The gift of music

I've been blessed to have it in my life. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to sing. It's one of my greatest passions. I took up guitar playing not too long ago to accompany my singing. I'm still not great at it, but I love it. I'm a pro at finding songs I like to sing on the internet and teaching myself how to play them. I convinced myself years ago that I could not write my own stuff. I started a song months ago, but gave up after writing the first verse. A few nights ago, I took it out, and put some chords to it. I had a melody in my head from when I very first started the song months before. To make a long story short, I finished my very first song! Let's be honest, it's not the most brilliant thing you'll ever hear, but I'm pretty proud of it! I hope I get to share it with you all in some way or another! And I hope I can continue to write music! I've had many musical influences in my life. First and foremost, my family. My brothers are especially talented at writing and playing music. They can do it all! Lethe, you are a musical inspiration to me as well. I still want to record a cd with you! And there are many others. Just to let you all learn a little more about me, here are my current top ten faves (the ones who have already made it, that is). My brothers deserve some props for always finding the great new stuff!: 1. COLDPLAY 2. NEEDTOBREATHE 3. MAT KEARNEY 4. GUSTER 5. IMOGEN HEAP 6. COLBIE CAILLAT 7. THOMAS NEWMAN 8.SAFETYSUIT (GONE AWAY, ESPECIALLY) 9. PETER BRADLEY ADAMS 10. THE FRAY. I have so many more favorites, but rememeber, these are my CURRENT ones. Check them out if you haven't already!

Life at USU

Like I said below, I'm studying elementary education. I absolutely love it here! The campus/town is beautiful, and the people are awesome. I can count on one hand the amount of people (strangers, mind you) that don't smile or say hi when I pass them on campus every day. This is my third school, and I've come back three years in a row. That says something! I've met so many awesome people, that have influenced me greatly. I have had so many fun times with them. I owe a lot to my Dad for working so hard so I have the chance to be in a place and attend a school that I love. Thanks Dad! And thanks to you and Mom for being patient with me as I changed my mind so many times!

Barrack the nation

I took this from my brother Jeff's blog. I have really gotten into politics this past year, thanks to my brilliant siblings and parents. I don't know how to convey my beliefs through writing as well as they do. This one is awesome Jeffy...


In all seriousness, I believe you are trying to back someone who is just wrong for America; wrong on the economy, wrong on social issues, wrong on foreign policy. Does Barrack Obama have accomplishments? Sure he does. Lighten up! The problem is you are trying to sell a man who is the most liberal politician in Washington, a socialist in many ways, and some are packaging him as something else. We need to examine the recruiters who brought Barrack to the inner city and look at what he actually accomplished while he was there. We need to look at his associations and others who have influenced his life and his policies, namely Bill Ayers, Father Flager and Jeremiah Wright. We need to examine his time in the Senate in its entirety. I understand civics very well and also have a pretty good understanding of what he actually accomplished in the senate, which isn't much. No amount of spin can change that. You cannot vote 160 plus times "present" in the U.S. senate and call yourself a visionary leader. Leaders stand for something and hold themselves and others accountable. We need to examine the success and failures of his entire life because he is running for the most powerful job in the world and frankly, his rhetoric these days rarely matches his record in public or private life.I’m not voting for McCain because I’m a republican or think he’s the best man for the job. I thought liberals would be less offended and nasty about the republican ticket this year. McCain has probably done more in the last 7 years to help the liberal cause, not conservatives. He’s actually written bills with Feingold and Kennedy that have helped your party. Sarah Palin is not just a beauty queen. She’s been a mayor and governor. And as a female, you liberals should be more forgiving. After all, you are the party who champions females and minorities and considers it a qualification to simply be one or the other. I’m voting for McCain, in part, because he is not Obama. Barrack Obama is on the wrong side of everything I stand for, everything I believe in. I did not find these beliefs in some University or latch on to them based on political or social winds of the day. I am a conservative based on core principles I have held my whole life. Nothing will change that.

My little rays of sunshine

I know I'm just a little bias, but my nieces and nephews are the cutest ever! They bring me so much joy. I applaud my brothers and sisters-in-law for bringing these little miracles into the world. They sure make my life happier and better!

Family vacation to Vail

Yep, the WHOLE family made it to Vail this past summer. It was the first time we were all together in years. It was one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. I could never be in any greater company. My family is amazing. They are my most favorite people in this world! I am so blessed.

Here's a little something I was thinking about after an instute class last week-At one point during class tonight, our teacher asked, "Do you ever wonder why you're so lucky? Do you wonder why you were blessed with the wonderful family you have?" I, of course, thought, "yes." And then I looked around the room thinking, "Nobody here is as lucky as I am. I'm sure of it!" That's beside the point. Anyway, Brother Maughan continued to tell us that the reason we're so lucky is because Heavenly Father trusts that we will go to his other children and share what we have. We will show His love to those who don't know of it. There are so many who need and want to feel their Heavenly Father's love for them. I just want to thank every one of you for showing me Heavenly Father's love for me in your actions and words. There have been so many instances where you have said or done something that reminded me that God knows and loves me, and that he wants me to happy. I only hope I can show that love to those around me. Even just a fraction of what you all show me would be something very special to someone else. And I want to thank you all for your wonderful examples to me in your love for the Gospel. I love it with all my heart. Mom and Dad are especially to thank for that. But you all have had great influence on me. Words cannot explain. Thanks for helping me have that desire to share this wonderful gospel with those I know and love. I love you all!

Well, I'm a blogger now!

I never thought I would be! But I have friends and family that have awesome blogs, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Just a little about me-I am currently at Utah State University in Logan. I have a year and a half left, then I will student teach right after. I can't wait to teach the little ones! I'm just living one day at a time, and having fun doing it!