Dilly Lifestyle

So what, Im Late!!

2011-06-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am not always the best at keeping on top of my blog, but I decided I needed to do a little post for Fathers Day.
We had a most wonderful Sunday that day. This is how it went...
Riley and I made Robert a delicious breakfast that was hot and ready when he got out of bed. We all ate together and then headed to church. Sacrament was especially fun because my girlfriend, Kirie, who is the primary music leader, was out of town, and I got to stand in for her. I got up with the primary kids and lead them through the "Im so glad when daddy comes home" song. Oh my gosh, it was totally sweet and those children are absolutely darling. Robert then took Riley so I could go do the music in Primary, I loved it. Riley was really good for Robert and it is always so sweet when I look out and see our little Riley fast asleep in his daddys arms...I guess that must be one of the most terrific things about being a father; the comfort your children find in your arms. Anyway, we went home and got ready to go see my dad. We went to Jackson and I got to see some of the men in my life that I admire and love more than they even know it. Papaw and my daddy were both there, along with my brother, and brothers-in-law.
I can not tell you how grateful I am for the love, kindness, support, and strength my father has give me. He is such an incredible man and it brings me so much happiness knowing that my children will be able to say the same about their father.
I really wish we could have seen my sweet father-in-law. I am just so thankful that Robert had such a great man as a father, whom I love very much.
So, cheers to the most wonderful fathers in the world!!

April is already here...well, almost!

2011-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

It is the last day of march. What a great month we had! We are truly blessed and life is just as sweet as ever!!
Robert just started his anatomy class. It's every tuesday and thursday from 530-930. He leaves for work around 7AM and doesnt get home until late. I hate that we don't get to see him, but the time we spend with him, we really make it count! He is such a wonderful provider and works so hard. What an impressive man!
He has recently applied for the accelerated nursing program at Union University and we are crossing our fingers that he gets in. I am confident that he will. He would be done one year and would have his bachelors in nursing. After nursing school he wants to work in an ER and go onto CRNA school. Plans could change, but that is the path he is pursuing for now.
Riley. Wow. That child gets more and more colorful everyday. He is always laughing and smiling. He loves sweet potato baby food and hates peaches. He eats pretty much anything. A few funny stories about my little handful- At night I have pants on him, in the morning, they are off. Ha, he takes off his pants when he is in his crib. He likes to chase 2 liters around the room. I think he might be a soccer player. He likes for us to help him walk around the room and he likes to kick and chase to soccer ball.
He currently weighs 20 lbs. He has thinned out quite a bit. He pulls up on all the furniture and uses it to walk around.
I really enjoy watching him grow. He has started mocking me when I say something. I told him "no" earlier and he started saying "nahnahnah" He recognized the Nuh noise and repeated it. I just love watching him learn. What a smart boy!!
And for me....I am going to learn to make super cute cake pops. I love baking and I am about to get out of my comfort zone and make some stuff I have never done. I cant wait to try out some new recipes. I just love cooking. Life is great. We live a rich life :)

Busy as a bee....

2011-02-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

February has come and gone so fast. Time subtly slips right through our fingers.
My angel baby has grown so much. He is on the verge of crawling and my heart explodes everytime he says "mama" and throws his arms out for me to get him. I wish I could put a little freeze frame on our life right now. Robert is the best spanish teacher ever and he works so hard. I send him off to school everyday with a blue lunch box filled with goodies and anxiously wait for him to get home in the afternoon. Riley gets so excited when Robert comes in. He starts kicking his little legs and smiling and laughing. We are blessed to have such a happy little guy.
I am so anxious to start dental hygiene school. Im not anxious to leave the little man that I spend 24/7 with, but I know I need to do this for my family...for him.
I have been thinking a lot about the silent struggles that people often face. I am trying to go out of my way to make life a little happier or easier for those around me. Whether they be of my same social status, race, religion, etc, I want to make people happy. I love making people smile and the more that I am able to make others feel important and loved, the better I feel about myself. I think that is a beautiful concept.
Everyday, I want to grow into the woman that I know Heavenly Father wants me to be. Robert is constantly helping me to improve and I fall a little more in love with him every day. Granted, there are times he drives me crazy, but we are married so that is to be expected ;)
I really do need to get some pictures up. Riley has grown so much and is such a beautiful baby. He is so full of life and energy. My family calls him the "spaz." I never could have understood the way a mother loves until I became one. It is a love that has gradually grown and matured. It is special...
I hope you are all making the most out of life and trying your hardest to enjoy every minute of it! Love to you all :)

The best birthday ever

2011-02-01T15:17:00.001-08:00

I know I am late getting this up, but I had to blog about my wonderful birthday. I turned 22 glorious years old on January 14th. Birthdays are a big deal to me. I love love love them.
My day....
My wonderful mother came to Memphis to take me to lunch and took me to Red Lobster. Yummmy!! I ate a yummy seafood lunch. When we got in the car to drive home, the presesnts she had gotten me were not hidden well enough so I found them and snickered! Ha, I am too tricky! My mom laughed and handed me a bag. A new three barrell, with large barrells and a pair of crystal earrings I have been drooling over for a while. We then went to see Robert in the classroom. He was trying to teach his class how to sing me happy birthday in spanish, but I got there before he was finished teaching them, so they sang to me in english. He got to show Riley and me off to his eigth graders and we had fun meeting the kids. I hated to leave him, but I knew he would be off before too long.
Robert came home from work and in one hand he had a dozen gorgeous hot pink long stemmed roses. They were called "hot princess" roses. In the other hand, he held a bottle of strawberry sparkling cider. I was so happy to see him; the roses and cider were just a plus. We left Riley with Sandra and Brent and set off to have an evening to ourselves. We went to Outback Steakhouse (steak is my favorite) and had a delicious steak dinner. Then we went to Baskin Robbins, where Robert had got me an ice cream cake! I was so excited and laughed so hard when I saw the cake. It had "Walter and Bazaar" on it. This is an inside joke between us and it still makes me laugh thinking about it. We shared the cake with my family when we went to pick up our precious baby boy. The next morning, I got all ready and I had invited my family and just a few friends to eat dinner with me that night at Nae's house. Nae made my favorite meal, sweet pork burritos. My mom is soo funny. She was bound and determined to have me an ice cream cookie from Maggie Moos. We drove an hour, due to traffic and construction, to get my birthday cookie. When we got there, my mom spoiled me and got me ice cream cupcakes too! I had so much fun laughing and giggling with Renee and Mom on the way to get the cupcakes. It could have been frustrating, but we laughed it off. I got to dinner and was ready to party!!
Renee had got me a pair of Gianni Bini high heels....they were sooooo awesome! I love them. Along with the heels, she had me Viva la juicy, and other goodies.
Sandra got me Noir and a super cute exercise top. I love that she is supporting my healthy lifestyle :)
I got lots of other good treats that are all very noteworthy, but I dont want to brag too much ;)
I had such a great birthday. I loved having my family and friends over and celebrating the most important day of my history....ha, the day that I came to be!

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

2011-01-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

This past year was one of the best years of my life. It seemed like everything I wanted to accomplish, I did...and then some!
I got my associates degree in April and found out that I was accepted into the bachelors program for Dental Hygiene school. Getting into hygiene school is very competitive, but I did it!! I thought I was going to have to turn down the offer and re-apply due to the baby situation I was in. However, I called the school, and they told me that they would let me defer a year so that I could spend a year getting use to being a mom....how awesome is that!?! In July, my life changed for forever. The 7th day of July, my beautiful baby boy decided to come into my arms. My heart fills with so much joy just thinking of his tiny little nose and sweet cooing. I knew my life would change when he came, but I didnt know how much warmth and sunshine would come, or how much love I would feel. I have known what it feels like to love, but I could not even begin to explain the magnitude of love that has come to me and how I have been able to expand my love.
On August 8th, my love, Robert, and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. On this day, Robert blessed Riley in the same ward that I was blessed in 21 years prior. It was a beautiful blessing and a perfect day.
Everyday I am so grateful for my life. Robert is a dream come true. Riley is the most pure loving person in this world. They make my life better everyday.
In November, Sandra tied the knot with Brent. I am so happy for them!
In early December, I was able to take Riley to visit my incredible in-laws. I love the Dilgards and had so much fun with them. We ate lots of yummy food, made christmas cookies together, shopped together, stayed up late, and lots of other fun stuff. I am blessed to have them in my life. I know that Robert and I knew each other before this life and loved each other and each others families long ago. I miss them and I wish that they were closer. I really hope September and Travis get to live in San Antonio, TX for school so we can drive to see them. I love them all so much.
Christmas was the best Christmas I have had in a long time. It was so exciting for me to be in TN and not only was I in TN, but I had Robert and Riley. Riley's first Christmas was so much fun.
New Years was also so exciting. The last day of the year I was able to go to a sealing in the temple. It was so wonderful to be in the temple the last day of the year :) The reception was held that night at the train depot. The DJ was incredible and I danced the night away. I still got it ;) I had so much fun tearing the dance floor apart with Robert and with my mom and sisters. We know how to have fun!!
The first day of the year, I am sitting here, blogging about the last. I made black eye peas, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and fried chicken strips. Robert and I are watching a football game together. We are just about to use the AWESOME ice cream maker September got us and make homemade strawberry ice cream...yummmmy!!!!
It was a wonderful year. It started out beautifully, and went out with a bang!!
I can not wait to see what this year has in store for us. I know that in Aug, I will be starting school again, yikes! I only anticipate the best for this year. Happy New Year everyone! Let's make it a good one!!!!!

We are a happy family!

2010-12-22T21:36:00.001-08:00

Arent my boys handsome?

Loving Me....Loving You

2010-12-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

This past week, I got home from Boise, Idaho. I took sweet Riley to see Robert's family. Unfortunately, Robert was unable to come. I hated leaving him, but I was able to really build relationships that were long overdue.
Being away from Robert was really tough. It made me realize that I may take my sweet husband for granted. He constantly loves me and takes care of me. He found me when I needed him most. I believe that we saved each other...as we continue to do so daily.
Life has been so sweet for us. Riley is growing so fast. It is so insane how quickly my baby boy is growing. He rolls all over the floor and is always babbling away. We are blessed beyond measure. Our life really is a dream come true. Robert has a great job that allows him to spend time with us. He is such an excellent husband and best friend. He is my confidant and I have entrusted to him my whole heart. I was able to get my associate degree, have a gorgeous baby and, get accepted into Dental Hygiene school this year. Productive, huh?! I am so excited to start school in the fall of 2011. What a wonderful year!!
I am treated so well by my sweetheart. I know that every day I have a great life to look forward to. Love is the most wonderful gift I have ever been given. How sweet it is to be loved and to love.

