:)

Reflecting

2012-02-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Rewind.

It's May 3rd, 2007.

I'm in Rexburg Idaho.

And i'm running back to my dorm from my Anatomy and Physiology class.

Its about 11:45 AM.

That meant it was just about time for the mail to come.

And my mission call was on its way.

And SUPPOSED to be in my mailbox TODAY.

This was the day I had dreamed of for YEARS.

It was the combination of worthiness, preparation, and obedience to spiritual promptings that had gotten me to this point in my life.

I was STOKED.

I raced to my apartment, ran up the stairs, got the mail key, and bolted down to the office.

My manager, who was a great friend of mine, was there.

I fling the door to my mailbox open.

and No. Call.

So naturally, being a girl.

I cried.

That meant it would be a whole 'nother week before my call came.

Dang.

I call my dad, tell him the conference call is off.

I go up to my apartment and my best friend Brittany House comes bursting through the front door.

Hoping, just as i had been, that my call had come.

When she found out it didn't, she says, "Lets call the post office!!"

My first thought, "Yeah right"

But I say ok.

And the long awaited call was there.

Only in Rexburg Idaho would you be able to call the post office, and go pick up your mission call without any form of identification.

Minor detail.....

A few short hours later, I nervously sat on the couch in my apartment, with my family on the phone,

and read the following assignment.

"...you've been called to labor in the Illinois, Peoria mission"

I quickly flipped through the book.

Where the heck is Peoria???

I quickly found out that I would be serving in the land hallowed by the life and death of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I love, and honor that wonderful servant of God.

I would be in Nauvoo

Carthage

and so many other places where the church was built up.

I was stoked, and I was overcome with the spirit.

Illinois is where the Lord needed ME.

Fastforward to today at 6:00

I anxiously waited on video chat for my youngest brother to open up his mission call.

I had so many of the same feelings I had when I had that white envelope in my hand.

I was so excited for my brother.

Andrew opens up the call and cheats,

he reads his assignment before he even pulls it out of the envelope.

the only thing we hear is a "holy crap" and see a big smile on his face.

He begins reading his call.

"Elder Andrew Gene Witt.....you have been assigned to serve in the Seoul South Korea Mission"

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!

Are you kidding me?

How exciting is that!!!!

"...more joy and happiness await you then you could ever imagine..."

So. True.

Congrats Andy.

More joy and happiness await you in Korea then you could ever have thought possible.

I know the reality of that saying.

Because I've been there.

I loved my mission.

If I could rewind to my mission and relive it, I would.

And I wouldn't change a thing.

Andrew will be the best missionary ever.

That will make 4 RM's in the Witt home.

That's 100%.

We are so blessed.

Hurrah for Israel!!!!

hmmmm.....

2012-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me the other day if I would ever be interested in writing like professionally.

I promptly said, "no"

That was the second person who had asked me that in the last couple months.

But that question is something that I've given a lot of thought too.

Not that I would ever be able to publish something, or anything like that.

But really.

If I sat down and wrote all about my life and the hilarious things that have happened....

people could be entertained for days.

That along with the stories of the trials, triumphs, spiritual experiences, etc that have happened would be awesome to write down and keep for future kids.

I have kept journals about 1/2 of the time. I go for months without writing and then do a huge catch up.

But while I'm able to, I've seriously considered going year by year and writing down all the things I can remember about life. Because once I'm married with kids, I doubt I will have time.

I'm still deciding if it is something I want to do.

But if its a yes......

YOU may just be graced with some funny stories as I remember them.

You'll be entertained, I promise!! :)

Now...where do I start.......

NAILED it.

2012-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Lee brice completely nailed in on this song. Love it.

Good job Lee Brice. You rock.

P.s. Thank you for the continued support for me and my family. Things are still up in the air but we are hanging in there!!!

Hilarious.

2012-02-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

This is by far the funniest episode I have ever seen on ellen!! Watch it

Heroes part 3

2012-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

Lately I've felt super negative when I go back and read my blog.

And to be honest, I don't mean to be negative, because life is SO good.

And lets be real, without trials where would I be?

Not where I am now.

So, thank heavens for trials....in their own special way! :)

I am surrounded by the most loving, compassionate people that I could ever imagined.

I still get stopped a dozen times a day each sunday by people who want to know how David is doing.

And I'm honest with them.

So, here is another post about Heroes

One family that I have become especially close to the last little bit is the Crowley family.

Shelly is my cousin but growing up because of the age difference we never did anything outside of family get togethers, but I did a lot with her younger sister Becca.

Well, Shell is married now to a hilarious and great guy and they have 4 of the cutest most tender most amazing kids. And I have been privileged to get to know them very well.

When everything was crazy with Dave, one day after work when I was here alone, I went to their house and just cried.

I hang out at their house and just do nothing for hours each week

I monopolize their little baby at every chance I can get.

And I love it.

While I have a great home, and amazing parents,

their house has become my second home, my place of solace.

I feel completely indebted to them for their goodness and the many times they have helped me, even when they didn't know anything was wrong.

basically....they rock

Shelly and Jeremy have been amazing.

in fact...shelly even has gotten me excited about working out.

Code for: she is a miracle worker! :)

They are my heroes for the week.

Perfect

2012-01-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes this song perfectly describes me, like it it does right this minute.

One day I feel like I am totally recovered. And then I wake up the next day. Dang.

Someone told me today, "Why is it so hard for you? He's still alive." My first thought, "Idiot."

The fact that he is alive is one of the greatest blessings and miracles I have ever witnessed in my life.

But its draining. Waking up in hot sweats, and a nervous wreck in the middle of the night because I picture what it is was like to see him right before he went on life support.

One day he is great. The next day he isn't. Its seriously a minute by minute roller coaster, and you never know what to expect. THAT'S what is hard.

One day I feel completely emotionally stable and the next day I'm a mess. Like today. David is doing great today. So why am I a mess??? Good question.

But, this song has been tender mercy #2234594937271929994 for me. Love this song. I LOVE IT.

It brings me peace and helps me remember I'm not alone.

A beautiful heartbreak indeed. And Christ knows PERFECTLY how I feel.

So I will continue to trust in the Lord, and continue to endure.

"I used to pray He'd take it all away. But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak."

Life is a journey. And its the best life I could've ever asked for.

Heroes part 2

2012-01-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was feeling a bit emotional and didn't want to be a mess at church, so I thought I would do a heroes Part II today.

I have another hero that wasn't mentioned yesterday.

Here is how I would describe this person.

strong

faithful

diligent

patient

honest

a modern day moroni

optimistic

trusting

a leader

humble

loving

selfless

a fighter

hilarious

unwavering

courageous

brave

stalwart

fearless

determined

thoughtful

loyal

sacrifices

a husband

a future father

.......

My older Brother.

DAVID EVAN WITT

I could go on and on.

Growing up my dad used to describe David and I as "farts and matches".

code for: we did NOT get along.

But, Dave has always been my hero.

especially now.

I love him and I'm inspired by his goodness, strength, and courage to hang on.

Even when literally in the face of death.

I LOVE YOU DAVE.

I am glad we are no longer "farts and matches"

Thank you for being who you are.

Bytheway....

I can't WAIT to see you with a new set of lungs.

...maybe you will be able to beat me in basketball......

probably not :) :)

"...and then a hero comes along..."

2012-01-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

Everybody has the heroes in their lives who they look up to, admire, and want to be like.

Those people that always are strong and faithful and optimistic.

I have recently gained a new hero, and I've never even met her.

She lost her little baby girl when she was just 9 months old waiting for a organ transplant and now she is dedicating her life to helping bring awareness to organ donation.

We were hooked up with her as we are waiting for the double lung transplant for David.

She recently had a "Run for Ruby" (her little girl) and had a booth set up for David, where people could buy wristbands and the money would go to David.

We haven't even met her in person and she did it without questions, without wondering who we were, and not only did we get a nice check from her to go towards medical bills for Dave,

But we got the nicest, sweetest, most loving letter I've ever received.

And we got wristbands with Romans 12:12 on it.

Its my new favorite scripture.

Ani is my hero.

She is so strong, and helps me to be stronger.

I've been following her blog since before her daughter died, and I never thought that i would be able to rub shoulders with her.

Now i have...from a distance.

And she is one of my new heroes.

There is a connection we have simply because of the trials we have been through. Unfortunately, her adorable daughter didn't get her transplant in time, and yet her last words in her letter were "We can't wait to hear that you got 'the call'."

(Meaning the lungs are in)

I've met a lot of people who have become my heroes over the last month.

Family members.

the nurses and doctors at the University of Utah.

Everyone who has been SO SO generous with either donations, or their time, energy, prayers and concern.

We have been very well taken care of.

On both sides of the veil.

I have a new list of heroes that most people may look at and be like "really?"

they aren't movie stars

they aren't rich

they aren't well known

but they are amazing people

who worry about themselves less then they worry about others

simply put...they are busy doing the Lord's work and serving His children, no matter what their religious background is.

Here's a challenge for you.

Pick someone who is your hero that doesn't know they are your hero.

and then let them know.

Thank them for being so good.

Sometimes I'm a little too up front!

2012-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well David came home from the hospital today. Its amazing and crazy and exciting and its also scary and nervewracking and brings on a sense of anxiousness that I can't explain.

This experience with David has helped me re-think my path of life and where I'm headed and what I'm doing. Its helped me to get some ideas and set some goals of where I want to be in the next couple years, what I want to accomplish, and how I can become more prepared to meet my Savior because life is fragile and we don't know when our time is going to be.

I've been told dozens of times over the last couple months,

"Lindsay, you just gotta have faith"

I know I know.

Its so true. Faith works.

Faith heals.

Faith strengthens.

Faith motivates.

Faith is the key.

But sometimes it is just hard to have faith.

Sometimes its just hard to not let your mind wander and get caught up in the unknowns and the what ifs.

What if lungs don't come for another 6 months?

What if David gets a collapsed lung at home?

What if the chest tubes get clogged?

What if?????

And then I think, really Lindsay???

Have you totally forgotten the dozens of miracles you've seen firsthand over the last two months?

Have you forgotten how many thousands of prayers are being said on your family's behalf?

Have you totally forgotten that the Lord is in charge of everything?

Have you lost sight of the Plan of Salvation??

Nope.

Sure haven't.

And there is no way I ever will.

My faith has been tested past any limits it ever has before, and because of that, it has gotten way stronger.

I've had to ask for confirmations of the plan of salvation and my testimony has grown stronger.

My knowledge of the power of the Atonement has increased.

My relationships with my family have become stronger.

I'm exhausted. I'm worn out.

***AND***

I'm much more grounded in the things that matter most.

I'm much closer to my Savior.

**************************************************************

All things considered I'm doin' ok.

And no matter what the future holds, that won't change.

I Can Do Hard Things

2012-01-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

So I guess I should update on everything goin on lately!

Things have gotten a lot less hectic but still there's a lot up in the air.

David is out of the ICU, off life support, and is doing better. He got another pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after he got out of the ICU and they discussed putting in a second chest tube to increase the suction, but like David always does, he exceeded the nurses expectations, and he didn't need it after all.

David is staying upbeat, but he is definitely tired with everything that has gone on.

His body is tired, and he is mentally tired, but he is still funny, and so positive and full of faith.

I never thought I would have anything happen that was as difficult as the last two weeks have been.

Like, I can't even put into words what its been like.

There are a lot of unknowns in the future, and anything could happen at anytime. But we are trying to have faith, and trying to not let it take over our lives.

At times it is proving to be difficult. But lets be real. I have never felt so supported and so strengthened at any time in my life.

We have seen so many miracles

And have felt the strength of the thousands of prayers in our behalf

We are eternally grateful for each of you and your goodness and thoughts, prayers, and support.

We are so blessed.

I keep thinking through the talk by Elder Cook.

"I can do hard things"

Especially with the support and love we have felt.

Remembering that I can do hard things has helped me gain more of an eternal perspective.

Heck, my car is filthy AND the mats in my car are crooked.

For those of you that know me, thats enough to perfectly sum up the ridiculousness of the last week.

Because my car doesn't get dirty, and my mats are NEVER crooked.

But guess what?

I am not cleaning it right now.

And I'm not straightening the mats.

