Come what may and love it

Elder Wirthlin's talk yesterday morning particularly stuck out to me. "How can we love sorrow filled days? We can't, atleast not at the present. If we approach adverstiy wisely, it can lead to great growth and great happiness." He gave us ways that we can deal when things don't go exactly the way we want them to.

1st: LAUGH. He told a hilarious story about a blind date his daughter went on. Look the talk up to read it- it's worth it.
2nd: Seek for the Eternal
3rd: Understand the principle of Compensation (like Job)
4th: Put your trust in our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son

I think that this was an incredible talk and really taught such an incredible principle. It reminded me of Elder Bednar's talk about not getting offended (which was also a great talk). This weekend I was reminded how lucky I am to be living today when there is a true prophet of the Lord on the earth who testifies and counsels to us of the Savior and the truth of the gospel. Conference is becoming more and more meaningful as I grow up and need more guidance in my life. It really is a challenge to be a teenager...and it is comforting to have apostles testify that my Reedemer knows and loves me and that my Heavenly Father is there to answer my prayers.

ROCKY POINT: the party starts tomorrow!!! Very excited- 15 years and counting!!!! It's different every year, but alwaysss fun. Can't wait. And Utah after that??! How lucky can a girl get?? Updates from the trips soon...

I have a problem

During breaks, I become a blog addict. I blog stalk, I write, and I continuously think about what I should write. I am, in a word, obsessed. It is pathetic and it leaves me wishing that I could spread out all of my obsessive blogging time over the rest of my life instead of just condensing it into a tiny 2 week period of time. I really do love to blog- sorry to be inconsistent!

PICTURES!

So, some of you wanted pictures...ENJOY

(they're all from my phone! LOVE IT!)

HAHAHAH Sister Seamons....wearing my sunglasses....great times
Hamilton vs. Dobson ME and ASHLEY
Me and Kody....friends since 7th grade!
This is Carlie. Her mom (Natalie) is one of my Young Women leaders and i took ms. carlie to her soccer game last week. Hilarious.
My babies!!! I love my Jaxon and Kylie...and Taylor and soon to be new baby!

FOOTBALL GAMES!!!
Marisa and Nathan (when we sang at the Diamondbacks Game)
MMAT=BFF
I LOVE MY HUSKIES!!!
She doesn't get out much!

Katie- notice she's cross-eyed??
My super cute brother- when did he grow up!?!
A Typical night out for dinner...
Family!!
BYE!!!

Senior Year

OK, so I know I need to update you all on my senior year. Needless to say, it is crazy. I feel like I am going insane. So now that we are on break I feel like I have time to catch you all up on what I have been up to....

School-wise, nothing exciting. I'm taking a schedule that is fairly rigorous but keeps me entertained at the same time. I have AP English 12, AP Statistics (funnn, I know), 2 choirs (Sol and Schola), Economics (double fun), and an Independent Study Sign Language Class. We get to travel to 8 of the local elementary schools and teach kids sign language every Friday. This has been so much fun for me- I love little kids and I love signing!! In addition, of course, I'm taking Seminary and LOVING this year. Its amazing what a little attitude change can do for a person...I am learning so much about my Savior's life and all that He has done for me.

Extracirricular (it really is one word) activities have got me goin' crazy. I am this year's Choir Co-President, Link Crew President, Best Buddies Secretary, and a member of the National Honors Society, and the Hamilton High chapter of Invisible Children. I have had so many opportunities to serve this year and although I have been questioned by teachers, sponsors, and my parents for getting "too involved", I think it's a blessing that there are so many opportunites available to get involved at my school. Best Buddies has been a really exciting, scary, new adventure for me. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is an organization that, not unlike Big Brothers Big Sisters, pairs students up with their peers that have some sort of mental handicap. My buddy, Alex, has cerebal palsy, and I wasn't able to meet him at our matching party because he can't go outside in temperatures over 85 degrees. I met his mom, though, and this should be a really cool year. It is going to be a challenge to hang out when he can't talk or walk but I can't wait to meet him.