Sweeeet

2010-10-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have the sweetest baby in the world. He is constantly smiling and laughing and he makes my world so much brighter. He hates going to sleep sometimes. It drives me crazy when I want to take a nap and he refuses to close his little eyes...and then, when I feel like I am going to die because I am so tired, he smiles. He smiles at me and I think to myself that he is soo much more fun than sleeping. Haha...I would so much rather be playing with my silly boy.
He is getting so big and I hate that one day I am not going to be able to cradle him in my arms and snuggle him up tight. He isnt always going to let me do that. Therefore, I am going to treasure every snuggle, every laugh, every moment I have with my boy. I am lucky. I am blessed.
I have been trying to work on some issues I am having. It could be lack of sleep, but I have been so tense. Unfortunately, I have been getting mad over the stupidest things or snapping about nothing. It really is ridiculous. My anxiety also feels like it is getting out of hand. When I do snap or get upset, no matter how small of an issue it was, I feel like all is lost. I hate it. I have such a hard time climbing over these small bumps. I just want to be more patient and I want to be nicer. I have to start putting in more effort to being better to my husband too. I married an excellent man and sometimes, I just dont give him the love he deserves. He might drive me crazy sometimes, but he is the most incredible man in the world. I have to teach myself to bridle my tongue and to choose my battles.
I really could use some help being better...sooo give me advice on how YOU control yourself when you get upset. I need some motivation! Thanks and I look forward to the feedback.

A new man in my life...

2010-09-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last blog....too long.
On July 7, 2010, my world was rocked by my sweet baby Riley James. It wasn't easy...
I went to the hospital July 4th and 5th, but got sent home both times because my contractions were not consistent enough. I went to the doctor on the 6th and surprisingly, I had finally dilated to a 3. He told me I would be induced on the 7th so just to come into the hospital in the morning and they would break my water and get me started on medicines to help with labor. At around 4:00, my contractions were knocking me to my knees. I was having them consistently every 4-6 minutes. I went to the hospital, so scared I was going to get sent home again. They kept me! I was at a four and having good contractions. They gave me a sleeping pill and started me on a low dosage of pitocin. The night was no fun... In the morning, the doctor broke my water-which didnt do anything because Riley's head corked it all in. I found out that morning that I couldnt have an epidural. I was not having a good time... I was dilated to a 6 at 12:00....at 12:15 I was a 10 and was ready to push. The nurses start working with me and call the doctor and tell him to get there. The doctor gets there at like 1245 and has to tell me to stop pushing so he can be ready. After the doctor yelling at me telling me to pull myself together and making me push his way, and on his count, my beautiful baby boy came into the world at 1:05.
July 7, 2010- Riley James Dilgard
Only two weeks later, on July 23rd, my incredible husband graduated with his BS in Sociology. A few days later, we started our journey to TN. We got to TN around the 29th and moved into our beautiful apartment. I love love love it (thank you so much, Nae!). Robert started his new job as a middle school spanish teacher on August 8th. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments. He has worked so hard. I am so impressed and grateful for such a wonderful husband!
We are so happy to be in TN. I am so thankful that I get to be close to my clan. I have had so much fun with everyone, but I am missing my Becky Boo Baby. Riley really misses her too
Life has been oh too sweet. I will be posting pictures soon :)

Crazy Dreams

2010-06-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

So, I have really crazy dreams. I usually dream I am in labor and I wake up in the middle of the night thinking I need to go to the hospital. Great, right? Ha. Well, last night I had the best dream by far.
My dream...
I was just at my apartment and I looked over at my mom and she was holding a baby. I looked at her and I said, "Mom, whose baby is that?" Then, I looked down and I was wearing a hospital gown. That is when it hit me. She was holding my baby. I looked back up and asked when I had given birth. I could not remember any of it! I told Mom and Robert that I seriously could not remember having the baby and they just kind of laughed and told me that my epidural must have been a really good one. So, I went over to hold my baby, and when I looked at him, he was huge! He must have been like 10 lbs when he was born. I was like, what the?! Mom, how much did he weigh??? I could not recall anything from being at the hospital. Well, mom and robert couldnt remember either. Goodness. He looked like I did as a baby though. Lots of dark hair. Anyway, I guess mom was about to change his diaper so he didnt have one on and she asked me to take over. I went to change it and he started pooping. Blah, he is a mess even in my dreams! Riley James, I can tell you are a trouble maker already! Crazy child. I woke up pretty weirded out by that dream

Update- I went to the doctor today and good news! I am 50% effaced...but not dilating yet. I am going to do everything I can to get that process started. Please pray that he comes when my mom is here! I would be sooo upset if he were late. She got her plane ticket to stay only until July 8th...which stresses me out a little. It will be a short little trip and I feel like I am going to need her a little longer.

Pictures by Amy

2010-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Amy, thanks so much for doing these. They turned out great! You have some real talent :)

2 Weeks and 4 Days

2010-06-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

I guess you could say that I am getting pretty anxious. I am due in 2 weeks and 4 days...Yes, I do have a count down. I went to the doctor yesterday and they checked me. Well, I am not dilating or thinning out yet. I was so bummed. I am so paranoid he is going to be late and my mom wont be able to be here for it. If I do start dilating and my cervix is "favorable," I was told I could be induced a week early. If I am able to get induced, I want to do it on either July 1st or 2nd. I want him to be here by fourth of July so I can go to a bar-be-que. Mom asked me who was going to throw one and I told her that if I dont have anywhere to go, Robert will grill out! haha. Either way, July 4th I am eating some grilled chicken, watermelon, and anything else that I want. I dont care if I am pregnant or not. My body has been giving me a few issues lately, but I guess that is to be expected. I think things have flared up a little that were pretty close to nonexistent before. It makes things a little harder, but I have a lot of support from Robert. I probably scare that boy 24/7 because I get so grumpy...but he still loves me.
I can not wait to move to TN, but we are still trying to figure out how we are going to get there. We sold the black car which gave us the money we needed to get there...but then my car broke down and we are going to have to pay to get it fixed. It isnt going to eat all the money we got from the black car, but it is taking a significant chunk of it. I guess that is life for you- everything wont always be perfect. I miss Michael and Amy a lot. They have only been gone a little while, but I wish I could see them. I have no desire to really go to Idaho Falls since they are not there. Well, I best get off here. Love to all

So long, Keisha, my ghetto machine

2010-06-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to sell the black car for a few weeks. Yesterday, within an hour, it was sold. A couple came and looked at it, test drove it, and called us back offering to bring a check right over. It was such a blessing and we actually got a little more than our asking price. It was a little sad to let her go though. I have Layla, my white jetta, but I will miss Keisha's attitude. Hahaha. Seriously though, that car had some personality. Now, hopefully we will have enough money to get us out to Tennessee at the end of July. It will be hard to just have one car, but I think we can make it work. Robert still has his bike, but we have to figure out how we are going to get it to TN.
Anyway, I go to the doctor tomorrow. I will let everyone know if I get any new news. Much love to yall!

Just Lookin' for a Waterfall

2010-05-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, as a nice little activity, we went in search for a waterfall in Swan Valley. We had looked it up on the internet and this is what we were looking for-

Well, we were never able to find them. But we did have a lot of fun...and this is what we did find

Cows- this one was my favorite

There really was a lot of beauty to be seen, even if we did not find that stinkin waterfall

It was a lot of fun and I got to spend time with some of my favorite people!

Craft Happy

2010-05-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Watch Bands: I love making these. These are actually for Amy and Kara-

Ri-guy: Im doing Riley's room in Busy Being all the Bees (Pres Hinkley). I made these to coordinate with his bumble bee bedding. I have soo much fun painting-

My Little Experiment: I have been wanting to paint and since I have all the free time in the world, I did this. It was a blank canvas at first.

This looked pretty dreary, so I wanted to make it look less dark. What do you think?

What a Wonderful Week!

2010-05-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Things were looking a little bleak for a few weeks, but let me tell you how things have shaped up. I have had the best past week. It was seriously wonderful. First of all, I called the University of Tennessee and told them about my situation and they were so understanding. They told me that it would be in my best interest and the baby's if I took a year off and deferred until next year. I really was not expecting that, but I wrote a letter asking to defer. Then, later in the week, I got a phone call from my doctor's office saying that I had won the drawing for a free one hour massage and lots of cute handmade flower clips for my hair. I was on cloud nine. My chances of winning were slim considering all of rexburg goes to my doctor and I only put my name in once. Michael had asked me if Robert and I could come down and spend the night with the kids on Saturday so he and Amy could go to Salt Lake. I said yes, and only a few days later he called and told me that his in-laws were coming to town so he couldnt go. He offered his hotel room to Robert and me. We went to Salt Lake and had so much fun!! On the way there, we stopped to get gas and saw a little barbeque stand. It was so delicious! If the sauce had been different, it would have been memphis-good. We mainly did things on Temple Square, but it was fantastic. I ran into Amy's cousin, Sister Alex Warner, which was a fun little surprise. Then, we went to dinner at The Garden restaurant. It is on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith memorial building and it overlooks the temple. It was so pretty. I talked to the manager for a while and found out that her son is in memphis going to school. She brought us free fried pickles and they were so yummy. It was seriously the best part of the meal. After dinner, it was raining and we needed to get back to our hotel. We walked in the rain, but it was not too bad. I enjoyed it. I have had the best week :)

I can do this...right?

2010-04-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to go to dental hygiene school. Some people are confused about their career paths, but I never was. I worked really hard, kept a great GPA, and applied. Along this path, my life changed a lot. I got pregnant, but still had every intention of going to school, even if it was just a month after the baby came. I had not really prayed about it, but I felt like I needed to. I prayed and I was very strongly prompted to delay dental hygiene school in order to take responsibility as a mother. I was okay with this and I felt confident. Well, not too long later, I received an acceptance letter from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. My heart was broken. All I thought I had wanted was right at my finger tips.
I was stubborn and looked into every possibility of being able to go to school. I felt a little guilty and one of my friends asked me if I had prayed about it...well, I had before, but I was questioning what I had felt and so she asked me to pray again. I did not want to though...I wanted to be able to do it and everything work out... I really dont think I was willing to hear. I humbled myself, and I looked even deeper. In a way, my heart aches giving up something that I have always wanted. I look at those educated women around me and I really do envy it. I have chosen to put off school this year because of something more important. It breaks my heart, but I am confident in my choice and I know that I have to have the faith to act on it...but it does not mean that this has not been difficult for me. I have to trust that the Lord knows better than I do...even though right now it is so hard. I just need some love and support right now-that might sound a little silly, but it has been a struggle. I can not complain though. Life is great, well except for the fact that I can not eat sweets for the rest of my pregnancy. I failed one of my blood-sugar tests and they told me I cant eat sweets or I will have a 12 lb baby. No ice cream is driving me crazy. We passed my dairy queen and they had blizzards buy one, get one for 25 cents. I started crying because I promise there are never deals like that when I can eat it. Boo you, dairy queen. Anyway, I better run. I love you all!

