Thursday, December 30, 2010

wrapping up lovely 2010

some amazing things from 2010:

graduating from orem high school & with 48 college credits from UVU.
yess!!! this seems like forever ago...which it kind of was. haha. 6 months is a long time. but none the less, one of the greatest moments of my life.

going on a senior trip with some of my best friends.
sara, brianna, betsy and i piling into betsy's little car going on a crazy road trip through idaho, oregon, washington and montana! what awesome memories!

finished my first semester at USU
which was sooooooo great! i love usu! everything about it! i'm so happy that my first semester is over. because i can't wait for my next semester classes. ALL interior design!

meeting hope braithwaite and mckenna drew.
hope & mckenna are some of the greatest girls you could ever meet. they are wonderful friends and i am so lucky to have met them. they are some of my best friends. :)

strengthening my friendship with betsy reeves and brianna dickerson
even though i was tight with them in high school, we're even more close now that we're in college together. these are such awesome girls too. wow, why am i so blessed with amazing friends?? beats me. i love being around these girls. they know me so well and we hang out all the time! xoxo

jake hitting his one year mark in the mission field
what an amazing kid he is! i miss him a lot! but he is having an indescribable time in chile! :)

being a part of area government at usu 
this is kind of like student council, but more on a leadership emphasis. i have made some great friends and really developed myself as a great leader.


i'm sure there is much more, but this is good enough for now.... :)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

kind of a drag

sometimes i wonder why i blog....
i feel like hardly anyone ever looks at it.
but maybe...that's okay.
because it really is for me.
to document important moments in life...

but...i have to admit...
it is VERY exciting to see someone comment on a post of mine.
it makes me shhhmile. :)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

she inspires me.

okay, if she ever comes across my blog...i hope she doesn't think i'm a creeper that i follow her blog.ha.

aly is a recent'ish convert to the LDS church and shares her experiences and conversion story. 
she is amazing! :)


anyways....here is her link:

Friday, December 24, 2010

the 4 year old in me.

 last night sara, brianna and i went to the riverwoods.
 & then we went to a toy store....
 & then we acted like we were 4.....

 

& then i got really mature and joined in with these little kids riding bikes around the toy store. immature much? yes, but one of the funnest things ever? yes.
 & then it got really crazy and we went to see santa. who wasn't there so we sat in his chair and ate his candy.



oh and for a side note...
emotions are hard to share sometimes.
couldn't you agree?

Thursday, December 23, 2010

i love you skype.

thank you

you just made my day.

with you and my lovely new webcam, my family and i were able to talk to my brother.
he called us and told us his mish is allowing the missionaries to skype with their families for Christmas.
how amazing is that?
oh i love that boy.
he is the same old brother that i love.
minus his crazy accent, which makes him sound like he's not speaking english.
haha. oh well.
i love em anyways.

i can't wait to talk to him on Christmas! 12:00!!! :)

Monday, December 20, 2010

catching up

semester is....
                    OVER
                               OVER 
                                         OVER!!!!

i'm so happy!
okay enough about how excited i am for finals to be over, christmas coming up and new years... i can't wait for next semester. i am taking such awesome classes. 

here are a few of my textbooks:
i can't wait!!!!
they all look so intriguing.
oh ps. if you are a college student, don't buy your books through your school bookstore. they jip you bad.
for 2 books, the bookstore has be pay 44. guess how much i got for both of them online? 20!!
score!!!
check out DealOz.com
they will compare most of the prices of your textbook and tell you the cheapest deal.



Thursday, December 16, 2010

inception

was AMAZING!
it way by far one of the most creative, awesome movies i've ever seen.
my friend jordan and i went and saw it  last night at 9:30.
it didn't get over until midnight.
& then jordan's truck was freezing...
and we had wait for 10,000 years for it to warm up.
& our toes froze to death.
soo...we went and got hot cocoa.
which was wonderfully delicous.
we then sat and chit chatted.
it was super fun.
and my toes are still frozen.
okay, not really.
haha.

good times though...i love college! :)


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

logan in december

 (borrowed from USU's Facebook)

is beautiful.
so i know i blog all the time about my love for Logan.
but gosh dang. it's lovely.
i am going to miss it very much.
some recent happenings in 110:
 

treats from 112 with my ugly Christmas sweater.

homemade Christmas pillowcases from jessica.

cute Christmas socks from our lovely R.A. charity.

so i feel like i have been negative lately due to the stress and studying of finals...so here are some things i am very grateful for.

*wonderful friends. especially...brianna, betsy, hope and mckenna. i love them all soo sooo much.
*that my math final is over.
*Christmas is near.
*scriptures and prayer.
*talking to my family on the phone.
*when my neighbors bring us delicous Christmas goodies.
*laughing.
*swimming at the hper.
*sleep.