Outside of school life.....hahahahh what outside of school life? Oh, you mean doing homework, taking the ACT, or getting ready to apply for college? Yep, it's stressful. Ha no, I'm joking. I still have fun with the friends, go to football games (GO HUSKIES), and de-stress as much as I can. As for now...I'm off to watch Ironman. Which I haven't seen. And I'm REEEALLLLY excited to see....so, bye. More soon!

Katie

Katie has started a blog...she has finally joined the rest of us. I haven't been on to write in FOREVER- but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading everyone's blogs. I just read them on my phone! Katie's blog is katherinemckenna.blogspot.com. Visit it and post a comment!

Scattergories

Play this just like you would scattergories. The letter of your first name is the letter that you have to answer all of the questions with!Good luck!

1. What is your name? Alli
2. A 4 letter word. AUNT
3. A vehicle: Audi
4. A city: Austin, Texas- (thanks Daniel)
5. A boy's name: Alex
6. A girl's name: Alice
7. A beverage or drink: Apple martini- not that I've ever had one
8. An occupation: Architect
9. Something you wear: Apple bottom jeans
10. A celebrity: Angelina Jolie
11. A food: apple
12. Something found in a bathroom: Avon makeup...
13. Reason for being late: Animal messes
14. An animal: Aardvark. Double points for the double a!
15. A body part: Adam's apple
16.Something you shout: AY! or All right All right All right All right All right HEY! (ok, I know, only at EFY would you yell this. and then clap. and then yell again.)

Summer

As the last sweet hours of summer drain away to nothing, I find myself reminiscing over the beauty I have discovered these past 2 months. The Bahamas- which I have yet to blog about- showed me some of the most beautiful and glorious beaches, sunsets, and waters I have ever seen. My trip to Girl's Camp revealed to me some of the most beautiful girls I have ever met and I thank my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to serve those girls in such a position that I have become friends with these younger girls in a way that could never be erased. My trip to EFY has given me the beautiful gift of a stronger testimony, a better bond with my Savior and my Heavenly Father and friendships that no doubt can last a lifetime. It might just be because I am older, but I have been changed this summer by everything I have experienced. I cannot fully explain the depth of what I have learned and the person I have become because of those people such as counselors, young women, and friends that have touched me. I know now that with the help of my Father in Heaven I can overcome my trials. That although I may feel discouraged I am never forgotten.

I've also felt these many blessings as my family continues to pray for my Grandma's health. This past week she underwent her first round of chemo. Although it has been so scary to watch my grandma go through this, it has strengthened our family so much. We have been blessed with great faith and wonderful grandparents as examples. Even as they were sitting in her hospital room, they found someone they could share the gospel with- how amazing is that? We are truly blessed.

So, as I prepare myself mentally to go back to school, I pray that I might ever be searching for that person in need of service, or that person who is waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel. I pray that this year may be what a "senior year" should be. I pray that all may be well. Ill write about the Bahamas soon (i promise). Sorry I've been so horrible! I love you guys!

EFY

So, I missed an important day in my blog's life. One year ago on the 16th was the first day I ever blogged. And believe it or not, that blog entry was titled "EFY" and was (shocker) about efy. At that point in my summer last year I had just returned from EFY and was so happy and dedicated to all the things I had decided I would do better this year. Where does that determination and focus go? Why do I forget each year the feeling I get when I know that I can be better? It is so frustrating to look back and realize all the things I could have done or should have done so I'm determined to only look forward because I can't change the past. Each year as I look forward to and plan for EFY I get so excited but I am always so scared that I will be dissapointed- that this year won't measure up to the years past. But they always do. This is the first year that I get to go with all 3 of my best friends. That alone makes this year better by far. We are going to have so much fun through the drive up to Utah, the late nights, early mornings, spiritual moments and screaming moments. It should be so amazing!
By the way...the date was so much fun.

Date tonight...

