So today I sang in Sacrament meeting for Tyler Whitaker's missionary farewell. I sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and suffice to say it was very moving, I was holding back tears at the end.
Well tonight at the Whitaker home for his farewell I was talking to Sis. Whitaker and she gave me some interesting news: her brother works for Disney and is very high up; in charge of their Tokyo, China, Anaheim branches and so on. Well, he heard me sing, and he LIKED ME!!! Sis. Whitaker went on to say that he is the "Simon Cowell" of the audition process, but he's not the final word, he sends you up to the final word. So I mean he's like almost the final word, right?!
I'm just so happy that he really liked me!! This could be my connection!! I'm so excited it's not even funny!!
So Disney? Yes?
YYYYYAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Important Announcement
This is Sir Reginald:
A beautiful 2006 Honda CRV.
Upon first receiving him I had initially found him to have something in regard of a male nature. However, recent feelings while driving Reggie has given him a more feminine feel.
I know.
While disclosing this information to my friend Kaitlin she brought some interesting facts to my attention:
Oh my goodness! My car is
I was just as shocked as you.
A beautiful 2006 Honda CRV.
Upon first receiving him I had initially found him to have something in regard of a male nature. However, recent feelings while driving Reggie has given him a more feminine feel.
Reggie.
Is.
Gay.
I know.
While disclosing this information to my friend Kaitlin she brought some interesting facts to my attention:
Elton John's real name is Reginald Dwight.
Elton John has been knighted.
Elton John is gay.
I was just as shocked as you.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Senior year
I know, you're all just as shocked as I am,
I'M A SENIOR.
As a Junior you're so happy and proud and make sure that everyone knows you're an upper class-man. Then you hit Senior year and your pleadingly saying that you're still a Freshman. Baby steps.
- 5 classes
- open 5th period
- an hour and thirty minute "lunch"
- 2 electives
They really do save the best for last.
Somehow I don't think that it'll be that hard to get used to. Sorry guys, but little sister Brooke is growing up! Full steam ahead!!
college?
So I come home from Idaho, relax for a day, and then was off to Utah! There is no rest for the weary traveler.
Purpose: see family and TOUR COLLEGES
Who decided that I was old enough to be doing this?
What do I need to know?
A major?
Cost?
Utah Valley University (UVU)
- nice campus, not so much from the outside, but the inside is nice
- EVERYTHING is under one roof
- help for anything and everything is EVERYWHERE
- is still in the valley
- good programs
- good acceptance rate
Brigham Young University (BYU)
- beautiful, large scale campus
- campus population is larger than my high school population
- is 98% LDS
- I already know it fairly well
- not as high acceptance rate
- I received a free T-shirt
After considering these two schools, among others, you'll be shocked to find out the my college of choice is:
Brigham Young University (BYU - Provo)
I know, you're all shocked.
So senior year begins, the 2nd half fun and lively, the 1st tormented waiting for school acceptances. So it begins.
Way-Da-Go-IDAHO!!!!
So last month, crazy that it's already been that long, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week with Aunt JoAnne and Uncle Jerry. Suffice to say, I had a pretty great time.
1. I flew into the Idaho Falls airport - now my EFY counselors, majority BYUI-ers, hadwarned told me about its micro mininess, it has 2 gates. Not until my return flight did I realize that since it is just so small and not as in demand as other airports, security doesn't open until forty-five minutes before your scheduled flight, depending on how many flights are departing. There's a seating area in front of security, not only for those to wait for incoming friends and family members (and missionaries) but also for those others that are waiting for security to open.
2. Idaho Falls is not unlike Utah. I felt like I was almost in Provo. But then we drove deeper into Idaho and the difference of the two states become more apparent. Leadore (LEAD-ORE) is sandwiched between big and glorious mountains, its own little valley. When we'd leave the house the view you watched loom closer was beautiful: magnificent mountains, plateaus, tall grasses, grazing cows and horses, and lots of dirt.
3. This trip gave me the most wonderful opportunity, to get to know family. I am, some say, the "Family Ambassador" ;) As JeriAnne said, "It's nice for a member from my side of the family to visit for a change!" and I'm so happy that I got to be that family member. It's funny the things that you remember as a kid, it's always the weird things. I was probably around four or so the last time we as a family went to visit Aunt JoAnne and Uncle Jerry; I don't remember falling off of Happy, a horse, but I do remembering eating cubes of cheese on the carpet, specifically that carpet! So when I we finally made it home - Idaho Falls to Leadore is a 2 hour drive - I was so happy to see the carpet I still remember from fourteen years ago!