Because those things don't matter right now

What does matter?

well....where do I start?

my family

my testimony

my relationship with Christ

my personal, daily scripture study/prayer

continuing to recognize the Lord's hand in everything

feeling uplifted and loved from EVERYONE that I pass in the hall at church and at work.

The eternal things.

Thats what really matters.

And I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am.

The Plan of Salvation is true.

My family is an eternal family.

The gospel is true right? So what else matters?

Transplant

2011-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

So as we know, my brother David and his wife Summer have had an interesting 9 months of marriage. As part of the decrease in Dave's health due to Cystic Fibrosis, they have spent their first Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a married couple in the hospital.

Since David was missing so much work, he got laid off right after Thanksgiving and since that time, they have gotten almost $10,000 in medical bills that isn't covered by their insurance, with many more to come once the lungs come in. Luckily they have insurance but will still have lots of out of pocket charges with the medicines and supplies that he will be needing now and after the transplant, that insurance will not cover.

We've created a Facebook page to show our love and support for David and Summer. Even if you don't know them, but you know someone in our family, please join this page to show them how much support they have.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/151641234944543/

This group is called "Dave Needs a Lung Transplant"

Also, Summer has set up a PayPal account so that anyone who is able to help in any small way can easily contribute. We understand that this is a difficult time for many people with the economy, but every little bit helps relieve the financial burden they feel. Thank you so much for all of the prayers and support that you have given us.

They have led to miracles!

Back to utardia

2011-12-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

This new blog set up is throwin' off my groove.

I don't know how to check anything and haven't had the time or energy to really look into it.

Good news though.

I haven't had a break down for 4 days.

I deserve a gold star.

AND....I slept THE WHOLE night last night.

I didn't even use Tylenol PM!!!!

But, the end is in sight. Dave is almost done with the lung tests so he is almost officially on the list. (HOPEFULLY)

His lungs have stayed inflated for almost a whole week now!!

His heart is freakin out a bit, but no permanent damage.

So overall great news.

We are going there tomorrow to help Dave and his wife move and to just be there for Dave.

Its hard to see him suffer, but today is the first day in a long time things have really looked up and Dave has been chipper about things.

But, I just wanted to quickly say thank you SO much for all the prayers.

David and Summer feel them.

My family feels them.

and I feel them.

Prayer works.

Oh, you know.

2011-12-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

*****DISCLAIMER: I REALLY DO LOVE LIFE*****

I have never felt so comforted one moment and so alone the next.

The words from a song by Taylor Swift I think comes to mind...

"I feel alone in a crowded room..."

I have felt that way over the last couple weeks.

Lately I feel as if I am alone, caught up in my own thoughts, no matter how many people I am around.

I feel like I'm not standing up as straight because I have a burden on my shoulders.

I feel like a bipolar mess where one moment I feel peace and am truly happy and then the next I'm crying because someone asked me about how David is doing.

My boss has gotten the brunt of my emotions outside of my mom.

Bless his heart. He really is so good. And so kind.

It's really nice to have an LDS boss sometimes. This is one of those times.

There have been SO many tender mercies throughout this whole thing.

David lost his job: We have a ton of family that are so willing to take them in.

David's lung collapsed again a couple days ago: This will hopefully move him up on the transplant list.

David lives in Utah, not even an hour away from one of the best CF clinics in the nation.

David has the most amazing wife he could ever ask for.

David, and me, and our whole family have strong testimonies of the restored gospel.

And of the Living Christ.

I came home for lunch today and the only thing I could do was walk in the front door and start crying.

Two hours of sleep, and many hours of laying in bed worrying about your brother doesn't make the craziest day of work you have EVER had any easier.

And it doesn't make those crazy, uncontrollable girly emotions any easier to control.

I have thought about how it was that my family has been blessed with this trial.

Sometimes I wish I could put into words exactly how I feel, not to have a wo is me moment, but to just get it out and be able to move on.

I have found that it is very therapeutic to talk about it, but its hard too.

With my dad as stake president, I feel a little pressure to come across as happy and care free as possible. Not that they can't know that I'm struggling, but I want them to know that even amidst the struggles, I really do have such a great life. I realize that there are a lot more people and a lot more families this Christmas season who are less fortunate then my family is.

I know it will all work out.

I just don't know how.

What does it mean this time that "The Lord's in charge?"

What is His plan.

Sometimes I just wish I knew.

So I could prepare for the worst or plan for the best.

But, that would take away so many of the lessons that I've already learned the past two weeks.

For instance....

I'm learning what it means to Really feel of the Atonement.

I hope I am understanding it right.

It doesn't make the trial, the emotions, or the unanswered questions go away.

But it makes them a lot easier to bear.

It makes the weight of the burden feel a little bit lighter.

Believe it or not, this is a VERY short version.

2011-12-15T22:08:00.001-08:00

So I got the OK to post about this on my blog, since it has made its way to the Facebook world.

This last week has been....well.....a duesy.

I have a brother with Cystic Fibrosis. (as I have mentioned before)

He was recently in the hospital for three weeks.

Out for 6 days.

And BAM.

Monday we get a call from his wife that he was once again admitted into the hospital for another collapsed lung. This is his 4th one since he got married.

Like not even a year ago.

So. The disease continues to progress.

David has met with Doctors at the University of Utah hospital to see what they are thinking about doing.

He has begun the process of being put on a lung transplant list.

The next week will be a week of huge tests and decisions.

He will have to get everything tested.

Heart. Kidney. Liver. Everything. They want to make sure that he has the best chance of survival for this surgery.

There is a 20% mortality rate the first year after surgery.

50% of people after 5 years survive, which is much much better then what he was given this week if he didn't get this process started.

Once everything is rolling and he is officially on the list for lung transplants, he will pretty much be given a pager and sent home. Two to three times a week he will go up to the University of Utah to get blood work done until a set of lungs comes in for him. When the lungs come in, his pager will go off and he will go up to the U of U and surgery will be underway.

If all goes according to plans, he should have a new set of lungs within 4 to 6 months.

It is hard to put all of the information together in a way that is understandable.

But, long story short, CF has begun to really rear its ugly head for Dave and our family.

CF is something that growing up I looked at as the disease that made Dave cough a lot, throw up in the pool, and take a bunch of medicines.

If only thats ALL it was.

The real, intense facts of this disease are coming to life for our family this week.

CF is a disease that is threatening to take Dave's life.

But, Dave is doing well.

He's positive and is so full of faith.

This week has been full of tears and emotional breakdowns,

It's scary, and lots of questions remain unanswered, and there are so many unknowns.

But we have tried to stay faithful and know that the Lord is in charge.

Its hard, and I know there will be emotional days, and more tears ahead, but there's something I've learned and I hope I can remember.....

Expect Miracles.

And if the things we want to have happen don't,

The Lord's in charge.

He's formulated a perfect plan and it's all in his hands.

Thanks Heavens.

The PERFECT Christmas Bonus....

2011-12-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

On wednesday after work, my boss pulled us aside.

This isn't an abnormal thing, this happens quite often in fact.

But this day was different.

This day we received Christmas Bonuses.

Unfortunately, my first thought was "YES!! I was hoping this would come!!!"

But then he said that this bonus came with strings attached,

This bonus was going to be a little bit different.

And it turns out that this was the best Christmas bonus I could've ever received.

My boss handed each of us five $20 gift cards to Walmart to give away to someone who needed them more then we did.

My heart was immediately softened and I was filled with compassion.

My next thought was "Anybody can use this more then me, I am so blessed. Not everyone has a job right now, and not everyone is as fortunate as I am"

I went home that night, and was a little emotional on the way home as I was thinking about how blessed I was and how fortunate I am at this time in my life.

That night as I prayed, I prayed that I would know who to give them to, a few people who would be EXTRA grateful for them.

Today, I was sitting in Carl's Jr., eating the BEST chicken sandwich I've ever had, when someone walked in and all he could afford was a small salad and a water. He had on torn clothes on a chilly day and you could tell in many ways that he hadn't showered for weeks.

I was overtaken by the strong BO scent that came as he sat down 3 tables away.

But the only thought that came was, "Give him a card"

I was walking over to his table, when he broke out in cuss words, and I could tell he wasn't mentally all there. And I made a decision I really regret.

I changed my path and went to refill my drink instead.

I got nervous about how he would respond.

Would he get mad that I thought he came across as someone who needed help?

Would he cuss at me because he didn't understand?

I let my weak sauce self get the best of me.

REALLY LINDS??????

I got in the car and really kicked myself for not following through on what I saw then as a very clear answer to prayer.

I mean, I talked to people who 18 months who I didn't know, and who were homeless, and I got cussed out more times then I can count. What stopped me today!?!?!

I couldn't believe I had done that. I was SO disappointed in myself.

I went back to work discouraged that I had let the "natural man" get the best of me.

But, at that moment, I made a promise though to myself and the Lord.

I will give those cards to 5 people who need them.

I won't ignore any more promptings the Lord is anxious and willing to bless me with.

I don't care how they look or what they are saying.

Today made me realize though how powerful the real meaning of Christmas is. Its about giving.

Its about the Savior.

Its about His birth which was such an amazing miracle.

Its about knowing who our "neighbor" is, and taking care of them.

Its about everything EXCEPT ourselves.

Today I have felt the spirit so strong.

I hope the Lord will trust me with more people in my path, so that I can help them in a little way.

It may be $20 to them.

But to me, it is the BEST Christmas bonus I've EVER received.

Ooooohhhhh....that's RIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHHHTT.

2011-12-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

Remember how like a month ago I was all excited to announce that I was going to start doing a "Random Saturday" Post.

And remember how I haven't done one since????

Thought so.

But lets be real, that means that I was doing something productive and not sitting in front of my computer right?

But let's be real, today, you will get the ultimate RANDOM post from me.

Thanksgiving came and went in the blink of an eye.

I worked that week monday-wednesday, and then thursday morning one of my favorite people came at 4:45 AM and picked me up to go to the airport, where I then proceeded to hop on a flight and go to Utah to meet up with my familia.

It was a blast, and then I drove home Saturday.

And got stuck in about 23458326791 hours of traffic. Super lame.

Then real life hit again and I have been a crazy fool running around trying to get stuff ready for a huge Relief Society activity I have next week, and a lesson I am teaching tomorrow.

Today I turned to my mom, and I said, "Really???? Why do I have to be such an over achiever?? Why can't I be okay with a handout not backed in some super cute paper? Or a table cloth that doesn't match whats on it?"

Yeah. That won't ever happen.

So I decided to finally embrace my OCD-ness.

I also still work like crazy. Work is good, no real complaints.

Part of me is starting to be in complete freak out mode because I feel like I don't know what I want to do with my life, or where I want to go, or what I want to be when I grow up.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my job, don't get me wrong, but my goal isn't to be a huge money-making fool who works 50+ hours a week.

My goal is to be a mom of a bunch of crazy little boys, and a wife to the most handsome man ever.

And lets be real, unless someone moves in, thats not happening in Fresno.

So for Now I feel ok being here, but eventually I may get a little ancy.

Well, there is my random ramblings on my random life.

After Wednesday I will have about 10 more hours in the day to do something fun.

Like my goal for the week?

Start working out again.

I am not going to let myself use the excuse that "its just so dark when I get off work, and I'm tired."

Lindz - get with it, thats when you REALLY need to go.

Ok. Thats all for my ramblings.

Oh, not really.

You wanna read an AMAZING talk??

Read "Your happily ever after" by President Uchtdorf.

A. MAZE. ING.

Do it. I dare you.

Then and Now.

2011-11-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, every Saturday morning was WORKIN' day.

We mowed the grass, pulled weeds, swept, and washed cars.

We cleaned the bathroom, and vacuumed the house.

And most of the time, we enjoyed it.

We bonded, we talked, and we learned.

Dad taught us how to do things outside, while mom taught us how to

keep the inside of the house nice and tidy.

While we learned the little tricks of taking care of things, we were learning a much more important lesson, and thats the importance of knowing how to really WORK.

I've been thinking a lot about WORK lately, and how everything that is worth anything in life requires WORK. I've become so grateful lately for the opportunity my parents

gave me to WORK and for the chances that they took to teach us the importance of WORK.