"Cuz I'm A Blonde"

No, I didn't color my hair. This is just Hazel's favorite saying because it describes her actions pretty well. This latest episode has actually been my favorite as she has locked herself out of her house and Randy (her husband) wont be home until tuesday. She and her daughter are staying with us until Tuesday, and until then, PARTY! We got our nails done and they went shopping for new clothes. It really is so fun! Girl's camp (by the way) was dirty but very fun. I am NEVER that peppy and spiritual in such a short amount of time.
I'm going to pull a little bit of a Kirsten and bring up a small part of political news. I'm interested to see how the Clinton-endorsed Obama campaign works out. Unlike Kirsten, I really detest Hillary Clinton. I think politically, she may be a good leader and is a relatively conservative Democrat. However, she just rubs me wrong. Maybe I'm wrong for this but I'm so glad she is out of the race-not that I'm thrilled that this helps clear the way for Obama. I think she pulled the "woman card" too much and especially now is making too big a deal of having made "progress in women's rights". She has never struck me as a feminist until it worked to her advantage. It will be interesting to see what she does in the next few weeks for her political peer.
I am loving summer. I am loving the relaxation as well as some of the freedom to enjoy my friends and plan for next year. Hope everyone is doing well. More later.

Girl's Camp

Before I get started on my girl's camp commentary, let me just tell you all: I CUT MY HAIR. And it is SHORT. But, I love it so much. It really is fun and so easy to do and its great! No pictures, so you will all just have to see it!
Anyways, back to Girl's Camp. I have never been excited for it before this year. I hate to camp. I hate the idea of being dirty and sleeping on the ground and having to change in a tent. And the dirt that gets under your fingernails? ya, that's gross. BUT this year is different. This year (maybe it's just because I'm a SENIOR- and sooo mature) but I have decided I will have a good attitude-It is my responsibility as a YCL to make sure that this is the best year possible for my 3rd years that I am in charge of. It is my job to make sure that not only do they become closer to their peers but to their Savior and closer to understanding that they are daughters of their Heavenly Father who loves them. It has just hit me so strongly what weight I have on my shoulders as Laurel president, as a YCL and just as an older girl. Although I'd like to think that as teenagers, we all listen to our parents, we really don't as much as we should. I know that, growing up, I depended on the advice and examples of those girls that were in the position I'm in now. So...as I prepare this final day for girl's camp...it is with excitement for the first time maybe ever. Because now I realize that the tents and port-o-johns and dutch oven meals aren't the point of camp. Because of those things we can focus on the most important parts of life instead of on our worldly possessions and on Satan's temptations. I am grateful for the opportunity to simplify my life and teach the gospel by example. YAY!

O.M.G.

OMG. Oh. MY. GOSHHHH. Kirsten got me started on this fun little obsession last year. SYTYCD has become a post-mutual fascination...my leaders come over and watch it with me. So who will take the place of Neil from last year? (the man i fell in love with after watching him dance and then found out he used to play volleyball) And who will be the next Sabra and win it all? All I know is that there is a SYTYCD marathon on right now from last year and i plan on watching it and getting alll psyched up for the premire on thursday night. If you don't watch it yet...you really should! Kirsten- I MISS YOU. come back to me.

Alright, Alright, I get it!

HEY! None of you are juniors in high school still...cut me SOME slack. Although I SHOULD write an extremely longgg post right now, I have an AP test early tomorrow morning and I am just taking a short break from studying. First on my list to tell you is that I was selected to be the Link Crew President for the 2008-2009 school year!!!!! I am so excited for this next year of Link Crew- I LOVE FRESHMEN! Next on my list is to tell you that All State was incredible. I ordered both a cd and dvd so when we get it we can have an All State-watching party. Fun fun. Next up is PROM...wow. Ok very interesting to say the least. Very awkward as well. Can be summarized by just letting you know that we didnt have a ride to or from prom...ya. Pictures fom that joyous night follow:Mitch and I The whole group of us...there were 22 couples.

Needless to say, prom was an adventure. You will all kill me because Mattie has all of the Boston pictures so I cant post any. But let me just tell you that I am ready to move there. I love it so much- it is like a smaller cleaner New York...and it has an H&M. I fell in love with that store...It is so great!! Need to go study-love you all and sorry I am so horrible.