Monday, December 13, 2010

be still and know that I am GOD.


 
missionaires are amazing.
simply amazing.

my brother wrote me this morning.
& it made my day.

i know without a doubt that he is inspired when he writes his emails.
i heard exactly what i needed to hear.

this quote has been getting me through studying for finals....
"Be still and know that I am GOD." 

i know that i couldn't get through life everyday without my communication with my Heavenly Father and Savior. what an amazing blessing it is.
good luck with finals everyone!
<3
lauren

Saturday, December 11, 2010

the library...my second home

i sure spend a lot of time here.
i'm debating on moving in.
i would assume rent would be a lot cheaper here.
& i wouldn't have to have a meal plan.
HOLLA!
i'll have to ask them on my way out.

my goodness.
i am soooo tired of studying.....

but...there are pros to the library.
-watching a guy and a girl "study for finals.."
yeah....not even close.
haha. 
i wonder how couples ever get studying done when they study next to each other..
good thing i have zero distractions. haha. love my life.

-watching people fall asleep on their homework or book.
haha my favorite.

-when people bring a full course meal.
okay, you're not going to starve. haha. or maybe you will?

-oh and the classic...."studying for finals" is codeword for: FACEBOOK.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

50th post

hallelujah!
i'm excited.
aren't you?
of course you are...
(this is probably your first time visiting my blog anyways. hahaha.)


anyhoo...
last night....after studying at the library from 6-10:45 PM...

my pal Jordan and i went on a 7Eleven run and got hot cocoa and taquitos at 11:30.
yeah...gotta love no curfew haha.
so we go to 7Eleven....and the guy says he just threw the rest of the taquitos away for the night.
You have to be kidding me.
jokingly....i told him i would eat them out of the trash.
he thought i was serious.
he said...well it's a clean bag and it's just taquitos in there.
we left.
that was weird.
jordan and i laughed our faces off.
it was pure enjoyment.
then....we perservered and went to another 7Eleven down the street.
& got our fix.
it was divine.
and then we drove around Logan looking at Christmas lights.
It was a blast.
P.S: Jordan should not be allowed to drink hot cocoa and drive stick shift.
Nope.
he drives like a druggie.
so...2 hands on the wheel at all times for that boy.
oh...and we saw deer just chillin on the side of the road.
it was awesome.
that is the end of that lovely story....

 things are awesome here.
i have amazing friends.
an awesome ward.
great roommates 
and a beautiful campus. 
 


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

the future

i often think about the future.
i have this mental list of dreams i hope to have.
lives i will change.
people i will meet.
& places i will go.

if you  would ask me what i would love my future (the next few years) to posses read below...

      1.    i would love to go on a study abroad in greece.
                                                   studying interior design & architecture.

i can't even  begin to imagine how wonderful it would be.
       see i have this fascination with greece and i spend hours just looking at photography from there.

i would love to wake up every morning to this beautiful view, amazing buildings with so much history and a sense of love for the greek culture.

2. I would love to live in another country besides the U.S.
even if it's for a short time.
i want to travel so badly.

3. Work in an orphanage or an underprivliged country.
service is very important to me and i would love to be able to benefit those less fortunate than me.
since i was a wee little one, i have wanted to go to Africa.
but due to how scary it is, i'm not sure if it's safe enough for me to go.
My love for Africa is still strong, but i would much rather go to a safer location.

so i will later add to this list, but due to my crunch time for studying for finals, i must pause this.
xoxo,
l

Monday, December 6, 2010

photography..i miss you so.

i miss photoshoots
or even just dragging my camera everywhere.
i should get back into it.

Here are just a few pictures....
 







Oh I came across the most amazing photos today.
If  you like photography?

                                                        Or just love looking at amazing work?

Sunday, December 5, 2010

oh college, how i love you!

went to bed at 2 AM.
                               woke up at 12:45 PM.
                                                               yep....college is lovely.


trevor, jordan, jeremy and i went to HP tonight.
&...to say the least..
it was AMAZING.
the  best one so far, i have to admit.
it was awesome going with those guys! they are all super nice and really fun to be around.
& a movie isn't complete without movie theater popcorn! (thanks jeremy!)

after the movie we all went back to our dorms.
& then trevor went outside to chill outside his room.
so i joined him.
then dearden came.
then jordan came.
then dacy came.
pretty much it was a party outside 111. haha.
it's awesome hanging out with those guys, because i feel like the more i hang out 
with them the more awesome they are.
it was shwweet.....

night to you.
love,
l

Saturday, December 4, 2010

you girls complete me.

for the record..
                           i would die without......

betsy
brianna
melissa
hope 
&
kenna

they are such amazing girls. i love hanging out with them.
tonight...our adventure consisted of...
midnight pizza,
DDR dance party,
almost playing Bullshiz at midnight pizza,
laughing...(a lot),
doing hair,
painting nails,
being amazed by this beautiful Logan fog,
boy talk
just great memories.....

