A week.

So it has been a week.
A week since I left Nauvoo
A week since I entered Idaho
A week since I was released
A week since came back to reality.

Wow.

My mom asked me today what I missed most about Nauvoo. Was it the place? the people? the costume?(heavens no) the music?

Everything. Everything about Nauvoo. The whole ambiance. (except the costume.... most definitely not the costume!)

Lately I have been trying to keep up with some of my friends in Nauvoo, but I have to remember that they have families too! They are in homes that they have grown up in, with friends that have known almost their entire life. I just moved to a new home in good ole' Idaho. I don't know anyone. I am at least 5 hours away from anyone I know. It's hard.
But enough with the pitying.....

Being home, I have been able to spend so much time with my mom and dad. helping them move into their new home and exploring the farm country that surrounds us.
(seriously, we were stuck behind this big vehicle today- on a main road!)

Is this for real?







I have loved the experiences I have had.
In a week I will be back in Provo headed to school.
I can't wait to get back to business and work my butt off getting those rockin' grades!

Here's where most of my motivation is coming from.

Optimism in ALL things.

Here is just a peak at the summer I had.

 aw... look at these silly elders :)

 ummmm. ya. that's a sunset- brilliant huh?

 the woman who changed my life

 those super fun packed lunches from the Myers

 Meeting the actor who played Joseph Smith in the Nauvoo Pageant

 shaking Dallin H. Oaks' hand 4 times

 this place. so beautiful

 super fun teamsters

 bike rides through old Nauvoo

 my Mission President and his wife!

 spinning- but not the costume- bleh

 random dental hygiene parties

 wagon- everyday

 working with these talented stage performers

 flowers as big as my head!

look at that view! never gets old

These experiences.... will last forever. How can you not look at them and just fall in love?

I left my heart in Old Nauvoo!

A REALLY REALLY good day.

I haven't one of these sort of days since high school.

I love days like today.

lemme let you in on the secret of why today was so great.

.......because I made it great......

Sometimes I forget that I am in control of all my happiness.
I make the choices that affect how I feel. I choose how I feel.

I think Harold B. Lee said it best.
"Happiness doesn't depend on what happens outside of you, but what happens inside of you."

So Saturday was my birthday and my sister and brother in law gave me the best birthday I could have ever asked for. Especially being away from home.... it made me feel like I was at home because I was with people who loved me and I love them too!

Then Sunday, I was able to meet with my Bishop concerning some confusing details about my mission to Nauvoo.  He was so kind and willing to help me figure out the situation.  We both are new at this type of thing.  But he was wonderful to help me.

Then today, I had scheduled an appointment to meet with my counselor to change my major and get more information about the direction I want to go with Communication Disorders (which is my new major). My appt. was at 2 and my classes ended at 12 so I spent the time studying for my midterm for my ComD class.  I really wanted a good grade on the test because I want to prove to myself that I can work hard and understand these things pertaining to my new major.  I ended early so I wouldn't be late.  But I was super hungry because I didn't have any lunch.  Then I remembered a coupon my roommate had given me for a free Jamba! So I treated myself. It was grand. :)

Then I met with the counselor.  I can say that it was sooooooooo helpful and beneficial.  I explained what happened with the school of music and what I wanted to do now.  I told him that I originally wanted to minor in music because I still wanted to be a part of it but I didn't think careers would look at a minor in music as good....
To my surprise, he disagreed with me.  He said he knew a kid with autisim that was told by his speech pathologist that he should learn to play the trumpet because it would strengthen his face muscles and help with his speech.  It has actually helped him.  I was amazed and so grateful.  I could still do something I loved.

Then came my midterm.  I studied with some friends and then I prayed and headed off to the testing center.
When I came out, I was greeted by a wonderful 90%.
I did a little double fist in the air for joy.

It has been great.  Because I wanted it to be great.  I wanted it to be better than the days I have had before. I love days like today.

Days like today are the ones that we live for.