I mean think about it:

I go to WORK everyday, so I can put my college degree to use

I had to WORK to get that degree

I had to WORK hard for success on the mission, and I got it....a lot of it.

We have to WORK to keep our testimonies.

WORK is required to keep our relationships strong.

We saw the Lord WORK every day of His life, and He is the perfect example.

As we forget ourselves and go to WORK, thats when we are truly happy.

There's nothing that is more rewarding than hard WORK.

The Lord wants to teach us how to WORK, so He gives us callings.

It requires WORK to get through hard trails, and difficult moments in life.

Sometimes it even takes WORK to recognize tender mercies and miracles.

Its fun to WORK.

WORK brings many blessings into our lives.

I know in the future it will be a lot of WORK to raise my kids in the way I desire.

I believe that true, sincere, heartfelt prayer is a form of WORK.

I could go on and on about WORK, but I will stop there.

I just appreciate my parents so much for teaching me how to WORK back then,

So that my life can be benefitted now by the blessings of daily WORK.

Just like the other 10000 bloggers....

2011-11-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

Just like the other 10,000 blogs that I've read, I thought I would take a minute and

blog about some of the things I am grateful for.

-My family

-That I know I am a child of God

-My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ

-My job

-My health

-Modern Medicine

-My calling in church

-The knowledge I have that Heavenly Father is aware of me

-I have the best friends ever

-The beautiful weather here in Fresno

-My education

-Inspired church leaders

-The priesthood

-I never have to worry about having enough of anything

-My parents taught me how to work

-Missionary work

-Daily tender mercies

-Answers to prayers

-The scriptures

My list could go on and on.

Even though sometimes it is hard to remember the blessings that we have, especially when things get tough, I am truly blessed. I am abundantly blessed, and I couldn't ask for much more. I have realized recently how quickly the Lord comes to our rescue and how anxious he is to bless us. He knows us personally. He lives. He is real.

That knowledge alone is enough for me to feel very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Paul

2011-11-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

The other day at work a man named Paul came in.

Only let me explain Paul.

He had huge hands

and a very deep voice.

He was wearing a floral dress

and a bright pink blouse

He had painted fingernails

long hair

make up

and extremely girly flip flops.

Yes. You read it right. HIS name was PAUL.

So the doctor walks in.

He says, "You are Paul right."

Deep voice: "Yes"

Dr: "Ok, just wanted to make sure"

Deep voice: "Yes but by the end of the year my legal name will be Paula"

Dr: "Good thing, because this is really confusing me right now"

Umm hi.......you don't say that.

And you definitely don't follow it up with this:

"Lindsay, if you were to change to a man, would your man name be Larry"

Jaw dropping hilariousness.

Thats my job.

Random Saturday

2011-11-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

I follow a super cute blog and very Friday they do a Random Friday and she just kind of talks about everything thats happened since her last post.

I decided, for the two of you that read this, that I would do a random Saturday since thats usually the only day I have time to blog these days.

So, in a nut shell, this is what I've been up to:

-Work work work. I just put in a time off request and I actually felt a little bit bad, but its not till March, so by then I will need a little break.

-Church: I just got put into the Relief Society Presidency as second counselor and so that is keeping me REALLY busy!! But its fun! I also have been helping out with the youth musical and the performances are tonight!! I can't wait to see it all come together

-Dating: a really cute guy, and its goin well :)

-Taking random road trips and scheduling random road trips for the future. There are two more I gotta nail down then I am good to go (Arizona for the Henderson's and Illinois for mission peeps!

-Snuggling with my cousins new little babe. who is ADORABLE.

-Pinterest. Enough said.

-Figuring out how to use my new MacBook Pro

So long story short, I am staying busy, and I am getting my creative juices flowing!! Just you wait!! :)

(Pictures to come...if I ever get around to making things and not just thinking about them!!)

Don't read if you are squeamish....

2011-10-11T21:08:00.001-07:00

So today at work I might have had the grossest experience of my life.

No Joke. I don't think I will ever be this grossed out ever again.

So Tuesday mornings are surgery mornings. And today an older gentlemen came in and he had major diabetes, like should've had both of his legs amputated a LONG time ago. He had no feeling in them and he couldn't even bend one of them. Well, because of that his hygiene was.....far less then satisfactory. Yeah..thats what we will say.

Well, his toes were all bent together and folded over each other and his ankles/feet looked like little bowling balls. He couldn't even put his shoes on. Sick. His legs were bleeding through his shorts. There was stuff growing between his toes and it was green and black. Well at first I was trying to be nice and was thinking, man this poor guy must be so miserable. I was trying not to gag due to the lovely smell, but I was holding it together.

Then...he popped the question.

yes. THE question.

"Will you put my shoes on?"

Woof.

So I mustered all the courage I could and I started putting his shoes on, praying and pleading inside to NOT come into direct contact with his feet.

I was blocking a lot of it out until he said,

"Oh, and you will probably want to wash your hands when you are done."

I think I threw up a little in my mouth.

So I make it through one shoe and he says, "Thats good, thats just my bad foot"

Gangrene.

Staff.

and a bunch of other communicable diseases went through my mind.

Then we had to transfer him from his wheelchair to a regular chair.

Then we had to go sanitize. Lots.

Today, I've washed my hands, more like my arms from my elbows down, more then I ever have in my life, and hand sanitizer has become my new best friend.

It was so gross, I almost put in my two weeks notice.

(just kidding)

Hands

2011-10-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

Call me wierd, but I've been thinking a lot lately about the power of our hands.

In the last couple of weeks I've seen the impact that our hands can have in helping/hurting the lives of others.

I've seen simple things like someone flip me off because I stopped at a yellow light just before it turned instead of going through like he was planning on. And then serious things like seeing a young 5 year old boy come in to the eye doctor absolutely terrified of me and all strangers because he had been abused by the hands of his father. I've never felt so sick and saddened by anything so fast in my life as I did when that little boy came in and his mom and step father told me what was wrong.

Then I've seen things like a 96 year old woman in tears because the hands of a skilled surgeon helped her to once again see the world clearly. I've seen a young woman who struggles with down syndrome comforted by holding the hands of her loving twin sister during a painful office procedure at the doctors office. I've seen a daughter loving serve her mother by holding her around her waist so that she wouldn't fall when she walked.

These experiences have helped me understand a little bit better the lyrics of the song "His Hands". How the Savior exemplified perfectly how powerful our hands can be. They can demean, hurt, and destroy confidence and trust in others. Or they can build, strengthen, touch, and uplift those around us.

I hope that I can always be someone who builds and uses my hands in a way to bless the lives of those around me. I hope I can better exemplify the Savior in the little things I choose to do with my hands.

thats all.

2011-09-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Things

2011-09-04T15:37:00.001-07:00

So lately I've discovered all kinds of new things, and remembered all kinds of things that I forgot about over time. You know those things that make your day so much more pleasant/make you go broke.....yeah. You know what I'm talking about.

This post is now going to be called "My Favorite Things" Post, like Oprah's favorite things, only this time, there won't be any giveaways, everything you see will be under $100 bucks, and they are simple pleasures in life. So really, not at all like Oprah.

1. This haircut. I LOVE this haircut. I saw it and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I'm really nervous about touching my hair right now because its finally SO long, so most of the time I just look at this picture and think, maybe one day I will have this cute haircut! :)

2. RYKA shoes. Oh. My. Gosh. Talk about the most comfortable work out shoes EVER. I absolutely LOVE Ryka's. They do something I never thought any shoe would do, they make me want to go workout. They make the shred ENJOYABLE!!! They are super light weight with great support and I LOVE them.

Sorry New Balance and Adidas, you have been replaced.

Love,

the girl who USED to keep you guys in business with her shoe obsession.

3. So for those of you who don't like "diet" drinks. This drink is AWESOME. This is one of the only non-diet drinks I like. It is amazing. Like makes the 105+ days seem totally conquerable. I don't know if it has reached the level of DDP or DVC, but its close. And its new, so I might as well make it sound EXTRA good.

4. I love fall, because I absolutely LOVE cardigans. Target has quite the array of cute cardigans right now, along with Penneys, and Eddie Bauer. Cardigans are like my feel-good clothes.

Come faster fall, I need to break more of these out!!

5. Charming. Charlie. Enough said. It is a store of complete happiness. AND it is perfect for anybody who is slightly OCD about being organized! (100% guilty) It is colorcoded, and fun, and cute and CHEAP (unless you get like 10 things every time you go....guilty again) and things for every occasion. Go. I dare you.

6. Melaleuca Chapstick. I may or may not have just melted mine in the hot car this week, which super sucks because this lovely puts Burts Bees to SHAME. yes. I said it. It does.

7. Melaleuca low-fat, crave blocking protein shakes. Yes. Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry.

best meal ever.

8. I bought a bag of these at Costco a few weeks ago. Sister Parker had them in church and I was immediately hooked. I bought a bag thinking, ok, its dark chocolate, so I will be totally satisfied by just having 4 or 5 little pieces a day. That can be my sweet fix and I will be good. WRONG. I won't tell you how fast I finished the bag. Absolutely Amazing. Now Costco will be seeing MUCH more of me. I justify because its dark chocolate, bad justification I know. I haven't bought another bag yet, I'm trying to exercise more self control!!!! :)

Welp....these are a few of my favorite things. I could add more to the list, but lets be real, no one probably even read this whole thing!! :) But until next time, try these things out. You WONT be disappointed.

This is my blog.

2011-08-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is my blog, so I'm just going to be honest about something, something I don't talk openly about very often.....

I hate CF....like hate it with a passion. 99.9% of the time I do really well and I don't worry about Dave hardly ever. But right now I hate it. This is his second time in the hospital this year, both times because of a collapsed lung. His lungs are functioning at 16%, and yet not one complaint.

He has an amazing wife now who is a total trooper and is perfect for him. But I feel for her too. She is so faithful and so good.

There are a lot of unknowns, they can't do surgery at 16% lung function yet he is due for surgery this time around as part of his tune-up, and its the unknowns with last-minute hospital stays that just sometimes get me emotional in those quiet moments when I can't help but think about it.

But, the Lord's in charge. I need to just trust in Him. His plans never fail. Thank heavens for that.

Love your Dave and Summer! Wish I could be there now! One day this world will be CF free, and that will be the best. day. ever.

Reading

2011-08-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

I love reading lately. I just re-read hunger games and LOVED it even more than the first time through, and that's saying something. Well, I have a whole list of books I am wanting to read right now.

Watership Down

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

Peachtree Road

Unbroken

The Help

Young Woman and the Sea

Bossypants

The Girl who played with Fire

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Still Alice

Saving Cee-Cee Honeycutt

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Secret Life of Bees

Long list I know, but I love reading, and other than 2 or 3 that were around a 3.97, all these books have been rated over a 4 on goodreads.com. That says something about how good they are.

I just started Young Woman and The Sea and I love love love it. You should read it. Pronto.

JUST what the doctor ordered!

2011-08-06T19:03:00.001-07:00

So, I've been a working fool lately, working 8-5 plus some (code: a lot)

I met a guy, talked to this guy a LOT, really liked this guy, split a plane ticket to go see this guy, realized this guy was just like every other guy, and cancelled my flight.

I needed a getaway. BADLY.

And that's exactly what I got. Thank you Howells, Stokers, and of course my wonderful fam for a GREAT weekend! Its exactly what the doctor ordered!

This picture says a thousand words...

2011-07-25T21:15:00.001-07:00

Need I say more???

M.I.A.

2011-07-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

I've been completely MIA as of late. But only because I've been a working fool and when I get home at night I'm completely exhausted!

I've been doing things that have to do with:

And I have been loving it. It makes it fun too when patients are crazy and make you laugh. And you get paid pretty decent. And you are on your way to buying a mac. Don't have time to update a ton now....but life is good.

motherhood

2011-07-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a mother! we had a lesson in Relief Society on family relationships and for part of that we talked about motherhood. I can't wait to be a mom!!!

I know its going to be a lot of work, and its going to test my patience, and I'm going to fail at some things at first, but I can't wait. Sometimes I've been tempted to put marriage on hold just until I finish the next thing on my list, but I've always always wanted to be a mother, that has never changed.

