Excitement!

Tomorrow enters what I've termed "The Blast off Zone"  Because it's the final 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Weddingday countdown.  I finally feel like things are settling into place.  I have this week and next week of class, with a trip to the Anchorage Temple for my endowments, and then we leave for our wedding.  EEEK!  Its just felt more and more right every day.  I love Travis so much.  

When we get back, we should have an apartment-and I want to go to the ice park.  Yay! 

I finally had one!

I beleive in meltdowns.

Most of the time I stay fairly well composed, I hold it all togther, I function, I acheive, and I preform my heart out.  And I Do my best.  Well, wake up-best is never enough ever because I'm human and so from time to time, when I drop the ball, and mother nature decides to remind me of my humanity, I let out a good cry.  Poor lysie didn't know what to do.  So she sang me some songs, gave me a hug and blew me a kiss.  That helped.  But I still couldn't help myself from sobbing-I was also laughing while I was sobbing because of how rediculous I am.  But, it felt good.  I was trying to not cry when talking to travis on the phone, but that doesn't work really well.  Physiologically speaking, sobbing and laughing are the same.  I was a mess, and the dear wonderful boy just let me be rediculous without judging or trying to fix me.  Thats all I needed.  I knew he cared and I assured him I would be fine in the morning.  Life goes on.  He was so sweet though tonight, he brought me in the left over steak-and didn't eat before I got out of class to join him.  And then when I was home and sobbing and crying and laughing uncontrollably my mommy opened her arms and let me join her in a good snuggle on the couch.  I'm so blessed.

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2010!  Thank you for these wonderful memories:

Visiting Utah and Idaho!
Seeing Grampa 2 times!
Meeting Grampa's family over Memorial Day weekend!
Nannying Cousin Alex and enjoying triple digit temperatures in California pools
Weekends with Travis in San Fransisco
Jedi Academy (for Travis)
Redwood Forrest!
Arthur Murray dance lessons
Really good Fall semester grades!
Teaching Ballroom Dance
I'm ENGAGED!
Business Licence  for my company:  Magic Rhythms Dance
First Credit Card
IPhone 4!
Roommates with Liam
Kitties new homes had a happy ending
Mom and Rulon bought the Property
NEW NIECE!  YAY CLARA!
Robin bought a car
Robin went on a Mission

Funny Lysie

All this, just Today:  

First, Lysie is getting dressed for the day.  I got her two shirts for Christmas (and a tea set, I'm not all boring).  One was Faded Glory Brand, and the other L.E.I. Brand.  Didn't think anything of it, but Elyse did.  She comes in with the grumpy face on and shows me the shirt with the L.E.I. tag and says "This isn't my Shirt.  Thats not my name!  My name is Elyse, E-L-Y-S-E not L.E.I."  And then threw a tantrum for a bit cuz the pants mom tried to get her to wear didn't quite fit right.  Oh joys of being 4 going on 14.

Then, in the evening, she's getting ready for bed, and is hounding me to listen, I keep telling her "just a minute" cuz I'm preoccupied.  Eventually, my attention is freed and so I turn to her and ask "WHAT?" Kinda exhasperated, and she says with a big grin- "You and Travis are gonna get married, and when your married I can have sleep overs at your house"  OH REALLY?  I can't say no to her though, so I told her she'll have to ask Travis cuz it'll be his house too.  She's hilarious.  Se wouhe's so smart, she figured out getting married means I'm gonna move-I think cuz Amanda moved. But then I asked lysie where she would stay when she came for sleep overs at my house (her and robin have "sleep overs" here but just sleep on the floor on a blanket in lysie's room) and if she was going to sleep on the floor, or on the couch, and she asked "Will you have a bed?" I Said yes, and she said she'd just sleep there with me-hahaha, no.  Then I asked her what color dress she wanted when I get married, and she answered "white"  hahaha, no again!  I explained that I'm getting married so I get to wear white and that she needs to pick a color. Started suggesting blue, green, yellow-and she piped up "Black"  hahaha, no. I kept trying to explain the idea of color and get her to pick green but she wouldn't have it.  She's pretty set on black, but I'll turn her-don't worry.  I'll turn her!

