What is it About Ellen and Wisdom Teeth?

Has anyone else noticed that there are a lot of videos out there about kids getting their wisdom teeth extracted? Of course its funny to watch them because many of them have no idea what's going on and mumble on for a while about some random, yet funny, topic.  One particular thing that I'm sure at  least someone else has noticed is the fact that many of them chatter on about  how they are sure that they are on the Ellen Show, because things are weird. Some of them even believe that Ellen was there with them during the surgery.

It is a weird, random connection, but a connection nonetheless. Take a look at some of my favorite "Ellen" videos.

Enjoy.

Growing...

So, I have been doing a lot of reading lately. In particular, a book called Jesus the Christ that talks about the life of our savior. It is a very in depth study that takes many students years to really fully grasp and understand (myself included). I've also been a little bit addicted to blogs and the messages from women whose voices are often overlooked. These women have taught me great things already and I'm excited to continue to learn from them.

I have also had a lot of recent experiences in my life that have made me think more deeply.  With the passing of a friend, the wedding of another and speaking with even more who have found themselves going through hard times, I've found myself on the brink of becoming spiritually mature and it has made the past few months quite a growing experience.

I've comforted, cried with, cared for and served in greater capacity and with more love than I thought I had. I've shared laughs, experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime and beyond and found myself both growing away from and closer to the people in my life that matter most.

So here is my virtual cheers to you all. I would do it individually, but I'm an emotional mess lately, so I'll pass.  To Mom, Dad, and Kevin, Angela, Jessica, Katee, Celia, Maquel, Katheryn, Hannah, Michelle, Jill, Megan and, Shana, Tia, Melissa, Josh, Amy. To anyone I didn't mention by name, know that there are many of you who have been great examples of kindness, charity, truth, strength, determination and endurance and without you, I wouldn't be nearly the person I am today. You are loved, thank you for all of your love and support, it never goes unnoticed, even if I'm not great at expressing it.

Emotional Reunions and Goodbyes

This summer has spoiled me rotten. I've had friends come to Utah from just about everywhere and most have stopped in to say hi. I've had family come and stay, and I've become reunited with adult leaders from the past and been able share experiences and life stories with them as we got reaquainted for a short time.

Because pictures often speak louder than words, and this may be the last time I will see some of these people for years, I decided to just not get all cry-y and weird on here and just put some pictures up instead.  Prepare for the bombardment.

Sisters Winder, Eustler and Mullis (Jasper Ward) 

Also, this summer, as mentioned in a previous post, my cousin Josh came and stayed with me for a few days.  One of my AMAZING friends from home, Kaity Kirby, was also able to make an appearance. While her and an Australian mission companion traveled through the western states.

Kaity was able to go on a vacation with my family to Nauvoo, IL in High School with Kevin and some of his friends, at which time we became even closer than we previously were. She is an amazing example of strength and courage and I'm so glad I got the chance to visit with her for a while. 

Also, it was pretty great to have a native Kentuckian and Native Australian accent in our house at the same time. 

And lastly, for now, I was able to go to Provo last Sunday and see the Bishopric and some of the ward who literally held my hand through the most scary and difficult time of my life, get released. While this wasn't the last time I'll see them, (especially since some of them are still serving in Provo), they made such an impact on my life that it was quite an emotional Sacrament Meeting. More than one spoke over the pulpit about experiences that I personally had in that ward and how the ward banded together to help me. 

Seeing that Bishopric released almost made me feel like I was leaving home again. 

This is my final thank you to all of those people in my life who have had such a positive impact on me and made such a difference in my life. Who, of course, I can't even come close to listing individually. Thanks for letting me share my stories and for letting me be a part of yours.  God be with y'all till we meet again.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A series of unfortunate events in the life of my friend, and ex-maybe-soon-to-be-again-roommate Celia, has led her to consider moving back to Utah, and more specifically Salt Lake!

This would be a pretty great idea, I mean, if you were to ask my opinion, of course. Celia and I lived together for a year, for those of you who don't know and became close the previous year when Celia and I were in a presidency together. 

What I'm really saying in this post is that change isn't always bad, unfortunate events can turn fortunate, and even if she doesn't end up finding a job and coming to live with me, :( it makes me realize how much I value a good, true friend.

Miss you girl, hope things workout for you no matter where you are and what you're doing.

The Hard Question... Who loves Hashtags?