Little Beck that I've talked about before has been the reason why! Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a mom, but being able to see him just about everyday of his life until I graduated 3 months ago was just such a tender mercy. He taught me so much, just like my own kids will. He was so quick to be excited about all the little creations and cool flowers and birds and whatever else and taught me to recognize more fully everything the Lord has given me. Its amazing how a little two year old boy could help me feel the love of God more.

I see moms all the time on facebook complaining about their kids, not just on a rough day, because I know rough days will come, and I know I won't be complaint free, but like a couple days a week. And their comments make me want to ask, "Do you enjoy being a mom at all? Because it sure doesn't sound like it!" Who cares if someone wakes someone else up at 7:30 when they normally get up at 8! Who cares if your daughter has her shoes on the wrong feet and doesn't want to switch them! I know all you moms are like, "Just wait till you are a mom!" And I will, I'm sure I'll eat my words in some areas...but I am SO excited for the day that the Lord chooses to bless me with a husband, but ESPECIALLY with children.

I. Can't. Wait. <3

Food for thought.

2011-07-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Satan invented Cataracts....

2011-07-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany this week, and that was that Satan invented cataracts.

Let me tell you how this came about. I was screening a patient who had just had cataract surgery the day before and and she sat down and she said, "I didn't realize how foggy my vision had become, until Dr. Fogg took the cataract out. Now I can see the world so much clearer then I ever remembered it being."

A cataract is the hardening of the lens in your eye and it makes colors become less vibrant and makes everything dull and foggy. A lot of times cataracts develop so slowly people don't realize how much their vision has gone because it was such a slow process.

So, I thought about what this patient said all week, and I've decided that Satan invented cataracts. He doesn't just completely blind us spiritually in one blow, but he slowly blurs our vision, he slowly makes the Lord's plan a little bit foggy so that we lose sight of whats important and we can't fully see the path any longer. Sometimes he is so subtle and he blurs our vision so slowly, that we don't even realize that our vision is changing at all.He gives us little temptations to start with and from there it snowballs into something much bigger and much more destructive if we aren't careful.

I think at times in our lives we all have spiritual cataracts that we need to take care of. Thank heavens for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of Repentance. Luckily though, unlike physical cataracts, spiritual ones can be completely avoided. It is really our choice if we choose to give in to those spiritual "risk factors" and slack off on the most important things.

I've seen this since I have graduated college more than ever before. For me, its been the spiritual cataract of pessimism. I've had a really hard time going to the YSA ward that I live in. And I've had a really hard time seeing the people and the situation there in a positive light. Its a TINY ward and its just so different then what I am used to at BYU-Idaho. My attitude in the ward has been that you could probably make a singles ward 3 out of it, which I still stand by but find more humor it in now! :) But today I was gently reminded of how close the Lord is to the people in that ward, and I was reminded of how much the Lord not just loves them, but loves and knows me. I was shown so clearly how the path that I've walked up to this point in life has put me here for a reason, and I'm not just in Fresno by chance. I've tried to put my desires on hold and figure out what the Lord wants.

Life can be crazy sometimes, but I am so grateful for the crazy parts of it and know that it will all work out.

2 Weeks...

2011-06-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

I've learned a lot the past two weeks, and these a CRUCIAL life-changing lessons! :)

I could live FOREVER in Sacramento. I love it.
I HATE mango
I absolutely LOVE the TV show 101 ways to leave a game show: HILARIOUS! almost better then wipeout, but not quite. VERY close second. (ellen is currently doing repeats)
I love riding bikes, especially in Yosemite.
People are genuinely very good.
I see tender mercies every single day.

Life is good.

Just tryin to do this.....

2011-06-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

now i know why......

2011-06-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Now I know why people become workaholics. Because they love their jobs.

I just got a new job, and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! Like for real. I'm super stressed but I feel so blessed and so grateful, and I love love love going to work. Granted, I've only been through three days, but they have been LONG days, and days packed full of information and a little bit of stress, but I love it.

Im working in the clinic with patients, Im putting together a huge, no....a MONSTROUS health promotion program, and I am putting together training meetings for other doctors in town.

I could do this forever.

I've checked one thing off my list of post-grad plans....full time job with benefits and PTO. Check check and check.

Now on to the next thing...........

Times are changin.

2011-06-14T22:23:00.001-07:00

So, times are changin around here. And Miracles are happening in the Witt home.
Here is a classic example of a conversation in our home during the summer:
"Mom, Dad, we have GOT to turn on the air conditioning"
"No, we aren't going to, its too expensive, go jump in the pool"

Seriously....that conversation has probably happened 75 million times in my home. no joke, and no exaggeration.

Today I walked in from work, and the Halelujah chorus began. Dad was turning on the air. I've never been so happy, ever.

What do ya know.....

2011-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

So, I've been graduated for about two months now and I have really enjoyed being home for the most part! I've been working part time at a Doctor's office here in town. I don't know if I could find a better work place. My co-workers are just so much fun!!!! But....I've found a new job.

Perks:

-Full time

-Better pay

AND it uses my major!!!

I am stoked!!!!! I have applied for a ton of jobs and I can't wait to get going!!!

I will be working to put together a health program for those in the central valley who can't afford to get their cataracts taken care of. Its pretty detailed and a little overwhelming but I'm excited!!

My Slightly (dys)Functional Family...

2011-06-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Have any of you (2 people that read this, one of them being my mother) ever wondered what a day in the life of the Witt home is REALLY like?? Let me show you........

Yes. Be Jealous. This is how we REALLY roll. hahaha. We're cool. And we sing like pros, and no, my mom is not having a siezure as she takes this. Just saying.

This video followed after this hilarious conversation on the way home:
While waiting for my mom in Save Mart, my dad, me and Andrew were in the car driving in the parking lot, and he kept going the wrong way on the one way isles....so...
Lindsay: Dad, go the right way.
Dad: Why? Look at everybody else, they don't care.
Lindsay: It's an organizational thing. You are making the parking lot disorganized.
Ok, so I'm slightly OCD.....

Then...
Lindsay: What is the "Bad Donkey"?
Andrew: Its like a new restaraunt in town, i don't know if it ever was officially open though
Mom: It used to be a place that sold pot.
Me, Andrew and Dad: Crickets.......followed by an eruption of laughter.....
Mom: I meant pottery guys!!!!!!

You may have had to be there, but my family is funny. Like for reals.

lil' triparoo.....

2011-06-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have been super lucky this week because I've been able to spend the week with this cutie boy and his momma. My original plans kind of were changed up last minute, but I am so glad I got to spend the time with them that I did! :)

AND....I learned some lessons:

1. Do not try to put hot sauce on your Taco Bell soft taco while driving through the St. George Canyon surrounded by semi trucks. Enough said....
2. I don't know if anyone else from Vegas to Bakersfield knew how to use the cruise control, and therefore they go fast, and then slow and then fast and then slow, makes driving difficult at times....
3. A "quick stop" at Ashley's is never quick, and I couldn't be happier about that! I LOVE that girl!! I could've talked with her All. Day. Long.
4. If you forget something while traveling, no fear. Kathryn will have it, and she will know exactly where it is. Anyone want to learn how to coupon or be organized? Ask her.
5. If you are falling asleep in the car while driving, I have some great ideas, blast Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, and you won't fall asleep. Promise. It's super annoying, and a little fun! :) Or, you could also put your I-pod on shuffle and try to sing as low as some of those country fools, that was fun too.
6. I can never ever get enough of Beck. He is adorable. honest. See:
Not bad...6 crucial, life changing lessons (kidding) in a week! I'd say it was super productive.

Remember This???

2011-05-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Remember this video??
Be Jealous, because I'm going to go play with them.....for a week.

Clean room? check.
Fill us with gas? check.
Laundry? in the process....
Get cool stuff for Beck? check.
Pack? check.
Get I-pod ready? check.

I. Cant. Wait.
Im going back to my old stompin grounds and am COMPLETELY stoked.

See ya'll in a week.

Happy Saturday!!

2011-05-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

HAPPY SATURDAY FOLKS!!!

I'm going here today......

And I'm excited!!!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Funny People Take 2

2011-05-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

When I worked for the housing office at BYU-Idaho, I used to joke around with my boss about how I could write a book and title it "Stupid Questions", due to the large array of questions I received each night. And just so you don't think I'm being too harsh, here is an example: A girl would call me 100% ticked and she'd say, "Lindsay!!! My roommate used my paper towels!!" Which would cause a huge fight and they would want to know what to do. My response was Christlike 99% of the time. But I really wanted to say, "Get over it!"

Well, today that book would've been added to.

Today at work:

Phone rings....
Me: "Insight Vision Center, this is Lindsay"
Man: "Hi Lindsay this is _________, and i was just wondering. I was in to see Dr. Poulsen and I have an eye disease called (dont remember), and I am always in a lot of pain. In fact, Im just going to be really bold and say that in order to lessen the pain, I smoke a lot of pot. And I'm wondering if Dr. Poulsen will write me a prescription to make it so I can legally smoke pot to get rid of the pain."
Me: "Can you please hold?"
BUST. OUT. LAUGHING. While conspiring with co-workers....
Me: "Can I get your number and I will write a note for the doctor to look at?"

Phone call wraps up, and I bring the chart with a note on it back to triage...grinning (insert: laughing) all the way.

My job is hilarious.

CraZy FuN...or somethin' like that

2011-05-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

So, being home isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Its still kind of interesting though being home after living on my own for the last 7 years. (Saying that made me sound SUPER old, reality check) But overall good.

Let me count my blessings before I share some shower thoughts:
-I have a job.....part time, but its a job.
-My parents are hilarious. You want a good laugh, come join us for dinner, its pretty interesting, and you will laugh.
-I'm getting more opportunities to date then I've ever had in my life (yes...in Fresno. Believe it.)
-My bishopbric is phenomenal. I love them all so much already.

I have more time on my hands since I've graduated then I've had since probably 4th grade. Seriously. From 4th grade on I was in piano, I had sports, destination imagination, callings, etc, that have kept me super busy. But this extra time has helped me to reflect on kind of where I'm at...and my thoughts have frequently gone back to February 26th, 2009 at 5:00 when President Parker came to my door to release me as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My mission seriously means everything to me. I think about it everyday.

But, let me tell you about that day...I've never heard anybody really talk about what its like being released from the mission...because it's absolutely terrible, and thats me being positive. I think the closest thing to being released from the mission is imagining yourself on a train. The train is going 100,000 mph, and you are so caught up in the train ride and the excitement, challenges and struggles that come with this journey you are on. Well, out of nowhere, the train stops, without any real warning. So, you fly out of your seat, and slam into the back of the seat in front of you, and like slowly melt down the back. Now, translation: When you get released from the mission, its like your whole sense of self-identity is lost, and you have to rediscover who the new "you" is. You've been going a million miles an hour and then you come to a complete stop. You know the day is coming but you keep putting the thoughts off because you have come to love the people and the work more than you can put into words. You are no longer referred to as the sacred title of Elder/Sister, but now you are once again Lindsay. You now have to focus on yourself, on getting a job, going to school, and trying to find "Mr. Right". It's like a whole new life that you are beginning to lead again, only now you are more refined, more spiritual, and you have more of an eternal perspective.

Now, why have I been thinking so much about that? I kind of feel like I am in a very similar situation now. Having just graduated, Im trying to figure out what the Lord expects of me now, where I am supposed to go from here, etc. I feel like I am beginning to once again lead a new life, full of new knowledge, skills, and experience. But once again, this transition hasn't come without its challenges and struggles. I went from taking 19 credits a semester, teaching seminary, playing on two basketball teams, coaching an ultimate frisbee team, and being Relief Society President, (AKA: Once again running a million miles an hour)to having a much more chill last semester, and now, just working 4 hours a day. My dad always says that I'm never completely happy unless I'm just a little stressed. I'd have to agree. I love being busy, having to run from one place to the next, and just being involved in a lot of different things. People told me when I got off the mission that the best is still to come, the transition would be easy, and life would move on. NOT!!!! Life moved on, life was still good, but the transition stunk, for a good 8 months. Then, Graduation happened, and people made it seem like even though the economy stunk, people would flock to you to hire you because you have a degree, and you graduated from the "Lord's University". Once again not the case.

