Lovely

He Lives.

2011-04-11T14:12:00.002-06:00

Happy Easter. I know that my Redeemer lives.

Thought of You

2011-01-19T21:49:00.001-07:00

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

My Angel Mother

2010-05-26T11:28:00.009-06:00

Spreading Christ-like love. Being there when no one else is. Sharing tears of joy, testimony of truth. Caring unconditionally. Laughing till red in the face. Playing tennis like the pain is not there. Dressing up for a love of Halloween and for the grandchildren. Building up everyone with whom she comes in contact. Continually serving selflessly. Creating beyond belief. Beauty beyond anything I could hope to be. Words of devotion expressed everyday. Living as a daughter of God should. Receiving far less than what is deserved. This is my angel mother.

I don't take the time I should to express my gratitude for my dear mother. She has always been there for me, unwavering. She strives to be the best she can be and is immovably dedicated to her Father, Family, and Friends. I can't express how much I truly love her and the example she has laid for me. I only hope to one day be a mother similar to who my mother is. She truly understands and practices the real meaning of charity. Mother, know that I love you, that you are my hero, thank you for everything you are, I could not ask for a better example.

On Charity

2010-04-19T01:20:00.001-06:00

Concerning charity, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth,, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things… Charity which is the greatest of all… is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” Charity encompasses much and leaves out little. As Elder Quinton L. Cook said “There are two very different reasons people engage in acts of kindness and generosity... some [do it] because they believe it is the right thing to do and others will reciprocate and do the same for them when they are in need. While this is good... a higher motive is when we serve our fellowmen because that is what we believe God wants us to do.” We must be charitable and serve because we love God, not because we are forced to. Service is a part of charity, but only a fraction. Many think of them synonymous, they are not. Charity is what brings me closer to God, when we spend our lives giving to others, genuinely, we find peace and happiness.

“Give all to love” (Emerson). Charity is the pure love. Give all to Charity. I struggle sometimes at serving and giving the small things, like loving to help with dishes. When we give to the poor, is that Charity? Charity has a lot to do with a mind set. It is not what you do it is how you do it. No mortal can determine the ability of an individual to give and therefore the charity of an individual. Charity includes the unseen, the heart.

A List

2010-01-13T16:12:00.005-07:00

I know this is cliche, but I made a list a long time ago of random things I want to do in my life; the kind in your head that tend to never make it to paper. Here it is ladies and gents, nothing great but kind of fun.

1. Visit Lake Louise in Canada
2. Return to Ecuador
3. See the Northern Lights
4. Go snorkeling
5. Be quoted
6. Go fly fishing

Short and sweet.

Take it Easy

2009-07-28T14:25:00.003-06:00

Does this not look amazing. I love hammocks. I think I was born that way. I actually purchased one of my own when I went to Ecuador. However, the saddest part is that at the moment there is no safe place to hang it. Today has been a long day at work and I would love nothing more to have this picture be what I came home to. To be able to swing in the greens, relax, and possibly read a book or nap. *sigh*

Picture by Christine Olson Photography

Imagination

2009-07-16T13:50:00.004-06:00

So sometimes my roommate/cousin, Amy, thinks it is funny to play tricks on me. Last night for instance I was minding my own business watching--a show that shall not be named due to the pursecution that could possibly follow--when she text me telling me to come outside with her and boyfriend. To be honest I was pretty tired and just wanted to sit so I put off venturing out until after probably about forty minutes.

For any of you who have been to my little basement apartment you know there is a patio with a pool in the backyard. This is where Amy and Gordy (aka boyfriend) were sitting. I'm a little blind in the first place but as I stepped out the darkness and my impaired vision made it impossible to see them. Also, little known fact, Louise is afraid of the dark and did not want to go searching and when I called out they did not respond. As I peered into the darkness I saw and heard nothing that resembled human life. Here is when my imagination takes over. I ran inside and locked the door.

