someday I'll be 18 goin' on 55! - 18 til I die
ya there's one thing for sure - I'm sure gonna try

don't worry 'bout the future - forget about the past
gonna have a ball - ya we're gonna have a blast
gonna make it last - 18 til I die

Thank you Bryan Adams for your wise words.

Did.I.Mention.

Did I mention I am getting paid to go to school?

Thank the heavens for scholarships.  

I will be getting paid $620 to go to school this upcoming semester! :)

I feel that I should spend that $620 on things I need for school such as....

This Pack-Pack.  Yes. I am going to be a 2nd grade teacher, so I call it a pack-pack. $42.01.

This longboard.  First of all, yes, I wouldn't mind being a hipster when it comes to longboards.   Second, I need some way to get to school when I'm running late.  $73.04.

  

That totals $115.05.  I'll still have $504.95 to pay for books, rent, and groceries.  Boom.BABY.

....

Holy crap.  I miss this kid.  So so much.  Can't the 2 years just speed up? 

The.Ward.Full.Of.Singles.

Oh the Singles' Ward.  

Need I say more? 

Probably not, but contrary to popular demand... I will continue.  

The Singles' Ward is full of many interesting, diverse, sweet, somewhat scary, people.  

Don't get me wrong, I love going to church.  It is a great time.  I simply meet very interesting people at Singles' Ward.  

Today this sweet guy [man? yes man.] came and sat by me.  I'll keep his name anonymous...just in case he, or someone he knows, stumbles along my blog.  I wouldn't want him to be revealed!  

He was quite entertaining and kept me smiling during Sacrament meeting.  A goofy guy, yet seriously intelligent.  Quite a catch, I'd say.  In my ward Sacrament is last, so after Sacrament we moseyed our way over to Munch and Mingle.  During our conversation at Munch and Mingle we somehow got on the topic of our ages....

I was sitting next to my superb friend Julie who I grew up going to church with.  She's 4 years older than me, but she took me under her wing in young womens and now we've become great buddies!  

He asked Julie and I if we had grown up together and gone to school together.  We laughed and said that she was older than me.  He seemed somewhat shocked, so we told him to guess our ages.  He guessed Julie 23, and me 21.  For some reason, I must've seriously fooled this man!  I told him I was only 18 [almost 19] and he seemed blown away.  Then, we asked him his age.  He told us to guess, so I guessed 24 and Julie guessed 27.  WRONG.  He was 30 [almost 31]!  Wow oh wow.  Then it just got awkward.  He asked me if it would be weird if he continued flirting with me because he was 12 years older than me.  Yeah dude.  Weird.  He then told me that his grandparents were 12 years apart and it was somewhat normal.  Psh. Whatever! He is the exact same in age difference to my mom as he is to me. 

Oh the places you'll go.

Oh the people you'll meet.

You won't always know.

Until they kneel at your feet.  

That you're a young child.

And they want marriage.  

You're still wild.

And they soon want a baby carriage.  

And that new poem that I made up (thanks to Dr. Seuss for the first line) describes my experiences in the Singles' Ward.  

Yay for being 18 [almost 19] and single!

I am: 

-Dani

-A lover of Lake Powell

-A girl who paints her nails mint green and teal

-A girl who loves the color aqua

-Still a kid at heart! :)

P.S. Random Thought.

Can we talk about how awkward this is?  At orientation, I am the assigned photo booth girl.  At the photo booth, I have whiteboards that the students can write on and take pictures with.  This kid told me I couldn't see his board, but he wanted me to be in his picture.  I assumed that he was just being silly....  I jumped in his picture, and then this is what I saw when it was finally put up online.  

Please.  Oh Please.  Tell me that arrow is not purposely pointing to my boobs. 

Happy.Happy.Birthday...

To THIS GIRL! :) 

Josi and I met on a group date the summer of our junior year and then became best friends!!  She's seriously the best.  She's way funny, intelligent, kind, beautiful and more!  We were inseparable our senior year and I still think she's the bomb!  Jos, thanks for all the fun memories and just being the best friend I've ever had!!  Let's make some more superb memories!  Nothing will ever replace our friendship! :)

   LOVE YA JOS!! :) 

Amen.Sistas.

Yeeahhh buddy.  We've all had that boy when we were lonely, or we've all wanted that boy when we're lonely.  But don't waste your time ladies.  Wait for the right guy.  Be independent.  Be strong. :)

Wacky.Tuesday..

At work yesterday, I had a strange thing happen to me..

I was swimming with about four of my fun camp kids latched onto me and this guy came up to me and started asking questions. 

Picture this...

Long Dark Hair. (seriously.  Longer than mine.)

Scruffy.

Wife Beater. (and we're swimming...you don't wear a wife beater while you swim!)

Wet.

Big. (like 6'3")

Not Attractive.

So anyway, he was making casual conversation and I was still focusing on not having 5 kids drown while they were grasping on to me for dear life!  Then it got awkward.

Him: So how old are you?

I told him.

Him: So how old do you thing I am?

Me: I don't know?

Him: I'm 30..is that to old for you to be interested in?

Me: Uhhh...yeah that's way too old for me. Sorry.

Him: Okay...

Fun Camp Kid: Dude, MY MOM IS YOUNGER THAN YOU!

hahahaha kids are the best!

shag. awkward. wacky. what the pajamas. yikes. aaaahhhhhhh.

Two questions.  Why are 30 year old creeps attracted to me?  Hahaha I heard that you only attract people that you act like.... do I act like a 30 year old creep?  If so, I have some serious life assessment to undergo!   Holy Pajamas.

I am:

- an almost 19 year old who likes boys/men in the age range of 19-23!

- weirded out.

- a work-a-holic. :)

Blessings.

Yesterday, I was able to go to my cute cousin's baby blessing.  

Her name is Mariah, but my Dad refers to her as Mariah Carey!  

She is such a sweet baby, and I was reminded of all of the sweet blessings I have in my life.  

I am so lucky that I get to play with kids each day at work and my cute neighbors at home.  

Kids (especially babies) have been sent from heaven such a short time ago, and you can definitely see the little angels inside of them.  

Here's to the kids that I love!  

Cute baby Mariah

One of my fun camp kids!

Taylor trying to be Santa Claus

Cutest Kid EVER.

 

 

 

 

I am:

- Sooo excited to be a teacher one day!