Christmas Cards

So, somehow I am finally coming up to the surface in regards to holiday things. I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas mood because I've been trying to get everything else done for school. One of my first and continuous Christmas enterprises is making Christmas cards for everyone in the clarinet studio. I'm technically not in the studio this year, but I know and love everyone in the studio, and I'm in at least one ensemble with just about every one of them. Here's some pictures of my favorite cards. I always take pictures of my cards to give me ideas when I make new ones. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

I think this one was Hannah's.

The one on the left is one of those slider cards, where the center thing slides off to open it (thanks Sis. Weidmann! =). Don was the recipient of this one, I believe. Thanks to Whitney for the tag punch; I love it!

Well, I was going to spell Merry Christmas with the puzzle pieces, but the words were too long. So, I made ho-hos instead. I think Courtney got this one? I can't 'member. Shoutout to Whitney again for the punch . ..

Ornaments again. I came up with the idea for them today, so I have to document it so I can remember it for next time. DRB got this one.
The classic torn, three layer Rebecca style. I love these. I gave Dr. Hinckley this one.

Random Rambling #4

41. I'm listening to "The Reason" by Hubastank. It reminds me of Spencer and also of the dentist's office. I think I must've heard it on the radio on the way home from the dentist's office once.
42. Out of curiosity, I asked one of my (guy) friends if he was going to the Draper Temple Open House, and I think he thought I was going to ask him to go with me. I wasn't, so it was semi-awkward.
43. I went to devotional today, but I dozed off.
44. I made at least three sandwiches today.
45. I'm working on a research paper on Mozart's clarinet concerto.
46. I know two people entering the Proco MTC today for the Argentina Mendoza Mission.
47. Purple Monkey Dishwasher (in honor of Kevin).
48. Thanks to Heidi for handing me down the shirt I wore today. I got several compliments on it.
49. It's entirely too late for me to be up.
50. I fully intend to fulfill Lisa's Christmas tag . ..eventually.
51. I should not go to concerts on a regular basis with my siblings. We goof off too much.
52. Writing this post was not on my to-do list, so I need your opinion to see if this post was worth the opportunity cost it took me.

It's Mission Time

Do you ever have a feeling of rightness that seems so simple because it's good? The feeling of rightness that makes you just want to celebrate life and its goodness! Lately, I've felt a great feeling of rightness in regards to my upcoming mission, and I thought that I'd share a few of these thoughts with you.
First of all, I've found the timing to leave that works best for me. At some point this summer when I was trying to decide if I should serve a full-time mission, and my answer came in a very distinct way. The answer wasn't a yes or no necessarily, but it was a specific date. In pondering and praying alot about that, I know when I need to go. The biggest things I was concerned about in the timing was my degree program and marching band. So yes, I will be coming back mid-semester, so I'd be two years out of school. And yes, sadly, I am missing two consecutive seasons of Marching Band. But the confirmation and feeling of rightness that comes when I think about leaving next summer far outweighs what I will leave behind.
Secondly, along with that timing thing. If everything goes according to plan, Mom and I will be serving our missions at the same time. I'm convinced that there's no greater blessing we can bring to each other and to our family than having yet two more missionaries representing the Blake family.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly in regards to the timing issue is this ever present feeling that I won't be at BYU next year. If I were, I'd still be in marching band, I'd be starting my el-ed sequence, and I'd be roommates with Heidi. All ingredients for a great year, but the oven isn't preheated-it's just not the right time for me to stay at BYU. And yet, it doesn't feel like I'm leaving BYU forever because I'm certainly not. I will be back .. ..just not for a while. And I'm feeling less of a connection with my ward as time gets closer for me to go, reminding me that I will also be leaving them behind as well.
Finally, in many recent experiences in my life, I feel like the Lord is preparing me to serve. In my callings the past year, I've worked with missionary council and with the sisters of the Church, both the type of relationships I will have on the mission. And Nauvoo . . . not enough can be said how He prepared me there! I've learned much from the words of the prophets and my scripture study. I continually receive support from several of my friends who are themselves serving missions or preparing to serve.
So, now I ask you . ...what do you feel right about?

