post-christmas merriment.

Post-Christmas Depression?

I should think not!!!

I'm a terrible person.

Who cares about photos?
Feh.
I was so dedicated to this whole let's-take-picture-of-every-second-of-my-break thing.
Then.... I got sick.
That sort of took the wind out of my sails.
So let me TELL you what I've been up to.

Friday, I went to a chick flick marathon.
FTW? Absolutely.
#theperfectmanacinderellastorysweethomealabamastardustprideandprejudice
*Swoon*- especially for Stardust.
 As long as guys can keep their hair clean, keeping it long is quite attractive.

Saturday, Christmas Eve stuff.
We eat junk food. And watch ancient Christmas specials. And play sardines.
We have fun.
My Christmas jammies= super cute.
*Cheesy/girly grin*

Sunday, you know.
I got cool stuff.
My parents and my grandparents love me very much.
Church was awesome, too.
I sang. And played my flute.
I felt the Spirit.

Monday, nothing.
Nothing much, anyway.
I visited my grandparents out in the middle of Nowhere, UT.
I love it there.

Tuesday, I ordered stuff from Amazon, using an Amazon gift card.
It comes tomorrow. I'm super excited
#ipodnanowatchbandharrypottercomputergameearmuffs
I really want my earmuffs.

Wednesday (today), I went to the zoo.
And visited family friends.
Got so bored, I started texting people. They texted me back.
It made me happy.
Watched Pinocchio.
Read Jaycee Lee Dugard's memoir.
#sadandfrightening

Tomorrow, get Amazon orders from my friend the UPS guy.
Take self-portrait pictures with merchandise obtained from UPS guy.
Post said pictures on blog so you can all be happy with me.
Go to piano recital and eat at Chuck-O-Rama.
Invite people over to mas home to eat food and play games.

It's gonna be good.

bleh.

I'm sorry.
I promise I'll get my Christmas post updated as soon as I can....
Or whenever I stop being lazy.

Feh.

But in the meantime, please enjoy this funny video I made as extra credit in Chemistry.
Don't worry. You'll laugh. I promise.
:)

Ipod posting is legit.

Guess what? I'm posting on an iPod. Not mine- my daddy's. Cool, eh?

It's Official.

Christmas Break (official term- Winter Break) has officially started.
To start off my amazing break, I kicked off my Christmas bake-a-thon.
I'm going to make something food-wise every day.

 So, yesterday, I made a buche de Noel. (Christmas Log- Mr. Burnah taught us how to make it. He teaches me how to parler en Francais)

It was nommy (nom nom nom)

And then, this morning, I made myself hash-browns. They were delicious, if a little crunchy.

What are YOU up to?

so, so proud!!!!

You should visit this amazing person's blog right now.

My aunt Marian and uncle Edward have been trying to get pregnant for quite a few years now, without any success.
When the fertility treatments didn't work, they applied to be approved for adoption.
After a long, hard battle, they were finally approved!

Please pray for them, that they can find a child that is just right for them, and who needs their love and support.

:)

Je ne c'est pas....

I'm sick of everything.
It's true.
So, to shake things up a bit, the rest of this entire post will be in French.


Aujourd'hui.
Je suis alle a l'ecole
Je suis alle a fanfare, le 2 francais, Algebre 2, et l'anglais honneur 10.
Il ya ennuyeux.

Demain
Je vais aller a la fete de Noel eglise.
Je vais dormir. (Mon prefere)
Je vais rester dans mon pyjama.

Ca va etre une bonne journee.

Bonne nuit. Je vais dormir (encore)

head(er)ing for the pits.

"Thou shalt not beat around the bush." (The 19th Commandment)
Since there was a four way tie for the header vote,
I've decided on my own.
The old one stays.

In other news, I have succeeded in procuring a spot in the pit orchestra.
My excitement is much more than can be expressed in words.
:D

"Thou shalt not procrastinate thine Algebra 2 homework." (The 10584th commandment- it's not as important)

mas harry potter post.