4. I'm mighty proud to say that I've learned quite about regarding livestock, in particular steers. I must admit that being licked by one is caught an experience. I mean I knew that they were fairly nice creatures, but licking me like a dog, who saw that one coming?!
5. The fair was so fun! I've been to the OC Fair, but that's pretty fake, I've been to the Indiana State Fair, that was fun. But I can honestly say that I've been to no truer or funner fair than the Lemhi County Fair! What a ball it was!
6. I did homework - Thank you Swenson for assigning me a good size load of summer reading and flashcards!!! But I did it! Ask Aunt JoAnne, I was a studious student in those few moments of spare time. I was even proud of myself.
7. Definitely a highlight for me was being able to attend Uncle Jerry's Purple Heart Ceremony - It was 45 years late, but no less moving and I feel so blessed that I was able to be apart, in a small way, of this occasion. I have a very special place in my heart for our servicemen and our country, something I hope that you all do too.
8. Back-to-school dinner - The perks of going to a small school (class sizes averaging from 5-10 or so) is the relationships. Teachers and students know each other personally and on a very one-to-one bases, there is no age line between the kids, everyone is friends with everyone kindergarten through 12. (Here's the school: elementary on the left, high school & middle school on the right, and the gym in the middle) Another perk is the nice lockers and equipments, not to mention books! But the big thing was the day before school started was registration and dinner for everyone. There was even a prayer! But absolute favorite was Jaidee, "Basically everyone here is related somehow, except the Jensons!" Everybody loves the Jensons because you can date them and it's ok! ;)
9. Saying Goodbye - Although happy to be back home, I sincerely loved and enjoyed every second of my Idaho visit. I promised to come back and some day I will! Love you!
1. I flew into the Idaho Falls airport - now my EFY counselors, majority BYUI-ers, had
2. Idaho Falls is not unlike Utah. I felt like I was almost in Provo. But then we drove deeper into Idaho and the difference of the two states become more apparent. Leadore (LEAD-ORE) is sandwiched between big and glorious mountains, its own little valley. When we'd leave the house the view you watched loom closer was beautiful: magnificent mountains, plateaus, tall grasses, grazing cows and horses, and lots of dirt.
3. This trip gave me the most wonderful opportunity, to get to know family. I am, some say, the "Family Ambassador" ;) As JeriAnne said, "It's nice for a member from my side of the family to visit for a change!" and I'm so happy that I got to be that family member. It's funny the things that you remember as a kid, it's always the weird things. I was probably around four or so the last time we as a family went to visit Aunt JoAnne and Uncle Jerry; I don't remember falling off of Happy, a horse, but I do remembering eating cubes of cheese on the carpet, specifically that carpet! So when I we finally made it home - Idaho Falls to Leadore is a 2 hour drive - I was so happy to see the carpet I still remember from fourteen years ago!
4. I'm mighty proud to say that I've learned quite about regarding livestock, in particular steers. I must admit that being licked by one is caught an experience. I mean I knew that they were fairly nice creatures, but licking me like a dog, who saw that one coming?!
5. The fair was so fun! I've been to the OC Fair, but that's pretty fake, I've been to the Indiana State Fair, that was fun. But I can honestly say that I've been to no truer or funner fair than the Lemhi County Fair! What a ball it was!
6. I did homework - Thank you Swenson for assigning me a good size load of summer reading and flashcards!!! But I did it! Ask Aunt JoAnne, I was a studious student in those few moments of spare time. I was even proud of myself.
7. Definitely a highlight for me was being able to attend Uncle Jerry's Purple Heart Ceremony - It was 45 years late, but no less moving and I feel so blessed that I was able to be apart, in a small way, of this occasion. I have a very special place in my heart for our servicemen and our country, something I hope that you all do too.
8. Back-to-school dinner - The perks of going to a small school (class sizes averaging from 5-10 or so) is the relationships. Teachers and students know each other personally and on a very one-to-one bases, there is no age line between the kids, everyone is friends with everyone kindergarten through 12. (Here's the school: elementary on the left, high school & middle school on the right, and the gym in the middle) Another perk is the nice lockers and equipments, not to mention books! But the big thing was the day before school started was registration and dinner for everyone. There was even a prayer! But absolute favorite was Jaidee, "Basically everyone here is related somehow, except the Jensons!" Everybody loves the Jensons because you can date them and it's ok! ;)
9. Saying Goodbye - Although happy to be back home, I sincerely loved and enjoyed every second of my Idaho visit. I promised to come back and some day I will! Love you!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Just for laughs
While you're all waiting for my marvelous and life changing posts regarding Idaho and Utah, please enjoy this wonderfully hilarious video:
I laugh every time!
http://www.magtoday.net/more/75-3/The-ultimate-dog-tease
I laugh every time!
http://www.magtoday.net/more/75-3/The-ultimate-dog-tease
Sunday, August 18, 2013
My experiences...