Finally Understanding!

I think I'm finally understanding why I chose and was well suited toward my major. It's not so much the education and music and children part, although those are all definitely a plus.
It's the small but sure group of people that comprise this forever long major. There's some unique experience that each person in my class brings toward our group. Our wide variety of struggles spans from financial, family deaths, raising a family as a single parent, suffering with depression or self-esteem issues, academic struggles, and other little things. I never would've known three years ago when I decided on this major that I would learn so much and become so close to the people within my major. I think I'm just barely scratching the surface of discovering why I was directed to this major. I think back on how much we've grown as educators and as individuals within our classes, but I also ponder on how we've grown quite literaly as a family. Like how Sis. Kenney always made us feel so on the spot, we had to learn self-confidence. Or how Bro. Jaccard constantly reminds us of how education is an eternal goal and process. I think of playing African drums at UMEA, or working out to a Tae-bo video. And visiting schools and music preschools. And Smart Cookie outings. And visits to the hospital and frolicking in the grass . . ..these seem like the tip of the iceburg of how close we really bond. I don't know or care what I end up doing as a career, but there is one thing I know for sure. I am supposed to be in this major. The Lord put us together for this reason; we are the people we need to and can learn from the most. And for that, I give thanks.

Dear Sir or Madam:

To Whom it May Concern:
Our latest records show high levels in productivity for your client, Miss Rebecca Blake. Her grasp of organized study is impeccable, and her time management improves dramatically on a day to day basis. She mastered a particularly stressful week with flying colors, as evidenced by her success in study hours, high productivity in practice sessions, and regular attendance at extra-curricular events. Surely, her hard work and persistence will benefit her greatly in her student examinations next week. We wish her the best of luck.
Regards,
The Boss

My Current Prayer Roll

Among other things, here's what I always remember to pray for: (in no particular order):
United States of America: That we will be united, strong, and righteous. That our leaders will make good choices, and that the citizens will continue to choose right over evil.
Mom: That she will be blessed in making the necessary preparations for her mission.
Missionaries: Namely, Sis. Ferguson, E. Blackham, E. Bean, and E. Anderson (and soon S. Lieber). (and others I remember on occassion). That they might work well with their companions and feel the share the Spirit. That the hearts of those they come in contact with will be softened and prepared to hear the great message.
My teachers and Church leaders: That they will teach with the Spirit those things that I need to learn.
Understanding: That I will know how to apply the scriptures to myself better.
Rachel: That she will be able to pass dictation.
Dustin: That he will discover what he wants out of life and make the necessary decisions to achieve it. That he will learn from and how to overcome whatever is causing him any unsettlement. That he will find happiness.
Jeri and her family: That they will be comforted. That they will learn how to rely more on each other and on the Lord. That they will always feel loved. That they will find the comfort to ease their pains.

Post-test Stress Reliever

I just finished taking a test for my Form and Analysis class. That class meets at the unearthly hour of 8 in the am, and I often sleep in and miss it. When I do go, I often sleep. Needless to say, I spent a very large chunk of time this evening studying for the test. The study guide helped a whole lot, and I think I did really well on the multiple choice. The hardest thing is actually analyzing the stupid piece of music! It takes me forever, and I have to listen to it over and over! Hmm .. . alas, my test is over, and right now, I'm just relieving stress. Whew. Holiday this weekend! That's happy . ..think happy thoughts. And I don't have any more tests for at least another week. That is happiness, right there. Yay!=)