My Christmas Highlight

(Photo Thanks to Adam Baxter)

There are many legends about the moon. A full moon is said to be a symbol of love and romance.  On that, 

I must agree.

There was a total Lunar Eclipse on Solstice this year, visible in Alaska on the Eve of Winter Solstice. 

My dear wonderful Travis took the special night, December 20th, 2010 to propose :)  

Yes, we are engaged!  

I think there is some special symbolism in it.  

Just as the celestial bodies aligned that night, 

Travis and I aligned our hearts in a promise of celestial significance.  

I love that man!

Merry Christmas!

It has been a wonderful season.  Its now Christmas morning, 10 am, and we still havn't opened out presents.  Lysie isn't even awake.  But Yesterday was great, I got up and went to Breakfast with my dear sweet Abbey, and then we did a little bit of last minute shopping, and then I headed out to Northpole.

 In Northpole, I helped Travis and his Mom put Christmas Eve Dinner on the Table-we even used the fine china!  It was all delicious!  His mom makes delicious moist Turkey, and yummy green bean casserole, and the BEST sweet potatoes-oh, they're like dessert!

Then I came home and with my Family we read the Christmas story and used a nativity set to act it out (usually we do a big theatric production with the Hulls, but they are Utah cuz Tyler just got Married!)  And then did our traditional caroling around the piano-mom accompnying.  Really makes me want to learn Piano so I can continue the tradition with my own family.  I decided last nigh singing around the cd player or Ipod wouldn't be the same....

Then this morning, I got up, finnished wrapping a few presents, and now we're just lazing around till Breakfast is ready.  Rulon brought the genious tradition of eating a big fancy breakfast before Christmas Presents. I love it because it makes the Christmas magic last a little long in the day, the anticipation with the presents builds up a bit more, and beacuse we have our bellies full of breakfast we don't get grouchy because we're hungry and tired.  And we don't fill up so much on candy....   I LOVE the Breakfast tradition.

Usually I'm more excited about Christmas morning and getting to the presents sooner rather than later, but I must confess, Santa got me a few presents early.  More on that coming soon.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Finals are underway!

I'm done with my clinical Procedures Class for the Semester, and happy to brag (sorry) that I got a 98 on my Final Exam today, and a 96 in the class overall!  Hoorah!

Bring on the rest of the finals!

21 yrs done!

I had a birthday yesterday-and in the terms of the world its a big one.  I got the fancy license that goes side ways like the rest of the world, meaning I'm and adult adult (as opposed to when you become an "adult" at 18.  Whats crazy is that so much is up in the air right now.  I want to make plans but the plans I want to make require a partner in crime, but that partner is having commital issues.  I want to just go to work when I'm done with school, but I also want to drive the tour busses, and i want to get my associates, and I want to go to Idaho and get a bachelors in Dance.  :P  So, Idk.  Here's to oppourtunies, here's to adventures, here's to desicions and heres to undetermined plans.  I've always put all my eggs in one basket certain that that is the plan for me, but I think now is the one time in life when I'll be able to spread them around.  Check out different baskets or maybe more than one.  Its both empowering and exciting.  For the short term though, here's to getting my certificate, and taking a ballet class!

Long Story Short:

I'm an optimist, a Ballroom Dancer, Big sister, a friend, a goofball, a student, a dreamer, and I'm a mormon.




Friend was talking to me, suggested I make one of those profiles on mormon.org. This is as far as I've gotten so far. I'll let you know when I have the rest of it together.

What I am MOST thankful for

I am thankful for the Love of my Heavenly Father.

He is the source of love, joy, peace, hope, life, and everything good.