ALL STATE

I just want to start out by saying...ALL STATE IS NEXT WEEK! For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about: I get to sing in a choir with 199 other extremely talented high school students from across the state next weekend at Gammage. I am so excited. Today was the first time I have heard any of the songs with more than 2 parts. My choir director's husband is the choir director at Dobson High School and I took the short trip over to Mesa to have a rehearsal with them today. It was amazing. I love talent and I love beautiful music. There is this guy (not for me, don't get excited) that goes to Dobson. My friend Courtney thinks he is just gorgeous. While I agree that he is good looking, he is much to short for me. However...he has the most amazing voice I have ever heard. Can't even explain to you how amazing it is. So i texted Courtney during rehearsal and told her that he has a life-altering voice. I've learned my lesson. For the next half hour I got to hear "I WANT HIM". It was hilarious. The girl couldn't even talk to him when she had the opportunity for a whole weekend. Why do we do that? Why can't we just suck it up and talk to the boys we want to? Girls, girls, girls....

Strange, I Know

My friends and I have this wierd obsession. Actually we have quite a few. But one of the wierdest is to go look at model homes. It might not be that strange...if we were atleast in college. Or married. Or atleast out of high school. But we're 16 and 17 years old. Why do we do this? I have no idea. It is so much fun to go exploring beautiful houses that we will probably never get to live in. It makes me want to drop out of high school and marry someone rich right now. WOW justttt kidding. Couldn't ever do that! Seriously though, some of these houses are the prettiest houses that I have ever seen.

We have other strange traditions- "exfoliating" (which is a code name for something else, ha), always sleeping the same way on my couch, making fun of Tiana (sorry friend), stealing each other's stuff without asking. Ok, so the last one isn't that strange; I think all teenage girls do that. I love my friends though. No matter how wierd we are we are best friends and that's what matters. Now before I get too cheesy I'm going to stop writing about them. At school, I'm in a club called Link Crew. We're involved with welcoming the incoming freshmen to our school and in making sure, throughout the year, that they are making a comfortable and fun transition into high school. But who are we kidding- when has high school ever been comfortable? Needless to say, it's a difficult job but one of my favorite things so far that I have had the privilege to do in high school. I have decided to run for President of Link Crew for next year and the only requirement is that I write a letter to the Link Crew Sponsors explaining why I should lead this group of leaders. What qualifies me for this job???? Any answers for me!?

Miracles

Some people don't believe in miracles. But I guess I would have to tell them that they're wrong. My grandma was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer) about 2 months ago. Prior to this the doctors thought that osteoporosis was the cause of the multiple fractures in her back. Turns out they were wrong. Luckily they told her that worst possible she had 5 to 10 years. She has been on multiple medications for the past 2 months. After last month's blood test the doctors were thrilled with the results. Her blood count was up and she was looking like she was on the path to a great recovery. Yesterday, she had another blood test that told her that her blood count was back to normal. Not back to before the medication...back to NORMAL. As in: what it should be. She will still be on the medication to prevent her blood levels to go back down, but seriously? How much more could we ask for?

The doctors told her that 3 years ago...having this disease would be a death sentence. Now we can just be grateful for the resourcefulness and amazing qualities of modern medicine. However, I'm proud to say that I know that our many prayers, fasts and blessings had a huge part in it. It is truly a miracle

Thank Goodness

Thank goodness for leaders. There are those people in all of our lives that have had an impact for good as a leader or friend. I have the assignment in my American Sign Language class to sign for five to eight minutes about one influential person in my life. It has got me thinking about who those people are. The obvious ideas came first- my parents. My parents have taught me, if not everything, most of what I know to be true today. They have loved me and guided me since I was born and helped me shape my character and identity. My next thought was my Young Women leaders. I have become so close to all of my leaders over my many years being in Young Womens. Now, being the Laurel President it is especially evident to me how much they love each girl and are concerned for them. I can see how much effort goes into making sure that each of us feel as if we are welcome and safe in our classes.

