Don't Blink

I'm a slacker. I really have so many other things I should be doing right now but I wanted to fit in one last post in 2008.

Christmas Eve we had a bunch of my mom's family over. We ate, played games and did the hokey pokey and it was really fun.
We took pictures with these signs for Jeremy and my cousin Weston. They probably think we're weird but I'm alright with that. We kind of are.


I went to a show my friend played in Phoenix and found this on a trash can in this little alley. I thought it was funny.


I also got to talk to Jeremy on Christmas Eve. That was probably my favorite part of Christmas. I went to his house and he talked to us on speaker phone for about two hours and then each of us took a turn talking to him. I wasn't expecting to be able to talk to him by myself so that was very exciting. I am very glad his mom let me do that :) He is doing good but he says its really hard. The people of Russia are rude and he says no one smiles so its hard to keep your spirits up some times but he tries. He had a lot of funny stories to share and a couple scary ones. He has been gone for 7 months now. Weird. It was really hard to give the phone up and my emotions were all out of whack the few days that followed but it was totally worth it.


It is so crazy to me that today is the last day of 2008. This year flew by. A lot happened but I'm glad to have a brand new year begin. Plus, come tomorrow, I can start saying Jeremy comes home next year. I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I don't care :)

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

After many stressful days and taking two finals while having only slept two hours the night before, I am DONE with my first semester of college. I am free (for now). And this is how I feel about it:

Now, as soon as I finish putting together the 1800 mailers we're sending out at work, I'll really be able to enjoy my break :)

She Did It!!!

Today, Lindsay graduated from BYU-Hawaii. I am so proud of her for finishing school. It is a very exciting day for her as well as for the rest of my family. I wish I could have been there to see it. And now my parents only have 3 more to go (assuming the rest of us make it) ;). Who would have thought this little girl would have made it through college?!

Haha, just kidding :)


Congrants, Lins! You made it!!

I Should Be Sleeping... Or Doing My Online Class

Saw this and it looked fun so here it goes.

1. Put your MP3 Player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY??
"Hello Mr. Heartache" by the Dixie Chicks

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Losing Grip" by Avril Lavigne

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Stupid" by Sarah McLachlan
Hahaha, yesss.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" by Chicago

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"My Paper Heart" by The All-American Rejects

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"Stevens Last Night in Town" by Ben Folds

WHAT IS 2+2?
"Set Yourself on Fire" by Stars
Ah, my true feelings toward math

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS?
"All We Ever Needed" by The Rocket Summer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Whatever's Left" by Snow Patrol

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

"My Apology" by The Get Up Kids

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Secret" by The Veronicas

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Outta My Head (Ay ya ya)" by Ashlee Simpson

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"The Long Run" by The Eagles

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Free Until They Cut Me Down" by Iron and Wine

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Popular Mechanics for Lovers" by Beulah

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Love Makes The World Go Round" by Ashlee Simpson

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"O Girlfriend" by Weezer

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"In Between Dreams" by Jack Johnson
Hahahahaha. Sweet.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"Oklahoma - Texas Line" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Tiny Little Fractures" by Snow Patrol

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"L.O.V.E" by Ashlee Simpson

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

"Believe" by Yellowcard
I'll take that as a yes.

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Total Eclipse" by Bonnie Tyler

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Outrageous" by Britney Spears
;)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Then I Did" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

"Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer
Ah, 18 months ;)

This was fun. I think you all should try it. It made me laugh.
Now, off to bed.

How Sweet It Is

Yesterday was my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary party. It turned out so cute! A lot of people came, and it was so good to see everyone. The slide show Kelly and I were working on actually turned out alright, though its no where near done. We had some last minute complications so she just quickly finished it so we had something to show, but we'll be making it complete some time in the near future.

Some of the guests:

And we of course took family photos as well:
Frank & Corinne with their kids.

The whole group.Missing: Lindsay, Lena, KC & Jayden.
And yeah, we're all sort of wearing the same colors.
No, that wasn't planned.


Then, while everyone was cleaning up, Kansas and I went and took some pictures of our own.
All in all, it was a very fun day.



And yeah, so I got lazy with the thankfulness posting this week.
But to close out the month, I am thankful for my wonderful family, immediate and extended. They are truly some of the most amazing people and I am so glad I have them in my life. I am thankful for the gospel in my life. I don't know where I'd be without it and I feel so blessed to have grown up in a home where the gospel was taught. I am thankful for the holiday season. It's always a good time for reflecting and remembering all we have.


I also can't wait until Lindsay gets home in just over two weeks! We missed you yesterday, Lins (along with the others that weren't there)!