I know, everyone claims to hate hashtags, but we all know the real truth, you love them. I mean who wouldn't want #theirwordsrunningtogether? English majors. Yeah. Before you decide to quit this post and move onto something that you deem to be more funny or exciting, I dare you to continue. Me, myself and I think hashtags are hilarious. When my favorite (don't tell anyone else) cousin, Josh, came to visit Kevin and I in June, we discovered the hashtag #hotmormongirls.

 The following weekend, Kevin came to see me for awhile and we took an AWESOME trip to the Zoo. We saw elephants, bears and even rhinos.

There were also live animals.

We knew we had to carry on the hashtag tradition, so for this outing it was #screamlikealittlegirl and from now on, when we have awkward or funny moments the hash tags seem to just come out. #hetoldmewithhiseyes & #passionateeyeconact came to be when a certain roommate liked a certain boy and we had a late night. In case you aren't aware, people tend to get a little weird after like 10pm, especially when its a bunch of girls hanging out together.

-H

Why Do I Diet? and Other Hard Questions

Recently, I've been trying to eat better & exercise more.. all to drop a few pounds. I drink lots and lots of water everyday, eat lots of salads, not a TON of carbs or sugar.I'm spending all my free time with fruits and veggies and let me tell you, the chocolate is getting pretty jealous.  I've even been running a few times lately, and heaven knows I sweat off a pound a day in this 104 degree weather, so what's the deal!? I lose like a pound every 6 weeks.

I tell myself, maybe if I did this, or this, or even this it would work. False. Don't dare to dream, those dreams will just be shattered and crushed by the powers that be.

All kidding aside though, I feel like there are things to be learned from the dieting and healthy eating experience.  Let's make a list, shall we?

1. You can't just eat healthy, you have to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Ah ha moment anyone? No? Just me? Alright.

2. Even though dreams may be crushed, goals don't have to be. SET REALISTIC GOALS! Instead of saying.. I want to lose 50 lbs by Christmas, say I want to lose 8 lbs this month.

3. To reach goals you have to be dedicated. As "they" say, it takes 30 days to make a habit and only 1 to break it. So, use sticky notes, a chalkboard, an actual paper calendar (Yes, they still exist!), or maybe try a paper chain to build and keep your healthy habits.

4. Have a good attitude! When you are happy it is easier to get things done. Try it, I dare you!

5. Eating healthy makes you feel great! Maybe this one applies to me more than anyone, but healthy eating has literally helped to heal my body. I won't go into the whole Lupus thing cause you've heard it a million times, but there is healing in eating natural foods put on the earth literally by God.

So, now that I've taken a flying leap off of my soapbox, let's get down to business.

I'm running the Color Me Rad 5k in September, it will be my second "race" ever, and also my second one this year, both "fun runs", yipee! Also, on semi-related side note, I may or may not have gotten new shoes that I love!  Okay, so I went a little crazy during shoe sales actually. I'm sorry. Three pay checks in a month is a happy thing. I should be paying my car off, I know, I know!

You guys have to remember that heels are a big step for me, no pun intended! I have so much more to tell my readership of 2, but I guess it will have to wait for now, because I'm too busy playing that stupid Candy Crush game to finish this post.. but really. Ok, so not entirely true, I'm also drifting to sleep. Signing off...

Heidi

10 Things I've Learned from Living with Girls

I feel like I should explain myself a little bit in this post, but I don't entirely know what to say, that would offer a significant meaning or worth to you. Instead I'll just jump right in. As a side note, this post is meant to be serious, but if you know me, you can be sure it will turn into something a little more on the humorous side. 

Without further ado:

1. People say things they don't mean. Get over it! We are all human.

2. Hairballs are inevitable. They will appear in the shower, vacuum, broom, laundry, and sometimes food. Yes, it is gross, but, there is just as good of a chance that it is yours, as there is that it is mine.

3. Everybody, and I do mean everyone, WILL, at one point or another smell-up the bathroom.  Have some mercy! (Crack a window,  spray some air freshener or light a candle)

4.  Nobody has perfect morning hair or good smelling breath. Sorry guys, it's true!

5. Regardless of how good you are at singing in the shower, NO one wants to hear it at 4 a.m.

6. Guys, you're not the only ones who have to answer the dreaded, "Does this make me look fat?"question, nor are you the only ones that will be wrong regardless of what you say. 

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7. Learn the girl's "monthly" schedules. It will make life much easier for everyone. Trust me!

8. Diets mean nothing when someone in the house makes cookies.

9. Everyone cries either during the Titanic, P.S. I Love You, or every single Nicholas Sparks book/movie.

  

10. If one of you gets a boyfriend, everyone else is suddenly more attractive! What is this about? 

Okay, so not that funny, but valid.