The next people I thought of were my school teachers. There are varying ways in which these people have influenced me. Each of them in their own way reinforce that my desire to teach has purpose- I see it everyday. They must love it or they wouldn't put up with the job. In particular, I have been blessed with adults that have, like my parents, shaped me at a time in my life that is so important. My high school years develop who I will be for the rest of my life. I have a teacher this year, Ms. Hatch, that has taught me much more than AP Biology. She has taught me to have passion for everything that I love- to commit to those things which are important to me. She is LDS and I for this reason I feel a connection with her. But it is more than our religion that connects us because now that she has led me by her example she has formed a bond with me that she may never know is there. I'm grateful for her and how hard she pushes each of her students to make them the best they can be. Mrs. Evans, my choir teacher, has also been such a strong influence in my life. I want to "be her" when I grow up in the sense that I want to do the same job that she does and in the way that she does it. She too has a passion for life and for the things that are important to her. I have developed such a strong relationship with her over the past 3 years and she has taught me to have confidence and recognize beauty and talent in myself and in others.

I have so many people to thank for the person I am today. I've never really thought about the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" but i guess it really is true.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Today is your day. You're off to great places- you're off and away. You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go...And when things start to happen,don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along.You'll start happening too.
OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

Dictionary.com cites the word "adventure" to mean 'an exciting and unusual experience, a bold and usually risky undertaking'. Since I was young (which I guess I still am) I have loved Dr. Suess' Oh The Places You'll GO. One wall in my bedroom has the words posted on it, a constant reminder as I wake up each morning of the potential I truly have as a daughter, sister, student, leader, and servant of my Heavenly Father. I don't know why this book has had such an impact on me. I think for some strange reason I've always been a little "old for my age". Not to say I am more mature than those my age because we all know I have my immature moments. But...I don't know, let's just say I'm pretty sure I have the soul of a thirty-five-year-old inside me. When I was little I just connected to the story's outer beauty- ok so i didn't call it that, per say. But I loved the pictures, the message so far as a 7 year old can understand, and the funny rhymes. As I've gotten older, I've realized how true the words really are.

Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't Because, sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

I'm grateful for the direction I've recieved in my life from my parents, teachers, leaders, and friends. They have each, in special ways, taught me to be the person that I am today. They have taught me the true potential I have, but have not protected me in the condescending manner that I have so often seen that is explained by "I want to protect her". I know, because I have been taught, what I am up against. And it's scary. But, I know I can do it.

And will you succeed?Yes! You will, indeed!(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS

So, with this realization, I've decided not to live my life in a constant struggle. I've decided that life is for adventure- unexpected and unusual as it might be. I'm going to live my life in a way that constitutes happiness and success. I'll move mountains. Will you?

If I had ONE Wish

Now, I know this wouldn't be my ONE wish if I had anything to choose from, but it is a dream I've held for forever. I want to go to England. Not too farfetched right? Expensive, but not horrible.

I think that there is something magical about this country...It's probably not real but in my mind I just see this almost fairytale, sophisticated, cozy country. British people just crack me up and I'm completely fascinated with the whole culture. I know I'm being naive. But just let me be a teenager for 5 minutes-this is my wish!

On a more realistic note: I had an...interesting morning. My goal this Spring Break was to RELAX. And I've done a pretty fantastic job of it. So far. Until Amber and Kirsten decided to invite me on their 6:00 a.m. adventure to the Rec Center. I am NOT a morning workout person. I go to my personal trainer at 5 in the evening and do my normal workouts at 7 because this is the only time I have to. Running in the morning was not a fun thing for me. However, I have something new to suggest to everyone. Feeling a little down?? Try having a row-machine race against Kirsten. Amber and I were just irritated that we didn't have a camera to document the hilarity of it all. I dont know why it is so funny to watch her on a row machine, but I promise next time I will have a camera handy. (I beat her, by the way)

It's pretty pathetic that I loved the Rec Center way more than I love my normal gym-especially because I pay tons of money for the gym (well, my parents do, anyway) and the Rec Center is free. (for awhile) It was amazing fun.