This guy

 

Is my hero.

How do you read?

recount.

Okay, here's the deal with the headers:
Due to 'overwhelming' (not really, like 2 people told me this) demand,
I will be hosting a new poll, with the option to keep the current header.

All previous votes will be cleared- vote again!!! (Thanks to those 3 people who voted in the first place)

grateful

If I started listing things I'm grateful for, it would take a lifetime.
In short, I'm grateful for everything.

The good times, the bad times, everything in between-
They're have what made me what I am.

Thank you to all of my wonderful blog readers-
Yes, even you closet readers who don't comment or anything.

Who says there aren't Thanksgiving songs?

new headers

I've been creating a barrage of new headers to display to you, my wonderful readers.
I want you to vote on the next one I shall use.

Choose wisely.

Option: Clock

Option: Stache

Option: Tiara

Option: Flowery

Option: Comical

Option: Masquerade

Caption: Bluebird

Happy voting!!!

(Or, if you like the current one, select the button on the "Reactions" bar below)

Epicness.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2402131481

Click on link.
Travel to a world beyond imagination.
Be inspired.

March 23.
I'll be there at midnight.
Will you?

lessons of a mastermind.

Horton Hears a Who taught me that no matter what anybody says, that believing in yourself is the most important thing.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas taught me the importance of the real meaning of Christmas.

The Cat in the Hat taught me that any problem can be solved with a little bit of help.

Yertle the Turtle taught me the downfalls of hierarchy in government.

Gertrude McFuzz taught me to love myself, and not to take pills to make it better.

Green Eggs and Ham taught me to try new things.

The Sneetches taught me that discrimination is bad.

Horton Hatches The Egg taught me to think twice- or face BAD consequences.

I Had Trouble Getting to Solla Sollew taught me that the grass is always greener- but we've got it good here.

The Lorax taught me about the plight of the environment.
 
Oh the Things You Can Think taught me how to think for myself.

Oh, The Places You'll Go taught me about the many paths I can choose to take.


SEUSSICAL taught me that when we work together as a team, we can create a story that will touch hundreds- and that's exactly what we did tonight.

Come. There's still 4 more performances.

if only...

If only I could steal this post from Olivia.
But sadly, I cannot.
So, click the link
LINK
To see her amazing blog post about our childhood
'Cause obviously we must have been separated. Like, at birth.
(Not true, she's 6 months older than me)
Seriously though.
Read.
Watch.
"Help will always be give at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."

come.

This photo + the post title= No words needed.

Music for a 10-11-12 School Year.

10- I'm in 10th grade.
11- This year.
12- Next year.
Presenting my Sophmore playlist- so far. It may grow, but I'm doubting it.



What do you think? Comment.
(Reader and Buzz users, make sure to visit the page to actually be able to see it)

tagging galore.

Tagged by Carrie. :) (Who, by the way, is a babe!)

Last beverage = Water
Last text message = Mommy
Last song you listened to =  El Tango de Roxane- Moulin Rouge
Lost someone special = Yes
Been depressed = Is that a question?...
 
LIST THREE FAVORITE COLORS:
Black. 
Light/Muted Blue.
Orange.
THIS YEAR HAVE YOU:
Fallen out of love= Nope.
Laughed until you cried = DUH.
Met someone who changed you = Of course!
GENERAL:
How many kids do you want to have = 4-5
What were you doing at midnight last night = Sleeping/Freezing
Name something you CANNOT wait for= Opening night of Seussical (COME!)
What is one thing you wish you could change about your life = Not enough time. We need to add at least 3 hours to the day.
What are you listening to right now= Moulin Rouge and Hit the Lights by Selena Gomez
Have you ever talked to a person named Tom? My Grandpa's name is Tom, so yes.
What's getting on your nerves right now = Those kids in that one class. that Earth systems project.
Relationship Status = Single. (May 10, boys!)
He or She? = She. Duh.
Do you have a crush on someone? = Maybe...
What do you like about yourself? =My inexplicable ability to answer truthfully
RIGHT NOW:
Eating = Nope.
Drinking = Nada
I'm about to = Go to Seussical rehearsal.
Feeling= Relieved.
YOUR FUTURE :
Want kids = YES!
Get Married = Yes, Manti Temple.
Career = Author or Theatrical Designer
WHICH IS BETTER :
Lips or eyes = Eyes
Hugs or kisses =Hugs
Shorter or taller = Taller
Older or Younger = Older, but approximately same age.
Nice stomach or nice arms= Arms, I guess...

