The Attitude of Gratitude

"Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. 'Live in thanksgiving daily,' said Amulek, ;for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.'^"

Gratitude: A Path to Happiness, Bonnie D. Parkin, April 2007 General Conference

Nov. 1 I'm grateful for . . .

1. naps
2. Julia. She's such a great friend. She takes care of me and shows me what it means to be a true friend. She's hard working, loyal, patient, and kind.
3. getting off work early

Nov. 2 I'm grateful for . . .

1. my dad. It's his birthday today. Because of his hard work, love, and example, I am the woman that I am today.
2.cousin emails
3. the girls at the residential treatment center I work at. I learn so much from them everyday.

Validation

http://youtu.be/Cbk980jV7Ao

FLORIDA!!!

This year, all of my coworkers and I got a spring break!!! So, obviously some friends and I drove 24 hours to spend the week at a condo down in Florida! The drive wasn't too bad. We all took turns. I've been in 4 new states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) and after months of cold weather I'm finally enjoying the Florida sun.

adorable wildlife

Rented some beach cruisers for the week. So fun!

We're on the Gulf Of Mexico. The water is so warm, clear, and gorgeous! . . . lots of fish though which causes a lot of swimming away and screaming.

My BFFL Kathryn and me

Girls Getaway 2011

For my 22nd birthday I was given a one night stay at the Cottontree Inn in Sandy. A couple weeks ago Carissa, Becca, and I cashed in on this great gift! I didn't have a ride up to Sandy, so I took use Utah's public transportation system all by myself for the first time! The bus stopped in Sandy not far from the hotel. I got off at the Trax station three miles away and walked to the hotel. As I walked I realized I could have gotten off at a stop right across the street from the hotel. ha ha! It was a nice walk so I didn't mind.
I always have so much fun getting together with my cousins. We're all grown up and in different stages in our lives, but whenever we get together nothing's changed. We laugh just as hard, do silly ridiculous things, and have a great time!

Some of the fun things we did . . .

Ate Chocolate from Cavanaugh's

Ate some delicious Italian food at Johnny Carino's

Went shopping at the mall and made a wish

Laid on the bed

Painted our nails

Went to the store in our pajamas (REBELS!)

Bought junk food to eat while we watched a movie

Swam and sat in the hot tub

Facials before bed

AND . . . . SLEPT!

I HATE BEING COLD!

I feel bad for this guy . . .

I woke up this morning at 5:45am to get ready for work. It's bad enough I have to wake up so early, but what makes it worse is that when I wake up I have to get out of my warm blankets. Then! I have to go outside, scrape my car, and wait outside my work until someone comes to unlock the door. . . I guess this goes to show how spoiled I am! I just get into such a terrible mood when I have goosebumps that won't go away.

On a more positive note . .
I'm so grateful to have heat in my home, my down blanket, and multiple jackets that can keep me warm and comfortable.

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL COUSIN BECCA!!!

Some New Years Resolutions!

• Read The Book of Mormon all the way through again.
• Read all of Jane Austen's published novels.
  
• Run a 1/2 marathon and at least 2 5K's.
• Write in my journal everyday
• Move out of the house
• Go back to college
• Keep my room clean :)
• Go to the temple once a week
• Blog once a week
• Drink more water
  

Quick Maine Catch Up

While in Maine I . . .
spent an afternoon at Pemaquid beach

saw some more lighthouses

went on a lobster boat
worked at Applefest

went to New York City

Jared came to visit


ran a 5k

made new friends

had an 80's Thanksgiving


and celebrated my birthday . . . sadly I didn't take any pictures on my birthday, but I'm sure you can all imagine what I looked like.

That's my quick summary of my life in the fall. I am head over heals in love with Maine. I left my heart in Maine and I can't wait for the day I go back!

The Month of August Part 1 - The DC area and WV

I went to Washington DC for my friends wedding in the middle of August. In DC I . . .

made some new friends
Got some AWESOME gifts . . .

Got a mani and pedi . . .

Saw the DC temple . . .

And had a great time! (I had my hair curled and it died because of all of the humidity.)

August was probably one of the most eventful months I have had in my life!

South Dakota

Day #1

Driving and lots of it

Spencer was in charge of taking pictures while we drove.

We stopped in at Martin's Cove for about half an hour. We went into the visitors center, heard the history from the senior missionaries there, and then ate lunch at Independence rock.

MMM cracker sandwiches.

After 10 hours of driving we finally made it to South Dakota! Spencer and I . . . well, I got lost when we first arrived at our destination. . . but we weren't really lost. I just ended up taking the longest way possible to Mount Rushmore.

Day #2

Mount Rushmore!

Ranger walk with Oliver

Gutzon Borglum studio

We found a mammoth archaeological sight near Hot Springs, SD

Wind Cave

I thought that this was the dumbest pose from a mannequin I have ever seen!

My camera broke right before the tour. The pictures I did take didn't turn out too well. :(

DAY # 3

Remember how my camera broke? That's why I don't have many pictures of Day 3, but we went swimming at a nearby lake and pretty much just relaxed all day. Spencer made a cute little friend who helped us create a small lake and rivers of our own in the sand. Later, Oliver took us on a drive up Spearfish Canyon! It was absolutely breathtaking. I have never seen anything like it. Spearfish Canyon

Oliver's backyard.

Day #4

Goodbye South Dakota!

The drive home was quite an adventure. I was pulled over for the first time (luckily I just got a warning) and Jared's car broke down as we were almost to Casper Wyoming. It was SO hot and the car had overheated. We ended up spending the night. We arrived home Saturday afternoon safe and sound.

Spencer said that this was the best vacation he has ever had! I was so grateful that we could spend some brother sister time before I moved back east for 3 1/2 months.