Oodles of Doodles and Yarn

Brennen leaves this Tuesday. I can't believe its finally actually leaving. He is going to be such an amazing missionary. I know he has grown so much over the past two weeks.
"Those sent to warn sometimes do not know of the danger." -Elder Eyring.
My best friend has the most uplifting assurance in the love of our Savior. The Lord blesses us for making the right decisions. Brennen made all the right ones. This is so hard already, but "the night is darkest just before the dawn" (good ole' batman).

Its been hard to focus on school lately. I feel like my mind is a tangle of yarn. There is always so much I'm thinking about that extracting one thought is like pulling a splinter out of my foot. My focus wants to be on the important things, but it wanders to others. I have so many questions lately that I don't feel like any one person can answer.
Midterms are in about two weeks. I have three big ward activities coming up too. How do I make the most out of those when I can't focus? Geez, someone get me medicine for my ADD.

I've taken to doodling with markers when I get bored.

I really wish I had art skills like Rachel and Juli so I could paint...

I've been reading the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites. They are so much fun and they really help paint pictures for the awesome stories of the Book of Mormon. Chris Hiemerdinger keeps to the facts in the Book of Mormon really well while making such a fun story! YAY Teancum!

Renewed.

With the start of the new year, I never imagined I would change so much. Maybe that's why Mom loves butterflies so much. I know she loves us so much. She wants us to grow and change into the butterfly creatures she knows we can be.



I ended last semester with all A- and one B+ in American Heritage. I was satisfied.

Spending time with the family over my break was so ridiculously great! We have the funnest family. I really wish we had more opportunities to be together. When I was little I never really felt connected to the rest of the family. The older I get, the more I want to be like my big sisters. They have such a positive, happy outlook on everything. They have become beautiful mothers who teach their kids in astonishing ways. They have inspired me to follow my instincts and the spirit. My parents have become my closest friends. They love and support me when I don't deserve it. They show more every day how to follow the Lord's will. They continue to uplift me at times when I myself feel low. My big brothers truly show me love and respect which I expect from my future husband someday. They give me the biggest hugs and encouragement (especially when it comes to dancing). I feel so blessed to have to opportunity to be with all of you for the eternities. I love the gospel and the knowledge we have of families. Doing Grandma's temple work completely solidified that blessing in my testimony.

This semester so far has been a "fountain of living water." I am constantly surrounded by goodness. Every one of my classes, not just Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon, have intertwined gospel teachings in with worldly knowledge. I realize more and more that this is why I came to BYU. The Lord knew I needed to have relentless reminders. BYU is making my potential even more possible than I ever imagined it would be. I still have heights to reach in my growth, but it has begun. Inch by inch I will accomplish, I will succeed, I will love.

"Live to see such miracles as forgiveness." -Elder Holland, BYU campus devotional


"I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." -John 14:18