HAVE YOU EVER :
Broken someone's heart =  I sure hope not.
Had your own heart broken = Not sure....
Turned someone down = Yes. (Weird druggie kids...)
Cried when someone died = Yes of course.
Fallen for a friend = .... In what context?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
Yourself = Occasionally.
Miracles = Is that a trick question?
Love at first sight = Nope. I believe in infatuation at first sight.
Heaven = Yep.
Santa Claus = ...... You're kidding, right?
Kiss on the first date = No.
Angels = Yes. Of course.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
Did you sing today? = Yes indeed. I love singing.
If you could go back in time, how far would you go, and why? = I would go back to about 2 weeks ago, get another copy of that Chemistry worksheet, and do it again.It looks disgusting.
If you could pick a day from last year and relive it, what would it be?= Hmm... That one day in May when there was a really warm summer rain. I love rain :)
Are you afraid of falling in love?= Hmm.... not really. I just don't want it to happen now- I'm not ready.
Do you like your life?= Of course!!!!


I tag any people who want to do it. Go on, blog!

ode to micaela.

Micaela.
The one who works out with me.
The one who yells at me all drill-sergeant like.
The one who encourages me to update my blog.
:) Micaela is a doll.

I'm back!!!!!

I've been in St. George.
I know you're all dying (haha yeah right but I might as well dream) to know the details.
I'll have blog post with subsequent video soon.
Don't worry. :)

beautiful

Heard a carol, mournful, holy,
Chanted loudly, chanted lowly,
Till her blood was frozen slowly,
And her eyes were darkened wholly,
Turn'd to tower'd Camelot.
For ere she reach'd upon the tide
The first house by the water-side,
Singing in her song she died,
The Lady of Shalott. 

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

I wish I could write as beautifully.
Thanks, Tennyson :)

(This is my 200th blog post. Whoo!)

Winter Employment Options...

Hosting a holiday party?
All your favorite entertainment groups already booked?
(HAHA yeah right)
Well, then CALL ME.
This is how I'm making a minimal amount of money during Christmas.
Please? All you need to do is provide a piano, and some cocoa, and we'll be friends.

forgive me.

Sorry for my rant post yesterday.
I know you don't want to read that.
Forgive me?

My Very Rare Fashion Post...

I need these dress. And these shoes.
Photos courtesy of Etsy and Shabby Apple.

Hating for hating.

I'm at war with myself.
It's true.
Not for a conventional reason, either.
At least I don't think so.
I hate myself for hating myself.
Don't get it?
Let me explain.
Often times I will look at a photo or a mirror and berate myself for not being motivated to exercise.
It's true. I am 17 pounds overweight.
I have good reasons too. Obesity and diabetes runs in my family.
Then I'll talk myself out hating myself, telling me that Heavenly Father loves me how I am.
Then I argue with the facts that He wants me to be healthy and that no boy will ever like me if I'm not at least somewhat physically attractive.

Help? Please?
I need some convincing arguments/ motivation for my brain.
Now would be nice.

my keep-up post.

I don't have anything to blog about.
It's true. My life is boring.
Tour's next week. I'll have something to blog about then.

Farewell.

it's loverly!!

Ahh, October.

That anticipated yet horrifyingly busy month where my life seems to explode.

Plus, I get no sleep.

Go figure.

Anyways, Marching Band.

Yeah, we're cool.

