All Partied Out

Two more dances this week. and then a whole month off with nothing huge planned.
Can I say I'm looking forward to it?
Honestly?



Heck yes!
It's been awesome, but wow, I need a break.
It's funny, how all I want to do is serve the Lord, choose the right, and be a good friend & best person I can be
and the way the Lord asks me to serve seems to highlight all of my weaknesses...
budgeting, decorating, planning, delegating. Isn't it lovely?
It's definitely been a crazy experience.
But I was reading D&C last night,
about Joseph Smith, and how he was called to translate the Book of Mormon and do so much
with barely an elementary school education (which was common in those days, of course, different time period)
but still
As Elder Russel M. Nelson says, "The Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible"
Boy, I know that to be true!
Anyways,
The future is looking especially bright right now (:
... yeah haha.
The end for now (;

So, it's almost one o clock in the morning.

And I can't sleep. What's new? So, I'm going to blog (: It's Christmas eve.. not my family's Christmas eve, but for the rest of the world, it is. It's been an interesting Christmas for me. First of all, it's been so weird not being in choir. I will always look back at singing to all sorts of people, from elementary school kids to crowds at temple square to people who could most use the Christmas spirit in hospitals and care homes, accompanied with my best friends, as one of the most joyful times of my life (: That was so amazing. Looking back, we were just so sweet and cheesy and good. What an awesome thing I was able to be a part of. This Christmas, I haven't been able to see all of my family. I haven't seen my Daddy and Mom for 7 months now. That's weird. I miss them, a ton. and Papa and Farmor, and Mormor and my aunts and uncles, especially during this time of year. It's also been odd having a 50 degree Christmas - no snow! We had dew and fog on Christmas morning... funky!


However, looking back on this year and this season, I have learned so much. It astonishes me every time I look into my past to see how much has happened in my life, what great changes have occured, how one experience led to the next, and how all these things have helped me develop and grow and stretch and become stronger. Often with growing pains, and great joys along the way. But it's definitely been a process. It just awes me every time. and it truly reminds me of who is in charge - and how much of His love He has shown me, in how He has guided me and touched my life. I am one of the most imperfect people I know. Even with everything I know to be true, I just mess up every single day. Everytime I read my scriptures or pray or see someone serve another is a reminder to me that I need to be better. But even with all this, I know with all the growing pains and sorrows and awkwardness that comes with ever reaching higher, I know that the Savior will always be there to help me. My Mommy and I were watching byu tv tonight, and they were featuring this man in the Mormon Tab Choir from London named Alex Boye. This guy is incredible, I definitely recommend looking at his life & testimony. It is so inspiring. Anyways, he sang this song, which is a passionate African American southern spiritual, and it really touched me


I want Jesus to walk with me
I want Jesus to walk with me
All along my pilgrim journey
I want Jesus to walk with me

In my trial, Lord, walk with me
In my trials, Lord, walk with me
When the shades of life are falling
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

In my sorrow, Lord walk with me
In my sorrows, Lord walk with me
When my heart is aching Lord,
I want Jesus to walk with me 

In my troubles, Lord walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
When my life becomes a burden,
Lord,
 I want Jesus to walk with me

I love gospel/spiritual music. It's so powerful. Music is such an incredible influence. It can be used so destructively, but can also be one of the greatest forces of good, ever. I find so many things in music I want to put in my life - strength to make it through hard times, joy and praise, relaxation & enjoying the simple things of life, sad heartfelt ones that make you cry, and just uplifting, inspiring music. It's so great.

Especially Christmas music. I love most Christmas songs (except the waily ones),  but for tonight, I feel like sharing this one. It isn't a traditional Christmas hymn, but it's one that has strengthened me and been with me throughout many years. Singing it has helped me remember Christ, and feel Him close to me when I need strength and comfort. What a beautiful night it must have been, so long ago, when angels and shepherds came to greet their King, born in a manger, under the star in the humble stable. What beautiful hope His life gives. I know my Savior lives.

Merry Christmas~

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet, the joy this sentence gives
I know that my Redeemer lives!

My Christmas Eve Story

Depressing moments.

Kids leaving, wishing I could go with them.

Awkward dating experiences. and disappointing. Disheartening. Embarassing.

and then, realize that I'm being a bit spoiled, and self centered.

Trying to find a way to distract myself.

Going running for an hour this morning.

Taking a nap.

