Yes, it's Happening

For the past the past six months I have known that I would be going to Taiwan. For the last two months I have been stressing about my school purchasing my plane ticket in time for me to get my visa. After all that waiting I finally have my plane ticket! I leave June 27!! That is less than a month away people! I'm still waiting to get my visa, but from what I've heard there shouldn't be any problems(I'm crossing my fingers that I'm not the exception). 

Now that I can stop stressing about getting my plane ticket, it is finally starting to sink in that I'm really going. I am moving to a different country, with a whole new culture and language and climate. I'm not going to lie I'm getting a little nervous but I know that this is what I'm supposed to do. Honestly though, the thing I am most nervous or scared about is the bugs. I'm aware of how silly that is, but do you know how big bugs grow in humid climates? HUGE, that's how big. I don't even want to think about it. I haven't even asked and I don't even want to know, because that is possibly the one thing that could change my mind about this whole thing.

Despite the nervousness I am really looking forward to this experience. Will it be hard, most likely. Do I think I'll regret it? No way! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I wouldn't miss out on for the world. I'll make sure to keep the blog updated as much as possible so make sure you check in from time to time, because I'm sure I'll have some interesting things to share.

I'm going to Taiwan!

Drilled, Filled, and Billed

 Oh the joys of going to the dentist. Now I don't have anything against dentists but I just hate that no matter how much I care for my teeth I always end up having cavities, no fun. Then because I have cavities I have to have my teeth drilled and then filled, doubly not fun, especially since I hate needles. Haha and the worst part about getting the numbing shots is that the numbing sensation only gets stronger as the day goes on. By the time I went to work, 3 hours after I got home from the dentist, the numbness was still in full swing. My smile, or half smile was absolutely enchanting I'm sure. 

Okay, but the absolute worst part is the bill. My parent's insurance (yes I am still on their insurance and can be until I'm 26, so there) changed and so the bill was even bigger than usual. So, with a little less money in the bank my cavities are fixed, my mouth is no longer numb, and I am going to try even harder to not have any cavities the next time I go in to the dentist.

If I sound like I am complaining I'm not,  I really am grateful for dentists. I am so glad that I have a dentist that can fix my teeth so that they aren't horrible looking and rotting out of my mouth, because that really would be something to complain about.

Design Catastrophe

Today I took it upon myself to update the look of my blog.  I can assure you that my intentions were good. Unfortunately for me, my blog designing abilities are dismal and I have no idea how to undo what I've done.

I spent way too much time trying to choose a design that I like and am completely happy with. I'm still not satisfied with the results so don't be surprised if you see it changing off and on for the next little bit.

If any of you have any advice on how to improve the design please share your knowledge. I think I have proven that if left to my own devices I have no idea what I'm doing. 

Happy Sunday!
*After writing the above, I made some changes on the blog and can now say that I'm liking the way it looks. There probably will be a few small changes that I may decide to make, but for now I'm pretty happy.

Short but Sweet

 I love Arches National Park, so when Lauren suggested that we go on a camping trip to Moab I was all for it. It couldn't be a long trip and the weather forecast wasn't in our favor but we didn't let that change our minds.  Monday morning Lauren, Ashlee, Jacque, and I along with our friend Chris Alphin (a brave guy to willingly go on a camping trip with four girls) packed up our things in Lauren's car and headed out. 

It was raining pretty much the entire car ride down there, so I was a little worried that our trip would be a little bit of a letdown but it ended up being very near perfect weather for hiking. The skies were clear when we drove in Arches and we set about seeing the sites. We went to a lot of the smaller arches and took our time to enjoy each one.

After sightseeing we had to decide where we were going to camp, being the great planners we are we did not pick a place or reserve a place anywhere beforehand. We knew it was a long shot but we decided to check out the campground in the park and see if there were any spots available. There was one spot available. The camp hosts had a little laugh about how much stuff we had for one night but it couldn't have worked out any better. 

We definitely had an adventure with our food and the night was cold but we woke up the next day with the sun shining and we were ready to hike. We went to Landscape Arch first and then hiked to Delicate Arch. I have been to Arches plenty of times but I have never actually hiked up to Delicate Arch. It is absolutely beautiful. It is amazing that something like that was created naturally. The whole park was just an inspiration to me and a reminder of the existence of a loving Father in Heaven who loves me. All in all it was a wonderful trip.

My Mother

More Than a Mother

By Kari Keshmiry

When God set the world in place,
when He hung the stars up in space,
when He made the land and the sea,
then He made you and me.

He sat back and saw all that was good,
He saw things to be as they should.
Just one more blessing He had in store;
He created a mother, but whatever for?

He knew a mother would have a special place
to shine His reflection on her child's face.
A mother will walk the extra mile
just to see her children smile.

She'll work her fingers to the bone
to make a house into a home.
A mother is there to teach and guide,
a mother will stay right by your side.

She'll be there through your pain and strife,
she'll stay constant in your life.
A mother will lend a helping hand
until you have the strength to stand.

She'll pick you up when you are down,
when you need a friend she'll stick around.
A mother is one who listens well,
will keep her word; will never tell.

A mother never pokes or pries
but stands quietly by your side,
giving you the strength you need,
encouraging you to succeed.

A mother is one who can be strong
when you need someone to lean on.
You're more than a mother to me;
a reflection of Him in your face I see,
a love that knows no boundaries.

I'm glad that you chose to be
all this and more to me.
You share a love that knows no end,
you're more than my mother,
you are my friend.

I know this is a little late to be posting about Mother's Day but I want everyone to know how awesome my Mom is and how much I love her. Is it ever too late to do that?

My Mom is the greatest. She has always been there for me; to support, to listen, to cry with me, to offer me hugs when I need them the most, to pick me up when I am down, to give advice and so much more. 

I'm going to admit that I was probably not the easiest child or teenager to get along with. I definitely had my growing up moments. Throughout it all my Mom was a constant source of support and encouragement. She wants me to do my best and, most of all, she wants me to be happy. I am so grateful for her example in her role as a mother and in her church callings. I look up to her in so many ways and I can't even begin to describe how much I love her and appreciate all that she has done for me.

The past few years I have felt that my relationship with my Mom has grown. She is one of my best friends and I am so grateful for her in my life.

I am also grateful for the opportunity I have to be a friend to my Mom and to be there to support and encourage her. I love talking to her and I am so blessed to be able to call her my Mom.