We got 2nd place on Oct. 1st.

Plus best music.

Happy day!

Stagecraft.

Seussical Makeup.

You ever seen that show?

You know what I'm talking about.

School.

My teachers don't like me, that's for certain.

If they did, they wouldn't try to weigh me down like I'm a pack mule.

I. Hate. Being. An. Animal.

Health.

I hate allergies.

Apparently I also have mild form of asthma.

Whoop dee doo.

Creepy Kids.

I'm pretty sure this creepy kid is stalking me.

I won't tell you his name, because he's probably reading this.

But he CONSTANTLY follows me around and talks my ear off.

And all he ever does is complain.

Sadly, I can't get rid of him.

Why?

Because he's involved in EVERYTHING I do.

Maybe I'll try out for girl's basketball,

Just so he can't follow me.

Me the Hypocrite.

That's enough complaining for me (see Creepy Kids header)

I have compiled a possible career choice list.

Want to see?

Well, then, stop reading, because I'm going to tell you anyway...

Cool Jobs.

-CIA Linguistics Officer (this depends if I am fluent in French by the end of college)

-Professional Musician

-Novelist/Author

-Professional Theater Designer (Broadway or London' West End)

-Seminary Teacher.

Cool, huh?

It's loverly (see previous post, number 3)

caught red-handed!!

...Or tag-handed.
I was tagged by the marvelous Brit, who said anyone can go for it,
and Carrie, who loves me enough to spell my name right. :)
Thanks, darling!

Anyway, here's 7 totally random facts that I get to fill in all by myself.
1- I have a totally girly obsession with writing names on my fogged-up bathroom mirror. Fictional or not, you can decide...
2- I hate people who get over-excited for anything. I mean, Christmas music before Halloween? Really?
3- I wish I looked like Audrey Hepburn. 'Nuff said. (I mean, have you seen her waist?)
4- I guess I'm allowed to tell this now, but for Youth Conference we get to go laser tagging. In the woods. And they're teaching us combat training. How cool is that??
5- I'm not girl enough to blog cute like Brit and Carrie. Or to wear skirts to school.
6- I have this strange obession with 1930s Upper Class New York... I like the whole idea of swanky hotels, mafia bosses, and the Hindenberg. (I would add an evil laugh here, but then people would think that I am a Nazi)
7- Today in Chemistry, me and Emma Martinelli drew a poison dart frog. His name is the Grim Leaper.

There you go- I now tag... Andrew, Cait, and Mom.

Happy Blogging!

busy, busy, busy

This month is super busy.
I have 6, count em, 6 MB Competitions.
Plus Tour at the end of the month.
Then, I have to complete make-up sketches so that I can be ready for dress rehearsals in November.
Seussical's amazing.
I love that music.
That, plus I have homework, flute lessons, and math tutoring.
That's right. I get tutored in math. I suck stink at math.

run, forrest!!!

Let's play picture catch-up, shall we?

Girls Camp:

 Baby Shower for Eliza:

Marching Band

 The Lion House

Eliza's here!!!!

Yeah. That's been my late summer/ school year.

silly little boy.

My brother broke his collarbone.

This is the same brother that broke both of his arms almost 6 years back.

Silly little boy.

(I have no pictures because my computer is STILL broken)

my teeth are naked.

Check it out.

This picture is stupid, cause I took it with my phone. Oh well.

My teeth are naked.

in the face of infinity.

I feel broken.
Like everything is falling down around me.

My self-confidence is not silly putty.
It cannot be stretched.
It cannot be molded.
Most of all, when broken, it cannot be easily repaired.

Keep this in mind. I'm not the only one.

10 Years Ago...

10 years ago,

I was at school.

I came home to see my mom watching the news reports.

We had fundraisers in class to raise money for the affected families.

Where were you?

amazed.

You know what?
This school year is turning out to be pretty cool.

I'm getting algebra 2 (miraculously).

Marching Band is having a miraculous season so far.