Then my Mom mentioning even though things can be depressing,

there's some fine young men coming over

who sacrifice so much and have given their whole life

and who are far away from home this Christmas

who could really use our Christmas spirit to be there

So, going to find presents for these awesome young men

who have dedicated so much time and service to the Lord

Some ties, darth vader backpack, m&m candy canes, bandanas, slippers

pretty silly stuff

and then wrapping it, and putting care into it

including personalized name tags for their darth vader/mario backpacks

and slowly realizing that the more I try to serve them

and think about them, and how much they have sacrificed, and what good people they are

the more humble I become

and the happier I become that I can serve them, in my own little way

Then, at the end of the night, the night before our Christmas, before the kids leave

looking around at my warm, beautiful, safe house

and the abundance of good food and drink that we have,

the Christmas decorations and many presents under the tree

my brothers & sisters looking in the sky for Santa & reindeer

and getting to sing hymns about the Savior's birth

and remembering again, how incredibly blessed I am. What a life of abundance I live,

with my family around me, warmth and fun, crazy experiences

everything that I could ever need, and the simple things I want

having hope for my future, and what a bright one lies ahead of me

if I keep doing my best, and remembering what really, truly matters

and remember that the more I lose myself in service, the more I will find me

everything will be okay (: I know it will.

Merry Christmas!

Art Stuff

This is for my Mom.

Most of the artsy things I've done the past few months... which I've absolutely LOVED doing, and am so excited to have time to do more now! (: Enjoy!



This one I did in like 10 minutes, in this burst of happy creativity, and I really like it, even though it's a bit sloppy (:




Non representational (most boring word ever, haha) painting, to the song "Fix You" by Coldplay



The 20,000 leaves assignment



Painting based off of painter, Matt Lively. He's way sweet, you should google him





This one needs finishing touches to clean it up, but I love it



Whitney Marie Morris...

she is such an over analyzer

and has very, very silly worries

and insecurities

(just like everyone else, I'm sure)

and yet, somehow, she never fails to crack herself up daily

Haha.

Oh, life.

Your pretty great (:

Finals are... OVER!!! You know what that means... (:

It's mustache time!!

Hahaha.

I am seriously soo happy

A whole, long, glorious month off school

To have time to do art

and workout

and date

and do family things

and visit AWESOME places

and sleep

and take silly pictures, with giant fuzzy caterpillar mustaches (:

I'm so happy!

and have had the most amazing week

You know your happy when you crack yourself up over silly things, alone in the car

haha.

Yepp.

Huzzah for the end of finals!

P.S.

Please don't mind the gaping red spot on my nose...

 I had a bit of a mishap in the bathroom

Owwie!

I soo should not be doing this right now...



But I've been studying for like, 3 hours! Straight! That deserves a hard earned break, right? Even when the final is in 3 more hours? Okay, maybe that's a plausible excuse, but I am totally, slightly freaking out right now. Finals. Ack. Tests stress me out, who doesn't get stressed out by them? But especially when you have to memorize around 140 buildings, including the name, architect, date, and place. Spanning about 200 years of American architecture. I have loved - absolutely adored - the class, but wow, I have a whole new respect for people who major in these things. I'm taking it gen ed, I can't imagine taking it as your major. Although after this class I really am tempted to take more classes about architecture. Fascinating stuff.

Anyways... yeah. It's been an awesome week (: I can't believe it's the end of the semester, and the end of the year! 2012...!...!..! Hahaha (: Not worried about the end of the world, no worries.

But there's a ton of awesome things coming up.

This week:

-End of FINALS!! On Wednesday! Then a whole month off (: Woot woot!!

- Date with Steven, the guy I cannot stop laughing with everytime I hang out with him. Hilarious, really funny guy. Will be great fun!

-The Nutcracker on Saturday. With the whole branch, down in Richmond - the Richmond  ballet. I love Christmas, and the ballet, and downtown cities during Christmas, and hot chocolate, so it will be a fabulous night (:

-Maybe a party Thursday night, if I can get work off. So sad, lots of people are leaving to BYU I soon... it's funny when I lived in Utah, BYU I and Utah State (and SLCC) were where I wanted to go, but then I get to VA, and where does everyone go? BYU Idaho. aka BYU - "I Do".

-Date on Friday night. I know, I know, two dates in a week. I feel like a complete putz admitting that - I promise I'm not a huge flirt or anything. Honestly the opposite, actually. Haha. But guys all seem to ask either all at once, or not at all. So some weeks no date, some weeks more. It just all depends. Obviously. Anyways. Now that that's cleared up, this is with the cute marine guy I met while putting the service stuff together for the branch. He's really funny,  & goes to Honduras a ton to help build homes for children. Awesome, huh? Anyways, first dates always make me super nervous, I usually end up saying some sily things, but it will be fun!
-FINALLY having time to work out. Yay!!