Here the belly is!!

2010-03-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here you have the belly and all!!

Emotional Battles

2010-03-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here lately, I have really been fighting to be happy. I feel like I am constantly just standing on the edge just waiting there. I am not sure why it feels like things are so much harder than they usually are. I know that there is a lot of pride and selfishness involved with feeling unhappy. I have been trying really hard to come up with a genuine recipe for smiles. I do not have a hard time smiling, but sometimes I do have a hard time just feeling good in general...Here is my spill.....(please be patient with me)
First of all, I know my hormones are all sorts of crazy because I am pregnant. Not only am I pregnant, but I barely transitioned from being part of a huge social scene in the "single" life. This really has been a hard transition. I went from constantly playing and being around tons of people to the norms of married life. Robert really is wonderful, but I miss being able to be around so many different types of people and just having girl time with roommies. I really hope that the people that do have those times and privileges do not take them for granted. They really are times to be cherished.
It makes me feel somewhat alone and everyday I am so scared that I am not going to be a good mom. I can have all the reassurance in the world, but I know it is something I am going to have to prove to myself.
Along with all these sad feelings, I have been having really bad anxiety. I get really nervous around people and then I start getting really hot and my face turns red, I feel like I cant breath and I am being suffocated. When I do get fresh air and I am alone, I cry. Im not sure what makes me cry, but I do. I feel scared and then I feel confined. I hate those feelings. What happened to the social butterfly in me?
I feel like I am writing these things and maybe it will be a step closer to me being better or doing what it takes to be better.
A call to action: I was reading in 2 Nephi 10, and verses 23 and 24 really stuck out to me. I read them a bit differently than I had in the past. This is what I pulled out of them: Happiness comes from aligning our actions with the will of God. It makes it perfectly clear in these verses that happiness IS a choice. I have always believed that, but I needed to see that and interpret it the way I did. Thank goodness for the little mercies in life....

2010-02-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Age: 21 glorious years!
Bed size: Full :-/ Hopefully that changes soon
Chore I hate: Folding clothes.....urghhh!!
Dog's name: None
Essential to start my day: Brushin my teeth
Favorite color: Red or turquiose
Gold or silver: Gold
Height: 5'8
I am: really tired...going to bed very soon!
Job: Full time student. Im working on getting a job though
Kids: One on the way. I hope to have lots.
Living arrangements: 2 bed room apartment. It is very cute! I love it.
Mom's name: I call her Bom, she goes by Diane, but her real name is Porla...I love you bom!
Nickname: Chare, Chare bear,
Overnight hospital stay: Bladder surgery
Pet peeve: Things not going in the dishwasher right.
Quote from a movie: "After all, tomorrow is another day." -Gone with the wind
Right or left handed: Righty-so original.
Siblings: Renee', Michael, Sandra, James, Rebekah
Time I wake up: If I could, 9:00 everyday. It just always feels good.
Unique thing about my car: Her name is Keisha; she is a black avenger
Vegetable I hate: brussel sprouts
Ways I run late: Usually just when I am waiting on every one else.
X-rays I've had: Oh, lots.
Yummy food I make: If I make it, it is yummy
Zoo favorite: Monkeys...hippos.

Listen, all you haters:

2010-02-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay!! I am going to try really hard to get better at blogging!! I do not look pregnant enough to put up pictures. I would just feel chubby in them. My life is not too eventful right now, but I did have some inspiration:
I was just thinking about how short tempered I have been. It seems like the people I care about the most are the ones that I need to treat the best, but I take my frustrations out on them. I started thinking about how it is our family that deserves to be treated the best, but because we are so comfortable around them, our bad side may come out. I really am going to put an effort forth to uplift those that I love. I want to try to always put my best foot forward. It always seems like I lose my patience so quickly around the people I am closest too. However, they are the ones that deserve the full patience from you. I just thought of these things and thought they were worthy of sharing. Maybe we could all take a look at how we are treating those that mean the most to us and hopefully we are showing them they mean the most through our actions toward them.
Morgan is in Idaho visiting me. It is fun to have her here. She keeps me from being bored. I have fun fun fun! Ha, it is hard to get homework done though.
Life is great. Im so happy that I am alive and I pray that I am able to stay optimistic. I really do hope that I can treat everyone around me better. I really do need to make that a top priority.

For Mom...and the rest of you :)

2010-02-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Every time I talk to Mom, she tells me that I need to get on and blog. Okay, okay! I will do it!
So everyone knows by now that I am pregnant. Things are going great. I feel sick a lot, but I rarely throw up (I hate to say that around Nae, she is a sickly one). I am in school and have been working my butt off trying to keep my grades up. I have applied for Dental Hygiene school, and if all works out, I will be in school August 17th doing that. Life is busy, but it helps the days to go along a little faster. I can not wait until Mom gets here. I am going to have to work extra hard to stay on track because I know I am going to want to go see her a lot.
I am trying to work out a way to come home in April. I really want to see all my family. San and Daddy especially.
I am pretty sure I am going to name Baby Dilly Riley James. I love the name Riley because it is a southern name. My mom had an uncle riley, so it is a family name as well. James comes from my big brother. I have always looked up to him and I want to name my baby after him. I do not have too much to say. I feel like I am just rambling right now, but if I come up with something significant to say, I will be sure to blog.....Love to all!! -charity

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, I just realized that I have not blogged since October. I have to do better.
The past few months have flown by and they have been really good. Full of surprises and such. I went to Tennessee on Dec 7-15. It was a great time and I can never get enough of my family. I love them each and even with all those little quirks of theirs, they are forever written in my heart. When I got back to Boise I started thinking of some things...
Sometimes we are wrong. Sometimes we are right. Sometimes we are terribly wrong, and sometimes we are all too right.
We tend to be judgemental, mostly in good faith, but I think a lot of times we are unfairly judgemental. We develop opinions and biases based on what others say and in stead of confronting a situation to earn our own opinions, we live and breath off of others. I know I am guilty of this. Obviously, there have been people that I have cared less about based on the opinions and observations of others. Realizing the biases of others, I realized how I am guilty of this same thing.
This made me want to change. I can not be mad at others if I am guilty as well. So, I have decided to put an effort in on forming my own opinions based on my own observations, ignoring social norms, but clinging to the morals that I believe in. I do not like cowards. I do not like being talked about. I do not like these things in the least. So, I am also going to make an effort to be braver and to not talk about anyone. I will try to hold my tongue unless I truly do have something nice to say. My daddy use to quote Thumper in Bambi saying "if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say it"....well, it was something like that. I have been frustrated and I am dealing with my own personal struggles. Everyday a new battle approaches, not just in my life, but in all of ours. I do not want to bare my burdens alone. I want to be able to turn to those that I love and trust the most and know that I am not being looked down on but I want to know they have their arms full of love and compassion extended towards me as I would them.
Life is not always a piece of cake. I am blessed to have been given the life that I have.
Everyday is a challenge and a blessing all at once. I look forward to starting school and getting to see Becky and Megan more often.
Anyway, a new little something I will share. I have always loved cameo jewelry. Robert got me a really beautiful cameo necklace for christmas and I have decided that I am going to start collecting it. Cameo is so elegant and beautiful and it reminds me of a classy and graceful time in the world.
I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all and I hope everyone is getting ready for a great new year!!!!

Must Be in the Genes

2009-10-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

So I put some pictures on facebook of the receptions(finally), and Renee said that I should put the one of mom and me on my blog. Well, that got my wheels aspinnin' and I decided to put it on here. Let me tell you about my Porla D....she is going to kill me for calling her that. Well, she is absolutely beautiful....one foxy lady. I hope I have those "pretty genes" when I am older too. I traded in my dark hair for blond(for now), but trust me, that TN blood still flows through my veins and I think that TN women age well. My mom is not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside she glows like the sun. Yeah, she is a little feisty sometimes(that's where I get it from), but she has the biggest and softest heart of anyone. I miss her everyday and wish I could just have one of her warm hugs. I am not sure she even know how much she means to me....but it is more than I can say. My dad is pretty lucky, as is my momma. I was just thinking that I hope my moms beauty, her loyalty, her love, and her amazingness, all run in the genes.

Do blondes have more fun?

2009-10-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got my hair done. My sister-in-law, September did it. She is the picasso of hair! Seriously, she is the best. I wanted a change, but I did not want to cut it because I am trying to grow it out a bit. Robert has wanted to see me blond, so I decided to surprise him and go for it. I just got blond high lights, but I got a lot so they are very visible! I wanted them to stand out. He loves it and so do I. I have had tons of compliments so I am guessing it looks good! haha! I really love it. I think I might go with this blond thing for a little while.

Go in Peace...

2009-09-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

So today, I woke up and I felt pretty crumby. I have had a cold and I did not feel good at all. Robert has also been getting sick and he was not feeling up to par either. I called the primary president and told her we wouldnt be there for nursery and I called September, who is a LIFESAVER, and she told me that she and Travis would do it for us. Well, I got to thinking and reviewing the past week, and I really felt a strong need and desire to go to church. I went with Mama Jen to her ward, which is a singles branch. It was such an inspiring sacrament meeting. I know that I was meant to hear the things that were said. I have been struggling with some things and I was so glad that I had opened my heart to the things that were said. One of the speakers, who I would LOVE to set up with one of my sisters, talked on our relationships with the Lord. He based his talk on proving the Lord. He talked about how Satan will not try to get us to fully disobey, but by partial disobedience we become weak. His whole talk was absolutely incredible and he closed it with a challenge to pick one thing that we can improve on and in our prayers to let Heavenly Father know we were working on that and to ask Him to help us to see the blessings that come from it. Not only would be letting Heavenly Father know we are trying a little harder, but we are also asking Him to help make our blessings clear to us. I loved that. Anyway, a special musical came next. I thought it was going to be a Poor Wayfaring Man because the girl started talking about how this woman had served him with all that she had even though she was poor and had taken him in and washed his feet with her tears, etc. Well, the name of the song was Go in Peace. It gave me chills and it reassured me that if we are doing all that we can to serve Heavenly Father, we will have peace. I wish I could find the lyrics and put them on here...I will research it! It was exactly what my ears/heart needed to hear. I know that we can all be happy and at peace. I truly do wish that for us all. I am going to make a stronger effort to read my scriptures daily and I am going to ask Heavenly Father to help show me the blessings from it. I hope you all can challenge yourselves as well. I love you all and look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Life

2009-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

We went to the Oregon Coast over Labor Day weekend and it was absolutely beautiful!