Hear You Me

As if I didn't have a pile (LITERALLY) of homework to do.

I'm tired.
I'm stressed.
I'm overwhelmed.
I'm worried.
I am in much need of a break from school.
And I get headaches pretty much daily now.

But it doesn't even matter.
I will finish my homework tonight.
I will do good on my 2 tests this week.
I will make it through 1:30pm Wednesday when my 4 day weekend will officially start.
I will finish the slide show.
I will wake up happy tomorrow.

Thanks mom for finding this card. Even though you didn't have me in mind when you bought it, it still helped. And I laughed, which is always a plus.

This made me smile.
My mom, then me at about 3 and a half:
My dad tried to convince me that we don't look alike.
What's funny is if you look at her pictures from high school and compare them to me now, the resemblance is pretty much gone.



1. I am thankful for my mom. She has been super stressed lately but still manages to feed us. I think that is pretty awesome.

2. I am thankful for my ward.

3. I am thankful for warm clothing. Sweat pants, big jackets, socks, the whole deal. I don't even care that we don't really need them in good ol' Gilbert, AZ. I love it.

Rockin' The Suburbs

YESTERDAY:

1. 6 months! I am thankful that I have made it 6 months and only have 18 more until Jeremy comes home.

2. I am thankful for everything this whole mission thing has taught me. It's not easy. I've definitely grown a lot and even though some mornings I wonder how I'm going to make it through the day, I'm grateful for the experience.

3. I am thankful for the small things. It's always the texts, phone calls, hugs and little talks that make a world of difference for me.



TODAY:

1. I am thankful for this little boy:

His name is Cole and I started watching him when he was born almost 2 years ago. I started to watch him less and less when I got a job and then when school started this semester it made it even harder. It's been about 2 months since I've watched him but when he saw me he got this huge smile on his face and ran and gave me a hug. It made me really happy, I've missed him.

2. I am thankful for jeans and a t-shirt. It's my favorite combination.

3. I am thankful I enjoyed Twilight. I am glad the movie didn't ruin my love for it. I've talked to a lot of people that didn't like it and said "they should have done this" or "they should have done that." Yes, they very well could have. But then someone else would have had a problem with it. I thought the characters were amazing. Can you imagine having to play that role knowing that everyone is going to bash you if you so much as roll your eyes the wrong way? How intimidating. The movies are never as good as the books, but I think they did an awesome job. Was it cheesy? Yes. Did I laugh when I wasn't supposed to? Yes. Will I be seeing it a billion more times before it comes out on DVD? Yes.

For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic

1. I am thankful that my chem teacher let me pick up my test and leave so I was able to make it to Natalee's reception.

2. I am thankful Lindsay is coming home in less than a month! I'm sad she won't be here for Thanksgiving.

3. I am thankful for my cell phone. I know that is a little funny but I left it at home today and I was so paranoid that the one day I forget it would be the day I would break down on the side of the road. Luckily, that didn't happen. I'm just glad I have one, it makes me feel safer.



AAAND, I'm going to Twilight tonight!!! I am excited, but am telling myself it is going to be awful. That way, if it really is, it will lessen my disappointment level. But if it's good, I will be pleasantly surprised :)

Cannonball

1. I am thankful that missionaries get p-days in which to email/write letters. Yeah, I get another one in the morning! I am also thankful that Jeremy's mission president allows him to email me, even if it is only two paragraphs.

2. I am thankful for the young mens and young womens programs in the church. I know I'm not in YW anymore but I'm glad I was. It's a good thing for the youth. I even miss it sometimes.

3. I am thankful for conference talks. I've been in a sort of bummer mood lately and I've gone and read a couple talks that have given me comfort.

Walk On Me

SUNDAY:
Really, I don't remember. But, I was thankful for stuff. Promise.

YESTERDAY:
1. I am thankful that the day went by relatively quickly. Mondays are always my longest day of the week, but it wasn't so bad.

2. I am thankful Connor went on a walk with me :) He was so funny! There was a man that had turned the corner and started walking behind us (and it was dark) and Connor kept turning around to see if he was still there. Then he looks at me and says "ok, we need a signal" I asked what for and he said "like, ok, if that guy comes and puts a gun to you and I can't see it, just go like this [stomps foot on the ground 3 times] so that I'll know something is happening." He kept doing little things like that and "protecting" me. It was so funny. He is such a good brother.

3. I am thankful for DVR so I don't have to stay up until midnight to watch my shows.


TODAY:
1. I am thankful that I only have a month left of school this semester.