What I'm thankful for this year: (in no particular order)

Adorable little Brother Liam
Adorable Little Sister Elyse
My mommy
Rulon
Robin
Amanda
Jordan
Clara
Travis
Kimmie
Rhea
Oppourtunities to go visit Grampa, Grama's Elmer and Johnson, and Dad's site.
The oppoutunity I had to work for Uncle Sid in California nannying Alex
Human Anatomy-its cool stuff!
Medical Assisting Program/knowing what I'm doing with my education and career!!
Modern Medicine (allergy shots, Liam's hospital visits) and the health care team!
Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks
Artisans Courtyard teaching oppourtunity (even though it didn't really work out, I learned alot while using the space for teaching shelly)
Stefani Borrego
Melody Debenham
Abbey Tsigonis
Ariel Cheney
Jennifer Kendall
Krystal Duval
Brittani Sunderlund
Wendy Madsen
Randi Ellingson
Missionaries
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Temples
The Preisthood
Sealing Ordinance
Uncle Dennis getting sealed to his family
Roses
Pres Duval, Pres Olsen, Bro Maynes and all other church leadership
Lori Moser
Scriptures
Red Wood Forrests
LaMyrl Sandholtz
Family History
Good Music
Dance
Baking
Balloons
Christmas Lights
Mountains
Vehicles
Good Shoes
Warm Clothes
Friends near and far (I love you even if your name was not specifically mentioned.)
Family Near and Far (Again, I love you even if you were not individually named)
Federal Student Loans
The Dividend
Pumpkins
Airplanes
Pools on Hot Days
Indexing
Good Books
Good Movies
Visiting Teaching
Munch n Mingle
Church Choir
Cousins
Family Home Evening
People who adopt Kitties
Sherry Wolf
Penny Tibbs
Christa Barttlet
I love you notes on my bed
Health
Excersise Facitlities
Hot Water
Technology
Pumpkin Pie
Beautiful Weather
Family Recipes
Instant Recipes
Warm House
Alaska
Patch Adams
Old Roommates
Stephanie Quintana



Theres lots more-but I'm getting sleepy.  So, Goodnight!  Happy Thanksgiving!

How do you solve a problem like Melanie?

I feel like this song from the sound of Music sometimes.  
You know, the one that goes "How do you solve a problem like maria, how do you catch a wave upon the sand, and how do you hold a moonbeam in your hand??"
Theres a part of the chorus that goes:

She is gentle

She is wild

She's a riddle

She's a child

She's a headache

She's an angel

She's a girl!!

And many another part of that song I feel like they might as well be singing about me.  However, thats what makes me SO thankful for my family, my friends and all the patient people who love me.  

The only way I can explain myself sometimes is that I'm a girl.  And as such I'm prone to emotional feelings that I don't quite know how to interpret and handle yet, so thank you for bearing with me!  

Happy Birthday Pres Uchtdorf!

It is in the quiet moments when I sit and think and pray-that I find peace, and comfort.  Assurance.  I know who I am, I know Gods plan.  I am a child of God, I came from his home in heaven to this earth to become like him, and its back to him that I am striving to get.  I know that Jesus Christ Lives.  He bled in the Garden for me meeting the laws of Justice so that I could be restored to righteousness and therefore qualify for the Kingdom of God.  I know that Christ  arose from the grave, breaking the bonds of death that I might live with my family for forever.   I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority of God, that with it what is bound on earth will stand in full force in the eternities if I do my part.  I know that obedience to the laws and commandments of God brings something more precious that happiness, it brings joy and peace.  I know that repentance allows me to make my wrongs and failings right, and myself complete.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and that it was restored, in all its Fullness by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know we are led now by Prophets Seers and Revelators.  They hold the keys of the priesthood.  They know the way, and they are here to teach us and guide us on our journey.

Patch Adams

What an Inspiring Guy.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to his -lecture? today, but it was amazing.  I was in tears in a few spots.  Just overwhelmed with a sense of caring for his cause and the people he meets.  You could tell he was genuine-and his ideas are so idealistic.  He really beleives in his cause and labors for it, its a labor of love.  I think Robin Williams did an excellent portrayal of his essence-his sense of curiosity and love and compassion for other humans.  He's not immune to reality-he just sees the world through a broader lens that allows him to care for the individual.  I wrote so much of what he said down-I wish I had a recording of the evening.  I hope that whenever I start my career-and that whomever I come into contact with, I can share a sense of love and concern for them.

Patch said he never said "Laughter is the best medicine"  But that "Friendship is the best medicine-and laughter, humor is a means to make that friendship."  It was wonderful.  And I will forever cherish his wisdom in my heart, and strive to be a little more positive, a little more happy, a little more concerned and a little more caring with everyone I meet.  Thank you Mr Adams!