I now love BSU Football...This is us ready for the first game...BSU vs Oregon...They Won!!!

Wow...One month down!

New Callings!!!

2009-09-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today Robert and I got callings for the ward we are in. I am very excited about them! We got called to be team teachers in the nursery and I also got called to be on the Enrichment Board. I am so excited to be in nursery! We requested to have our nephew, Kole in our nursery(there are 3 nurseries in the ward...a LOT of kids!). He is in our group and I am so excited. Today I went and helped out and I had so much fun playing. I loved it so much and I told Robert that I was excited because now I knew for sure I would not get bored at church! Ha, I am a little ADHD so it is hard for me to sit still that long. I dont think they realized that Robert and I are just big kids as well! Maybe that is why they put us in there. I have started my new job at Lowes. I have been taking all these dumb tests on the computer that are like 3 hours long and way boring. I really just want to be on the register already! I will be on soon enough though! It feels good to work and I like to know that I am contributing to paying the bills. I am planning on changing my hair up a little bit. I just want a little bit of a change. Oh, I have started watching football. I am learning little bits at a time and Robert always takes the time to explain to me what is going on. He is a good teacher. I better get to bed, but I will be putting up some new pics soon! Have a great day!! Much lovin!!

Good Days and Bad Days

2009-09-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

I guess I really can not say that I have bad days. Sometimes things arent what I planned or wanted, but it really does not make for a bad day. I like Boise. It really is a nice place. I love the Dilgards and I seriously married one of the best guys in the whole world. However, it really has been a rough transition to me. I am still trying to figure out this whole concept of being married. It isnt too hard, but I am learning that I have had some selfish tendencies and I am trying really hard to overcome those because there really is no room for selfishness. Anybody who knows me knows that I love people so much and my friends mean the world to me. I find myself really sad sometimes because I really dont have a close girlfriend here that I can just call and chat with about everything. I feel like I am in this unfamiliar place that I cant just get in my car and drive somewhere because I only know my way to one or two streets. I sometimes wish I could just run away to Idaho Falls and see Amy, Michael(who has REALLY grown on me lately :) ), Beck, and the kids. I miss Amy and Becky especially. I have told Robert sometimes that I really am just waiting to have that feeling that I am a part of something. It is hard because everywhere I have went, I have had some security in knowing that either I was not the only new girl or I was surrounded by things that were familiar. I really am not complaining...not at all...I know that I am so blessed, but that does not mean that life is going to be easy. I just need to chin up and have faith. I miss everyone and I love you each so much. Have a super day!!

Married... What??

2009-08-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, on Aug 8th we took the plunge. Robert and I were married in the Memphis Tennessee Temple. It was seriously one of the best days ever. My mom helped me put on my dress in the bridal room and then went out and brought my sisters to me. We all laughed and talked. A few minutes later, they sent my sisters-in-law into the room. It was such a unifying feeling to have all these beautiful women that I loved and respected in this sacred room with me. I felt so comfortable. I did not have butterflies and I know that was part of being with these girls. I am lucky to have the family that I have. They are everything and more than a family should be. Now, I have an even larger family now that I am married. My in-laws have been so great and I am loving them more everyday. I can not believe that this is where I am in life. Sometimes I wake up and I ask myself if I really did get married. My mornings are always happy when I look beside me and see a big hairy boy named Robert right beside me. I love him so much and I can honestly say that everyday I fall even more in love with him. Well, I just thought I would write this little blog. I am a grateful girl...no doubt. Oh, and I will be starting a job at Lowes as a cashier next week. I turned down Maurices because Lowes paid more and I would be getting more hours. All is well!!

Last week of school until January!

2009-07-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it is the last week of the semester. School has been tough and my microbiology class has given me a run for my money! I seriously can not wait to be back home for a bit. I will only be there for like two weeks though and then I get married and move back to Idaho. I am counting the days until Aug 8th and there are only 19!! That is crazy!! Poor Robert has been through it with me too...haha. I started taking some birth control and I really think it was just too strong for me. I got super moody, emotional, hungry, and sleepy. After like my tenth break-down, I finally switched to something low estrogen and I am feeling so much better and I know Robert is too! Haha! We are driving back to Tennessee and leaving on the 23rd. Morgan is going to ride with us and so is little Seth. I am pretty sure I am going to drive extra safe with that little boy in the back seat! I feel like since Michael and Amy have moved back that I have gotten pretty close to my little nieces and nephews and I am not going to like being 4 hours away. I will just have to come visit, I reckon! Anyway, I just felt like I needed to blog since it has been a hundred years. I hope everyone makes it out to either our reception in Jackson or open house in Boise! It will be fun and I am going to need to show off my dress :) I love yall!!

All you need is love

2009-06-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

Now how did I get here?
What have I done to deserve this?
I have been showered by grace

These are lyrics to a song that describes how I am feeling right now. I have fallen so deeply in love and on June 5th, I got engaged to the most wonderful boy in the whole world for me. He is not the boy of my dreams, or a prince that just swept me off my feet. He is more. More than anything I could have imagined...and how did I get here? I do not know what I did to deserve this, but I am going to do everything I can to show how grateful I am. It almost does not even feel real. I am waiting on someone to pinch me. I keep looking at my hand and saying to myself that I am going to wear this ring for a long long long time. I am going to be married on August 8th and the people that I love the most are all going to be there with me. In the Memphis Tennessee Temple, I am going to be sealed. I am going to stand with all of my family and really be able to feel a little piece of heaven. I really have no idea what lies ahead, and to be completely honest, I am scared to death...but I am going to take it on with faith. I have not yet met one thing that has overcome me. I have always came out on top and guess what? I know that is how my future will be. I am so lucky to have the love of my family and especially my sisters. I seriously would be lost without these beautiful women. They have been such blessings. I cant even say how much they have done for me.

I Finished it!!

2009-05-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

I started a quilt for Robert back in February and I just finished it! I started it and then kept taking these huge breaks. It turned out really cute though. It is kinda small though....no fun! He really likes it though!! I am so excited for Momma to be here in just a few weeks. We will have a lot of fun and she will get to meet Robert for the first time. I might oughtta be nervous because we all know how momma is ;) I am really liking Microbiology. It is probably my favorite class that I have taken. I have been going to the gym and jogging lately. It helps me to feel good. However, running and being on my legs so much has been hurting them. It isnt a sore feeling, it is more of a they are going to give out on me any time....but not like noodles either. Haha. I know, I am kind of a weirdie! Other things...hmmm....I love my life and yeah, Im a little nervous for the future, but more than anything, I am so excited. I know there are a lot of good things in store. I am so happy with the way things are though. I have been given so much in this life. I know I am one lucky girl!

The Weekend is HERE!!

2009-05-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

I am so glad that it is Friday. My class got canceled today, so I got an extra day for the weekend and we dont have school Mon or Tues! I am going to Boise for the weekend. I really like going there. I think Robert's family is really great. It makes me miss home and feel at home all at once. School is going really good. I am doing awesome in Microbiology because I really love studying it. I think part of it is that my teacher is super enthusiastic. I am so lucky to live with little miss Rebekah Diane. She for sure takes care of me...and trust me, I need it! Haha! I do love being the baby of the family!! I love how my family is always there for me. I am constantly being helped out by them in some way. They are the very best. I am so glad that I can talk to them openly about anything too. We are just like that, ya know? I would be pretty lost without them. Mom is coming to visit in just a few weeks! I am sooo very excited. I love that crazy lady and trust me...she is crazy, but only in the best way possible! I really do love my life. It has been too good to me. I decided that life really can kick you in the pants and twist you up in knots....pretty much, it can be tough. Then, it came to my mind that I have EVERYTHING and MORE to be happy about!! I love that. Anyway, I need to make some lunch before I leave! Have a great day!!

Dear GinBug

2009-05-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today I found out that my little Ginny Lou reads my blog daily...so, I am updating this for her!
Well, Miss GinBug, I cant say that too much is new...but I will tell you a few things. I have myself the cutest boyfriend in the whole world! You will have to find one like him when you are old enough. He is making me french toast right now! He cooks pretty yummy! He really likes kids and I bet he will play with you a whole lot when he comes to Tennessee. I really like him a whole lot. I need you to meet him so I can get your approval! I tell him all about you and I am pretty sure he thinks you are cute. He has two little nephews and they are so cute!! You would like playing with them.
School is pretty tough, but I really like it a lot. I am taking Microbiology and a Book of Mormon class. I love microbiology. I study things like why people get sick and about little bugs that are everywhere that are too little for anyone to see! You should take this class one day!!
Ginny, I am pretty sure I am one of the happiest girls alive. My life is so good. I will be seeing you soon my little princess. Love you so much!

So What if I am IN LOVE?

2009-04-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

My life has been absolutely incredible. I am staying in Rexburg for the summer and I am so excited. I am living with Becky and Megan and for the first time since I started college, I have my own room! YES! Things with Robert are great. He is way too cute and guess what? I love him! haha! Who would have ever thought, right?! I went to Boise to visit him over the break and let me tell you, it was the most incredible time of my life! Let me give you a little agenda
Friday- We got to Boise and Brett made us lunch...gourmet grilled pb&j sandwiches...Ha. It was different, but not too shabby. We went and visited with Rob's family for a while and then went to a huge bonfire. There were dirt bikes, jeeps, mud, and a little pond. It was so much fun. Dirt bikes are so much fun, but are a little scary!
Saturday-Easter Egg Hunt and motorcycle ride. Morgan and I took turns riding with Rob and his dad. It was so much fun! Motorcycles are the best...I really want one! That night, we drove about 2 hours to get to this "Indian" hot spring as Rob called it. It was totally secluded and we had to walk a little ways to get there. It was in this stream on the side of a mountain and oh my gosh, it was so incredible. The pines around us looked so high and the stars were so clear and they didnt even seem that far away. It was amazing.
Sunday-We went to church and then that night we went to Table Rock. It is way up on the top of a mountain and it overlooks all of Boise. It was beautiful! I'm pretty clumsy, so I was careful on the edge of the cliff thingy...Ha, Rob asked me to please not fall so I knew that I had to be careful! Around 1 in the morning, we went to this old run down country diner called Merrits. There was a jukebox and plenty of good music. We ate there and jammed out. I loved it!
Monday-We took it easy and didnt do too much. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings...mmmmm....and then that night just watched a movie at a friends. It was a nice day!
Tuesday-We went to downtown Boise and walked around. I really like Boise a lot. It was fun. We left there and I cooked dinner for the Dilgards and then had to head to Idaho Falls to pick Rebekah up from the airport.
It was a little sad to leave. I seriously love Robert's family! They are hands down some of my favorite people yet! I had had so much fun and didnt want to go back to Rexburg. And the verdict is....I am so in love! haha! it is a little ridiculous, Im not even going to lie! School starts Monday and Im excited. I am only taking microbiology, but that is supposed to be a pretty demanding class. I am going to give it what I've got though! Life is so good. I love it...A LOT! I miss everyone terribly and hope to see yall soon! I love you SOO MUCH!