Random Rambling #3

31. Dustin and I went to Red Mango last night, and we liked it. There's just something bold about the color red.
32. I sliced my finger on a cheese-slicer today.
33. I didn't go to my ward on Sunday, and hence forgot about Enrichment Night this week. I guess there is a good reason for the ward emails that I get; I was reminded that I should probably go.
34. I have a scar on my knee from when I was 6 or so. I was racing Mom to the mailbox; she took the sidewalk, and I took the street. I fell. And it was sad.
35. Whoever started saying "Bile" at the end of conversations was a genius.
36. I registered for classes for next semester.
37. I am currently in possession of a very large wooden spoon.
38. I told a joke today at Red Mango, and the lady didn't even laugh. And I'm pretty sure it was funny. And witty.
39. I've visited the Blackintons more often this semester than Grandma and Grandpa Blake. Perhaps I owe them a visit.
40. Friends make me as happy as frosting on graham crackers.

Boys Are Dumb

My friend Rachel and I were discussing boys tonight. We came up with the following conclusions:
1)Boys are dumb.
2)News of any liking of boys among the music major society travels at a remarkably fast speed.
3)Tangible boys are better liked than imaginary boys.
4)Boys are annoying.
Restate, reword, or otherwise rearrange the meaning of the above statements, and you have our entire conversation.
Almost.

Autumn

Fall is my favorite season. I love seeing the changing colors on the trees I walk by and on the trees on the mountain sides. I love browns, oranges, and reds-seeing them and wearing them. I love the cool breeze in the air, just brisk enough to need a light jacket. I love the color and shape of pumpkins. I love walking through the gutter to walk on crunchy leaves. I love the leaves blowing into my windsheild on the highway. I love fresh produce from gardens that comes at this time of year. I love walking to campus and spending time outside during this time of the year.

YoCraze!

Well, I had a great time at work tonight, but I came home famished. So I called up Heidi, my ever present counterpart, and we decided to get something to eat and all in all just hang out. Like we usually do. I called Hannah, no response. I called Dustin, remembering halfway through the call that he was at the opera, so I left a message.

So, I hop in Cosmic Ray to pick up Heidi, and I'm less than a block away when she calls me to tell me she can't come. Why? Well, the only thing that trumps sister time is boy time. Turns out that our friend Alex called her to ask her out to go get frozen yogurt! I'll let Heidi fill in the rest of those details . . .

Anyway, it ended up just being me and Dustin. I picked him up from the Riveria, and basically two indecisive people should not ever try to do something on the spot. Between my not-so-good driving and several mis-turns, we decided that our best option would be to "pop in" on Heidi and Alex who were at a frozen yogurt place by Taco Bell.

Who woulda thunk that there'd be two frozen yogurt places by Taco Bell?! We first went to Spoon Me. They weren't there. So I interrupted Heidi's date by calling her to see where they were. We travelled less than a block to YoZone, where Heidi and Alex had been. Dude that place is chill. Literally. We liked trying the samples, and you get 4 free ounces for showing your student ID. Sweet. Ok .. enough with the lame puns . . .

After that, we decided to adventurize and find Red Mango, the elusive other frozen yogurt place we had only heard about. It wasn't by Movies 8, although Fro-Yo was. And it wasn't off of State Street. But Happy Yogurt was. Having known and been to Yoasis as well, we counted 5 frozen yogurt venues in the greater Provo/Orem area! We spent the next half hour or so trying to really find Red Mango, the elusive #6, but to no avail. And that was our night.

Oh, and I called Heidi to inform her of our recent frozen yogurt discoveries, once again interrupting her date . ..

Random Rambling #2

20. I just ate freezer-burned mint chocolate chip ice cream. It tasted like the cardboard box.
21. I am currently listening to "How to Save a Life" by The Fray. It is Dustin's ringtone.
22. Alas, he is not calling me. I'm listening to the real song.
23. I ought to be studying for a test.
24. I printed off information to finally vote. I have no idea who I'm going to vote for.
25. I wore a blue jacket today.
26. I hate macaroni and cheese out of a box. Yes, Mom, even with hot dogs in it. Eck.
27. It is 10:32 pm
28. I tried doing a Sudoku puzzle today, and I gave up after I got two numbers. They either got really hard, or I got dumb, because I used to could do those things.
29. Everyone should come to BYU's performance of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. I'm playing in it! . . .but you should come see it anyway because it will be awesome. =)
30. I googled "random" into the images link, and this was the best picture I found.