2. I am thankful for music. It keeps me sane. Seriously.

3. I am thankful that gas prices are going down. Even if it doesn't last, I'll take it for now.

White Horse

1. I am thankful I've been really busy lately, even if that means I'm stressed more often. It helps the time pass.

2. I am thankful to be out of high school! I was talking with a couple people about stuff that happened during that 4 year period. I definitely don't miss it.

3. I am thankful that I got to babysit these cute boys:(Braedan, Austin and Jordan. We were having issues getting the pictures taken; this is the best one I got.)

and that when I walked in Jordan went "CASSIE!!!!" and acted all excited to see me.
We were sitting watching a movie and Austin looked up at me and said "guess what?"
Me: "what?"
Austin: "guess what I'm going to be?"
Me: "what?"
Austin: "a dad"
Me: "oh, really?"
Austin: "yeah. because then I can go on dates with my mom and dad."
How cute is that? I love these boys!

Birthdays & Solace

Today was my Granddad's birthday! As I'm writing this I just realized I don't even know how old he turned. 73... I think. We went to his house for pizza and cake and it was fun!

The birthday boy!

Part of the gang.

I just thought this was funny. Clint said this is how Jayden likes to be held.

Missing Lindsay... only a month left!

And this is what she gets to come home to...



And my three things for today:

1. I am thankful for my Granddad. He is the sweetest man.

2. I am thankful for my parents who let me vent to them. They just listen, even though I know that they know I'm being ridiculous most of the time.

3. I am thankful for my little cousins, Chance & Macy. I don't see them as often as I used to and I had so much fun hanging out with them tonight. They're both super smart and such good kids.

Penny On A Train Track

1. I am thankful it doesn't snow in Arizona.

2. I am thankful for this little challenge so I can better recognize and acknowledge all my blessings.

3. I am thankful that tomorrow is Thursday and I get my email from Jeremy :)

If you have a couple minutes...

I took this from Rachel's blog (thanks!) I know it looks a little lengthy but its worth reading, I promise.


Prop 8: It's Impact: GREAT by Susan Noyes Anderson

"I'll begin by affirming that I have no bias against gay individuals or groups per se and that I respect them as friends and associates. Neither do I oppose domestic partner statutes affording them any and all legal rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in a marriage relationship. (Family Code 297.5) What I do oppose, specifically, is changing the legal definition of marriage to anything other than between a man and a woman. Here's how I see it. Domestic partnership is a newer status, engendered (and rightfully so) to support/protect the rights of same-sex couples. Marriage, on the other hand, is an ancient institution with well-established parameters developed more years ago than any of us would want to count and supporting/protecting not just the relationship between a man and a woman but the children that naturally result from the biological nature of such a union.

It is my deeply held belief that marriage is ordained of God as a sort of three-way contract with Him, made by a man and a woman who wish to welcome God's spirit children into their home. It is also my deeply held belief that no man or woman has a "right" to expand or redefine an institution as set forth by God. His law is not ours to change. We have no authority, as the California Supreme Court apparently believes it has, to "legislate from the bench."

Of course, I understand that not every American or Californian agrees with me, and I have no problem with that at all. There are many, however, who do agree. A number of people in our country (myself included) view marriage as a sacred estate whose purpose, at base, is procreation. Countless more, while not seeing this as a religious issue, are simply opposed to the idea of making marriage an umbrella category for every type of pairing entered into by committed individuals.

In their purely secular view, marriage is marriage and domestic partnership is domestic partnership...historically, two different things. Indeed, why imbue an already established word, "marriage," with new definitions? It becomes confusing. Such new definitions, arguably, are best served by an equally new word. Should an e-mail address have the same nomenclature as a url? They are both internet addresses, but the dynamic, the process, and the end result of their use differs. Specificity in naming them, therefore, makes sense.

Other groups who support Proposition 8 are concerned about the manner in which a liberal state Supreme Court stepped in to overturn a law voted on and put in place by the people of California. Furthermore, a number of legal experts feel that the Court's ruling has established gay individuals as a "protected class." This status would likely make it difficult for individuals who are not gay to prevail in lawsuits where religious rights and gay rights come into conflict. Recently a doctor, whose personal religious views and conscience did not permit him to inseminate a lesbian woman, was sued by her and lost, even though another doctor agreed to perform the procedure. She had alternatives, in other words, but she was not satisfied with them. This suggests to me that the purpose of her suit was to satisfy one thing and one thing only: the need to see her rights as a gay person prevail over this man's right to freedom in practicing his religion according to his conscience. In all fairness, whose rights would be most violated here? Does his choice keep her from being inseminated as a lesbian woman? No. Does her choice to sue him (and win) keep him from practicing his beliefs (and medicine) as a religious man? Yes. She has other options. He does not. And yet, her rights prevailed...a harbinger, many people believe, of things to come. At the very least, a legal precedent has been set.