The first one who stole my heart...

2009-03-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today, is my first niece's birthday...Ginny Christine. She is 7 as of today. It is crazy how fast life happens. This is just a little something for the little girl who stole my heart. Ha, yes, she was the first person to take it!

I knew when I saw your bright blue eyes
and heard your soft baby cries
You had taken my heart
right from the very start
You made even my soul smile
You could never cramp my style
So now you are seven
My own piece of heaven
Youre growing up so fast
Make every second of it a blast
Always remember to laugh
Stay focused and on the right path
You are only the best
Dont let anyone tell you less
I cant want to see you
Or even get a hug or two
Happy birthday Princess

I love you so much baby girl!! I miss you so much!

Starting Today...

2009-03-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

I wanted to put up a post that I could look at when I needed a little encouragement or a little something to remind me where I need to be.
Starting today...right now, I am going to love those around me. Everyone...the ones that drive me crazy or the ones that make me want to scream, I am going to search for the good qualities and not only am I going to try to see those things, I WILL see those things.
Starting today....I am going to be slower to anger. I can have a temper sometimes and sometimes I just need to breath. I am not going to let little things set me off and if something is about to upset me, I am going to count slow and evaluate the situation. I am going to try to see things from different angles.
Starting today...I am going to put more effort in to my school work. I am going to try to get things done and not procrastinate and start caring more. I want to be able to accomplish my dreams and I know that in order for that to happen, I am going to work harder and do better than I have been.
Starting today...I am going to be a better sister, daughter, friend, aunt, roommie, etc. I can only do this if I am doing what I can to be the best me. I want to let my parents know how much they mean to me and I dont want my siblings or anyone else in my family or my friends to think I take them for granted...which brings me to my next point.
Starting today...I am going to appreciate people more. I love people, but I am guilty of taking them for granted sometimes. You never know when you are going to lose someone, so it is important to always appreciate them for who they are. Everyone has something to contribute. I love that we are all different and we can each spice life up a little!
Starting today...I am going to be more honest...To myself and to others. When I feel something, I am going to say it. I am going to strive for that integrity that a lot of people spend their whole lives searching for. I want that peaceful feeling when I am all alone and nobody else is around to influence how I feel.
Starting today...I am going to enjoy life. I do enjoy life, dont get me wrong! I just want to not take it for granted either. I dont want to sleep my life away. I want to make everything a little bit more meaningful. I want to love who I am and everything I do! I want to be able to look back on what is going on now when I am 45 and realize that everything I did taught me something. I am going to make the most out of this life!!
There is always room for improvement and I recommend that those of you who read this make your own "starting today" list and figure out what you want to do starting today. Remember, too often tomorrow's turn into wasted yesterdays....I think that is a quote by Pres Monson in so many words....Dont let that be you! Have a great week and I love yall!!

Oh and by the way, the picture at the top is from our toilet overflowed and I thought it was the most hilarious thing in the whole world...Im not the one who clogged it, but I helped with the cleanup effort. I dont think I have ever laughed that hard over a flooded toilet!! hahaha!!

Meant to Be

2009-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Those words are so cliche and to be completely honest, I dont believe in them. This is not me being bitter. I am absolutely great, actually. What I believe in is things are going to have to work one way or another. When there is an obstacle in your way, you are going to have to work around it. Situations can have an impact on the way you feel, but overall, happiness is a conscious decision. I want to consciously be happy and know that I am living my life in a way that I can look back on one day and be proud of. Lately I have been thinking about going on a mission. I feel so weird saying that, especially because I am a girl. I do not want people to think that I want to do this because things didnt work out with a boy. I have always thought going on a mission would be incredible and I think it would be greatly beneficial. I have a gift with people and I want to use it to help them and show my love for them.
Anyway, I have been keeping myself pretty busy with school work and my friends. I love my roommies and neighbors and we seriously have so much fun together. I am a fun lover. Welp, people were getting on to me for not blogging recently and this is all for now. Much love! -Chare

Dazed and Confused...

2009-02-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life happens...and there is no explanation. This is not supposed to be a blog to make people feel bad for me, so please do not read it and feel sorry for me. This is what's up. I fell in love...I spent everyday of the semester so far with a boy and he it caught me off guard. I went to meet his parents on Valentine's Day weekend and had so much fun with them. There was no indication of anything wrong. He adored me, so did his family. Well, I started noticing something was a little off...Not that we weren't happy, but that he wasn't treating me normal. I told him he wasn't being as sweet as he usually was and he started thinking about it and told me something was off with him, but it wasn't me or our relationship. He thought we might need a break, but his definition of a break was us still be together but not see each other. I thought that might be ok, but I hated not seeing him so I told him I would rather just be his friend than not see him at all. We decided to date other people. It hurts a little...a lot. I miss him. I am good though. I know that either way, things are going to work out. I really don't know what is going to happen with him, but I know that I can learn from the situation...I still am lost though. Everything was perfect...too perfect, I guess. My friends all think we will get back together, but even if we don't I know that there is something that is going to make both of us happy. I know that over time it will be easier and things will fall into place. It just takes time. I wish I had my family here to comfort me, but I have Becky. Meg is here for me too and she can make me laugh in any circumstance. Life is funny...and more confusing than I would have ever thought. Well, I better start studying for my mid-terms....but just a thought for everyone, when God shuts a door, he opens a window...and that is the attitude I need to have. Have a wonderful day!! Love all yall TONS.... -Chare

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. I love the decorations and all the fun and cute stuff people do. I am going to be spending this Valentine's Day with Robert in Boise. Umm....weird. I can't say that I saw this one coming. Last night, Rob was really anxious to see me. He kept texting me asking me when I was going to be home. I got home and texted him and got no reply. He doesnt get reception at his apartment, so I figured he just hadnt got my text. Becky came over while I was waiting and I hung out with her for a bit and she told me that she saw Rob at my complex hometeaching. He texted me and told me that he was with his roommate hometeaching and would be over in 15 min. I had been home about an hour and finally he showed up with his roommie. Well, my roommates were in the laundry room doing laundry and they insisted that I come out and talk to me that it was really important. So, I went out and as we were walking past the cars, I looked over and my car had been heart attacked. I looked at my apartment and Rob was watching me as I found it. Nobody has ever done that for me! It was sooo cute....

I Should be doing Homework...

2009-02-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find myself at the library, sick of studying, on my blogger. Let's see here...What is new in my life? Well, I went to the doctor because I have been feeling really dizzy and light headed and I had some tests run and the doctor came back and told me that I was anemic! Weird!! He even asked if I was a vegetarian...Umm, anyone who knows me or my family knows that we LOVE meat...and by meat I mean RED MEAT! He put me on an iron supplement and it has helped a little, but I have been so light headed still. Sometimes, I even black out a little bit, but it's never for too long. I am all good though. It's probably an early onset of old age! Ha!!
Valentines day is right around the corner and it just so happens to be my very favorite holiday! I love the decorations and I guess I like the spirit! This Valentine's day I will be in Boise. I have no idea what I am doing, but I know Rob has made some sort of plans. I hate surprises though!! I was making him a quilt and when we were ready to sew the fabric, the sewing machine was broken!! I really got so down about it because I was already in a hurry to get it done and this put a major damper on things. I will get it all sorted out though! I will blog about the Boise trip when I get back.
Well, I better get back to Chemistry, but I hope everyone is staying focused on their goals...Thank Heavenly Father for all the great things you have and tell the ones you love that you do! Have a great day! I miss and love all of yall!

Meg...

2009-02-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Megan Michelle Dunlap is my best friend. When we were younger, it was her optimism that made me want to be a happy person too. Megan and I lived an hour away from eachother, but somehow we managed weekend trips to see eachother. We decided on BYU-Idaho together and were roommates our first year of college and will be again this summer. I just wanted to write a little blog to express what she means to me. I can not count the number of times we have laughed until we have cried or cried until we have laughed. She has always been there for me and I wouldnt trade any of our times for the world. She knows everything about me and loves me still the same! I believe that she is one of the most perfect people in the world. There have been times when I have been stubborn and difficult and 4'11'' Megan has put me in my place. I really cant describe how lucky I am to have Little Megs as my best friend. I know I may use the term best friend lightly, or maybe I did in the past, but a friendship like hers is once in a lifetime. We balance eachother out and probably do have more fun than we should. I would do anything in the world for her and I know she would do the same. We were complete opposites when we met, but now, we are 2 peas in a pod....we are like mac-n-cheese.
Life wouldnt be as much fun without my best friend. Treasure the friends you have and when you can, let them know that you love them and you are blessed to have them.

You Cant Have it All...

2009-02-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

Earlier I was talking with a friend from my Chem class. I was telling her that if you are really succeeding in one thing, you are probably lacking in other areas. Well, I am doing really well in all my classes, except for Chem. It takes so much out of me. I am not going to complain about it though because I am so happy about life right now. I am where I need to be spiritually, Im crazy about a good boy, and my grades are great in my other classes. I am not going to let my happiness by based on one class. I will be done with it in April anyway. I miss home like crazy....I really wish some fam could come visit me here. I am really lucky to have Beck here though. She takes care of me...in a way, she is my angel. Next semester I am going to be her neighbor. It will be fun. Well...Let's see, what's new with me...
I have heard or learned a few things lately that I really appreciated and I want to share with you.
-If you wanna get something done, make a promise to yourself and don't break it!
-You might get off track, but once you realize it, prioritize and make sure you are putting the important things first.
-Realize that you are full of potential and live up to that potential!!
Ha, something I thought of the other day was, "If a tiny seed can grow in to a huge oak tree, then I can do chem!" Haha!
Life is tough, but we are so blessed to have it...
If you are really smart you may lack in other areas and just because you are really good with people doesnt mean you will be good with books...haha, Its all about how much work you put in.
I love yall!!