Other Than that, today was also fun, because we had our first real snow (didn't stick around much, but it was definately there.)  On my lunch break from Classes I went home to find lysie in her snowcoat, boots, snowpants, mittens, the whole regalia.  So I joined her and we tossed some small, puny snowballs around, but had oh so much fun!  

Attitude Adjustment

Mkay, So, the last few months have been rocky.  I couldn't figure it out.  Then, between Sunday night and Tuesday morning it all slowly peiced itself together and I had some amazing slap in the face sort of moments-where all my questions and concerns and worries came crashing to understanding and peace and Joy.  OY!  I love it, its amazing to me how much my attitude rolls over to the rest of my life.  How, it can twist my understanding of a situation and thus allow my to either be miserable or totally at peace with life the way it is.

Once such understanding that came to light and really just struck a chord it never quite touched before-was about the idea of Perfection.  I'm not perfect and no matter how hard I try, I'm not going to be perfect-yet.  Someday, after I leave this mortal life, long into the eternities, I have hope for becoming perfect like my Heavenly Father.   I think I understood that, but I didn't really register it on the radar of my happiness.

Another thing that I realized:  Things are hard, and things aren't what I want them to be like all the time.  But they are just as they are supposed to be as long as I'm doing my best.

And one Last thing to document:  When stressed or worried, its because I'm failing to recognize my blessings.  When I stop and quit fretting about things not being how I want them, and think about all that is good and precious to me, I know that I am the richest person on earth.  And, I can be happy.  Not in spite of my worries and troubles, but with my worries and troubles, and because of my worries and troubles.

I love this song now with more understanding and appriciation than ever before:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 

Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done. 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. 

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

And this one:

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King,
And Jesus listening can hear
The songs I cannot sing.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is springtime in my soul today,
For when the Lord is near,
The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flow’rs of grace appear.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope and praise and love,
For blessings which he gives me now,
For joys “laid up” above.

Long hard good day!

I must be honest, I feel guilty sitting to do this, but if I don't write it down I'm gonna forget.  Today was tough, but oh so enriching.

I started by going to the house of a special person in my life.  She has some health problems and I go up to visit her weekly, take her to appointments and just try to make her day a little brighter-I must admit its tough.  And her house is a mess-but when you give of yourself for someone else, you get so much more in return.  I can't go into detail because of respect of privacy, but this is sufficient.

Anyways, then I went visiting teaching.  I was already exhausted, but I enjoy the company of my RS sisters so much-that quote Krystal Duval always throws at us about whenever two or more women are joined together there will be fun-idk I might have just butchered it, but today it took new meaning.  Its just SO fufilling to think about them for a little while.  I wasn't worried about my problems, or what I was going to do afterwards, just sincerely invested in them-at the end I'm still tired but feel so much more blessed than you could ever imagine, not only for my associations with them, but also for my wonderful family and all that I have.

Such as my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.  The strength I've had and the aid I've received as I've overcome my trials.  I'm so glad for a warm CLEAN home (even though there may be clutter, its all superficial, there were some places I went today that I really wished I could have cleaned, but at the same time it was jsut too overwelming).  One person I got to see today-it was so sweet, her and her family don't have much, but they have eachother.  They were so kinda and loving to oneanother.  It makes me think about my family, and how dear they are to me.  Several times on the radio that song "Live like you were dying" came on-and theres that one like that asks "How come we don't say 'I love you' enough?"   I know I don't say it enough.  I want to change that.  Be more loving and concerned at home.  So when I did get home, guess what, the spirit of serving had overcome me and I told my mommy to go to the store-cuz she asked about me watching the babies earlier-and I totally wasn't willing to.  So now she's there and all I wanna do is tiddy up the house and help by cooking dinner.  And I'm craving nobakes.  I don't think there can be anything as good as a nice clean home with the aroma of fresh baked dinner and goodies to enjoy them in.

Also, usually I'd be really frustrated that just as soon as my mom left the baby woke up, but today, I'm just glad he's such a cuddle monster.  And that Elyse is so funny!  While I was hugging her she exclaimed: "Be careful, you'll break my neck and I'll throw up again!"