Maybe someone stole Amy's phone and was trying to lure me out into the dark to get me. Because they knew I was home alone I would be an easy target to attack, rape, or kidnap. Is Amy alright? Did they get her first? What do I do if they come through the door? Where is my phone? HELP!

Knock knock knock

Amy and Gordy at the back sliding door. I went and open it with relief. I asked why they didn't answer when I called to them, they had not heard. We all sit down and they are both giggling. What's so funny? Amy had been texting me from Gordy's ice hockey game thinking it would be funny to have me walking around the house trying to find them. Little did she know I had been lazy and only two minutes ago gotten up to go out and say hi. What a little stink! But I love her, and lets be honest I'm glad it was her playing a joke instead of my alternate reality. It is amazing what our minds can do.

Good Tunes

2009-05-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

Little Brother

2009-05-07T18:44:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my little brother, Walter. I've come to realize how much I truely look up to him and admire the person he is. He is a hero to me. When I think of the lessons he has taught me through example I feel extremely humbled. He is a great young man. Although I look up to him in many ways I have always felts very protective of him. I want to guard him from any harm, or pain. I've come to know that is not possible nor is it best. He is serving the Lord in California and facing challenges and having remarkable experiences that I am not directly involved in. Although he is far away and involved in the work I feel we are still very connected. I love him so much and yearn for his happiness. Upon gaining a greater understanding of how much I love him I feel I have come to taste a small sample of what our Savior must feel for each of us, His brothers and sisters. Oh, what love He must have! How much He must desire to guard us from harm and protect us from pain, but yet He knows He cannot always. He knows we must learn and grow. And so I put my trust in Him who loves us perfectly. Through Faith in His love I find comfort in His abilities to perfectly protect and keep my little brother.

Haiku, Bless You

2009-03-06T17:10:00.004-07:00

I thought this poem was so good and just to clarify I'm not racist. It is a haiku and makes me happy. It was written by an individual who shall remain anonymous. :)

I pity de foo'
Who done laugh at me talkin'.
You de whitey foo'!

Love for a Daughter

2009-03-02T15:50:00.007-07:00

My dad once quoted this poem to
me and it has stuck with me. I love it.

Give all to love;
Obey thy heart;
Friends, kindred, days,
Estate, good fame,
Plans, credit, and the muse;
Nothing refuse.

'Tis a brave master,
Let it have scope,
Follow it utterly,
Hope beyond hope;
High and more high,
It dives into noon,
With wing unspent,
Untold intent;
But 'tis a god,
Knows its own path,
And the outlets of the sky.
'Tis not for the mean,
It requireth courage stout,
Souls above doubt,
Valor unbending;
Such 'twill reward,
They shall return
More than they were,
And ever ascending.

Leave all for love;—
Yet, hear me, yet,
One word more thy heart behoved,
One pulse more of firm endeavor,
Keep thee to-day,
To-morrow, for ever,
Free as an Arab
Of thy beloved.
Cling with life to the maid;
But when the surprise,
Vague shadow of surmise,
Flits across her bosom young
Of a joy apart from thee,
Free be she, fancy-free,
Do not thou detain a hem,
Nor the palest rose she flung
From her summer diadem.

Though thou loved her as thyself,
As a self of purer clay,
Tho' her parting dims the day,
Stealing grace from all alive,
Heartily know,
When half-gods go,
The gods arrive.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yep, 25 Things

2009-02-15T21:05:00.003-07:00

Random things, Enjoy:

1. I come from a huge family, ten kids, mom, dad, and at this point 13 nieces and nephews with one on the way. I love them more than anything.
2. I LOVE blankets, especially a beat up small one.
3. This last summer I went to Ecuador and fell in love with the kids I served in orphanages there.
4. I tend to be a little odd in my humor, most people don't get it at first.
5. I wanted to collect something so I decided on Children's Books and I love them!! I think about them too often. My favorite as of late are the Olivia series, she is hilarious.
6. My family thinks it is funny that instead of saying I have to "pee" I use the word "urinate"
7. I was a brat in elementary and junior high... Poor Fernando. I like to hope I've changed.
8. I love being alone regularly, but not constantly.
9. I think I'm funny and often am the only one laughing at my jokes haha
10. I am a tease.
11. I'm left handed.
12. I am a Public Health major with an emphasis in Health Promotion.
13. I'm lactose intolerant.
14. I pretty much enjoy all adventures.
15. I have always driven really "nice" cars... my current one is SPEW, she has a marroon with white lips, Muah!
16. I like to attempt to use large words to sound intelligent but unfortunately it doesn't usually work so well.
17. I love driving without the radio on when I'm alone.
18. I think and analyze things WAY too much.
19. I get overwhelmed when too much is going on at once.
20. I nuzzle my head every time I fall sleep.
21. I love my bed more than anyone probably should love a bed.
22. I squeal when I'm going to sleep. Literally because I get so excited. Even just thinking about it makes me happy!
23. I've had my fair share of car accidents. Yikes.
24. I have a stuffed animal named Uterus.
25. I used to play the Cello when I was younger.

Muah! Adorable.

2009-01-28T17:01:00.003-07:00

So this is pretty much one of my favorite pictures of Jacob (my nephew). I had high aspirations for my blog but I have not been able to keep up with it... somewhat by choice but I don't have enough pictures so I am going to post more. Just whenever I feel like it. This one I especially love. Adorable boy.

Family

2008-11-13T09:42:00.003-07:00

This past Sunday I was able to go see my niece and nephew in a cute little primary program. It was amazing. It is crazy to me how moving the sounds of those little voices can be and the simplicity of their message. My brother and sister-in-law were also part of the program. Their family stood together and sang "Families can be Together Forever". David had his own little solo and sang out it a clear child like tone. It was so moving. My sister-in-law then following relief society took a moment to tell David how proud she was of him and how great he did. Amazing. That is really what it is all about. I'm so lucky to have the family I do. I love you all.

A list of 8's

2008-10-30T13:22:00.007-06:00

Made this forever ago and never published it. Ta da.

8 TV Shows I Watch:
1. The Office
2. House
3. LOST
4. Arrested Development
5. Americas Next Top Model
6. The Colbert Report
7. Without a Trace
8. Law and Order (anyone)

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Happy Sumo
2. La Dulce Vitas
3. P.F. Chang's
4. Kneeders
5. The Garden
6. Crown Burger
7. The Cheese Cake Factory
8. Goodwood

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Went to the Missy Higgins Concert
2. Wrote one of the worst papers I've ever done.
3. Missed my class
4. Breathed in way too much smoke at the concert
5. Went to Village Inn for only the second time
6. Fell asleep before reading my scriptures, I hate that :(
7. Waited in a long line
8. Showered

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Getting married
2. Having my own family
3. Watching House MD!
4. Graduating
5. Christmas
6. Playing with my nieces and nephews
7. Being with my family; they are the greatest!
8. Going on a mission

8 Things on my wish list:
1. Live a good full life
2. Raise my children in righteousness
3. Going to Greece
4. Visit Lake Louise
5. For all my family to be incredibly happy (like Emma said)
6. Collect lots of children's books
7. Always be true to myself
8. A share in a house boat at Lake Powell!

8 People I admire:
1. My Mother
2. My Father
3. Jesus Christ
4. My Siblings
5. People who are genuine
6. My grandparents
7. President Hinckley
8. Those who are able to overcome

Lucky

2008-08-15T11:00:00.004-06:00

After the horrible deletion mishap last time I tried to blog I was a little done writing for a bit. However I have recovered and now here I am to update all on my life here in Ecuador a bit. I'm going to try and do smaller ones.