My B-Friend....bahaha

2009-01-30T00:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I usually date a lot...I think last semester I went on tons of dates every week with tons of different boys. It's kinda my style....Well, this semester was different. I started off not wanting to date any. I was just kind of sick of the dating games. Let me tell you my crazy story...
I tried the whole break to sell my contract and I thought it was sold a few times, but every time something came up. I just decided that maybe I was suppose to live in Colonial again. I just went with it and my first sunday in church, a member of the bishopric stood on the pulpit and I felt like he was speaking directly to me when he said, "You are right where you are suppose to be." It was so amazing to have that confirmation. That same Sunday, I was called to be FHE Coordinator right after sacrament meeting. I accepted the calling and I really wanted to be the best I could be. I spent a lot of time praying on what families should be put together and so forth. When it came down to picking my family, one apartment really stuck out to me...not because they were the cutest, but there was just something telling me that we were suppose to be grouped. Well, I picked the Dad and he was just the one that stuck out to me. His name was Robert Dilgard...this is where I turn into a creeper. Megan came over and we were messing around on facebook and looked him up. We fell in love with his pictures! He was so cute and looked like a lot of fun. I saw who he was in person and thought he was so weird...not in a bad way though. Ha, I totally forgot about thinking he was so cute and fun-looking. I asked to get their numbers because they were my FHE brothers and I sent them all a text so they would have mine. Well, Robert thought I was trying to get his number and thought I only texted him. Nope. Ever since that night though, we have talked every night on the phone, gone on tons of dates, and I told him I would be his girlfriend...Now, I like this boy so much and we have soo much fun together!! We seriously laugh all the time and it's just fun. I dont know where it will go, but I know as for right now, I like how things are and he is so great! Welp, now you all know!! ;)

For Kara and Amy

2009-01-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

I was just looking through my blogs and I wrote a blog for my sisters not too long ago...Well, I decided that I needed to write one for my other two sisters...ha, the ones my brothers picked out for me!
Amy Marie...
Amy is such a good listener. She communicates to well and I love talking to Amy because it is totally comfortable. I love that she is opinionated and says what she thinks. I feel like I can trust whatever she says. I also like how easy going she is. It is always go with the flow with her. I think too often people get caught up in the craziness of life, but not Amy. When Amy first came into our family I wasn't sure how I first felt about her. For some reason, I thought that whoever was marrying into my family should be giving it their all to be accepted. Ha, she was just herself though. I learned a lot from that and I try to be like that too. I want people to know me for me like I see Amy. What you see is what you get. Amy is full of natural beauties and I miss her living so close...oh, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how she is so brave. In a way, she puts my brother in his place, haha!

Kara Jo
James is my best friend brother. I really feel like I could say anything in the world to him and I know if I ever need to talk, he would listen. Kara Jo married James...ha, bless her heart, he is a crazy one! This is about Kara though, not James. I really got to know Kara this past summer when I lived with her and James for about a month or two before I started school. Kara has such a compassionate heart. She reminds me a lot of myself. She and I can talk about anything and everything. Ha, she reminds me of just another one of my girl friends! Kara dresses so cute and sometimes I swear she looks like she came straight from a magazine page. I appreciate Kara's ambition. She wants to be a photographer and because she loves it so much and puts so much work into it, she will succeed. She is so gentle and kind. Kara is such a wonderful addition to our family!!

I love these two beautiful women and they both inspire me in their own ways. I miss them so much, but I know my family so happy to have them in the great land of the south!! I LOVE YALL!

TWENTY!!!!!!

2009-01-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today, is my birthday. I am officially 20 years old. My parents no longer have any teenagers! For my 20, I am going to make a list of 20 things I want to improve on. I will try to focus on bettering myself in these areas:
1. Reading my scriptures. I could be so much more faithful in doing this and I really want to try to be more actively involved in studying them.
2. Serving those around me. It really is the best way to show someone you care and I really value people and relationships in general.
3. Being serious when I need to be. I am so use to just laughing things off that I sometimes dont take into consideration the feelings of people around me.
4. Study harder!! I am going to study so that I can get the grades I need to...Dental Hygiene here I come!!
5. Cleaning my room. I want my room to look better throughout the week!!
6. Letting my family know how much I care about them. I think I have improved on this, but there are no people more special to me than my family. I love them so much and I am so grateful that I have them for eternity!!!
7. Budgeting. I am going to budget more wisely!
8. My sensitivity. I have been really sensitive to some stuff in the past and these are things Im not going to let bother me.
9. Loving me. I want to learn to love myself unconditionally. Who cares if I am not the smartest or prettiest girl in the world? I want to be happy with me and who I am.
10. Im going to take a spanish class!! I love spanish so much and want to learn to really use it.
11. Plan ahead. I am so spontaneous and usually just go with the flow so I am going to try to be more prepared.
12. Exercise. I want to at least work out 5 days a week. I am loving the school's gym!
13. Fulfill my calling. I kind of put previous callings on the back burner so I want to do all that I can to totally fulfill the things I need to get done.
14. Live without fear. Why should I have fears? What is the worst thing that could happen anyway? I know that no matter what, I can always perservere.
15. Write my missionary friends. I need to support them and let them know how proud I am!!
16. Blog...yes, I am going to try to keep this more updated.
17. Prioritize....I need to evaluate what is important.
18. NOPROCRASTINATING!! I am not going to put things off!!
19. Live for the tomorrow. I am going to let go of yesterdays and focus on what I can do to live happier in the future.
20. LIVE!!!!! I am going to be me. You know, KEEP IT REAL!

My Semester...

2008-12-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it is already over. It was full of highs and lows, but I want to pull out a few of my favorite things. At the beginning of the room, I was convinced I had a crazy roommate. She was a freshman, planned everything out(she even timed how long it took her to get to class), was a little uptight, and didnt know too much about the college life. Not to mention, she went to bed at like 10 so I had to be super quiet. We called her mom because she really was like a mom. Well, let me tell you how much being her roommate blessed me. By the end of the semester we kept each other up all hours of the night laughing and having girl talk. She told me that I brought out the fun in her. She isn't uptight anymore. She is probably one of the funnest girls I know. I know that she was put in my care for a reason. I helped to show her what college was all about. I now call her Lil Baby Tiff Tiff...aka my boo!

I had one other roommie that had a huge impact on me...my Chany Baby. When I first met Chantelle she was quiet and seemed so hard to get to open up. I thought she was going to be a really hard to get to know. Chany and I spent a lot of time together and she really helped bring out the grown up in me. We liked to be crazy and have fun, but she helped me cope so much with everything that was going on. She really reminded me of my sisters. When I needed to talk, no matter what she was doing, she would put me first. Ha, and like my sisters, she tried to get me to see the situation from not just my perspective. She took care of me.

All of my roommates were a dream come true. I guess I just wanted to say that what you see isnt always what you get. It was the highlight of my semester living with these girls.
I went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols with my neighbors. Even thinking about it makes me tear up a little bit. There was one particular elderly lady that kept staring at me. As I sang, she looked even more intently at me and when I met her eyes, she was crying. What she was thinking about, I am not sure. I can imagine her remembering her youth. I started crying also and even had to stop singing for a moment. It was an experience I needed. They, although older, are sons and daughters of God also. What a humbling experience.
This semester has also helped me get over boys...haha. I dated a whole lot this semester and was finally able to put an old relationship behind me. I haven't really really liked anyone this semester...it will take a lot for that, but I have figured out that what is the best thing isnt always the easiest and moving on is what has to be done. I can do it though. I think I am one step closer to it everyday. I really do want to be lovestoned though. I want to like someone so much and know they like me, but I'm not in a big hurry. I have grown up a lot this year. I have figured out a lot of my goals and gotten outside my bubble and loved people that I thought I would never be able to handle. It has been such a wonderful semester. I have loved life...now, I just cant wait to see my family and all my cute nieces and nephews!!

My Bucket List....

2008-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking about all the things I wanted to accomplish in life. You never know when it is your time to go, and when it is, have you accomplished what you wanted to? I decided to make a list of the things that are important to me. These are in no particular order...
1-Sky Dive. Seriously, I would probably be so scared, but this has always been appealing to me. It seems like it would feel so free and you would have all the world beneath you to look down on. The adrenaline rush would be amazing!!
2-Go on a cruise. Ha, I am so jealous that some of my siblings have been. Meg and I always say we are going on a best friend cruise together. We will make it happen someday.
3-Travel to Europe. Europe seems to be such a romantic place. I want to go there because it is portrayed so beautifully and magically. I would love to see it in person.
4-Learn how to quilt. I want to make my very own quilt one day. My sisters are good at it and over Christmas Break, I want them to teach me how!
5-Learn Spanish. I love this language and I wish I could speak it! I know a little bit of conversational spanish, but I want to learn to speak it and then travel to hispanic cultures.
6-Go on a service trip to another country. The idea of working in an orphanage in a third world country is something I have always wanted to do. I would love to go to Africa and help there. I love children and it fulfills something inside of me when I am helping other people.
7-Graduate College. I want to be a Dental Hygienist so to get into hygiene school and graduate would be just absolutely GREAT!!
8-Own a house. I want to have my very own house to decorate and dress up the way I want to.
9-Paint a masterpiece. This doesn't have to look like a masterpiece to everyone, but to me it will be. I love artwork and doing my own. I wish I had the supplies to do it here. Maybe it is something I will try to do when I go home for the holidays.
10-Buy a new Car. This will probably be after I graduate college and get some of my college debts paid off, but that sounds so grand to me!
11-Write a Song. I have always been passionate about music and singing. I want to write my own lyrics. I need some sort of inspiration and then it is on!
12-Learn how to ride a motorcycle and OWN one!! I can drive Breena's motorcycle around my apartments complex in first gear, but I want to learn how to really ride one and then when I get enough money, I want to buy one!
13-Be at the ocean at sunset. I have always imagined it being beautiful, but I have never seen it in person. I use to paint pictures of sunsets on oceans. I can only imagine all the colors.
14-Hold a monkey. Monkeys really are so cute. I don't think I want to own one, but I have always wanted to hold one.
15-Make a Wild Flower Bouquet. Wouldn't that be beautiful?
16-Ride Horses in the mountains. I love riding and I love the mountains...that is one glorious combination
17-Find a four leaf clover. I never had the patience to do it as a child and even now Im not sure I would have the attention span to sit long enough to do it.
18-Sing in front of an audience. I'm not talking about in church either. I want to be on a stage and perform my heart out.
19-Kiss on a state line. That's kissing in two places at once! haha, how super?!
20-Write an article for a magazine.
21-Make a wedding cake. I think that would be so much fun. I have always wanted to take a cake decorating class.
22-Go to the Big Apple. I feel like everyone has been there. I really want to go!
23-Learn how to say no when I want to. I can do this sometimes but when it really comes down to it, I'm so bad at saying it. My FHE brothers last year made me a sign that said "JUST SAY NO!"
24-Stay the Night in a Haunted House. How creepy would that be?! I would want to do this with Sandra. I would not feel scared if I were with her.
25-Sleep under the stars. This doesn't mean in a tent...I want to be completely unrestrained. Just me and the great outdoors. It's too cold in Idaho to do this. Maybe in the summer I will do it here though.
26-Spend Christmas on a beach...drinking Pina Coladas. I like this, it's so nontraditional!
27-Take a ride in a hot air balloon. I want to ride away into the sunset in one of these babies!!
28-Own a convertible. I love them!
29-Reflect on my greatest weakness and see how it is my greatest strength. Deep, I know!
30-Swim with a dolphin or two. I love the idea of this, it sounds exotic!
31-Be a member of a tv show's audience. Let's be honest, Oprah would be ideal! haha
32-Send a message in a bottle. I will throw it in the water when I am on my cruise.
33-Shower in a waterfall. Now that sounds exotic!!
34-Help the illiterate to read.
35-Go Latin dancing in a Latin country. This could work if I worked in an orphanage in a Latin country.
36-Ride on a train. Not on a ferry or a subway, but a train.
37-Go on an African Safari. I think this would be the ideal honeymoon...oh which brings me to...
38-Fall in love and be loved back. This would mean me getting married. Not in a big rush for this one, but I want it to happen before I die.
39-Ride a gondola in Italy. This looks like so much fun!
40-Have a baby and look into his/her eyes and see myself. That has to be one of the most fulfilling experiences in the world.
41-White Water Rafting. I love adventure!!
42-See the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco. Seriously, that is not even lame!
43-Visit all 50 of the states. I can do it!
44-Watch the 10 Greatest Movies of all Time. They are called the 10 greatest for a reason and I want to see why for myself!
45-Learn the 75 Skills Every Woman Should Master...and master them!
http://abundance-blog.marelisa-online.com/2008/05/15/75-skills-every-woman-should-master-the-first-25/
47-Learn a little bit more about photography. I want to capture the most memorable moments in life and be good at it!
48-Be totally comfortable and happy with who I am. I have heard that people spend their whole lives mastering this one.
49-Adopt a child. I want to adopt from a foreign country. I want to be that person that makes their life better!
50-Experience a true feeling of success. I want to feel utterly and completely successful, like every step I have taken has put me closer to the things I really want in life.