Mugs

I hate mugs. Here's why.
I find that I'm usually the roommate unloading the dishwasher the most, and I have to unload mugs. They're bulky, fragile, unstackable, and usually quite ugly. Plus also, mugs seem to multiply in the condo. I opened up the cupboard above the fridge (an uncommonly used cupboard), and what I saw doubled my hatred for mugs, as well as doubling the total amount of mugs in the apartment. Gross.
I will not register for mugs for my wedding.

Pie Anyone?

In honor of homecoming week, there are several random activities (mostly involving food and prizes) on Brigham Square throughout the week. So, my friend Dustin decides to compete in the pie eating contest. Although I wasn't a first hand witness, his account of the race makes my chuckle . ..and want to hurl at the same time. He recovered from his banana cream pie by throwing up multiple times over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch . ..well, at my apartment, anyway. A few weeks ago, I bought this huge bag of apples that was on sale. I like apples, but I haven't been eating them nearly fast enough. On my counter was this bag of apples going bad, and in my freezer was pre-made pie crust, compliments of an earlier Heidi/Rebecca adventure.
Hence the genesis of my apple pie. It didn't look extremely wonderful, but Heidi and I had fun making it while quoting While You Were Sleeping which was playing in the background. Once the pie was finished, I took it over to Dustin's apartment to present to him and his roommates. He wasn't home when I got there, but Jory, Matt, and John and I delved into the pie with glee and gladness. It turned out pretty tasty, if I do say so myself. Upon Dustin's arrival, he declined having any pie, so I offered him my banana instead. Those boys are hilarious, and I definitely decided I should go there again soon . . . .

I Caught a Cheater!!

I like my job. I was successful in my least favorite task (proctoring = dull).

Random Rambling #1

I have alot of things that I've done recently that would make good blog posts, but I think I'll start my running list of random ramblings. Future posts will continue the list.

1. I did laundry today.
2. When I go to proctor in the TC, I recite "The Living Christ" in my head from memory.
3. I can recite the 13 Articles of Faith in under a minute.
4. Last night was my first football game that I've been to that I haven't marched during halftime.
4.5 I kindof liked just chillin' in the stands for once. Only once, though.
5. I've lost my umbrella.
6. I'm going to Japan and Korea, and I'm already getting super stoked about it.
7. I rarely practice anymore, but I did the other day, and it went well
8. I love the violin. I wish I played it better.
9. I've lost one of my pillows.
10. S. Rainey is in town! She's so cute! =)
11. I fell asleep watching Cars last night.
12. I do not own a BYU shirt, I discovered. I have band polos and bowl game T-shirt, and that's about it. I should get on that, eh?
13. I almost know all the words to the BYU Alma Mater. We sing it at every home game.
14. For once I have an urge to shower tonight, although I usually hate showering at nights. 'Cause then I feel all nasty in the morning 'cause I sweat when I sleep.
15. Jon calls me a moocher. He's probably right.
16. My camera batteries never last long . .. .even when they're rechargable. I just have a dumb camera, I decided.
17. I love the name Jane.
18. I've had a desire the last two weeks to make granola. I have all the stuff to . ..I just need to get on it.
19. Speaking of getting on it, I think the song "Apache" is very hokey. It's lame. Why do people like it and dance to it all the time?