Things are going really well here. My heart is growing and I'm learning some awesome life lessons. Some of which are: what to do when your pants all the sudden become warm and damp, how to care for a baby who is ill, how to avoid getting lice, staying out of the line of fire when changing little boys and much more. It is great though, I feel like I'm giving and really helping these kids to have a little bit easier life.

A thought: This week one of the babies has been really sick and the workers say is a routine illness yet it is unlike anything I've seen. I spent yesterday holding and rocking her and I realized once again how blessed I am to have the life I do. The convince of a doctor appointment with a professional is something that I think we all may take for granted. I feel like I have so much to be grateful for and I love the country I live in. God bless the USA!

I'm so mad...

2008-08-05T17:04:00.001-06:00

I just wrote a huge blog and it got deleted before I could post!

Another Eventful Week in Ecuador

2008-07-18T10:01:00.000-06:00

This week has been another great one here in Ecuador. On Tuesday evening I found out where I'm going to be the volunteer over the site. I was selected to be over Casa Allegria. The Allegria site consists of three babies one of which is downs syndrome, and three toddlers one with a mild case of cerebral palsy. There were two other toddlers but they have recently, as of this last week, been adopted. Adoption here is sweet yet somewhat hard. It is so good to see them go with families that will love and care for them, but we do miss them. We truly do grow to love them.

My other site I will be over is called HML girls. We go to HML girls twice a week and do an activity somewhat like mutual. These girls come from all different backgrounds. Some have living family they are able to visit and are living at the site for education. Others are orphans that live at the site year round. They are so energetic and fun however due to the short amount of time we are able to spend with them it is hard to get to know them as personally and individually as I would like. It will be something to work for. I also was assigned to the Housing Committee and I will be over making sure rules of the house are being followed and that people are taking care of the house. Needless to say I'll be busy for this next month and a half.

The kids are doing amazing. One of the little boys has been really sick this last week. My prayers have and thoughts are often on him and I feel the Lord is watching out for him. My heart has expanded so much in this last three weeks it is incredible. I know that I'm suppose to be here right now and I feel that I'm learning a growing so much. There are so many moments that just steal my heart. One occurred as I was leaving from one of my shifts. I had been working with some toddlers and as I went to leave and, like I often do, I told them that I love them in english. One little girl looks up at me and in her few english words says "I love you, too much!" I feel very taken back by the love the children are able to give. It is amazing to me.

Yesterday was our first field trip day. We went to Inca ruins called Ingapirca. It was neat to see the small amount of structure that is left from their civilization, and as luck would have it, the day was beautiful! It was fun to see more of the countryside and the surroundings outside of our main city, Cuenca. After the ruins we were able to go to an old church built into a mountainside and see even more breathtaking views of the country side. The climb to the top was around 385 steps! It was really neat. I also got a little color from the sun. It happens easily because the altitude here is so much higher. It was nice to get out and have a day to enjoy the sites. I really do love it here. If anyone is looking for an experience of a lifetime I highly recommend Ecuador!

Ecuador

2008-07-06T11:06:00.004-06:00

I've had some people ask about getting updates of the experience I am having here in Ecuador so I decided to jump on the bandwagon with all the sister-in-laws and Em and start actually using my blog.

Well, I have been here for a little over a week now and it has already been an adventure and learning experience for me. Our flight from the United States took us to Quito Ecuador, which is the capital. We stayed at the OSSO house there for the night and then took a forty-five minute flight to Cuenca which is the city I am living in for the next two months. The house that I'm living in is actually two houses hooked together by a back walk way. They are really good conditions and I'm enjoying all the crazy girls that I live with. There are so many different personalities that make it all so fun. As volunteers we are assigned to work two shifts a day with three shift off each week. During our off shifts we are able to do whatever we want, this is where shopping and site seeing within the city takes place most often. Our day starts with boarding the bus to go to our sites at seven, a break for lunch from noon till two, and then the afternoon shift ends at around six. The shifts make for long days but very fun and always different.