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mckenna...Kenna....Bay Bay Mck

I had to write a post about McKenna Drew.
One of my bestest friends I have met up here at USU


Kenna,
You remind me of my best friend back home.
You're positive.
You are Beautiful. To say the least.
You are SOOOO Upbeat.
You put effort into everything you do.
You look at things practically.
You can handle my randomness, blonde moments and freak outs.
You're always willling to run over to my place if I ever need a friend to talk to.
You always tell me how amazing and beautiful I am, which means a lot.
You are SUCH a great friend with high standards and an amazing personality.
I LOVE YOU!

 Just to name a few moments we've had together...

going to the HOWL
red jumpsuit apparatus concert
iron man 2 on old main hill
acting insane
antique shop runs
singing like pyschos
D.I. runs
watching chick flicks and drinking fruit smoothies
talking boys
the mindy gledhill concert
football games
watching cute music videos
blog stalking
making you laugh so hard you feel like peeing yourself
going to breakfast, lunch and din together
the institute dance
 doing morse code to my wall with my "Jesus" rock
going swimming
doing nails
happy bun day!
chillin at old farm
going running
going to AG meetings
talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ.



the list could have much more, but this is what I could think of off the top of my head. :)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Happy DECEMBER to you!

Hello Hello!
Have I told you lately how much I love going to Special Needs Institute?
By far the best class of the day.
Hands down!

Kim* and I were asked to share "Words of the Prophet," which is just sharing a scripture that we like. I asked Kim about numerous topics that we could talk about....
Jesus
Faith
Families
Holy Ghost
Love
the list cotinued...

And she was very persistant that we should talk about the Holy Ghost.
I didn't know exactly why she felt so strongly about this topic, but I chose a scripture that went along with the Holy Ghost and then it was our turn to come up.

We read a scripture in D&C and then I told her to share with the class why she wanted to talk about the Holy Ghost.

She said,
" I want to talk about the Holy Ghost, because I love feeling the Holy Ghost. It's special to me."
My heart started to race and I felt the spirit enter the room.
These children have such sweet amazing spirits about them.
I love being around them.
Sure, we go there to be their "tutors," but without a doubt, I know I come out a much 
stronger, better person.
Their understanding, faith and love for their Savior is indescribalble.
I hope I can one day be as strong as these beautiful children too.

If you would like to learn more about the LDS church go here: lds.org
*Name changed.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

We all need a little uplifting

I came across this story a few days ago.
It really is a beautiful touching story that you should take the time to read.
It gave me a reminder of how important and vital the Atonement is in each one of our lives.
Without my Savior, I would be nothing.
Please Enjoy.


A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."

Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.

But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content.

Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

Monday, November 29, 2010

Just feeeeelllinnn happy,

I just wanted to share a portion of a letter I wrote to my brother...

Enjoy!

".......So I assume you’re wondering how I am doing, and…I am very happy. Honestly. I just feel SO happy. I feel like I haven’t felt so happy in a long time. I feel like I am doing everything I should be doing. I am taking the time to read my scriptures, pray and strive to keep the commandments. My classes are going well, my friends are amazing and life is just all around grand. I honestly think that since I am taking more time than I ever have to read my scriptures on a daily basis has really helped. I’m beginning to feel more confident and proud of myself too. I know that God is really trying to show me my true potential. I’m just very glad to be alive! Haha. Finals are approaching in just a few weeks. I am starting to take a little studiny at a time so, I don’t bombard myself days before the final. I know that if I make sure and do what I’m supposed to and put in the time, I can do well on them. I sometimes feel surprised at myself when I write letters to you, because I feel like it gives me a chance to see the positives in life. You bring out the best in me. :) I feel like often times I receive some help from above when I write you these letters, because I feel like things just come to me. I hope that even a line of this letter, can help you personally or something that you may be struggling with or need to work on."

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Giving Thanks ♥

I did a post awhile back giving thanks to..my family, my new friends at USU, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a few other odds and ends.

But...
I didn't want to miss a Thanksgiving Post because I can't go ungrateful the day before Thanksgiving.

The love & friendship my sisters and I share. They died when they saw me! (I left a day early, without them knowing). It was awesome seeing their faces! I'm so grateful for them. They are such great sisters and they love having me home. I would do ANYTHING for my sisters, I would give up my life for them in a heartbeat. I love you Kate and Livvy! :)

Jake's amazing example. Most of you that read my blog, know I have a brother serving an LDS mission in Chile. He is so humble and gives everyday his all. All of his letters are full of happiness and love. All his letters show how much he loves our Savior and his gospel.

My parents. I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for my parents. I'm grateful that they are still together, that they had a temple marriage, and raised us kids in the gospel. It truly is a blessing. I love that my dad shoots me an email on a daily basis telling me how much he loves me and how I'm doing. I love talking to my mom about anything and everything...especially about boys. :) Haha! She's the best. They both exhibit unconditional love and service to everyone around them.


....To be continued

First Aggie Football game and Cleaned the Sink at Angie's!

Hello Hello!
Today was GAME DAY!!!
The Aggies won against Idaho State by a landslide.
The score was 38-17!
It was a blast!!!