Another potential problem has been seen in Boston, where gay marriage is already legal. Catholic Charities has closed down operations there because it cannot arrange adoptions for same-sex couples and still maintain integrity with Catholic beliefs. Even though same-sex couples could have used other adoption agencies, the operative agenda was to see a gay person's right to adopt win out over the Catholic church's right to practice its religion and manage its adoption agencies in accordance with its core beliefs. Once again, religious rights lost the battle where there should be no battle at all. In essence, the right of gay couples to adopt at ANY agency they might want to approach was deemed more important than the right of an agency (run and based upon the Catholic religion and its tenets) to self-determine in accordance with its core beliefs. The Church was forced to either surrender its own rights or shut down. In this instance at least, gay rights trumped the rights of a religious group or individual. Where is the justice in that, especially if it becomes the national precedent? Where is the justice in having schools (at best) validate and (at worst) present ideas of marriage and family that are directly contrary to parents' religious beliefs? Should churches be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriages in their religious buildings that are open to the public? These are all concerns of mine.

More than a few opponents of Proposition 8 label any person who supports the idea that only a man and a woman should be eligible for marriage as a "hater." Those who espouse same-sex marriage too frequently view those who oppose it as (best case) homophobic and (worst case) bigots who want to deny the rights of fellow citizens simply because their lifestyle does not agree with more traditional views. Both of these assumptions are patently unfair. What's more, they worry me, for they suggest that views based upon religion are now being classed with views based on racism, ageism, or other prejudices. Religion is not a prejudice, it's a right, as valid and sacred as any other. Yet, opinions based on religious belief have become suspect, and the right to exercise religion is becoming somehow "less worthy" than other rights. People do have a right to act in accordance with their religious beliefs, and those beliefs should be respected, not suspected.

Contrary to (some) popular opinion, it is entirely possible to believe that men should not "marry" men and women should not "marry" women without bearing any malice at all toward the men and women in question. I fully support their right to form loving, committed unions under the protection of fair and equitable domestic partnership laws. For me, supporting Proposition 8 is simply about believing that marriage as an institution is ordained of God, between a man and a woman, with procreation as its greatest end. Period.

Fearless

YESTERDAY:
1. I am thankful for how beautiful it is outside. I took a short walk and it felt so good.

2. I am thankful to not have school tomorrow so I can stay up a little later to watch my shows.

3. I am thankful for the good friends I have. I have quite a few different friends that I'm quite close with, despite the fact that I don't talk to them everyday. Sometimes we'll go a couple months without talking to each other but when we get together its like we were never apart. I love that.

TODAY:
1. I am thankful I get along so well with Connor. Since I got off work early today I got to hang out with him for a little bit. We weren't doing anything special, just watching tv, but we were laughing the whole time. It was fun.

2. I am so thankful for all veterans who have served and all soldiers currently serving for our country.

3. I am thankful for my education. School gets old pretty fast once a new semester starts, but I'm thankful I am able to continue my education out of high school.

A Mess to be Made

1. I am thankful for Sundays. I love them. Its fun to be able to just hang out with my family.

2. I am thankful that my mom loves to read because she goes and picks out all the good books and then I get to read them with no effort put forth on my part.

3. I am thankful to know that I am a child of God. That is the primary theme this month and I think it is important for all of us to remember that and be grateful for that knowledge.

White Lines and Red Lights

1. I am thankful for pictures. Doing this little project of mine has been so fun to look back and see my mom and her siblings and remember times from when I was little.

2. I am thankful for food. I ate so much today and it was all so delicious.

3. I am thankful for weekends. Not that I have a ton of responsibilities, but it is nice to be able to sleep in a little and take naps and just overall have nothing in particular to do.


p.s. I saw Madagascar 2 today and it was so good! If you have time, go see it, even if you don't have little kids. I went with a friend and I think we were the only people in the theater without children sitting next to us but its worth it. If you liked the first one, you'll love this one.

It's Like Trying to Clean the Ocean

YESTERDAY:
1. I am thankful that I got a good group in my lab for chemistry. Of the 4 of us, 3 are LDS, so that is cool. We all get along great and they are the 3 smartest/least annoying in the class.