Alright so this post has been a week in the making.
As all of you know last week I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nauvoo, Illinois for EFY (Especially For Youth), and what a blessing it was. Last year I was extremely fortunate to go to Fiji for HEFY (Humanitarian Experience For Youth) and I thought that no other EFY could ever surpass the experience and spiritual growth that I had there.
In some ways I was correct; there is nothing like serving your fellow man and the bond of friendship and love that is created between the one serving and the one receiving the service, especially when you are immersed in another country and culture. Most think that it is the one receiving the service that gets the greatest benefits, but to me it is the one giving the service that truly receives the greatest benefits and lessons. There is nothing like service to bring you closer to God and understand the love that He has for each and every one of us. Not that I had exactly forgotten this, but it reintegrated itself within me while in Nauvoo.
I didn't head to EFY with negative thoughts, I was nervous of course, but I didn't go in thinking that I wouldn't get anything out of it. I just wasn't prepared, I hadn't prepared myself for the wonders and amazements that were to meet me there.
There is a spirit in Nauvoo, the Saints are still there, and in many ways I feel like they never left. They lived in Nauvoo for only seven short years, their prophet was martyred while they lived there, they dedicated their glorious temple and then had to leave it the same day. The faith that these people had is beyond my comprehension; I hope that if I had been one among them that I would have had the courage to exercise half as much faith as they did.
This EFY was a Special "Extended" EFY, meaning that we only had one day of classes, two teachers, and one dance, but we got to tour around and see our church's history up close and very personal. Part of the extension was that we were able to do baptisms for the dead in the beautiful and wonderful Nauvoo temple. (I have to say that the Nauvoo temple has stolen my heart, sorry New Port.) Before I left Dad found three names for me to do in the temple, two female and one male. Earlier that day I had fallen and scraped up my knee and gotten some pretty major blisters on my feet, it was looking like a rough day. But when we walked (limped) to the temple there was something special in the air. I've never done family names before and this was extremely special for me. After my company had changed into our baptismal clothes the temple president spoke to us, it was then that I began to feel the spirit. I knew that these two women were with me. While in the confirmation room I could feel them so strongly that I began to cry (the only one in the room crying by the way). I was second to be confirmed, but since I had names I was the first to be baptised. As I walked towards the font I was completely overcome and couldn't speak, my friend Africa, assuming something was wrong, asked me what the matter was. One of the temple workers there knew exactly what I was feeling, and came over and gave me a hug. When I entered the font and was baptised for them I knew that they were happy. When I was confirmed at the waters edge I was so overcome with the spirits of these two women that I could barely contain myself. The temple worker noted that these weren't close relatives, one being from the 1700s, the other from the 1500s. Still I felt them within me, their long wait was finally over and they were full of joy. Here's an excerpt from my journal right after: "Now several minutes after my marvelous experience, I suddenly find myself very tired. I know that the spirits of my ancestors have left and returned to heaven. But they are happy, I know it. It is quite a tired though, being so full of the spirit and then to have it lessened as I feel them leave. It is a happy exhaustion though, I feel truly touched, dare I say changed. There is a sweet spirit here in the Nauvoo temple, the saints are still here with it; I don't think that they ever truly left. Joseph and Hyrum never saw the completed temple, but I believe that they love this one and are so happy to see us coming and doing the work. Even in death there still is hope and love. Even in death you can move forward."
Suffice to say it was a very spiritual and beneficial moment for me personally. Before the temple we were able to take a horse drawn carriage ride through part of Nauvoo. This is when it began to truly hit me, I was in NAUVOO. Joseph walked these streets, rode these hills, sought inspiration in this forest, was shot, killed, and martyred in this room. The following day we took a bus to Carthage and the spirit is there. It is not a happy place but it is full. It was strange to walk the stairs the mob ran, it was sickening to see the bullet hole in the original door; my whole company felt the spirit there and as we left the house we all found a place on the grounds and knelt and prayed. Twenty-two kids kneeling in prayer in public, it was a beautiful sight; then we gathered together and sang Praise to the Man. I have always had a love for the Prophet Joseph, but my love has been strengthen and emboldened by this experience.