Now, I don't mean to be negative, because with trials, and hard transitions come learning experiences, and testimony building tender mercies, given to us from the One who knows us perfectly, and so intimately. I'm learning once again how close He is to me, and I'm beginning to feel His love in a way I never have before. I've become so much more grateful for a Bishop who wants more than anything to help and encourage me through challenging yet crucial times of transition, and refining. I've realized once again how blessed I am to have such amazing friends in my life, who are such wonderful supports all the time. I've realized how even when we are far from perfect, the promise made in the Doctrine and Covenants rings true when the Lord tells us that "He will be on our right hand and on our left, and His angels round about us to bear us up". I am so grateful for hard times, for transitions, and for the way the Lord refines us and puts people in our path when we need them most. I am just very grateful for eternal families, wonderful parents, and a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Change stinks, but I'm grateful for it. Life is good, and the best is yet to come. And I have a Heavenly Father who loves me more than my own earthly parents...I don't know how that's possible, but I'm so grateful for that eternal truth.

*Lindsay Ann*

Momma

2011-05-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

I could go on and on about my mom, but I think two sentences could summarize it perfectly: If I'm ever even half the mom she is, I will be SO happy and my kids will be Lucky. I LOVE YOU!

New little Crafty Craft.

2011-05-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I saw this on a friends wall at school and fell in LOVE with them.
And I was reminded of this blog when she told me where she found it.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/

thats where I learned how to make these:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1668935530153&set=a.1497503084449.2067350.1440290705&type=1&theater

Its SUPER SUPER easy and it makes you feel super cute and crafty.
Buy some cute fabric. Buy some cute frames. Invite over a friend. And have some fun.

On makeit-loveit.com heres how you get to it:
-go to tutorials
-decorate my home series
-then go to 3D framed flowers.

These ladies are SUPER hip and have the CUTEST ideas. And if I can successfully do them, you for sure can!

I did make a few changes on mine though:
on the middle flower where you cut out all of the individual pedals, I cut out 24 instead of 12, and I backed them. The fabric I liked wasn't double sided, and so I put two pieces together in order to have the design on both sides. I also only put like 9 of the pedals on instead of the 12. I made mine bigger because I thought I would like it more and all 12 looked to crowded. I just did 3 8x10 frames that were like 3 dollars each at Target.

Anyway...super easy, and pretty quick.

What is Faith?

2011-05-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about faith.

What is faith?

There is the common answer of being able to believe without seeing.

But I believe it goes so much deeper then that.

Faith is more than anything a principle of acting.

Faith means you continue to pray even when you aren't getting answers right away.

A good bishop once said, "Even a struggling prayer demonstrates faith"

Faith is taking that first step to change, repent, and become better...no matter what that step may be.

Faith is never giving up, no matter how hard the fight against the adversary may seem because you know who is in charge, and you want to obey him.

Faith is trusting in the Savior and his Atonement. Always.

Faith helps us remember who we really are, Children of God.

Faith is exemplified in the lives of so many people...

Nephi had the faith to "go and do"

Abinadi had the faith to continue teaching even when he knew he would die.

Alma had the faith to stand up against King Noah and go on to baptize hundreds.

The Brother of Jared had the faith that the Lord would help him have light in his vessels.

Enos had the faith to pray and access the Atonement in His life.

The 2000 Stripling warriors had the faith to go where they had never been before, becuase they knew the Lord would protect them.

Joseph Smith had the faith to say the Heavens are open, Christ lives, and the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings, and because of that, he was persecuted from the moment he walked out of the grove of trees.

The list could go on and on.

True faith is always centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, and on true principles.

True faith always leads us to act.

Having and increasing our faith will strengthen our armor so we can become more valiant servants of God.

The more faith we have, the less power Satan and his minions have.

Faith is Power. It is Protection.

It gives us Peace and Strength.

Long story short: You just gotta have faith.

2011-04-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

I need a new job that will allow me to have money to go do something fun.

Like buy a mac or go to Illinois, or just somewhere for a few days.

I need a new adventure.

Any ideas on a new hobby I can take up?

Also, my ward is hilarious to people watch in.....they should make another singles ward movie out of it.

Yes. Its that bad.

Some People's Children.....

2011-04-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at work and I was calling some patients that haven't been in to get their eyes checked for a while....this little assignment led to by far one of the funniest conversations I have ever had in my life.

dialed number....ring ring, ring ring....

Man: Hello?

Me: Hi, this is Lindsay calling from Doctor Poulsen's office and....(cut off)

Man: Dr who?

Me: Dr. Poulsen, your eye doctor

Man: Oh, over at California Eye Institute?

Me: Yes

Man: Oh *$#@, I will never go back there, ever.

Me: I'm sorry, why not?

Man: Because I hated them there, I would rather chew on tin foil, and grate my face on a cheese grater instead of coming back into that office.

(Trying not to burst out laughing)

Me: Wow, sorry to hear that sir.

Man: Don't ever *($?&#$@ call me again!

Man rudely hangs up! :)

now....why was that so funny to me? Let me tell you why.

Think about your life. Really. I've had some pretty tough times, and some rotten days, but I have NEVER, EVER, had anything happen to me that would make me

want to grate my face on a cheese grater.

I mean, really!! hahaha

that must have been a pretty rotten eye appointment......

some people's children....

Perfect Peeta

2011-04-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

This kid is going to be the perfect Peeta. I like him...a lot. He's cute. He's sweet...he's going to be the perfect little baking fool in The Hunger Games series. Love it and I can't wait!!!!

True feelings....

2011-04-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm very anti-PDA. I love a good hug, and I think its super cute when couples hold hands and are fun together, but I'm not someone who likes to cuddle or anything else.... So, when Heather (the wedding photographer) told us to make a funny face with Dave and Summer kissing, all of our true feelings easily came through. This is what my family is thinking: Me: Really guys? Danny: AHHH!!! Andy: You guys are absolutely disgusting My parents: YES!! We FINALLY got one of out kids married!!! This is the HAPPIEST day of our lives!!! I will post more wedding pics soon....

Adios!! :) :) California here I come.....

2011-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Adios rexburg, Adios finals and crazy undergrad. Hello warmth and goodness. California, here I come, right back where I started from..... *Lindsay Ann*

They've done it again.

2011-04-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

I love sPriNG.

However, spring in rexburg is non existent this year.

So I am thankful for these little guys:

They fool me into thinking that spring has sprung, because

peeps = easter = SPRING.

Peeps have done it again, they've stolen my heart and helped me block out the nasty weather we've been having.

2 days till I'm done with tests,

4 days till I'm hittin the road again back to Cali.

*Lindsay Ann*

The best!

2011-04-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

I thought about all the best things I've done up here in Rexburg, and thought I would share!

Best Class taken: Epidemiology or Kinesiology...its a toss up.
Best Professor: Brother Hunt
Best Ward: 60th Ward - My first semester
Best Apartment: Brookside, hands down
Best Friends: You and I both know that whoever I put down, someone else will be offended! :) So I know who they are!
Best Job: Seminary teaching, by far!
Best Restaraunt: In rexburg, PAAAAALEASE!! but, while I was a student, The Red Iguana
Best Weekend Excursion: the wind caves in montana, Summer 2006
Best FHE activity: Summer of 2005, going to the sand dunes and backwards charades at the Garners Fall 2010
Best FHE group: Fall 2010
Best Lesson Learned: Everyone is fighting their own battles, don't be so quick to judge
Best Apartment where all roomies got along amazingly: Fall 2010 but I would add some from previous semesters too.
Best thing to leave in Rexburg: The weather.
Best extra Curricular Activity Involved in: Basketball

I could go on and on about all the bests I have had up here, but I'm kind of having a brain fart, so here are these for now.

My friend Kathryn Ririe put my feelings down perfectly in a text message conversation, I loved it.
Kathryn: So, I'm like nervous-feeling planning out the rest of this week, knowing it's your last one! :(
Me: haha, Me too!!
Kathryn: So funny and so sad! Can you imagine if you had one week to live?! This is almost just as serious, but I guess it could be worse! :)
hahaha, thank you Kathryn!!

I'm gettin nervous, and anxious, saying goodbye this time is going to really stink because it will be goodbye for an unknown amount of time!

5 Days till I am an official college graduate! YIKES.

*Lindsay Ann*

Hilarious Video

2011-03-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

You will laugh when you watch this! I promise you, you will! haha.

:)

2011-03-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

12 days folks.

12 DAYS!!!

for now, off to do P90x...

Fresno Reception

2011-03-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

So as you know, my brother got married a couple weeks ago and last night they had their reception at our place, Fresno. My stake is full of lots of talented people and so Dave and Summer got another beautiful reception. The one in Provo was gorgeous, and I am so glad I got to go to that one. This one I just had to experience from afar! :)

Picture table:

Entry way, where the sign in book was (these pictures were all sent via text message so sorry if they are blurry!!):
Food table and the center of the room display, oh...and a beautiful mama! :)

Where the bride and groom stood to greet people!

Entry way leading to the book signing/cultural hall

The gorgeous and amazing centerpieces!! I love these!!

Another part of the entryway, leading into the reception.

Love is in the air! :)

*Lindsay Ann*

Lessons Learned

2011-03-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been reflecting constantly on my time here at BYU-Idaho the last few days and reviewing the lessons I learned during my time here. A lot of those lessons were confirmed on the mission, and as I look back the Lord tried to teach them to me before, but I didn't quite get it till later.

So, here are some lessons I have learned:
1. EVERYONE that I met was put in my path for a reason. roommates, bishops, random classmates, teachers, etc. They were all here to teach me something. Whether it was what I wanted to be like, or what I didn't want to be like. I don't believe there are any coincidences in who you meet and when you meet them .

2. There is great power and protection in obedience. OWTS.

3. I've learned to chill out. Im still pretty high strung, and always running 150 miles per hour, but things don't stress me out as easily as they used to. Everything always works out whether you freak out about it or not. So why not just stay calm? And there certainly isn't any use in freaking out about things that can't be changed!

4. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but if you have the faith to step into the dark, He will always lead you along that path, and that path is the path that leads you closer to Him.

5. Daily prayer and scripture study are CRUCIAL. Before college I didn't really understand that immense difference those things make. Let me tell ya, its HUGE

6. There is more to life then sports. High school/my first semester up here, basketball was literally EVERYTHING to me. While it is still awesome and super fun, its not everything! :)

7. Most people are good, honest, and nice.

8. I've learned so much about inspiration and the way the Spirit speaks to me. I still don't fully catch it everytime, and sometimes my life is too full of noise to hear, but I have learned and continue to learn how it works, and that is all the Lord expects.

9. I'm not going to be perfect here on earth. Enough said.

10. The Lord expects great things, He is counting on me to do my best and be my best, every single day.

11. I've learned better communication skills and how to effectively solve problems and work with others.

12. I've learned how to learn and I've learned how to love it.

13. I've learned more about computers! ha.

14. I've understood the importance of using money wisely, and the blessings that come from paying tithing. I still have impulse buying moments, and I still could be way better. But, thanks to FASFA, my parentals, and the fact that I have ALWAYS been blessed with a job, I am graduating debt free with a substantial amount of money in the bank. I've seen miracles with money and finding jobs as I have been a full tithe payer.

15. There is so much strength that is ours for the taking if we will just walk inside the temple doors.

16. Trials make us stronger...literally, in everyway.

17. I've learned to just put things in the hands of the Lord. I've learned this ESPECIALLY the last two years that I have been home from the mission. Being in pain every single day of your life isn't fun, and it wears you down mentally and emotionally, but with the Lord, I've learned I can be strengthened, and I can see things through His eyes....through Him and His Atonement everything can be made right, and every burden can be made light....just let Him take control.

18. My family is seriously....like no kidding, the BEST. Family. EvEr. No joke. They are the funnest, most supportive, most amazing, people with the strongest testimonies, the best sense of humor, and just overall super cool. Absence really does make the heart grow stronger.

19. It never stops snowing in Rexburg.

20. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE long drives to random places, just listening to music, and seeing where random roads take you. I went on one today in fact.

I could go on and on with all the lessons I've learned. In a nutshell: BYU-Idaho has been a wonderful experience. Its been tough at times, really really difficult sometimes, super fun a lot of the time, and absolutely full of memorable experiences, both good and hard!

