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.