The Value of Women

2008-11-16T23:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had an Enrichment Night based on the value of women. The guest speaker got up and during her talk, asked for our responses on women we highly admired. People from all around the room were naming notable women, their mothers, etc. Very strongly in my mind, however, were each of my sisters. I raised my hand with not one person, but with 3. My 3 best friends; my sisters...This is why

Renee- Well, Renee pretty much raised me. My earliest memories have to do with her. She was always around taking care of my and making sure I had not only what I needed, but everything that a little girl wanted too. She would sing to me every night to make me fall asleep. Everynight, it was "You are my Sunshine." When she got married, it broke my heart. She didn't belong to me anymore and it tore me in two. When I found out she was pregnant, I was devastated. My life was over because I was no longer her baby. However, when Ginny was born, I was taken back by the love I had for this baby. I sang to her every night of the first 3 months of her life "You are my Sunshine." Ginny loves to sing now and when I am home, I will sing her to sleep. Nae will always be my hero. Even when I was sick, she flew out to Tennessee to stay with me in a hospital. I have always known she has cared for me. I would be so lost without her. I admire her so much.

Sandra- Sandra and I are two pieces of the same quilt. We are the party animals. Ha, I remember when I was younger she use to tell me that her friends said I was a little mini-her. At the time, I really didnt know how big of a compliment that was. However, if you know Sandra, it is an honor to be anything like her. She is so driven and motivated to get what she wants. She is quite the planner and may even get a little frustrated with me because I am so set on being spare of the moment. She has always worked so hard to accomplish things. If she has a goal, she will get what she wants. Sandra is so strong and enduring. I can't even say how much I have learned from her. Plus, she has really good taste in shoes...and we wear the same size ;) I would have been so lost this summer without Sandra. We had so much fun together and Im not sure either of us would have expected to get so close. We took care of eachother in a way and both brought out the best in the other. It hurts to be so far from Sandra and Renee because we are best friends.

Rebekah- Ok, this one is a little crazy (Just kidding! Ha, But seriously) Becky boo is the closest sibling in age to me. She and I are pretty much opposites but compliment each other very well. She is my over-achiever sister. She is constantly studying or at work. I have no idea how she manages to find the time to get everything done, but somehow, she still finds the time to make me feel important to her. I can always depend on Becky to come through for me. She is great and I love that she likes to take care of me. Becky definitely treats me like her baby sister when I need it and she treats me like her best friend. We laugh together and have way too much fun. She is such a good influence on me. I like that she makes it clear to me that she isnt perfect. She is doing all that she can though. To me though, she is perfect. She is my sister and I am so glad that I have her here in Idaho. Becky loves to serve others. Ha, my roommates love Becky especially because all the food and cooking she does for us. I guess I will keep her around for a while! I love her
These words are nothing in comparison for the love I have for these beautiful, amazing, hard-working women. I wish I could sum it all up...But I cant. They are each an example of the perfection I want to be some day.

Anything you want, You got it!

2008-10-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

OK So maybe the title of this blog is very off because we don't get everything we want. I thought I would write a few things about myself. (Sandra, I know you think I am being vain ;) ) These are a few little things you may or may not know about me:
1. I love Chemistry...Seriously. Math is my favorite subject in school and chemistry is math with words. I love how there is always a direct answer. You always have some sort of formula you can use.
2. I'm not that big a fan of chick flicks. I would rather watch a comedy or a war movie any day. Chick flicks are so fake most of the time. I want real love, not something that is completely perfect and easy and takes no effort. Real passion is found with a cause.
3. Cooking calms me down. When I get stressed out or I feel like there is too much on me, I like to play in the kitchen. I have always loved making things out of other things. It goes the same for art. I have always loved taking a normal sheet of paper and creating something one of a kind with a few colors.
4. My personality probably reflects that of my brother, James. I am such a people- pleaser. I love to see people smile and laugh and it is a bad quality sometime, but I will usually say what they want to hear. Don't think I am not honest though. More than anything i will speak the truth...I will just try to put it politely. I have been told that I am too outspoken. I am very opinionated and I have a tendency to be very vocal about it.
5. I have been in love one time. I had my heart broken and anyone who has had a broken heart knows that mending it is never easy, especially by yourself. Now, I am very guarded and although I may be a flirt, anything past flirtations is difficult for me.
6. I am one of the clumsiest people in the whole world. Seriously. I have tripped and fallen so many times already this semester. Ha, my friend Greg and I decided that when I fall in love, I will probably trip into it. I'm so not graceful! I might trip, but I just laugh it off.

These are just a few things about me. I love life and I try to get the most out of it. Everyday gets better than the one before and I hope that every day I am becoming a better and better me!

Viva la Vida

2008-10-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can't believe that I'm almost midway through my semester. It has me thinking a lot about the winter. So many people come and go. I guess I am not that big of a fan of change. I'm addicted to life. I have started taking time to prioritize what is important though. Last night, we had a girls night out. It was more fun than any other girls night has EVER been! We got all prettied up and went to Olive Garden. We figured we deserved it because this week has been all sorts of crazy for all of us. I can't seem to figure out what I want...or what I need to do. I guess that's life though! I just want to live to laugh. I hate that I'm so far from Tennessee right now. I know I am suppose to be here, but I miss those cute southern people I call my fam. I wish I could just call them and let them make my choices for me! haha, Sandra would LOVE that!! Life is just fabulous though. I can't complain, it's good to me! I am one heck of a lucky lady....and I don't think I would change a thing even if I could! This week, Chloe Virginia was born. I am so sad that Michael and Amy are moving though! Their kiddos are so cute! The fam in TN is way excited though! :)
Girls Night Out...

Baby Chloe

A New Day, A New Adventure...

2008-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

School has been such a challenge. I have been so tied up between work, school, and attempting to have a social life. I have met some really great guys and have been on tons of fun dates. Basically, life is great...with the exception of late nights and early mornings. I have tried lots of new things and learned how to do so much. Tonight, Breena started teaching me how to ride a motorcycle. I was scared to death and only drove around the parking lot but it was way amazing! I am going to practice and see how good I can get! I loved it. My roommates are all so fantastic. I have so much fun with them and they are so hilarious. We make each other laugh all the time. I was so nervous to meet these girls, but I was blessed with the best. Welp, I just thought I would give a little update. I miss my family like crazy and think about them all the time. I wish I could see them! Gah-sh, they are cute!!

Back in the Burg

2008-09-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I started the semester off as an I-Team leader. It was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed it! The girls in my group were absolutely adorable. It was awesome to be able to help everyone out. Then, school started! I really didnt know classes could be so hard! My schedule is so demanding, not to mention I work too. It's intense. I love all my roommates. They really are such cute and fun girls! We have been having so much fun. There really aren't any guys that I am in love with right now. Actually, I kind of like the whole not liking anyone thing. I am staying focused on school. That means, unless love hits me REALLY hard, I am going to stay single for a while!
My I-Team Group...

My Roomies plus Becky and Jessica's friend...

It's fun having Beck around too...

I Miss Back When...

2008-08-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, my siblings and I lived way out in the country. The woods were our very own playground. We knew every path, every stream, and every shortcut to get to a new adventure. My neighbor has tons and tons of land and we would always to refer to it as the fields. The fields use to be full of fruit trees: peach trees, apple trees, etc. There was an old barn and we use to go in that barn to the second story and jump into the hay on the first story! What a thrill is was!! There was a lake that we use to fish and swim in. My brothers use to hunt in the woods. They really were the best of times...before cell phones, internet, and other modern items. These years were the happiest of my life. I recently went back to visit these old familiar places, except...they had changed so tremendously. I took some pictures and hope they show a little bit of what Tennessee truly means to me. These were the times of simplicity and innocence...
The Barn...

Old Dirt Roads...

The Lake...

Our Chicken Pin and some of the animals...

PS All these pictures are ones that I took. None of been copied and pasted...Peace!