*Lindsay Ann*

random recap

2011-03-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

It seems like I am always counting down for something.

But really though, I am totally at peace with life, I just get excited about upcoming events and can't help but countdown.

So folks: 19 days. Yep. 19 days till I graduate.

BS in Health Science, emphasis in public health

Minor in Exercise Sports Science.

I won't lie. I'm stoked to never come back to Rexburg.

While I will miss people like:

Ashley

The Riries

Jenoveva

BrandiJo

BS/BT

Kelle

Stacie

Nichole

Pfieffer

etc.

...I won't miss days like this at all:

but I will miss this beauty:

I love this place! :)

My time here has been awesome, definitely not free of challenges, crazy roommates or roadbumps of any kind. But definitely packed full of great memories, lots of learning experiences and opportunities to grow, and lots of wonderful people met. There are those people I didn't meet till this year that I wish I met sooner, you know, those people that touch your life immensely in the short time that they are in it.

For example: Hannah, Kelle, Case, Lex, Kylee, Quinn, Caleb, Jordan, Brittany, Emily, Ali, Kenz, Jenae, Kelsey, and on and on and on.

My life is so awesome. I am so blessed.

of course there are things like the gospel, family, friends, testimony, etc that have gotten me through college, but I have those guilty pleasure things too that are 100% not important but have helped me survive my college career...

thank heavens for things like:

Despair.com

Sports

DDP

long drives into the country to satisfy my curiosity as to where these

random roads go in rexburg

My I-pod

Wipeout

Ellen Degeneres

Long walks at night with friends

my journal

Those are a few of my favorite, yet not necessarily so important things.

Good, better, best, I know.

If only you knew my parents. You'd be jealous, because they are the best.

My top supporters.

My favorite cheerleaders.

My fan club.

All things considered, college has been a great experience. I've learned a lot (save those lessons for the next post.), I've served in many capacities and yet I can't wait for the next step in life.

Bring it on.

*Lindsay Ann*

100% Convinced.

2011-03-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

So, I'm 100% convinced that no one, who has ever worn this type of uniform and gotten paid for it is going to make it to the celestial kingdom:
I would never ref because I know I would be bad at it. I know the game of basketball, I know what a foul is, and can pick those things out, but I know that I would completely ruin a good game, so that is why I will NEVER EVER be a referee.

Some people at BYU-Idaho need to realize that they aren't very good (read as: absolutely terrible, and can't keep the rules straight in their own heads if their life depended on it.) and should just retire the uniform while they are young. Afterall, they have a lot of years ahead of them to find a new profession.

Last night was the championship game. Two kids in these uniforms just about drove me to drinking. I even had nightmares last night.

But with every bit of frustration, there is always happy news.

BYU won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there we go boys!

what do ya know???

2011-03-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

I think my parents were starting to question...

None of their kids were getting married, dang it!

*********

Then this week it happened, Dave got married.

I have a sister-in-law

there is one more sister witt

life is grand.

they are happy as larks, and go perfect together.

*********

It was a great week with the family.

I also had an amazing interview at the U.

Now to try and figure out my life one step at a time.

Mr. Right should just come along, then I could get married

and have LOTS of little kidlets.

You know...my own little Basketball team

heck even 2 basketball teams :)

*****

I'm really not desperate, that would just solve my issues of where to go to grad school!!!

Life is so good right now.

Next countdown: GRADUATION!!!!!

26 Days.

ITWILLBETHEBESTDAYOFMYLIFE.

*Lindsay Ann*

Honor

2011-03-08T18:57:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about Honor with this whole Brandon Davies thing.

The Honor Code is something that I appreciate 99% of the time, and the other 1% I just need an attitude check. I appreciate that it helps us as students to live obediently and to live the standards of the church, and I know that these standards and the honor code are here to protect us. Its hard sometimes to come to college and have more rules then I did in high school or at home, but it is extremely easy to live because:

Living the honor code = Living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have seen on many occasions how the honor code has protected me and blessed me.

Curfew.

Dress code.

Law of Chastity.

Word of Wisdom.

Church Attendance.

No facial hair.

etc. etc. etc.

These protect us. These help us to be in tune with the spirit. These rules help us to literally stay out of trouble.

It amazes me that people get so worked up about the honor code, and try to rebel by growing facial hair, breaking curfew, and things as simple as wearing flip flops on campus. Brandon Davies, while he fell short, is an amazing example of what it means to live both the letter and the spirit of the law....because he is willing to change and understands the importance of becoming better every day, and making things right.

Brandon Davies has helped me want to live the honor code even more because he showed to the NATION what it means to live with integrity, and he knew that what he did when no one else was watching mattered. And in fact, the public consequences mattered less to him then what the Lord thought. He knew he had messed up, and he did what it took to start making things right.

He is someone who understands what personal honor really means. He must really trust in the Atonement because he has the faith to repent, even when in his situation it meant public humiliation, and losing his chance to play ball this year.

Just do it.

Just live the honor code.

Just be willing to be better tomorrow then you were today.

Remember the Honor Code point us towards the life that Christ led, and its as we obey it that we can become more like Him and be more prepared for whats coming our way in the future.

Its simple.

Its protection.

Its inspired.

Live with Honor.

New Books = Happiness

2011-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

These should be keeping me busy for a while! I have almost finished Making Toast, and will hopefully be starting Memory Keepers Daughter this afternoon. All very different but supposedly all very good!

I forget how much I love reading till I sit down and do it. Thank heavens for a dang easy schedule and just trying to fill my time with stuff!!

P.S. 4 days people!! 4 days!!

*Lindsay Ann*

I. Love. Basketball.

2011-03-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

So growing up I played basketball for a long time...like YEARS.

I played during the year, and I played on summer teams. I always played. and I loved it.

But I wasn't very good till like my sophomore year in high school, I was what

people called a "Late Bloomer", AKA: You really sucked, but now you are

ok, but only ok. Just kidding. But really. But when I was a sophomore I started

getting TONS of playing time and I really started getting a lot better.

Fast forward to now. Post mission (a year and a half with hardly any basketball,

and if so it was with the elders who weren't much of a challenge). Out of shape.

Playing basketball.

And I LOVE IT STILL!!!!!!

Im on two teams, and my girls' team DOMINATES. Co-ed is ok.

Tonight we won 85-23. HA! Our second game we won 47-30. Thats our closest game yet.

I have one girl on my team who could put Jimmer to shame. ;)

Well, that is all.

NOT!!!

(name that movie! And I will give you a dollar.)

Only 6 Days till I see my family. (Yes..I counted wrong last time, thats how excited I was)

AND......drumroll please!!!!!!!!!!

My. Internship. Got. Waived.

I will sleep happy tonight.

'Nuff Said.

*Lindsay Ann*

Blogging Fool

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am becoming a blogging fool. I feel like Im blogging all the time now, and I'm not even one of those people who have a very eventful life!!!! No boy, no little kiddos, but I do have some funny stories sometimes, I just don't always share them. Maybe I should start?

But the purpose of this post is to announce to the world the Best. News. Of. My. Life. Right now.

9 DAYS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

yes. 9 Days.....

till I am with my family.

And being with the whole fam damily means I won't be in cold dreary Idaho, but Utah, where hopefully a few blades of grass are peeking through, and when the sun is out it is actually functioning and warming people up (I will say though, yesterday was really nice in the Burg), and that also means I will have a GIRL join my family. My goal I set when I was little of having an older sister some day will finally be able to be checked off my list. So, I'll be fun AND productive!!

ok, that is all. I need to get back to studying for my sports psychology test that is two hours from now.

*Lindsay Ann*

Today

2011-02-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here is what today consisted of

********

Going to a fireside with Sister Beck

Eating Subway while watching BYU dEmoLIsH San Diego

Going to the temple

Stake Conference (Saturday nights are always the BEST)

********

But thats not all....

I also got pulled over for the first time, and proceeded to be ratted out by a 2 year old.

I had just gone to pick up Beck from his parents so I could watch him after my stake conference (which was 5-7) during their stake conference (which was 7-9).

Now, Beck is ALL boy, and loves everything cars, trucks, tractors, airplanes, etc. etc. etc. Well, I get pulled over and he is so happy and laughing because a "fire truck" (what he called the police car) is right next to him. Well, the cop comes to my window and Beck is in the back seat having the time of his life looking at the police lights, and he is proceeding to make a siren noise.

I think this whole experience is going to stay on the DL (afterall, its me and a 2 year old in the car). Little did I know, the first person he sees (remember: hes 2 years old barely) he goes and says, "Lindsay fire truck, lindsay fire truck". So, that person looks at me at says, "Do you have his fire truck??" No. I don't have his fire truck, he doesn't have a fire truck. Well, one question leads to another question, which leads to a story being told, and punch line is: I get ratted out by a 2 year old who has just had the best day of his life because he saw a "fire truck", up close, in person, with its lights on and everything.

*********

Funny part was: I was going less than 5 miles over. Speed limit was 25, I was going like 28 or 29, and I'm pretty sure everyone in rexburg was in stake conference except for me and the cop, and when he comes to my window he says why he pulled me over, and asks, "Is there some type of medical emergency that would cause you to speed?" Ummmmmm.....yeah, there is a medical emergency and Im going 28 miles per hour...........right.

*Lindsay Ann*

P.S. I escaped without a ticket. Hale-freakin-lujah.

Withdrawals? yes.

2011-02-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

So I love my job....I don't know if I've ever said that on here ;) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. Its amazing. Let me tell you why.

1. It reminds me of the mission

2. my kids are the best. No questions asked.

3. It keeps me on my toes.

4. I have met so many wonderful people who have forever touched my life (Ash, Brother Taylor, Brother Seedall, many of my kids, Brother Vellinga, Elder Kikuchi, etc)

5. It makes me want to be better, and do more.

6. I have drawn closer to my Savior

7. I am taught from on high every day in class.

8. My testimony has been strengthened.

9. I realize how strong the youth of the church are.

10. I laugh hysterically at/with my kids at LEAST once a day. They are hilarious

11. My bosses rock.

12. You share a real bond with the other student teachers....no one understands how hard this job is until you do it.

13. It makes me grateful for everything I have/know

14. Lets be real...Extra spending money

15. I've been able to be taught by many of the Lord's servants and learn from them.

16. It is practically perfect in everyway.

Long story short: Im already going through withdrawals and Im not done yet.

And yet Im at such peace.

Its amazing how the Lord works.

Andy.

2011-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Thats right, my amazing brother Andrew is not only old enough to go to college, but he is smart enough and amazing enough to get into BYU. Congrats Bro!!! Love ya! :)

He will be awesome! You are the best Andy!

Just Real Quick,

2011-02-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Let me just vent, just real quick. I usually don't so Im going to right this minute. For just 20 seconds.

My teeth are killing me, I just got cavities filled. But my whole left side of my face is in pain. They don't know why. Cuss. I was instructed to take 2 motrin with 2 tylenol every 6 hours. However, motrin makes my terminal illeitus flare up. So, now I am in a ton of digestive tract pain, but it helps my tooth pain. Which one do I want more?????

There's no winning.

Ok, Im done.
Its a good thing everything else in life is going well, especially my 30 minutes with the Lord. LOVED that the last 2 nights. Can't wait for tonight. Tomorrow it will be in the temple! :)

*Lindsay Witt*

30 minutes

2011-02-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

So I was looking through some old mission journals and came across an entry entitled (yes...i titled all my entries, and put the weather for that day at the top of each entry, my mission was thoroughly documented! (: ) "30 Minutes With the Lord". I explained in that entry that 30 minutes each night was going to be devoted to me writing in my journal and praying and just spending those 30 minutes with the Lord only (scriptures, conference talks, anything to get direction), reviewing my day and seeing how I could improve.

Fast forward to the here and now:
I've been kind of in a rut lately with trying to figure out my life and future, and so I thought that I would start up 30 minutes with the Lord again. I have the time right now, and so its the perfect time to start. I'm hoping that this will help me to get more direction and peace as to what the future holds.

Tonight, as my first night, I have decided to ease into this with comfort! :) I got two cavities filled today and I want to rip my left side of my face off because it hurts so bad, and the roads are terrible, so I am staying in. I am going to go scrub the tub, get out my Conference Ensign, and relax in a nice warm bath.