2. I am thankful for eternal families. I watched Grey's Anatomy and cried. I feel stupid for that, but it was so so sad. I won't say what happened in case any of you (Lindsay) haven't watched it yet.

3. I am thankful for missionaries. I think they're pretty awesome.


TODAY:
1. I am thankful my dad knows what he knows about cars. I really don't know anything. I couldn't even tell that my brakes were bad and needed replacing. He acts frustrated when he has to repeatedly explain things to us girls but I think he secretly enjoys that we come to him for help.

2. I am thankful for clearance racks. I got a new sweater type thing today for $5!

3. I am thankful that someone finally figured out what was making the sink dirty at work. I would clean it and it would be gross again the next day and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then today someone suggested that it was the sponge, leaving little blue marks all over. So my sanity has been saved with a couple new sponges.

The Good Life

1. I am thankful that the "Yes for Marriage" props passed in Arizona, California and Florida.

2. I am thankful its getting colder. I got to wear my jacket all day today without getting hot. It was a very exciting day for me.

3. I am thankful that my father's motorcycle still does not work. Sorry dad, I know its been getting annoying and today was quite the adventure trying to get home, but I'm glad. To quote him, "I don't want to have to go identify your body on the road some day." (something he would tell me about Kelly- whose boyfriend has a motorcycle) Yes, the man who has told me my whole life to "never get on the back of a motorcycle with a guy" has his own broken bike. And I'm glad it doesn't work. I think its a sign he isn't supposed to ride it.

Why You'd Want To Live Here

I'm taking this from a friend.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: each day during the month of November I will be blogging (some prefer to send out mass emails to their friends) about three "things" for which i am grateful. The term "things" is used to encompass a myriad of stuff including, but not limited to: a certain set of circumstances, an event, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, possessions or effects, a deed or act, a product of work or activity, an idea or notion, a piece of news or information, a person, a memory, anything that makes you smile. !!The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" each day. Try not to repeat entries!!

The blogs should be posted by midnight each night. If you miss a day or two, no biggie, but you have to make it up, no skipping! Yes, this may mean accessing your email or blog accounts on a much more regular basis for some of you.

WARNING OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS! please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

I am not going to make up for the last few days because I'm lazy.

But today:

1. I am thankful that my dad shared with us kids earlier today the words of President Benson, in which he said: "I testify that America is a choice land. God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom.
I testify that it is time for every man to set in order his own house both temporally and spiritually. It is time for the unbeliever to learn for himself that this work is true, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom which Daniel prophesied God would set up in the latter days, never to be destroyed, a stone that would eventually fill the whole earth and stand forever. It is time for us, as members of the Church, to walk in all the ways of the Lord, to use our influence to make popular that which is sound and to make unpopular that which is unsound. We have the scriptures, the prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now we need eyes that will see, ears that will hear, and hearts that will hearken to God’s direction." (Click here to read the whole talk- it's good) Let's hope 102 passes!

2. I am thankful that I was able to vote today. This was my first time being able to vote and I am glad we have that right, even if things didn't turn out the way I'd hoped they would.

3. I am thankful for President Uchtdorf's talk in conference on hope. Particularly when he said, "Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance."

Inaudible Melodies

Because I slept way too much this weekend, I am not the least bit tired right now. I've been laying in my bed trying to fall asleep- and failing miserably. So since I can't sleep, I think. My topic of thought tonight? Time.

I have:
-A month to complete this little gift for my grandparents that I haven't started. And because of clashing schedules with my sister and I, I can really only work on it on the weekends.
-19 months until Jeremy gets home.
-6 weeks to complete my online class (which I will no doubt wait until the last week possible to finish).
-Less than 48 hours to study for my chemistry test that I absolutely have to get an A on (wish me luck).
-5 days to figure out what in the world I am going to dress up as for Halloween.
-About 9 months to finish saving for a car.
-6 hours before I have to be in class

Yes, I am aware that some of those are more important than others. But as I was thinking all of those plus the few things I've planned for myself for this week that I'm not quite sure how I'm going to work out, I was getting overwhelmed. As I was throwing this little pity party for myself, a song called "You're Not Alone" from Chicago popped into my head. The line I was thinking of? "I don't mean to burst your bubble, but the world's got troubles worse than you." Well, yes. Yes it does.

Then I remembered that I hadn't checked my email all weekend. A little while ago I subscribed to the daily gems on lds.org (which I totally love and recommend to everyone) and when I clicked on the one from yesterday here is what I found:

"You need His help, and you know that you need His help. You cannot do it alone. You will come to realize that and recognize that more and more as the years pass. So live that in good conscience you can speak with the Lord. Get on your knees and thank Him for His goodness to you and express to Him the righteous desires of your hearts. The miracle of it all is that He hears. He responds. He answers--not always as we might wish He would answer, but there is no question in my mind that He answers."
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Coincidence? I think not. Pity party's over.