- the end of finals? Can I just please insert that here again?

-Winter Ball coming soon

- New Years Eve dance: went up to the meeting in DC, there's going to be like 12 stakes there (which is huge for where I am, and is big for anywhere) and it's going to be super fun! I'm in charge of making fliers for the reps to pass out, that makes me slightly nervous as well, but it will be great.

Also, many more awesome things coming up in the branch. But, alas, I better get back to studying. Dang it haha. So there will be a tantalizing wait until I can write about that (: Maybe a reward for  the end of finals? I feel much less stressed after writing about fun things! Woohoo! Okay, the end for now.



Funny cartoon in honor of Finals (: gotta love Calvin & Hobbes



Best Final Ever!!

and I'm not being sarcastic (: That's the great part!

For my art final, the entire class went in front of the blackboard...

and took a class photo,

holding up our finger, with a mustache drawn on it,

so we all had mustaches.

How awesome is that??

Ofcourse we had a huge final project, which I literally spent all night working on

But yeah!

Only 3 more to go,

and then it's Christmas break!

Woohooo!!!

Some super fun things are coming up!

I am so excited - relaxation and rejuvination time.

I just really, really wish I were going to Utah

but, that's life sometimes.

It will still be a great break.

and next summer

if my parents are still there

will be a long awaited, wonderful visit

Funny

I've found something funny lately
that you may relate to

Where you meet someone new
 who seems attractive & funny

and your super nervous that your talking to him

and then you look in his eyes

and you realize that he's just as nervous to talk to you

as you are to talk to him

haha (:
just one of those moments

photo by trisarahtops on flickr.com. http://www.flickr.com/photos/trisarahhtops/4758563893/

College Initiation!

48 hours

and counting

and no sleep!

Zero.

I officially consider myself a legit

college student

Peter. This expression sums up how I feel right now

I love

Bubblebaths (:

with herb tea, mint preferably

and a good book

 (scriptures, a sweet romance novel, or a horse story!)

pure, relaxing bliss!

All Time Favorite Christmas Carols!

Here's some of my favorites this year, with some or all of the lyrics from them (:

• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Bing Crosby's version

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

• I'll Be Home for Christmas - Bing Crosby's version

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

I love this one, this version in particular,  because originally it was written for WWII soldiers

who thought the war would be quick, and they would be home by Christmas.

This obviously didn't happen,

hence the line "if only in my dreams."

This song held a tender place in the hearts of Americans,

both soldiers and civilians,

who were then in the depths of World War II. 

According to Wikipedia, 

Bing Crosby's version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

became the most requested song at Christmas U.S.O.

 shows in both Europe and the Pacific and Yank.

I love this version because Crosby was singing particularly with this meaning

and it's from the time period, it's the original version that those soldiers listened to

Pretty touching

• Oh Holy Night - the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

 

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

 

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

 

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

This is one of my all time favorites. I love how much hope is in it,

how it portrays the hope that everyone can have

because of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This never fails to move me (:

I'm short on time,

but a few I love also are

Handell's Messiah, all three parts about Christ

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

and also, just fun ones

Baby It's Cold Outside

Last Christmas (I Gave You My Heart?) Not sure what the title is

but it's soo cheesy, and I adore it, haha

Santa Baby (Choir Memories)

Sleigh Ride

and It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

I love Christmas music!!!

and that's the end for now (:

Isn't it Lovely?

Running in the cool, crisp breeze in the forest roads down to your house

 and having a bald eagle swoop down and grab some food like 30 feet in front of me

 Pretty breathtaking (:

Except for the poor little rodent.. but wow

The week before finals, still as busy as ever, but

somehow managing to get time to do everything I need to

Prayers really do help!

Doing zumba after FHE

getting to dance around with a tinkling sequined bell thing around my waist

 with a bunch of other gals doing zumba.

Haha! Fun stuff (:



Having access to so many awesome things to read

and to learn, and do

Walking around downtown Fredericksburg, just by myself,

writing a letter to a missionary in a cobblestone park dating to the 1700s

so much history

soo amazing. I love it

and so cozy, with the twisting cobblestone streets & alleys,

all decorated with Christmas wreathes

the shop windows, filled with glittering toys & decorations

and live bands playing music downtown

So cozy (:

(only thing missing is snow... it's weird having a 50-70 degree Christmas season!)

Yes, life can be truly, truly beautiful (:

and usually it's the small things that make it so!

photo by eschn3am on flickr.com (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschn3am/3041695011/)