Counting My Blessings

Tonight, I went to a mini workshop on writing Marching Band drill. It was so cool, and even if I never end up using it in my career, it is fascinatingly interesting. There were only about 10 people that came, but it was really chill and informative-a very good glimpse into our professional careers that are quickly approaching. My friend Vanessa brought delicious brownies, and I ate entirely too many. I gave her a ride home, and I ended up talking with her at her apartment for about two hours. We had the greatest time talking about music, teaching, and the blessings we have as music majors at BYU. There's not a better or more friendly atmosphere than in the BYU School of Music. We love what we do, what we study, and what we teach. We love our quirky music friends, and the random music major moments we've had in classes together, and the incredible mentors and friends that we admire. I wouldn't trade these moments for anything! We were basically counting our blessings that are so abundant in the BYU School of Music. There is so much to be grateful for!

I love donuts

Between classes, rehearsals, and other talking with friends, I was home for a combined total of 5 minutes today. Then I went to my 201 TA class, then straight to marching band. I had work right after, and on my way into the TC, I passed by a Y Weekend group that was being served Brick Oven pizza and root beer floats and donuts. I was hungry, but I passed. I go to work, and I check out a total of probably 3 tests, and Kenny helps me finish a Sudoku puzzle . ..my first successful one at work! I signed up on the "Go Home Early" list, and less than an hour into my shift, my supervisor says, "There are way too many people here," and she looks and the GHE list and sends me home. On my way out, I ate the last leftover donut. I love donuts. Hence the reason for the true, but random title of this post. But, what will I do with my Friday night? I wonder.
Go see a movie and hang out with friends! Which is excatly what I did. Dustin, and his roommates and I went to see "Hancock," which was followed by a trip to Maceys, where ironically enough, we saw several friends of ours. We ended up at their apartment, just chillin' . .. listening to music, making Maple-os (John's latest invention), taking light/time elapsed pictures and practicing our Expelliaramus charms. Although Mom worries that I won't date on Friday nights, at least I know how to have fun . ..well, when I get off work, at least! =)

New List of Fun

1) I get to play Eb clarinet in the Philharmonic Orchestra. I love working with Kory Katseanes!! It rocks. Although I keep saying I never want to play Eb again, because I have experience I get chosen to do so. It's worth playing that nasty beast to be in the top orchestra at BYU.
2) I'm teaching beginning band?!? Yes, 'tis true. As part of my elementary music class, we take an hour or two a week to visit an elementary school class to observe and teach, etc. So most people in my major specialty are vocalists, but Bro. Jaccard, knowing that I was an instrumentalist asked if I would be willing to help out with a beginning band at Wasatch Elementary School starting in October. I have no idea if I'm teaching multiple instruments, playing with them, directing them . ..who knows . ..but I am teaching beginning elementary band. I didn't even know those things existed! More updates later on that one when it comes around . .. .
3) On Wednesdays for my String Workshop class, we go and play with the New Horizons Orchestra, a community beginner orchestra strictly for seniors. Seriously, the age limit is over 40. Our first day is tommorow, and I'm rill excited . ...violin, plus fun music ed friends, plus a whole slew of musical old people?!? What can be better than that!
4)I got a Reese's shake at Macey's tonight. It was yum.

True Statement from my Science Book

"Whether or not a person should squeeze the tube [of toothpaste] at the end or at the middle is a question science is powerless to solve. Sorry."

Third Wheel Caught in a Rut

So the possiblity of a big change in the near future makes me nervous. It's not a change in school, interests, work, ward, or anything like that. It's a slowly shifting change that I'm sensing with a friend of mine. I think I've had it set in my mind that I have one set option and timeline for the next year or so, but somehow events and memories are constantly bringing me in conatact with this person, which could potentially have a huge impact in my life this coming year.
This is purposely vague. It's vague and brimming at the surface in my mind, and it's been on my mind for the last couple of days.