"Little by little

it's getting easier to pretend it's easier. Which means easier must be right around the corner."

Yeah, you'd think so. Tuesday (the 21st) marked month 5 in Jeremy's mission. Day to day, it is taking for stinkin' ever. But now its been 5 months, which means it's almost 6 months, which means I'm almost 1/4 done with this. (I know, I know, that's a big jump and I still have a whole month before I can really use the 1/4 thing, but don't ruin it for me.) Really though, it's gotten much better lately because school has kept me busy. I've been holding well to my goal of listening to President Monson and finding joy in the journey- and Jeremy has noticed. Go me. In a letter I got today he said, "I want to know how you stay so positive all the time" and that made me literally laugh out loud. Anyone that knows me well knows that I'm not really an optimist. Although, I am happier in my letters to him. But I've really been trying to be happier with this bitter sweet situation that I can't change (though I wouldn't change it even if I could). It's a work in progress.

For those who care, Jeremy is doing well. He tells funny stories but he is learning a lot. It's hard because people don't listen. He says even the members don't like them. The city he is currently in has about 600,000 people and only 15 members. He always talks about how blessed we are to be in America, and from hearing some of things he tells me I'm feeling more and more grateful for that each week. He gets to go to Madrid next week to renew his visa and he is very excited about that. I can already see a change in his letters from when he first left to now, but he still sounds like himself. He still struggles with the language but here is something he told us this week: "I have gotten some really good compliments on my accent. I met a lady on the street and she said that she couldn't even tell that I wasn't Russian. And then she said that she could when I made grammatical mistakes. So that was cool. She said that my accent was right on." So that is exciting and I'm sure that made him feel a lot better. He tells me I should learn Russian. Yeah... right.

Here is a picture he sent recently. I am just going to pretend that he doesn't really look thinner, just like I pretended he was kidding when he said he lost 14 pounds the first week he was there.

I'm just freaking out on the inside.

To borrow words from the lovely Stephenie Meyer, "Time passes. Even when it seems impossible. Even when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise. It passes unevenly, in strange lurches and dragging lulls, but it does pass. Even for me."

Yes, time does pass, even for me. Slowly but surely.

Stole this :)

50 random things about me.

1. I love music. Its really my favorite thing in this world.

2. I love watching sports. Watch being the key word.

3. My favorite color is green, but I love wearing black and white.

4. I talk a lot. And usually too fast (or so I've been told).

5. I've become obsessed with T.V. and I watch way too many shows. Some of my favorites are Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Friends, The Office and The Hills. Oh and Jon & Kate Plus 8.

6. I have scoliosis and I wore a back brace for 2 and a half years. My spine is still not straight, but it used to sort of be the in the shape of an 'S' so I'll take what I can without having to get surgery.

7. I want like 6 kids. I know, I know, I'll probably change my mind once I have a few, but for now, 6.

8. I love to sing. When I was little I would walk around my house singing as loud as I could. I still do that.

9. I'm a Sun Devils fan. I love going to and watching the football games (even though they're not good anymore).

10. I want to go to California and walk down Santa Monica Boulevard.

11. I don't like taking long car trips. I've been pretty spoiled with the whole free-flights thing.

12. I hate shopping, but I love clothes. If I ever won money from something, I would get a whole new wardrobe.

13. My favorite scripture is Galatians 2:20.

14. I love food! I'm a picky eater, but I've gotten better.

15. I find something I like at a restaurant and order that every time I go there. It drives my dad crazy.

16. I like to read. My favorite books are (you guessed it) the Twilight series.

17. My favorite movie of all time is Father of the Bride part II. I can pretty much quote the whole thing, as can my siblings.

18. I miss going to St. Johns every year for the pioneer celebration.

19. I have a funny family that I love very much.

20. I love little children. If I could live off of babysitting money, I would.

21. I'm an Arizona girl through and through. I don't do snow and as long as I can help it, I will live here my whole life.

22. I only like the rain because we only get it about twice a year.

23. I am SO excited that it is finally cooling off. Arizona's fall/winter is my favorite time of year.

24. I love the saying (that I stole off a T.V. show) "We're almost there and no where near it. All that matters is that we're going" because you can apply it to just about anything. The Temple is right around the corner for me but it still feels so far away. But the important thing is that I'll get there someday.