Enough with the technical stuff lets get to the real reason I'm here, the children. They are amazing. You can feel their love and sweet spirits. We have five main sites that we work at throughout the week. The first we call Cunas, it is about 15 little kids from 3 weeks to 2 years old. The second sight we all Casas. Casas has about 13 kids form ages 2-8. Both of these belong to one orphanage run by Catholic nuns. The three other sites are from the orphanage that OSSO recently opened up. Here there is; Milagros, with older severely handicapped kids; Allegria, with healthy infants and babies; and Esperanza, with younger severely handicapped children. They are all so sweet and each one provides a different experience.

I am loving it all. It has been and will continue to be a humbling, life changing experience. I appreciate all the love and support I receive and love any updates I receive. I couldn't do it without you all. :)

A Few Intense Thoughts on HIV/AIDS

2008-04-09T11:50:00.003-06:00

HIV/AIDS could be described as the most unique an disease this world has faced. The disease itself and those affected by it bring a very different moral aspect to an illness. From the first cases of diagnosed HIV/AIDS the disease has left much confusion and many unanswered questions. In the beginning of AIDS in America the disease was thought to be the “Gay mans disease” and was thought to reside only in homosexual men. Many believed that it was God’s way of punishing homosexuals for engaging in unclean acts or participating in activities that were impure. Has this idea of the disease being a punishment been done away with? The stigmas related to HIV/AIDS are found all throughout the world.

In Southeast Asian countries the sex industry thrives. Many people involved in the industry have been or will be impacted by HIV/AIDS. Efforts to encourage and even enforce condom usage in sexual interactions have had promising effects and are ever being implemented. But is the disease considered a moral issue? Is it seen as something of a punishment? Religious contexts of many different religions see sexual intercourse with sex workers as abominable. By various religions it is believed that people who are involved in sexual activities outside the bounds of marriage are sinners. The main means of HIV/AIDS transmission is through sexual relations. Would it be fair to state that this disease is a way of punishing the sinners, the people who break the laws of God?

If this is the case then what of those thousands if not millions of women and men who are faithful to their partners who become affected by their partners actions? In Africa the number of women infected with HIV/AID has surpassed that of men yet it is shown that it is often the men who bring the disease home to their families and communities. Are these women then being punished for the actions of their partners? Along the same lines what of those early hemophiliacs who through untested or impure blood transfusions, here in the Unites States, were infected with HIV? Many of them were very mistreated and school children were forced out of schools because of fear.

I do not wish to answer this question in regards to the moral and religious opinion of HIV/AIDS but merely wish to raise thoughts and ideas pertaining to this disease. I personally do not feel it is our place as human beings to make such judgment calls. The truth of the matter is that HIV/AIDS is a major problem and is continuing to spread. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. Aid needs to be given to those countries especially where it is spreading in epidemic proportions. I have a firm belief that it is our responsibility to try and protect the victims of this disease in any way possible. In order to do this there needs to be a comfort level for people affected to feel that they are able to speak up and receive help. We do not need to agree with or condone any act that we feel is unacceptable, but it is not our place to place judgment on people who are affected with this deadly disease.

Special

2007-03-25T21:33:00.001-06:00

Life is sometimes crazy. You find yourself in places you would have never foreseen. Every once in a while you come across those people you know you were destined to meet. Those people who were put in your life for a reason. It is so puzzling how they could be placed so precisely but you know it is for a reason. I do not believe in chance. I believe there are reasons. Maybe sometimes it is only time that can tell. I pray to live up to those reasons.

Pretty simple

2007-03-22T18:15:00.001-06:00

My life is pretty simple, what can I say? I spend much of my time in school and working and the rest trying to carry on some sort of a life. I live with four other girls and enjoy all the excitement it brings. I'm pretty close with my family so I get to see them about once a week. I love them so much. It is kind of crazy to think that I'm all grown up and living on my own. Trying to make it in this big bad world, luckily I'm not alone. He is always there and I love Him with everything I have.