Art

I've recently discovered a love for new art. Today I was walking out of the HFAC, and I decided to take a look into this faculty art exhibit. This exhibit hall is right in a very prominent location of the HFAC, yet I've only been to the displays (it changes every month or so) once. And I loved it. So, I popped in today, and I loved it. Again. I'm always amazed at the creativity that these artists have, in regards to medium, colors, lighting, topics, and titles. I like to look at a piece and guess the title. Often, I'm way off, but it's so cool. On the 5th floor of the HFAC, there's often a couple of pieces displayed at the top of the stairs, and I stopped to experience one that was there about the Daily Universe. I'm ashamed to think that I'm constantly in a building for the fine arts, yet I rarely take time to observe the art exhibits. I don't know much about art or its techniques, and I certainly have little to none art talents myself, but I love viewing art. It's so . ..wholesome. Yes, that's the word. It makes me feel good.

Finally Posting Pictures

I decided that it's time to post some pictures to my blog. Do you remember how mom's hair style changed in every family picture? Well, Heidi and I did some research on hair styles, and here's what we found on Mom:


Here's what Mom looked like in 1960. Yes, while she was 6. Notice the horn-rimmed glasses, too.

On further investigation into Mom's old yearbooks, we also found the following:
I personally like the do up top, with the bob on the bottom.

Fast forward into another decade, and you meet BarbieMom. She always has the same smile, no matter what pain her hair style causes the general public.

Alas, we wondered if victims of hair disasters like this ever look back and regret previous hair styles. We decided that in case this was the situation we were facing right now, we'd better bring her as close to present as possible.

OUCH! I guess we didn't make it to 2008 . ..sorry Mom!

Sever Confusion

I sat next to Heidi in Physical Science today. We shouldn't do that. We laugh too much. It reminded me of a time in biology last summer . .. .

Friday. Student Presentation day. I sat next to Spencer, only semi-interested in a fellow student's presentation on some disease. She wasn't the brightest color in the Crayola box, as evidenced by her lack of correct spelling and grammar on her Powerpoint presentation. Whatever disease she was presenting had a side effect of "severe confusion," only this poor soul forgot to proofread, and the phrase ended up looking like "sever confusion." Spencer and I commented on the misspelling, and then he procedes to act it out, asking me in a panicked voice, "WHICH ARM IS MISSING?!?" Alas, I was laughing silently, yet violently the remainder of the class.

Maybe two Blake siblings next to each other isn't such a good idea afterall . . ..

Condo Celebration!

So, for the last year I've lived in the condo, we've suffered two rather large inconveniences.
a) Our kitchen table (which has been here since Lisa lived here) is glass and octagonal. Firstly, who ever wants a table that shape?? Secondly, the base doesn't attach well to the top, and the base itself is held together with duct tape. For more reasons than one, we covered that ugly table with a tablecloth.
2) Our dishwasher. Shortly after I moved here, we discovered a puddle of moldy water at the bottom of our dishwasher after each load. Foul, if I do say so myself. So, every cleaning check and move-out, we requested a working dishwasher. At times it would smell so awful, I'm sure it killed any small creatures within a 2 mile radius. Alas, our request for a working dishwasher always resulted in drainage of the old water, allowing us to run another load .. .which still left sitting water. No. We hand washed all of our dishes and used it as a very large drying rack.

Ok, so with new roommates this fall, we discussed some household items. I decided to take the initiative to send an email to Debbie, our management lady, and Mom, the owner, requesting these changes. The miracle of it all is that it actually worked!! I sent the email on Sunday, and I got a response yesterday saying the new dishwasher would be delivered tomorrow! And what a beauty she is! The table is being picked out, and I have complete confidence that whether it be round or square, it will at least have four sturdy legs and be built out of wood. I guess co-sending that email to the owner really does the trick! =)

Tag, I'm It

I was Tagged by Emily, even though I thought I would pass under the radar.
Here are the rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know that they have been tagged.