Summer 2008

2008-08-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Summer 2008
This summer is going to end for me very soon. I am driving back to Idaho on the 30th of this month. This has been such a memorable summer though. These are a few of the things I got to do:
-Wisconsin trip with Stef: We went to apply for a medical study. We were both turned down but it proved to be something we really needed. She needed me and I needed her and we were really able to help each other out so much.

-Virginia: I went to Virginia with my mom and aunt and 4 kids ages 6 and under…haha. It was an adventure. We stayed at my Aunt Linda’s and I was able to spend time with my cousin Angela. My friend, Charlie, lives about 45 min away from my aunt, so he came and picked me up and I was able to go stay the night with him in Buena Vista where SVU is.

-Blanchard Springs, Arkansas: My singles branch took a trip to the caverns in Blanchard Springs. They were amazing and it was such a fun road trip consisting of Josh, San, me, and Meg. We had an absolute blast!

Six Flags St Louis: F*U*N!! haha!! I had the best time ever with Sandra, Megan, and Callie. We left at 6 in the morning on a Sat and didn’t get home until 5 in the morning on Sunday. We road all the fun roller coasters and had an absolute blast in the water park. I really enjoy these trips with San!

-Memphis: I have been to Memphis most weekends for my singles branch and I have met some really cool guys…the APX boys…ahaha! They are going to school in Utah and at BYU-I, so I will be able to keep in touch with them…not to mention they are soo cute!

-RAIN!!: In Idaho, we don’t get too much rain, so I made the most of the rain here. I love the thunderstorms and lightning! Me and Meg woke up to it raining and went outside and took a jog in the rain…in our swim suits  We are silly girls!

-Nanny Job: I have been paid all summer to be the mom. I have worked for Richard, a single dad who has two kids. Kevin is 14 and Emily is 12. I only had one at time until this month. I have had both this month. I get paid to cook, drive, and do light cleaning. It has been a good summer job. It has made me appreciate my beautiful mother even more. She is AMAZING!!! I am glad I got to do it for the summer, but I am ready to move on now.

It really has been such a memorable summer. It has been one that I really needed. My testimony of the gospel has been strengthened and I find myself loving the scriptures more and more everyday! I am so glad that I chose to come home for the summer. It really has been so much fun seeing my sweet family. They never fail to amaze me. They are the most wonderful people in the whole world. I would be lost without them!

I AM...

2008-08-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

I am... Charity Freakin' Eaton.
I think... love songs are the best.
I know... I'm going to be alright.
I want... more time.
I wish... I knew what was going to happen.
I hate... change...most of the time, any way.
I miss... being little and playing with my siblings.
I fear... the unexpected.
I feel... anxious and nervous all at once about getting back to Idaho
I hear... The Used "Smother Me"
I smell... really good! :)
I search... the internet for good church talks.
I wonder... what life has in store for me.
I regret... being ignorant in the past.
I love... music.
I care... a lot about people, even strangers.
I always... smile.
I am not... going to stop trying to be the best me.
I believe... things always work out the way they are suppose to in the end.
I dance... all the time! I love love love dancing!
I sing... every chance I get.
I don't always... have the patience that I should.
I write... in my journal less often than I should.
I win... the hearts of many..haha, kidding!
I lose... pens all the time.
I never... lose faith in my family!
I listen... to lots of good music.
I'm scared of... this up coming semester...
I read... the books my sisters recommend to me.
I am happy about... getting to hang out with my mom today :D

Contemplating...

2008-08-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Life is tough...It is wonderful, but it really is so hard. I think reality kind of slaps us in the face sometimes and throws us a little off balance. My summer in Tennessee is ending and it really is making me so sad. I'm sure I will be fine when I actually get to Idaho, but I am scared to death to be honest. I am not rooming with my best friend, Megan, this year and that really throws me off. I have medical problems that I have a hard time explaining to new people so I feel like if something happens, I am on my own. I am not sure how I am going to deal with this, but I know that I am never truly alone. I sometimes think that life would be so much easier if I did not have to worry about how I am going to pay for school, an apartment, or stuff like that. I wish sometimes that my body was completely healthy because I really do miss my old normal body. I feel like an old lady trapped in mine. My mentality is fine, but physically, I don't know exactly how I am. I am pretty sure that I am past the point of medical help, but I am grateful for what I do have and I know things could be worse. I am just going to keep on smiling and know that I can handle whatever I am given! I'm trying to focus on becoming who I need to be. When life gets like this, I just remember that before I came to earth, I knew I was going to face these trials and I knew that it would be really hard. I like to think that I volunteered for these problems so maybe someone else wouldn't have to. I knew I would be strong enough to handle it...and I am. I have the gospel...and I have my family. I can not even say how much my family means to me. I pray every night for these people because I think they are the most wonderful, amazing, awesome, and beautiful people in the whole world. They give me strength and courage to keep on keeping on. I do love them so much. Even my sisters/brother-in-law, have helped me so much. They're my family and I love them too!! I know I have been blessed and I really can't complain... Life is life....simple as that.

Six Flags is SUPER!

2008-08-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend, Meg, Cal, San, and myself all went to Six Flags in St Louis. San and I were both so sick, but had so much fun! We left at about 6 AM from Jackson and stayed at the park until 10, when it closed. We left the park and went to Applebees. It was soo delicious! We were all starving from not really eating all day. I wasnt really sure how to work the GPS and it was set to find Jackson the shortest way. We ended up driving through some crazy backwoods towns until we woke up Sandra because we thought we were lost. I called my daddy and he had me set the GPS to get there the quickest way...haha. That set us back a little bit. We didnt get back to Jackson until 5 in the morning! We were all so exhausted. Not to mention, we woke up for church in the morning! It was ruh-dic! I think it was totally worth it though!! We rode some crazy roller coasters and had a lot of fun checking out the life guards that *cough* looked like they were 17 *cough* Haha. I really had so much fun. I am seriously so happy that Sandra and I are such good friends. She really has made the difference in my summer. It has been the best summer ever! I have had so much fun, but I can't wait to get back to Idaho. I'm driving back on the 30th of this month! Woooo!!

Along My Journey

2008-07-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been putting a lot of thought and study into the atonement. I have learned so much and it really does help me to love and appreciate all that has been given to me in life. Before I started my journey through the atonement, I understood the atonement to be Christ taking on our sins in order for us to be able to repent and return to our Heavenly Father. However, the Bible Dictionary defines atonement as the “reconciliation of man to God…the purpose is to correct or overcome the consequence of sin.”

I never really thought of it as a reconciliation process…I always thought of the atonement as a way for us to receive forgiveness. Through Christ’s atonement, we are able to be become “at one” with God again! That is absolutely amazing to me.

I have always known that Christ took on our sins and that even when we suffer now, he has felt the same feelings that we feel. Monday night, I went to the hospital to see my old seminary teachers mom, who does not have much longer in this life. My teacher needed to do some things, so I volunteered to stay at the hospital with her mom until she was able to return. When she was gone, the nurses had to come in and do some stuff to her poor mother. When I saw them and I saw how much pain she was in, I could not help but to feel her pain. I barely knew this precious woman, but I felt her pain. It hurt me so much to see her in such a condition and I cried. I cried because I could feel her pain and distress. After I left, I started to think about how I felt when I was hurting with her. Christ hurts with us too! I can not imagine having to feel the pain of everyone, but he freely took upon him that. I can not even say how grateful I am for the tender mercies of our Savior. I have had some eye-opening experiences and would not trade them for any thing.

My experiences have built my testimony and my studying of the atonement has really been a blessing to my testimony.

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real and it is true. I could not deny what I know…ever. I have been blessed with a wonderful family who love and support me. I know that Pres Monson is a prophet of God…I know, that without doubt, that Jesus Christ took on the sins of the world and died that we may all live. I know that he rose triumphantly from a tomb. I pray that I will be worthy to be in his presence. I love the gospel and it makes waking up in the mornings so much easier because it gives me something to live for. I know Heavenly Father knows my name and yours and he loves us with a perfect love. I bear this my testimony in my older brothers precious name, Jesus Christ…Amen

Simply...Words of Wisdom

2008-07-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

I think a lot has happened in my life that pushed me toward growing up faster than most people. I am only 19, but life experience has given me a lot of wisdom. This blog is for the people I love. I wanted to write something that people could come look at when they needed advice or just a little something, ya know? One of the most important things that I have learned is that before you can make anyone else happy, you need to make yourself happy. It is hard, but once you focus on loving yourself and being secure with who you are, people will want to be around you. When you are making choices, think of the choice and the long-term consequences. I think a lot of people get side-tracked with what will be fun or easy now, but it ends up not being the better choice in the long-run. Don't live in fear. Be who you are and don't be scared of what lies ahead. Nothing is impossible unless you let it become that way. Remember, that you are what you deserve. Do not settle for anything less than that. President Gordon B Hinckley said, "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Enjoy this lovely life that you are able to live. Do not take for granted what you have. When you get the chance, tell the people you love that you care for them. To be honest, people you love probably will hurt you. Learn from it, don't let it hold you back. You have to make the best out of what you have and then maybe one day you will realize that it is what you wanted all along. Let life happen. It is so important to remember what temporary happy is and what forever happy is. Something that makes me smile everyday is knowing that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I have no need to fear what lies ahead as long as I am worthy at all times, in all things, and in all places. Stand up for what you believe... and most importantly, believe. And as Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Really, don't ever think that you can't make a difference!

My life is a Comedy...not a tragedy

2008-06-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

When life hits you in the face, you just have to say ouch and move on. I have been having the most wonderful summer. I am facing trials that I really did not expect, but luckily I have been blessed with so many wonderful things. I do not know where I would be without my family. They are my rock. I love each of them so much and if I have nothing else to smile about, I have them! Fortunately in my life, I have come across really amazing people. These people have become my friends. This summer has not been anything like I imagined. I thought I would come home and be kind of miserable. I was so wrong. I joined the Singles Branch in Memphis...this is a decision I do not regret. I love my branch! Everyone has their quirks and there are a few creepers, but I LOVE IT!
I'm writing this because life is what you make it. I have turned my summer into something nothing short of amazing. Life isn't always easy. Actually, I can't think of a time when life is ever easy. I try to make laughing easy though. Life is a bittersweet experience. It is what we make of it though. You control your own happily ever after. Nobody chooses whether you will be happy or not. Find something or someone you love and hang on to it. Show it the respect it needs or if it is a person do unto them as they would want you to do, not like you would do unto yourself. Cherish every time you laugh out loud. Let the people you love know it...and let yourself know it too. Don't be scared to stand out. Love and love again... While in the process, you may cry, but make sure you know that you're never alone. Smile until it hurts ;)