the clan

my family is perfect. literally. as i was going through some of my old pictures, i couldn't help but smile.  

PARENTS. my parents are hysterical. they taught me hard work and inner beauty. i aspire to be like them in every way. i look at my angel sisters and know that much of who they are is a result of my parents. my mom is strong, nurturing and capable of just about anything. i have never had a problem that i didn't think, "my mom knows the answer." as for my dad, he is one of the most passionate people i know. he has a goal in his mind, and he won't stop until it is done. i have never felt neglected or mistreated or unloved--which sadly, is not something many can say. Rachel and Carson make the most beautiful couple, inside and out. it has been quite a journey for the two of them, but one definitely worth the wait. they make life hysterical--between Carson's impressions and crazy facials and Rachel's spunky sense of humor--you are bound to be laughing. i always feel more like myself when i am around the two of them. third wheeling is a privilege. Hannah, talk about an angel. there is not one mean bone in that girl's body. she is currently in Israel soaking up all the life-changing rays. she is a hard worker and cares about just everyone (in the world). she also happens to be one of the most trendy girls i know. babe just won't suffice. Eliza is the baby of the family, though baby she is not. she is a tall, blonde beauty that has heads turning everywhere we go. she goes to Davis High School and is an all-around athlete. she is a sun goddess--we joke that my mom picked up the wrong baby at the hospital by the way that body of hers can handle so much sun. i love her so much, and i am grateful to be able to look up (literally and figuratively)to her. 

although i do not have a family of my own quite yet, when i think of my family i think of this song.

as i am preparing to leave for New York, graduate from college, and get a full-time job, i feel my heart will always be drawn to my home and my childhood years. i will always look back full of gratitude and love for those years spent dancing in front of my mom's mirror, playing in my neighbors' unfinished houses, and laughing until our stomach's hurt (or until someone was sent to their room--Rach:)

Here it is folks, my family in all their glory:

ducks and sunshine

today is a good day.

i woke up to clean sheets and the sun peaking through the window. no nightmares. i did my daily routine of reading a conference talk, fixing a quick breakfast and heading out the door.

this song has put me in such a good mood. there is something about country music and the sunshine.

as i walked up the GINORMOUS hill, i saw these little ducks snuggling up next to each other, basking in the sunlight. part of me wanted to join them to avoid my time-pressing capstone campaign this morning.

no matter. i turned the corner and saw my second home (the building i have lived in the past two years). i will only be trekking this journey to the Brimhall a few more weeks before i am on the homestretch to graduation.

my how time has flown.

 i do love school. i have definitely had my fair share of struggles living in Provo, but the good definitely outweighs the bad.

i still wonder what life will be like when that safety blanket of being a student is ripped off and we are thrown into the "real world"... i'm excited to find out.

finding clarity in the midst of finals

With finals on the horizon, including many group projects and client presentations, stress is in the air.

As a way to cope, I tried to shake things up a bit by studying conference talks in the morning and attending to the Temple in the afternoon.

The baptistry was fairly empty tonight, which is quite a rare occasion for anyone familiar with the Provo Temple. I sat down on the last bench next to a teenage girl, who appeared to be reclusive to those around her. I did not mind this because my heart was set on bigger matters. I had felt heavy all day trying to sort through reoccurring nightmares, academic coursework, NY preparation, etc. I came to the Temple hoping to ease my heart.

As a way to cope, I brought with me A Prophet's Voice, Messages From Thomas S. Monson--a compilation of all of President Monson's talks as prophet--in preparation for this weekend.  I highly recommend this book. It has so many wonderful messages.

As we progressed to the confirmation room, I noticed the girl behind me was making interesting hand gestures. I thought maybe she was overly expressive or trying to be reverent. However, as the night progressed it became obvious--she was deaf. She was signing with a man who appeared to be her father. It was one of the most amazing things I have seen. What may appear to be a simple process for me, was much more difficult for her. Yet, her "caretaker" selflessly loved her and helped her understand everything that was going on around her by signing every step of the way.

After watching them for an hour, I felt humbled. After having read a talk, in which President Monson encouraged all the women to study, pray and serve more fervently, I figured out my problem-- I am thinking too much about myself. As I watched this man and teenage girl interact, I felt honored to be in their presence.