Sorry for such a long post, but I wanted to share with you some of my experiences while in Nauvoo and to continue to show you the depth of my testimony in this Church. I love you all very much and am so grateful that we can be together forever.
I Love you
As all of you know last week I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nauvoo, Illinois for EFY (Especially For Youth), and what a blessing it was. Last year I was extremely fortunate to go to Fiji for HEFY (Humanitarian Experience For Youth) and I thought that no other EFY could ever surpass the experience and spiritual growth that I had there.
In some ways I was correct; there is nothing like serving your fellow man and the bond of friendship and love that is created between the one serving and the one receiving the service, especially when you are immersed in another country and culture. Most think that it is the one receiving the service that gets the greatest benefits, but to me it is the one giving the service that truly receives the greatest benefits and lessons. There is nothing like service to bring you closer to God and understand the love that He has for each and every one of us. Not that I had exactly forgotten this, but it reintegrated itself within me while in Nauvoo.
I didn't head to EFY with negative thoughts, I was nervous of course, but I didn't go in thinking that I wouldn't get anything out of it. I just wasn't prepared, I hadn't prepared myself for the wonders and amazements that were to meet me there.
There is a spirit in Nauvoo, the Saints are still there, and in many ways I feel like they never left. They lived in Nauvoo for only seven short years, their prophet was martyred while they lived there, they dedicated their glorious temple and then had to leave it the same day. The faith that these people had is beyond my comprehension; I hope that if I had been one among them that I would have had the courage to exercise half as much faith as they did.
This EFY was a Special "Extended" EFY, meaning that we only had one day of classes, two teachers, and one dance, but we got to tour around and see our church's history up close and very personal. Part of the extension was that we were able to do baptisms for the dead in the beautiful and wonderful Nauvoo temple. (I have to say that the Nauvoo temple has stolen my heart, sorry New Port.) Before I left Dad found three names for me to do in the temple, two female and one male. Earlier that day I had fallen and scraped up my knee and gotten some pretty major blisters on my feet, it was looking like a rough day. But when we walked (limped) to the temple there was something special in the air. I've never done family names before and this was extremely special for me. After my company had changed into our baptismal clothes the temple president spoke to us, it was then that I began to feel the spirit. I knew that these two women were with me. While in the confirmation room I could feel them so strongly that I began to cry (the only one in the room crying by the way). I was second to be confirmed, but since I had names I was the first to be baptised. As I walked towards the font I was completely overcome and couldn't speak, my friend Africa, assuming something was wrong, asked me what the matter was. One of the temple workers there knew exactly what I was feeling, and came over and gave me a hug. When I entered the font and was baptised for them I knew that they were happy. When I was confirmed at the waters edge I was so overcome with the spirits of these two women that I could barely contain myself. The temple worker noted that these weren't close relatives, one being from the 1700s, the other from the 1500s. Still I felt them within me, their long wait was finally over and they were full of joy. Here's an excerpt from my journal right after: "Now several minutes after my marvelous experience, I suddenly find myself very tired. I know that the spirits of my ancestors have left and returned to heaven. But they are happy, I know it. It is quite a tired though, being so full of the spirit and then to have it lessened as I feel them leave. It is a happy exhaustion though, I feel truly touched, dare I say changed. There is a sweet spirit here in the Nauvoo temple, the saints are still here with it; I don't think that they ever truly left. Joseph and Hyrum never saw the completed temple, but I believe that they love this one and are so happy to see us coming and doing the work. Even in death there still is hope and love. Even in death you can move forward."
Suffice to say it was a very spiritual and beneficial moment for me personally. Before the temple we were able to take a horse drawn carriage ride through part of Nauvoo. This is when it began to truly hit me, I was in NAUVOO. Joseph walked these streets, rode these hills, sought inspiration in this forest, was shot, killed, and martyred in this room. The following day we took a bus to Carthage and the spirit is there. It is not a happy place but it is full. It was strange to walk the stairs the mob ran, it was sickening to see the bullet hole in the original door; my whole company felt the spirit there and as we left the house we all found a place on the grounds and knelt and prayed. Twenty-two kids kneeling in prayer in public, it was a beautiful sight; then we gathered together and sang Praise to the Man. I have always had a love for the Prophet Joseph, but my love has been strengthen and emboldened by this experience.
Sorry for such a long post, but I wanted to share with you some of my experiences while in Nauvoo and to continue to show you the depth of my testimony in this Church. I love you all very much and am so grateful that we can be together forever.
I Love you
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