Sundays

I think that Sundays are the most wonderful, relaxing, perfect days. My dad is such a goofy person. He is one of those Bishops who is very proper, always doing things "The Right Way". I love Sundays because watching him sit on the stand is the funniest thing I have ever seen. He gets this hilarious look on his face when he hears people mess up. Not quite dissappointed, not quite amused. A mix between the two. It's almost better than hearing him use the phrase "Yea, even the Book of Mormon" as he conducts the meeting. Almost

I love Sundays because my mom makes the best dinners. I have the best Mom in the world. I swear I'm going to fail at being a mother no matter how good I am because I have her to measure up to. It's horrible but I'm so lucky. I love Sundays because my Young Women leaders love us girls so much. We got the "chance" to have a presidency meeting today. I love the respect they give the girls-it's almost as if we're adults and we have important things to say! (imagine that) I also love that shortly after eating dinner, the Home Teachers came, quickly followed by my mad dash out the door to get BACK to the church to sing in yet another musical practice! JOY

I love Sundays because they are rejuvenating, peaceful days. I even get the chance to read!!! Amazing.

I love Sundays because they are the Lord's day- they must be perfect.

Crazy, huh?

Well, I know it is probably just because I am on Spring Break, but I have the blogging bug. I have blogged non-stop today and yesterday...and I'm loving it. My next two adventures today were to chop off my hair and buy $100 True Religion jeans. I love both of them!!! My hair is shorter than shoulder-length and I was terrified to cut it but i seriously love it. As for the jeans...I splurged and the jeans fit amazingly. (Is that a word??? Probably not, but I don't have an AP English teacher reading this so I think I'm ok) I'm currently watching Sydney White with my family..."I'M A DORK!" I love this movie-it shows that its OK to be wierd and the outcast and not always fit in. Not to mention that Amanda Bynes is the epitome of cheesy wierndess and plays the part perfectly. Have a great night!

Oops

I just wrote a realllly long entry...and then for some bizzare reason it would not only not save, but deleted when I tried to post it. I will now continue on to give the reader's digest version of what I typed earlier...
Yesterday, I got in a car accident. After deciding that 50 balloons was not enough to fill Marisa's room for her birthday surprise, I jumped in the car and drove to Fry's to get more balloons. As I was pulling into the parking spot, I tapped the gas instead of the brake, and as a knee-jerk reaction slammed down on the gas. I smashed into (as my mom calls it) a "brick structure" and the car is pretty damaged. Not pretty at all. I spent the next 2 hours shaking and crying-it was probably the most terrifying thing I have gone through in my life. I am so lucky that no one else was even around me. Then it would have been exponentially worse. The worst part of the whole thing is the periodical jab my mom gets in now-"Do you remember which one's the brake" or "Hey, the gas is the skinny one on the right" or (more incredulous) "How in the world did you manage to do that??". It's horrible. It always comes with the little smirk she gets when she's trying to hold back a laugh...I will get her back for this!!!!

I'm SORRY

SOO, in the last few days I have been badgered to write a new blog post. I hadn't realized that anyone actually read my blog. But I guess I was wrong. So, for all of you faithful friends (ha, good joke) I'll try to update you on my life a little. I've just been struggling, trying to keep up with my never-ending school work. I just love high school soooo much. Outside of trying to keep up with my AP classes in order to get into my DREAM SCHOOL...my life is pretty grand. I just got called to be Laurel Class President in our ward, something that is pretty exciting to me. I've grown up with Laurel Class Presidents that have influenced me in ways I cant explain- to have the chance to maybe be that for some of the young girls in my ward is incredible. I also have had some other sweet things happen to me recently. I made regional choir and had an amazing concert at McKlintock High School a few weeks ago. The conductor was pompous and was a jerk, but it was all for the music (I had to repeat this to myself multiple times over the weekend) and the end result was amazing.
I also just found out that I made ALL STATE CHOIR! This means I will get to perform at Gammage on April 12th. This is huge, Gammage is a place that I could only dream of singing at, and now that dream is coming true. I am so grateful for the chance that I get to sing in this incredible choir this year...I was super sick on Friday for my audition and by some miracle I still made the choir. I must be doing something right...
Other than that, my life is pretty much normal. I'm still teaching piano as much as I can, and it is a great job to have as a teenager. I love it. I'll try to keep more updated!