In all seriousness though, I'm excited to strengthen my relationship with my Savior, to get closer to Him and His spirit then I've ever gotten before, and to exercise faith in every footstep when it comes to my future. Life is great, but I can always be better, and be more like my Savior, why not start fresh today???

In Nauvoo, as you walk down Parley Street, there are tons of quotes along the right side of the street, and each one has a quote from one of the saints who went west. But, there is one thing that is the same on every single post, and it is what made Nauvoo and the stories of those early saints really come alive for me, and that is that it is headed with these three words: "Exodus to Greatness". We are all walking our own exodus, which will lead us to greatness if we let it. Those early saints set such a perfect example of that. I knew that on my mission and I know that even more now as I have taught Doctrine and Covenants in seminary this year. Love them. Love the Prophet Joseph. Now, I will do my best to follow in their footsteps, and in the footsteps of my Savior. I'm being carried on their shoulders, as us IPM'ers would say it, we are "On the Shoulders of Giants". I am so blessed.

*Lindsay Ann*

The Lord's Way or the Hard Way?

2011-02-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

There are those times in life when you are giving something your all, you are absolutely loving every minute of it, and almost every waking moment is filled with thoughts of being successful in that thing.

For me, its seminary teaching. I absolutely LOVE teaching seminary. my kids are seriously the best. Like no kidding. They have helped me to want to improve my teaching because I can see how badly they want to learn the gospel, that I want to constantly do more for them. There is nothing other then the mission that has meant so much to me and that I have worked so hard at to get the Lord's approval.

Well recently the Lord has led me down a different path. I have been prompted on many occasions to take a route other then teaching, but I had given so much to it that I didn't want to. But, I finally went and talked to my boss back at the beginning of January, and now I have three weeks of teaching left. I have been struggling lately because I feel so attached to my kids and so wrapped up in teaching that these last three weeks have just kind of snuck up on me.

I have learned a lot though through this whole situation. I've learned that its in the instant that you decide to do what the Lord wants you to do, that you will get the Lord's stamp of approval on your current actions. I've learned that the Lord has one goal: To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39) and its as we take the Lords way that His goal can be accomplished for us and we can make it back. I've learned how close the Lord really is to this work, and when we are seeking to do His will, though far from perfect, He will always be there, to pick us up when we fall with His hands that were wounded for our sake. I've learned that when we are seeking to be obedient and just trying our best, that it's in those quiet moments when we stop and listen, that we can hear the Lord say, "Hang tough, you're doing fine".

Right now I feel like I did when my mission was coming to a close, and I was on the plane ride home. It felt right, but it was so hard. I don't know what direction I am supposed to take, or what I'm supposed to do with my life. But I do know this: I'd much rather actively seek to know what the Lord's way is for me, then take the hard way. And anyway that isn't the Lord's way, is the hard way.

*Lindsay Ann*

New Favorite...mmm mmm good! :)

2011-02-07T17:32:00.001-08:00

I'm not one to blog about food. Partly because I am pretty dysfunctional in the kitchen, but I am working on it, and can now cook a long list of things. But I am not very daring, so no matter how easy something could be, I am worried (from MANY past experiences (: ) I will find a way to mess it up so I just stick with things I know how to make.

However, the last week and a half I have been SO determined to get back into really good shape like I was pre-mission, and eat really healthy and work out a lot. In an effort to do that, I am in two basketball leagues (one women's league and one co-ed league) and I am trying to get better at going to the gym. I'm down 5 pounds in the last 7 days and I am totally motivated!

Anyway...this whole post for a new favorite.

I branched out and did a baked butternut squash with a chicken breast/BBQ sauce, and carrots and green beans. AKA: My new favorite meal. The only thing I was worried about messing up was the butternut squash. The internet made it sound all difficult to cook without it being tough or nasty. So thank heavens for a wonderful roommate from last semester, I got low down on how easy it is ! THANKS LEX!!! (sorry for the bad picture, i took it on my phone)But, the butternut squash was AMAZING with a little bit of salt and pepper on it.

mmmmmmm good. Here's to another week of healthiness and working out! :)

*Lindsay Ann*

What flu?

2011-02-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I forget to REALLY use my brain. I know, surprise surprise. You'd think as a health science major, and being 100% aware of the benefits and usefulness of the flu shot each year, I would be a regular at getting one. I know the benefits of getting it not just for yourself but for acheiving things like herd immunity in your society. (when a certain percentage of people get vaccinated so those that aren't are so few in number that it doesn't get spread, therefore further protecting those with weakened immune systems and the elderly...yada yada yada.) However, each year I talk myself out of it because it is either 1) too expensive, which it really isn't, or 2) I just don't want to get one. Because lets be real, when I get a flu shot, inside I feel like this Grandma looks, bless her little old heart:

But on the outside, I come across tough as nails like this little guy:
So, every year, I come down with the flu, at least once. Becuase I am too stubborn to get a dang shot. Well, these last two days, I've been down with the flu, and it has totally thrown off my groove becuase I was about to get up and get ready for church today. Its saturday Lindz. I've watched about 6 movies, 4 episodes of Wipe-Out, and missed a basketball game.
Oh well, maybe one day I will stop using excuses like its too expensive, or thinking to myself "What Flu?", and get a flu shot. For now though, I'm on the up and getting better. I may actually get out of the house today! :)

Teens....

2011-01-31T15:38:00.001-08:00

So today in Rexburg it is like 2 degrees. Tomorrow it is supposed to be -25. Which means a snow day. So, today this is a prayer that was said in my seminary class that has 25 freshman.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for letting us come to seminary today and learn about the Kirtland temple,
Please help the weather man to be right so we can have school get cancelled tomorrow,
Help us to apply the things that we learned today into our lives,
Please help it to be -25 tomorrow.
we are grateful for sister Witt and her preparation, and please help us to be able to be examples to those around us.
And please, please Heavenly Father, help us to have a snow day tomorrow. We need the cold and moisture.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I agree with him, I would like a break from school.

Then, a tender mercy quote: "When times are tough, knees down and chin up."

A Message from President Uchtdorf

2011-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

My Program Planning teacher showed us this as we are about to move into our one and only assignment for the semester, making a health promotion program for a group of people, and get funding for it. This project is the only thing (other then 5 or so 8 point quizzes) that will make up our grade this semester. Only at BYU-I would a teacher show something like this to pump his kids up, but I LOVED it!!!!!! Total Tender Mercy yesterday, so I thought I would share!! :)

As of Late

2011-01-16T10:58:00.001-08:00

As of Late, rexburg has been looking a lot like this:

So I have been doing a lot of reading, and staying inside!! :) Other than a few random trips to Idaho Falls, hanging out with Kathryn and Beck, going to school and work..I have been enjoying a few good books. This one takes the cake though:

If you haven't already read it, you should. I loved it!!!!!!

Really? Is that the best I could do?

2011-01-06T14:07:00.001-08:00

So, every year at the beginning of each semester the classes up here are so small that the teachers have you go around the class and say your name, where you are from, and usually your major. Well.....everytime this happens, I get SO NERVOUS. I don't know why, its not like Im going to forget my name and where Im from but I just get so nervous.

I am sitting in my Program Planning class, and my teacher says, "This is a 400 level class, everyone in here is in the same major, and so I don't want you to say that, just say your name, where you are from, and then pick a number 1 through 20."

So, it gets to me, I say, "Lindsay Witt, from Fresno, California, and number 17". And so he says, "If you could be in any movie, which one would you be in?" Well, remember, I am like WAY nervous, my heart is about to beat out of my chest, and I can only think of one movie. I think and think and think, but there is only one movie that can come to mind, and the teacher says, "Lindsay, there are 4 million movies, just pick one!!" So I say the one and only movie that comes to my ridiculous little mind, and I proudly say, "What About Bob?"

...............................yeah. of all movies. And the teacher says, "Lindsay, I don't want to know why. Next!"

I sat there and thought to myself, "Really? Is that the best I could do?" Then I thought....obviously it was.

oh well.

My Kids.

2011-01-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have kids. 52 of them. And I love them all.

This is a prime example of why:

Today we were talking about priesthood keys. I was doing a little visual with my own set of keys and I was telling them what each key was for, and then having the kids label them with a priesthood key.

Then I say, "And this key is a key that I have to get into my friends house."
Then from the back, I hear this kid say, "CREEPER!!"
haha. Thats why I love my kids.

I also love that Austin commented today, he is slight down syndrome, and never comments. But today, he did. And his comment was amazing. Love him.

haha....my family...

2010-12-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

I had three HILARIOUS conversations with my family tonight.

#1:
Me: "Ever since David (my older brother) got engaged he is like totally different! He calls me all the time, checks up on me, and is like way nice."
Andrew (my younger brother) : "Man, I can't wait till you're engaged!"
ha!!! Funny.

#2:
Dad: "What are you guys watching on TV?"
Me: "My Kid Survived. Its like I Shouldn't Be Alive, only kid-style."
Dad: "Well I don't want to see kids get hurt."
Me: "You know they all survive. Hence the title of the show"
Dad: "No, lets watch like a really good, interesting show."
Me: "Like what dad?"
Dad: "You know, like Sarah Palin's Alaska, that is a great show."
Me: "Really dad, you've got to be kidding me."
Mom pipes in: "Lindz, he watches that show religiously every week, its the only show he has actually watched every episode, every week."
All I can say, is WOW!!!!!!

#3: While watching Sarah Palin's Alaska, Sarah was driving a tractor,
Andy: "I can't think of the biggest thing I have ever driven before, maybe a..."
Mom: cuts andrew off and says, "A ripstick??"
Silence, and then about 5 minutes later....
Andy: "No! I have driven a boat!!!"
hahahahahaha.

My family rocks.

Fun thing BYU-Idaho did last semester

2010-12-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is one fun thing that we did last semester at BYU-Idaho, I wasn't able to be a part of it, but it turned out cool!!

Oh Dang!

2010-12-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

grad school is expensive. Like REALLY expensive.

There is an awesome school in texas I am looking at, $687 per credit.......But, we will see. Anybody know anything about texas?

I am thinking I don't want to go to Utah or Idaho, but just somewhere new overall...we shall see.

If you know of any good schools in Radiology Tech or a Masters in Health Science, let me know, any and all ideas are welcome!!

Experience of a Lifetime

2010-12-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

Everybody has those experiences in life that just boost your spirits and keep you going strong. I had one of those today. It was awesome. I have been involved in the Church Educational System teaching seminary for the last year or so. Well, I am getting towards the end of the process for full-time hiring, and today I got to sit down with a general authority, Elder Kikuchi from the first quorum of the 70.

I got to the interview about 20 minutes early, and the lady is like, "he is all ready for you go ahead and go in early", so I go in, and we sit down and begin chatting. He asks me where I am from, why I want to teach seminary, asks me some worthiness questions, and asks for me to explain my feelings about Jesus Christ with him. Well, all this takes about 15 minutes, so at this point, my interview would've just been started.

So, he says, "Ok Sister Witt, I could let you go, or we can spend the next 25 minutes talking and I can share with you some insights about the Gospel of Jesus Christ." HELLO?!?!?! So, the next 25 minutes that took place will go down as the best 25 minutes of my life. It seriously matched some of the best experiences of my mission. I was able to sit down one on one with a General Authority and be taught by him for almost a half an hour. It was a phenomenal experience. I learned so so so much, and the spirit there was so strong.

It made me remember how grateful I am that the Lord qualifies those who he calls, and that Elder Kikuchi was so inspired to teach me about the things he did.

*Lindz*

three. weeks.

2010-12-01T19:51:00.001-08:00

Three weeks till no more Physics. Three weeks till I get a break from every stress. Three weeks till I get a break from the snow. Three weeks till I get to see my family again. Oh yes, and three weeks till I get to play with my adorable poodle Maggie. She rocks.

It happened....

2010-11-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am excited!
My Parents are thrilled.
We knew it would happen one day.
we are one step closer to grandkids/nieces/nephews.
I am a true believer in miracles!

A Witt kid got engaged!

David is ENGAGED!!! To a wonderful girl, Summer. We love her.

I am ecstatic for Dave, and SO excited to have another girl join the family!!

Interesting

2010-11-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

Quote from the Czech Republic:
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The ...Republic will survive Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."