Sometimes in the midst of finals, or time-pressing situations, we forget what truly matters. We forget how to serve. We forget how to properly prioritize. We forget to stop, take a moment, and breathe. We are capable of far more than we think we are.

As President Monson said, "My dear sisters (and brethren), do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your task will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

I wish so badly that I knew sign language in that moment. I would have told her,"Thank you for being an example to us all, for not allowing a physical disability get in the way of what truly matters."


 Note to self: next time I am feeling heavy, love myself enough to forget myself once in awhile.

on the horizon: NYC skyline

I bought my plane ticket yesterday. I'll be living here in less than two months. I couldn't be more excited. Working in a metropolis like New York City, all by myself--I'm ready. 

beautiful people

This is a beautiful, raw piece of art. Short on time, I promised myself I would only watch a minute or two...seven minutes later I am admiring the design, message and overall emotional appeal of this video.

It is empowering.

If you have time (which you always do if you make it a priority), watch this! It's beautiful.

(mom you will especially love this)

my favorite things

I'm feeling kind of down today so I am going to make a list of things that make me happy:

1. A good, sincere prayer.

2. A cloudy sky.

3. babies. babies. babies. Nick has two darling nieces that we see once in a full moon. However, one weekend we had the opportunity to babysit the little angels while their parents went out for a date night. Although baby Abby screamed for most of the night (because we forgot that she needed a binky, that darn binky), I loved being around such cute little minds and bodies attempting to soak everything up. I especially love watching Nick explain to Kessa, the older of the two, how to build things out of legos. She will be one smart cookie.

4. Zumba. I am taking a Zumba class this semester and no matter what mood I come to class with, I always come out happier. yeah for dancing. yeah for exercise.

5. Learning. Although I am becoming more lax about my schoolwork, I am learning out of curiosity. I am reading to read and not just to fulfill an assignment.

6. Grammar rules. I know this may sound silly, but I assure you it's not. In my MComm 320 class we sit down for three hours a week and go over the basic rules of grammar and writing. I love every second of this class. It feels so good to learn and solidify ways to become a better writer.

7. Watching the news. I don't know if this means I am getting older, more educated or simply boring but it feels good to be educated on current events. Maybe I am in the right major....?

8. The Bachelor. Rachel, Cars, Nick and I dedicate Tuesday nights for dinner and a trashy drama:) But for reals, we alternate each week making dinner for the other couple while willingly (Cars started out as a doubter, but he soon became a believer after one episode) celebrating this reality TV show. It feels good for once to watch drama unfold and not be apart of it:) I know the logic of the show is faulty and the overall plot may be disturbing, but it's hysterical. To be honest I mostly enjoy the company, but all the same, Tuesday is a night I refuse to miss.

9. Skiing. Nick was kind enough to buy me skis--spoiled I am. (But grateful I also am!) So we have made it a goal to go once a week. Although he is much better than I am; I'm learning. I am pleased to inform you (mom) that I went from "pizza" to "french-fries" in one outing. I am still learning perfect carving form; however, I can almost keep up with this boy.

10. This boy:

His name is Nicholas Wright Homer.

Brandon Flowers

The Killers-Be Still

I got a phone call early Friday morning. It was Caleb Ward. He called to invite me to The Killers' concert with him and his siblings that night. We are concert buddies. It was just a few months ago where we were singing and dancing with Kelly Clarkson as loud and long as our bodies would permit. 

I am one lucky girl. 

The concert was unreal. Who knew that a rock concert could be a spiritual experience. Among the craziness of the drummer, the uncontrollable fans and the beer in the air, I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe hoping to release as much stress and pain that I tend to foster in my soul. Rather than worry about the countless other people and things demanding my time, I wanted to be there with my body. Listening to Brandon's genuine emotion and heartfelt lyrics, I felt alive. 

Things I know:

I love Brandon Flowers, more than ever! He is truly a powerhouse in every sense of the word.

Dancing cures any sadness.

This song speaks to me soul right now. 

"Don't break character, you've got a lot of heart....BE STILL."