Broken Mirrors had our first rehearsal. And it actually went well. :)
(You'll find out later, once we're actually ready for publicity)

Stagecraft is gonna be amazing. I love the theatre.

Drama Club. Can I act? No. Is it gonna be fun? Yes.

Operation Smile. Selling smiley faces for a good cause? Win.

Miss Chelsy is going to be an awesome band council rep.

Chemistry is cool. You should try it sometime.

It's currently 9:52 pm. I was just at Caitlin W.'s house rehearsing awesome songs, playing Just Dance and Rock Band on the Wii, and laughing till we cried while talking to a guy on the phone. We're high on root beer, Sprite, and assorted mini-candy bars.

It's been a good day.

(Info for all you Google Buzz-readers- there's a song here. Click on this link here to listen)

Big, big, big day!!!!!

Tomorrow's a big day.

But more on that when it's actually done.

If you're a nerd like me,

You have a sense of what's coming up next.

Click on this link.

Go ahead. Click.

If you're like a certain triple-threat I know,

You'll scream like a little girl.

I know I did.

:)

tada!

Guess what?

I survived.

But now I'm super sore.

Owww.

I've got some questions for specific readers:

Miss Emilee-

How is NC?

Are the boys there cuter than in Utah?

How many girls are in your Mia Maid class?

Miss Micaela-

When are you going to start your blog?

Oh, and when are we going to get strong together?

Miss Cait-

When are we going to hang out again?

JELLYFOOSH!!!!

Yay. More questions next week.

who can say?

Will I survive?

Doubt it.


Wish me luck, boys.
I'm gonna die.

where oceans bleed into the sky.

I'm kind of excited for high school.
Yeah, I'll admit it.
Why not?

I'm finally out of the junior high,
And I'm hoping that the transition will make everyone grow up.
Just a little. Please?

I'm sick of grudges. And prejudice. And everything else.
Yes, I know it'll probably get worse,
But can't we at least try?

I've got this one friend.
She's a good friend.
When she's not burdening us with her problems.

She has at least 5 people she wants to ship to Africa,
A boyfriend that keeps getting his phone taking away,
And a jealousy streak a mile wide and 2 miles long.

Please, grow up guys.
I don't want you all to turn out like this friend.
And friend, I hope things work out for you.

I really do.

i stole this from brit, part II

(This is the part where I answer your questions and show you the awesome songs people picked)

So, apparently no one likes commenting on my blog,

but these three were kind enough to oblige.

Thanks, guys!

(see this post)

From Carrie:

Her song:

Her question:

What was it like living in a different country?

Well, somewhat different, but since we were living near an American air base, not as much. The cultural immersion was pretty cool, though. Since Portugal is mostly Catholic, they have a bunch of festivals and stuff to worship their patron saints. Every couple of weeks or so you would wake up to hear fireworks outside your window.

The island that we lived on was volcanic. You can find volcanic formations everywhere. It's still considered dormant- it hasn't been long enough, but you can still go hiking/spelunking in the volcanic cones. It's pretty cool.

The houses are typically made of concrete, but (nearly) everything else is made out of volcanic rock. They dig large rocks while they till the earth for farming, and they stack it into walls, about waist high.

The last thing I enjoyed was the ocean. We lived just a 5 minute walk from where our house was, and I typically went to sleep with the rising/falling of the tide. It was very different from the mountains here- you could see for miles.

Well, that's as much as I think I can type without you falling asleep. So, onward!

From Brit:

Her song:

Her question:

What do you think would be the perfect date?

Hmm... that's a hard one. But, it definitely would include lunch/dinner at JCW's, a walk in the park, and a cute guy (but one that I know). :)

From Cait:

Her song:

Her question:

Where are all the places you've lived?

Just because I've lived in totally obscure places, I'm going to include links to Wikipedia articles about the correlating places. Age is in the parentheses ()

Provo, Utah (0-14 months)

Manila, Utah (14 months- 11 years)

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal (11 years- 12 years)

Pleasant Grove, Utah (12 years-present)

Well, that's pretty much it. You know a little bit more about me, and I know a little more about you.