Now, I will always for pray for the President of the United States, no matter who he/she is. I know that we need to, but sometimes, the truth just hurts. I dont mean to offend anyone by this quote but, the power of this nation lies in the people, and the people are who voted Barack Obama into office. So, I agree with this quote from one point of view, because right now, Pres. Obama is in office, and thats how its going to be for a while, but if we are foolish enough to vote him in again, then this quote will be 100% true. I know there are a lot of people, even that I am related to, who are Pres. Obama fans. And thats great. I would rather have lots and lots of people actively using their right to vote, then not vote at all. So, I will continue praying for President Obama and the leaders of the country....but I can't wait till the next presidential election comes around!!

One Day.....

2010-11-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to sew. Quilts and stuff would be fun, but just like CUTE, creative things.

I found this blog......I love it, and it has ignited my desire to be creative even more.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com

I just keep telling myself....5 more months of school, then hopefully I will have a real, grownup job, and I can start saving up for a sewing machine, and cute things to attempt to be as cute as this blog is!!! I don't know who these girls are, but they have ADORABLE ideas, and I love it!! It seems somewhat easy too actually!

Withdrawals.

2010-11-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Some days I REALLY REALLY miss the mission. Today is one of them. I want to go back. Now.

Fall time.

2010-10-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love fall. I love the leaves, the colors, the smells, and just the feel of fall. I love carving pumpkins, and I love candy corn. More than anything, I love fall now more than before because I LOVED the fall time on the mission. People were more friendly and the colors in Illinois were amazing.

Lets be real too....fall is football, the beginnings of basketball, and a month closer to Christmas and no school for a while.

Fall makes me want to reflect on the many blessings that I have and makes me want to do better. Not sure what it is about fall that make me feel that way, but I am ok with it. I love fall, and I am excited for the next month and a half or so before Rexburg winter hits!!!

highlight of my week

2010-10-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

This little kiddo is the highlight of my week. If I want to/need to relax or just go play, I play with this kid...oh yeah, and his mom! She is one of my best friends and I am lucky to have her and this cute little boy to play with. they were recently out of town and both of us were sick and so I hadn't seen them FOREVER (Read: about a week). This little guy is one of the highlights of my week. And...lets be real, hes dang adorable and i love that he loves me too, it makes everything more fun!!!! LOVE. HIM.

Blogstalking pays off....

2010-10-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

I was recently (like 5 minutes ago) blogstalking some fun girls from home, and I came across this post. I was so happy I found it. They were so funny, some of them are true, some of them aren't completely, but just partial truths, but they are all funny!!!

Its called: Truths of Life

1. I think part of a best friends job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet???

6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7. Obitaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work (school) when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignor whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection....again!

12. Was learning cursive REALLY necessary?

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - Ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings 9 times and goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. what a waste.

17. I keep some people's numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

20. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

21. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

22. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

23. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile becuase you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

24. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

25. Shirts get dirty. underwear get dirty. Pants? pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

26. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

27. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

28. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet that everyone can find and push the snooze but from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!!

Gratitude

2010-10-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

So my 40 days of gratitude thing has kind of worn off after the 3rd day, but I am going to restart it at some point and finish it off. Promise.

I have been thinking a lot lately though about how much I really do have to be grateful for. I have a wonderful family....three wonderful brothers and parents who love me and are so supportive.

I have five of the best roommates in the whole world. Seriously. They are so awesome. I have never had this many roomates at one time that are just awesome.

I have health. Ever since the mission it sucks about 75% of the time, but...I still have lots of times that I can still do the things that I love to do. And, when I am healthy, I am healthy. And, compared to a lot of people I am extremely healthy, so I try to just count my blessings with the times that I feel really good now! :)

I love getting an education. there are a lot of things I really enjoy about BYU-Idaho and I am grateful to have this opportunity to be at this University.

I am grateful that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ, that I can say that I have a temple recommend, and that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ on earth today. The Lord answers prayers, all of them. The scriptures are true, and I can receive revelation for myself as long as I remain worthy. What a wonderful blessing!!!!

I have the BEST job in the world. No joke. I LOVE my job.

I could keep going on and on and on, but I won't. :) President Monson's talk on gratitude just got me thinking about how often I express my gratitude and look for the silver lining on the clouds. It is the best. I really do have so much to be grateful for. I am going to try and be more quick to count my blessings. Because they are many! Thanks to all of you who have blessed my life...no matter how long I may have known you. The people in my family, my friends, roommates present and past, people I met on the mission (comps, president, ward members, investigators, etc), co-workers, and many others.

*Lindz*

From the Y to the U.

2010-09-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

So, I am a big BYU fan. Like a really big BYU fan. I like watching their sports, and I love seeing them succeed, (which isn't happening this year...no further comments on that)....however, I may be switching over to the enemy....

Lately I have had a lot of little nudgings/promptings that I need to explore all my options as far as careers go. I know, without a doubt, that I could teach seminary the rest of my life, and be 100% happy. I. Love. It. But, just in case that doesn't work out. I have started exploring all my options.

I had to take some things into consideration. First off, I am not anywhere near getting married, so I don't have to worry about where my husbands job or schooling will take me (which isn't a bad worry), and second...with my major, there are a lot of different paths I could take.

I was recently down in Salt Lake visiting my brother who was in the U of U hospital with a collapsed lung and some other things due to him having Cystic Fibrosis. While I was down there, I made a decision.....

University of Utah Medical School......here I come. I am hoping to get accepted into their Nuclear Medicine program starting next July. Only 6 people get accepted a year.....wish me luck. I am heading down there in a couple weekends for an interview with one of the heads of the school of medicine there (a requirement before turning in an application) and we will see where it takes me.

All of this is new and exciting....I am hoping for the best.

Changes......

2010-09-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

My mission helped me to really like change, or at least deal with it really well and enjoy it, because it is going to happen no matter what....

I hope I can remember how to do that, because I am in the process of making a huge decision.

decisions, decisions.

I know it will be good. It will always work out, because my life has always been very good and has always worked out. However, sometimes I don't know why once you think you have things figured out, you find out, or should I say, get a little gentle nudging to change things up a bit. (AKA: a LOT)

We shall see what happens.

Day #3: World Gym

2010-09-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

I have a new love. WORLD GYM. I got a gym membership there, and I absolutely love it. It is a nice gym with awesome equipment, and it makes me motivated to work out, and the best part is....I really enjoy it. At BYU-Idaho, the gym is so small, granted it does have nice equipment, but it is so small I feel like everyone is looking over my shoulder at how fast I am going or how long I have been on a machine or how many calories I have burned. Afterall, everyone there is subconsciously competing to be the cutest, thinnest person...because everyone at BYU-Idaho is fighting for the same goal....The big EC...Eternal Companion. Which isn't a bad thing. But, I have really wanted to start working out hard again, and so I sucked it up, and I am going to pay 10 dolalrs a month. The employees there are SO nice and so great, and it makes me excited to go.

So, I am grateful that of the 10 stores Rexburg has, one of them is Worlds Gym. Love it. And love getting into shape.

Day 2: My Roommates

2010-09-19T18:44:00.001-07:00

I seriously have the best roommates in the world. This is just 3 of them, I don't have pictures of the other two, but I have never ever been this blessed with all solid roommates. I've always had a few each semester that I click with, but this semester I have 5 awesome roommates that are so so so so fun! I wouldn't change it for anything! So, Kylee, Mary, Lex, Mikelle, and Casey, let the good times continue to roll!!

Day 1: My Family

2010-09-18T21:38:00.001-07:00

I was recently doing some blogstalking of some friends that I hadn't heard from in while. One of my friends was taking to heart a challenge given by Glenn Beck that for the next 40 days you focus more on expressing gratitude for your blessings, and things you are grateful for. She is doing it on her blog, and I thought, I don't know if I will remember every day or have time every day, but I am going to do it too.

So, for day #1, I am SO grateful for my family. I have been reminded lately that we never know how long we have with our family members, we never know when one of us is going to accomplish our missions here on earth, and be called back home to our Heavenly Father, so we need to make every single day count.
I seriously have the best family in the whole entire world. We aren't perfect, and sometimes we will have our minor disagreements, but we have so much fun together. It is amazing to me that we can have so much fun together doing the smallest things.

Every single day I learn something new from my family. Andrew is always so quick to engage in gospel conversation, and I learn a ton from him and he is 7 years younger then me. Danny always really thinks about things, weighs the pros and cons and is so close to the spirit, especially when it comes to major decisions in life. David is funny. I don't like to admit it because sometimes it is kind of lame humor, but thats what makes it funny!! He is so optimistic... ALWAYS. My dad has recently been very quick to remind me that as long as I am living right, the Lord will lead me and guide me and help me through every stage in life. My mom is always so happy. She too has helped me to remember the importance of being optimistic, and the importance and power of daily prayer.

As I wrote that last paragraph, I thought , MAN! I have so much to thank my family for. They rock!! And they really do.

So, through every trial, sickness, and pain; through every ray of sunshine, every sound of laughter, and every great memory made, I wouldn't change it one bit, if I can do it all with my family.

A Tribute to the Bro.

2010-09-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have three of the best brothers around, they are so awesome. They are always teaching me things, even if they don't know it.
However, David, (the one in the striped shirt in the picture) has taught me a lot especially lately. He has once again reminded me of the importance of never giving up and always being positive. If I had CF, I would not be a pleasant person, and yet with him, you would never even know anything was wrong, other than thinking he had a cough.

So, thank you Dave, for once again reminding me of the importance of hanging tough and being strong. You are a great example of faith and diligence.

the first 2 weeks.

2010-09-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well, the first 2 weeks of seminary have come and gone, and I am liking it. It was kind of interesting at first, but my kids are turning out to be really great. There are a few kids that I just can't read or understand yet, but that will come with time.

I am loving teaching the D&C and being able to relfect on some of the feelings that I had while serving in Illinois and the faith of the early saints. It has been great.

School starts once again next thursday. I only have classes monday wednesday friday though, so I won't start till friday. I am excited to only have 2 semesters left!!! :) Hallelujah!

Well, lets be real, the best, most exciting news I have......FOOTBALL SEASON HAS ARRIVED!! Time for parties, wearing lots of cougar apparel, and nice long breaks from homework!! :)

My new Mascot

2010-08-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here is my new mascot for seminary this year. The Madison Bobcats. A little more masculine then the Shelley Russets, but, let me tell you, they are proud to be potatoes. And to be completely honest. I REALLY miss Shelley. I loved it there. But Madison is great, the kids seem great so far, and I am excited to not have to make that long drive. A major perk to being a teacher, I get in to all the sporting events for FREE.

So, I guess all I have to say is.....................

GO BOBCATS!! Here is to a new school year!

I go back....

2010-08-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

This movie brings me back to my days and years of playing basketball. Pep talks in the locker room, close games, friendships that got stronger with every win and loss.....some of the best times I remember of High School and middle School.

Much Needed Vacation!

2010-08-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

**I don't know how to change to format of this so here you go, pictures first then text***

After taking Anatomy and Physiology/Anat. and Phys. Lab, Microbiology/Microbiology lab, Kinesiology/Kinesiology Lab, and Exercise Physiology....being Relief Society President, coaching some sports on campus and working, I was ready for a much needed break when my summer semester was over. I was 100% worn out. Classes were all passed, last minute duties and responsibilities with Relief Society were over temporarily, and work could now be done from anywhere....so I figured it was time for a break. I hadn't had more then 2 weeks since before the mission to just relax and catch up on a good book, (which is no ones fault but my own.....my dad says I am never completely happy unless I have so many things I am involved in that I am on the verge of a breakdown, which is partly true).

So, it was time for a road trip.

Now....for the details of the road trip.

3000 miles driven

45 hours in the car

Visited: Provo, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, St. George, Las Vegas, Barstow, Fresno, Sacramento, Elko, kaysville, Centerville, and Rexburg.

Family

Mission Reunion

Mission Comps

Good Friends

Seminary work done

Lots of Pictures Taken

Hours and hours of laughing and relaxing

A few GREAT books read

What does all this equal: The best three week vacation ever.

Then reality hit again today. Oh well!! Bring it on. I am ready for it.

See facebook for more pictures! :)

*Lindz*