25. I would love to be a writer. If I was creative enough to write a book, that would be amazing.

26. I love lyrics. I can take any song, no matter what it's about, and I will find a way to apply it to my life. I think songs can teach us a lot.

27. I have the best mom and I'm a lot like her.

28. I'm blunt and that sometimes gets me in trouble (one of the ways I'm like my mom).

29. I love my dad. I hope I marry someone as hard-working as he is.

30. Despite what my family will tell you, I like being busy.

31. I want to travel to all 50 states. I've been to 11 and would like to see the other 39.

32. I love Costa Vida. I never get sick of eating there.

33. I've looked up to my sisters my whole life and have always wanted to be just like them. They could not be more different, but I'm realizing more and more that I've become a combination of the two.

34. I love strawberries. I will eat anything that is strawberry flavored.

35. I hate exercising. I use my back as an excuse, but really I'm just lazy.

36. My favorite hymn is #220- Lord, I Would Follow Thee. It was a very exciting day when I learned how to play it.

37. I love my little brother. I call him the pride and joy of our family.

38. I want to learn to speak Russian. Can you guess why?! ;)

39. I think moving into our current home and ward has been one of the best things that has happened to me.

40. I love soda and do not drink enough water.

41. I want them to hurry up and build the Gilbert Temple so I can get married in it.

42. I like to tell stories.

43. I become obsessed with a song or CD and listen to it over and over until I get sick of it and then I can't listen to it for months after that.

44. I have a lot of respect for missionaries. I never realized how long two years was until my best friend left to serve his mission. I think these boys are amazing.

45. I love the beach, but hate the ocean.

46. I've been stung by a stingray on two separate occasions (hence my disliking of the ocean). I have a scar on each foot.

47. I consider my siblings to be my best friends and I hope it always stays that way.

48. I play the piano, but I'm self-taught so I'm not very good.

49. In all four years, I never went to a dance at my own high school.

50. I don't like keeping things the same for very long. We've been in this house for 4 and a half years and I've already switched bedrooms and rearranged my room about 12 times. And that's not an exaggeration. Good luck to my husband!

Find Joy in the Journey

I LOVE general conference. I've been so looking forward to this weekend for a while now and I am a little sad that it is over. I had a lot of favorite talks and I've learned so much in these last two days. Some of my favorites were Elder Holland's talk about angels, Elder Uchtdorf's talk about hope and Elder Cook's talk about trials. I love that Elder Cook quoted President Monson in his response to how members could help him, "find someone who is having a hard time and do something to help them." What a simple request.

My very favorite was President Monson's talk at the end of the Sunday morning session. He spoke about living for today and being less worried about the past and future. As I was listening to him speak I felt like he was talking directly to me. I've been praying all week that I would be able to get something out of conference and I didn't quite know what I was looking for until I heard it. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the future. I've always been what I guess you would call a dreamer. I don't like the unknown, so I make plans for myself. They are not always realistic plans, and I don't really get dissappointed if things don't happen how I planned them because things have always worked out to be the way I needed them to be, whether I wanted it that way or not. In his talk, President Monson said, "There will be no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today." He also used the phrase "find joy in the journey." And so I've decided that is my new motto: Find Joy in the Journey. I will still be making plans because I think it is important to have goals and have some idea of where you're going and who you want to become, especially at my age, but I am going to try to worry less about tomorrow and focus on today.

I also was so happy that the choir sang Faith in Every Footstep. It is one of my favorite songs and I felt the spirit so strong while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it.

I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to listen to our prophet. I love that the Lord is able to use his mouthpiece to speak to us. I LOVE general conference! :)

Warning- Too Much Information.

The following is a short conversation between my mother and myself during work today. I say warning because it really is kind of gross. But reading it is no where near as bad as living it, trust me. It is basically how my day went and my thoughts on bathroom etiquette.

Subject: UGH. men.

Cassie: I just spent a good amount of time cleaning the bathroom. Wiping down everything, mirror, toilet, sink, the little cabinet thing, the floors, really everything. A client comes in to drop something off. He asks to use the bathroom, so I show him where it is. I figure he is only dropping something off so he probably just really has to go, whatever. Well, not only does he poop and leave marks on my freshly cleaned toilet, there are poop marks on the toilet seat, as in the part you sit down on. How does that even happen?? Granted, he is a little on the old side, but that is no excuse. So now, my fresh pledge/lysol smelling bathroom reeks and I have to go wipe old man poop marks off the toilet seat. I am waiting for at least to smell to go away. I told Trisha [the lady I work with] and she said "I hate men" and we laughed. And then I realized it really isn't funny because now I can't use the bathroom because I will vomit if I go in there and smell it and I can't even hold my nose and just go because the seat's got poop on it. UGH.