Bahahaha. ;)

*Edit: from Micaela
Her song:

Her question:
If you could turn into a noodle or a piece of broccoli, which would you choose?

Hmm... I have to say I'd prefer to be broccoli. Just 'cause people will be less likely to eat me :)

so, i'll admit it.

Yeah.
I'm a nerd.

I'm really sorry for forcing the whole "read-the-story-excerpt" thing on you.
I tend to get over-excited about it.
Yeah...

Anyways, guess what I did today?
I registered for the high school.
I am now an official student at PGHS.
Woot!

Well, since that's it,
Farewell

Leaving question:
What's something you've been dying to know about me?
Comment at let me answer your questions!

all the right moves.

This is an excerpt from the short story I am writing. It is a retelling of the legend of Atalanta. Please give me feedback!! I really want it. The whole thing isn't finished yet, but if I work hard, it should be in a couple of weeks.

The Golden Apples (by Rebekah Walker)

The year is 3018. After most of society was wiped out in the Great War nearly a century earlier, the remainder of Earth’s great leaders collaborated to rebuild civilization. They called themselves the Council of the Elders, and organized the survivors into a civilization to last. They decided in re-establishing the feudal system, under the name of the Samontai. They established people in their classes, selected a king, and banned the used of any modern technology. Some of the old folk still remember life before the war, and they spend most of their time trying to bring back some of the old technology. It is not easy, however. Resources are limited, and the Council is watching....
As Milo strolled down the path, he took one last glance at the tiny shack. Thin columns of smoke puffed from the chimney and he knew that Gran would be sitting in her old rocker, knitting or reading, or even just thinking. She never needed to sleep- it was she, after all, who had discovered, (or rediscovered, as she claimed,) how to make Kafeen, the drug that gave an energy boost. The effects of the newer drug were only temporary, but she had tested early drugs on herself, making the effects permanent. She was also the wisest person Milo knew. Wasn’t it her, after all that persuaded him to pursue this crazy adventure? It isn’t every day, she conceded, that you get to compete for the hand of a princess.
Now, as he passed the entrance to the hidden meadow, the scent of the powering pine trees intermingled with the mildly sweet aromas of wildflowers. In his mind, Milo could see the footraces through the long grass, and he could hear the chatters of the young village girls, gossiping and weaving small wildflower crowns. He imagined Rosalee laughing among them, braiding daisies into her shiny black hair. Her blue eyes sparkled when she laughed, and Milo remembered how her favorite dress would dance in the breeze. Though these thoughts made Milo smile, they quickly dissipated as he reached the main road.
The road, usually busy with the hustle and bustle of wagons, was quiet and still. Milo spotted a cart coming down the road. The driver was a burly, middle-aged man, and Milo flagged him down. “Can I get a ride?” he asked.
“Sure,” the driver shifted in his seat. “Doesn’t matter anyway. Might as well be operating a ferry;” he said as Milo scrambled in.

Milo saw what he meant as the cart lurched forward. 3 people- 2 boys about his age and a younger girl were already crowded in among the empty milk cans. One of the boys had bright red hair and a hailstorm of freckles across his cheeks. The other boy and the girl both had olive-colored skin and dark brown hair. They must have been brother and sister, because the girl was crying on the boy’s shoulder while he stroked the long hair that reached past her waist.

“So,” the ginger drawled. “Where are you going? I’m going to New Caledonia, for the princess’s foot race;” he left no room for Milo to respond. This sort of one-sided conversation continued for several hours, before the driver threatened to personally toss the ginger out of the cart if he didn’t shut his mouth. The ginger’s face matched his hair for the remainder of the journey.

i stole this from brit.

let's get to know each other a little better shall we?

it's simple really. just a few questions, and we can all be a little happier.

one: your current favorite song. not the mainstream songs, something new.

two: a random fact about yourself. a weird habit that makes you unique.

three: lastly, a question for me. anything will do. from boys to preferred color of crayon. answers are guaranteed to follow.

please? if i promise to leave you some love in comment form on your blog?
or just cause you're feeling super friendly and nice today. (:

~originally by brit. we love her here.

take over.