1. I eat potato chips and fries from broken to smallest to biggest.
2. I recently discovered pisatchios.
3. BREEt! is one of my favorite happy sounds.
4. I want to ride in a hot air balloon someday.
5. I love the movie "The Majestic."
6. I would tag 6 people, but since the only readers of my blog so far are family, they're bound to have already been tagged. Now you don't have to worry about doing it again. =)

Labor Day mistake

Are you familiar with Bill Cosby's sketch where he tries making his children cake for breakfast? Yeah, well I did something along those lines today.
I started every holiday like I should .. .by sleeping in. I ate a granola bar at around 10, and then I did alot of stuff at the computer .. emailing, updating blogs, paying class fees, etc. Upon resurfacing upstairs, two of my roommates invite me to go to lunch and a movie with them in a couple of hours. Excited to hang out with them, I agree. Knowing that's in a few hours, I decide to have a little snack to tide me over.
You see, Kristy's birthday was Saturday, and she had a huge leftover chocolate cake and ice cream, which she pawned upon us as roommates to finish. I think I was a little over-anxious for sweets after having not eaten them for a whole month, so I fix myself a serving. It was delicious. I heated it up so the ice cream and chocolate filling would melt to absolute perfection. Yum!

Until about an hour or so later. I'm running errands with Heidi on campus, buying books, stopping in at the TC for work, trying to get a parking permit, etc., and I felt every ounce of sugar from that cake. And let me tell you . ..it did not feel well. At all. I had to call and cancel going with my roommates for an afternoon of Asian fun to go home and take a nap, hoping with all hope that my stomach would recover from this sugar overload. I think I've definitely learned my lesson .. .no more feasting after a famine. =)

how sweet it is

Welcome September! As many of you know, my former mission companion and best friend, Sis. Hannah Bates and I made some goals for the entire month of August. After being inspired by other sisters on the mission, we attempted to go without sweets for the whole month. Yes, that meant we didn't eat all the brownies, ice cream and cookies that were offered to us as departing missionaries, nor did I eat donuts at pear picking or birthday cake at Sibdin. Honestly, at first, it felt like fasting, and along those lines, I certainly learned that I do indeed have self control. So, if I ever wanted to lose weight or eat better (takers anyone?!), then I know I can do it . ..at least for a month.

Our other goal was to read the entire Book of Mormon during the month of August, just like the Odessa Texas Stake challenges us to do every year. Although I wasn't as diligent in daily reading as Mom, I did start and complete the whole book in August. I read from a copy I bought in Nauvoo-a fascimile copy of the original 1830 edition. I enjoyed reading from that edition. Not only did it read more like a novel, but I kept thinking and remembering that this edition is what those early Nauvoo Saints read when they gained their testimonies of the book's truthfulness and the reality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love that book, and it's almost impossible not to feel the personal reality of my Savior Jesus Christ as I read it.

So .. .any ideas for September goals? =)

Hearts knit together

Have you ever thought of someone in your life, and almost cried at the pure joy that this person brings to your life? or how you enjoyed every minute you spent with this person? Maybe you learned more to love that person than to know that person. There are several people in my life that I love dearly that have impacted me to so much good.

Tonight, it was the 18 band members I thought of. Some I will see at BYU, and yet others are getting married and serving their full-time missions. While I know our friendships will never be as "knit together in unity and love" as they were in Nauvoo, I feel like my heart will sometimes beat outside of myself when I think of them. Tonight, dear friends, my tears were for you. I love you!

Band Camp

Surprisingly, this season of band camp didn't start off as exciting as it normally is. Perhaps it's because I just got back from Nauvoo. Or maybe, it's because the newness of the whole experience is wearing off. Even when I toured the new facility at the stadium that we'll be using this year, and we're practicing on a new (evenly flat) field, I wasn't as energetic or as pumped up about the whole process. Not that I was unhappy . . .Anyway, I think I learned in Nauvoo that time outside in the sun really can go by very quickly, and rather enjoyably when you're playing tunes that you know. So, tthe first couple days have gone by really fast. Today we put pregame on the field. I love Pregame! I had this one moment during learning drill where I realized that Speeno and Whitters and Hilda are all coming to the game. Imagining them there and specifially cheering for me adds to the excitement of the experience. So, in a few quick hours outside this morning, I once again learned to love every minute of band . ..and BYU football. =)