Jamie: This is why I ALWAYS keep rubber gloves at work. I call anyone who does not work in the office and comes in and uses the bathroom an "alien butt." Now it's a joke around here that we have to go wipe the toilet seat with a lysol wipe because an "alien butt" has sat on the seat.

Cassie: WAIT. It gets worse. I just cleaned it off so I could use the bathroom because I was about to burst and I go to grab toilet paper and there was POOP on the last square. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Trisha said "what was he doing, playing with it?" I didn't even sit on the seat after I cleaned it, I am that grossed out by it. I squatted. And I know I could have put toilet paper down but apparently that isn't safe either. I think I need to wash my hands again. And this rubber glove thing is something I'm going to invest in. I'm practically convulsing.
Here are my thoughts on it. First of all, why would you leave your office to poop in someone else's? Who does that? If he was already out of the office, run home real quick. Or go to a gas station if your house is too far away (like ours is), those bathrooms are already nasty. Second, when you are finished ruining my life, why would you not check? I mean if you get poop on the toilet seat, WIPE IT UP. The stench you can't get rid of obviously, but all other proof of poop should be erased. Or, if you just can't help yourself, carry around a small can of Febreze with you. Spray before, during and after and that will help.
Trisha said she doesn't understand men. Women go once a day (if that) and we're good. She said she wonders what it is that goes on that makes them have to poop all the time.


Now, I do feel bad for the poor man because its not like he didn't know that we knew. But that did not make it any less disgusting. Sorry if that was too much for anyone, but I needed a break from my online class.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR

Well, I am a total slacker. Connor's birthday was actually last Sunday (the 21st) and here I am, 6 days later, posting about it (he didn't even get my present until yesterday). Since his birthday was on a Sunday, we just had cake and did presents and went out to dinner on Monday night. Here he is with his cake.

Also, I found these pictures and thought they were sweet. I've posted about this before, but Connor is FINALLY in high school and plays football on the freshmen team. He does really well. He is a backup linebacker, backup quarterback, and the punter.

This was a fumble that he recovered....

And ran in to score his first high school touchdown!!

We're all very proud of him.

Thanks, but no.

So I'm in my lab last week for chem and my teacher keeps looking at me. I try to pretend I don't find it weird, but also can't stop myself from occasionally checking to see if he is still looking. This went on for over half the lab before he FINALLY said "you look like someone." Okay...? So I asked "who?" and he said "I don't know her name." Ah, progress. I just thought he meant someone he knew, because I get that a lot. People always tell me they are related to someone or saw someone at church or in a class that looks like me. But then he said "she was a famous actress and she died in the 80's but I can't remember her name." Since I wasn't alive in the 80's, that did not help me.

He then proceeds to call over some of the older people in the class (not old, but those who were alive in the 80's. I'm pretty sure I'm the youngest one in the class) and asks them if they remember the name of the actress who fell off a boat and drowned and everyone thought her husband pushed her off the boat. They all say no and he says "well, doesn't she look like her" and points at me. So now everyone is staring at me. Yeah, that wasn't awkward. About 10 minutes later he finally figures out that her name is Natalie Wood.

Really, I don't see it. She was very pretty, but we look nothing alike. I've also been told I look like Audrey Hepburnand Kate Beckinsale
All compliments, but I do not look anything like any of these women.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Today is my mom's birthday (and because I don't think she would appreciate it, I won't tell you how old she is now. Mom-consider that part 2 of your present). Though I haven't asked her, I bet she would tell you that she's led a pretty wonderful life.

I went picture crazy again. And there are huge jumps between years, sorry.

Mom with her parents, age one.


With parents & siblings, 1979.

Jamie & Hugh.
I have no idea when this was. I don't see any rings so they may have been dating,
or maybe they just weren't wearing them...


Her Wedding Day, 1982.

The fam, 1989


Comparing stomachs with Granddad.
I think she was pregnant with either Kelly or me.

In St. Johns, 1999.

Disneyland, 2005.

With Lins, 2005.

Family Pictures, Sept. 2007.

Hugh & Jamie, Dec. 2007.

Hawaii, March 2008.

Connor's 8th grade promotion, May 2008.

And when I found these pictures, I couldn't resist. They are the day of her children's baby blessings. Except Lindsay. I couldn't find one, sorry Lins!


Mom with Lins. (I just thought the picture was so cute!)


Kelly

Cassie

Connor

Happy birthday mom! I love you.