My blog has had a makeover.
Do you like it?
I like the little dinosaur up at the top.
He's cute.

:)

stories to tell.

Band Camp is over.
Every part of me that I can think of is sore.
It's pretty awesome.

Why?

Most people think that spending 5-6 hours a day outside,
in 90 degree weather,
while running and re-running drill,
would bloodily murder your desire to ever do whatever it is you may be doing.

But let me tell you something.

When you walk out into that stadium,
and you hear the crowd screaming with excitement,
your excitement levels rocket skyward.

Your conviction comes back ten-fold and you are determined to do everything absolutely perfectly.
Your pride for who you are and what you do is very much confirmed.

You want more.

This is why us "crazy band people" spend every ounce of energy doing what we hate,
Just so we can get what we love.

Yeah, we're cool like that.

swinging from mars.

Over the past few weeks, I've been reading so many posts about how
"My best friend is moving!"
"I'm so sad! I'll miss you, BFF!"
...and et cetera.

Dearest Emilee-
Let me say, you aren't one of my best friends.
I would like you to be, but we haven't had time to know get to know each other better.
Yes, putting painful, skin-removing tape on your skin made us closer,
but apparently not close enough.
:) You'll always be my blogger/birthday buddy.
I still would love to get to know you better.
Have fun in North Carolina.

~Rebekah

bahaha.

Today was the 2nd day of band camp.

I am exhausted, to say the least.

*Yawn*....

I'm going to bed now.

Goodnight.

nothing to lose

(Feel free to click on picture to make them larger)

From the producers that brought you

and the directors of
Proudly present their newest production:
Playing only next week, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm!!!
Be there, be there, BE THERE!!!!!
(Unless, of course, you're not in Marching Band)

waltzing through summer.

Instead of compiling a playlist for the summer at the beginning of June,

I decided to let it wait and pick the songs that matched my summer the best.

So, I present to you, my blog readers,

My Summer 2011 Playlist

terrifying.

Rattlesnake in the front yard?
Terrifying.

In happier news,
I have a new cousin!

conformity is a beast.

^^^Title stolen from Olivia^^^

A1- Band with Burgoyne
A2- French with Burnah
A3- Algebra 2 with Giles
A4- English with Gallagher

B1- Stage Craft with Shelley
B2- Seminary with ??????
B3- Chemistry with Snow
B4- Health with Squires

2nd semester same except for:
B4- Computer Tech with Gordon

They, the Builders of the Nation

They, the builders of the nation,

Blazing trails along the way;

Stepping stones for generations

Were their deeds of ev'ry day.

Building new and firm foundations,

Pushing on the wild frontier,

Forging onward, ever onward,

Blessed, honored Pioneer!

"That evening as we crossed the Platte River for the last time, it was very cold. The next morning there was about 6 inches of snow on the ground, then what we had to suffer can never be told. Father was very bad this morning and could hardly sit up in the tent, but we had to travel that day through the snow. I managed to get father into one of the wagons that morning, that was the last we ever saw him alive. We could only make one drive as it began to snow so hard, then we camped. The snow was getting very deep and my sister and I had to pitch our tent and get some wood, but that was handy as there were plenty of dry willows on the banks of the river. After we had made mother as comfortable as possible, we went to try and find father, but the wind was blowing the snow so bad that we could not see anything. The wagons had not gotten into camp and it was so dark we did not find him that night...

"The next morning the snow was about 18 inches deep and awful cold. While my sister was preparing our little bite of breakfast I went to look for father, and I found him under the wagon with snow all over him and he was stiff and dead. I felt as though my heart would burst as I sat down beside him on the snow and took his hand in mine and cried "Oh, Father, Father,". There we were away from everything, away out on the mountains with hardly anything to eat or wear and father dead and mother sick and a widow with five small children and not hardly able to live from day to day. After I had my cry out I went back to the tent and told my mother and the children. To try to write my feelings is out of the question. We were not the only family that was called upon to mourn the loss of a father that morning, for there were 13 men dead in camp. The men that were able to do anything cleaned off the snow and made a fire and thawed the ground and dug a big hole and buried all in one grave, some side by side and some on top of one another; anyway to get them covered. I can assure you that the men had no heart to do any more than they had too. We never knew if father died in the wagon and was lifted out or if he got out himself and fell down exhausted and froze to death."

(Heber Robert McBride, pioneer of the Martin Handcart Company)

(My grandmother's grandfather, or my great-great grandfather)

(Original copy of his journal can be found at the BYU HBLL Special Collections)

Today we honor pioneers. They suffered to bring us a better life. If they had not brought their families away from the persecution, we would not be who we are today. Especially not me.

"List our song of adoration! Blessed, honored Pioneer!!!"

(Painting Copyright 1999 by Olinda Reynolds)

("They, the Builders of the Nation" text, Copyright 1948 by Ida R. Allredge)

wants & needs

You know what this blog needs?
Words written my people other than me.

You know what I want?
Comments on my blog posts.

Lets kill two birds with one stone, shall we?
If you comment ever so kindly on my blog posts,
the Need will be met,
and the Want will be fulfilled.

Go on. Comment.

.....
I know you're wondering what to say.
Here's a prompt:
I went to Salt Lake today. What's your favorite thing to do?
Mine's Temple Square.

There's your prompt.
Go on.
Comment.

My dad.

My dad.
Well, he's kind of a history nerd.
So, being the guy he is,
He created this blog last night.

Today is the 150th anniversary of the 1st Battle of Bull Run/1st Battle of Manassas.
Go read about it.
He'll be doing this for the entire Sesquicentennial of the Civil War
(That big word up there means 150 years)

Here's the link. Check it out.

somewhere

There's a special place in the back of my mind.

Whenever I feel:
*Depressed
*Angry
*Homesick
*Overwhelmed
*Abandoned
*Unloved
....or anything similar,
I go there.

I remember what my life was like.
I think of my life now.
I dream of how my life will be.
I ponder what my life would have been.

Why can't life be as simple as when we were children?
Almost everything has changed.
Sometimes I feel that if I could just go back, for one moment,
My life would be better.

I thought I was the only person that was like this,
(Reminiscent and stuck in the past),
until May of 2011.
Then everything changed.

I was hanging out with a friend,
after spending some "quality" (aka project time) together.
This friend spotted something that they remembered from their childhood,
and their joy was overwhelming.

It was a revelation for me.
I had found someone else who took joy in remembering.
Its funny when a person shares some of their deepest secrets with you,
You feel a special connection with them.

So, that's my sappy post.
Am I the only one?

Honey! I'm Home!

Guess what?

Colorado was a blast.

Even if I was stuck in a house with nearly all my cousins,

and I missed the Harry Potter premiere.

Yup....

I have mentioned here before that I hate drama,

and that is absolutely still true.

I'm writing a story.

Hopefully I can become a published author before I'm out of high school.

That way I can write my way through college, able to support myself without getting too many jobs.

That's about it.

Welcome Back, she.

suspense!!!!

I know, I know.
Remember this post?
And this one?
I do.

Here are the answers, for all those who haven't guessed already

Part 1

#1-Miss Ashli

#2-Miss Brittney

#3-Sir Andrew

#4-Miss Emilee

#5-Miss Olivia

#6-Miss Nicole

#7-Miss Cait (Jellyfoosh)

#8-Miss Micaela

#9-Miss Carrie

#10-Miss Alashandra

#11- Miss Sarah

Part 2

#1-Miss Talia

#2-Sir Sequoia

#3-Miss Shiloh

#4-Hi Mommy ;)