day seventeen

Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

... I am pretty happy just being me, but if i could switch places I think I would go for someone like Oprah. I would like to have a lot to give and still tons for me... :)

day sixteen

Day 16 - Another picture of yourself

really? this is hard, i am the one behind the camera 99% of the time...

Day fifteen

Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

1. One of us-ABBA
2. In too deep- sum 41
3. Night Drive- Jimmy Eat World
4. Running out of days- 3 doors down
5. Long Road- pearl jam
6. Lucky you- lost prophets
7. Sweet home alabama- lynyrd skynyrd
8. Tower of sand- chris Merritt
9. Lifestyle of the rich and famous- good Charlotte
10. Crazy- K-Ci and Amp

enjoy!

Day fourteen

Day 14 - A picture of you and your family

Here are our christmas day pics.

Day thirteen

Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Dear Person,
I love you so much, why must you be so cold to me. You are callus to me and ignore my attempts to make our relationship work. I am frustrated that you are not reaching your full potential and that you are making the work harder for others because of your poor attitude. Why must you destroy the most important thing to me, our family? I hate that you are selfish and look to find ways to stay away rather than trying to accept change. You take us for granted. No matter what I try, you shoot it down. I wish you could see the hurt in our family's lives because of your petty behaviors. I want to give up so bad. It would be easier. I hope someday you can know the hurt you have caused.

Sadly,
Your Sister

Day twelve

Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one

I just typed in create a blog in my google search and this site came up. The reason I started one was to stay connected with my extended family especially my Grandmother Bonnie. My first post was about out trip to Seattle for Poppy's Wake.

Day eleven

Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends



This is Ashlee my best friend and roommate. As you can see we have fun where ever we are!

Day Ten

Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

happy.... I have a playlist called feeling good. It has songs like Everyday by Buddy Holly, and Happy Go Lucky Me by Paul Evens
sad... I listen to the same play list to cheer myself up. If I am in a super somber mood I play Josh Groban.
bored... I usually play music I can sing really loud to like Journey, and Musicals
Hyped.. I guess the music I listen to when I am hyped is just upbeat stuff with a good beat like Ive got a feeling by black eyed peas or Dynamite by Tio Cruz
Mad... I am rarely mad and so I don't know what I listen to but again probably stuff to take me out of that mood. I also can turn on classical and that helps a lot too!

Day nine

Something you’re proud of in the past few days...

I am proud that I proposed my thesis at the end of fall semester. I know that is more than a few days, but I think it counts!

Day Eight

Short term goals for this month and why.
I have a few short term goals this month. (by this month I mean mostly January, being that it is the 28th already).

1. The first goal is to go to the temple every week. I recently received my endowments and have absolutely loved the blessings of going to the temple.
2. Write my Thank You notes for Christmas Gifts
3. Submit my IRB form
4. Write Bryant and Greg on their Missions.
5. Work out and eat healthy every day

Sorry I know they are boring, but hey that's me.

Day Seven

Something or someone that has had a great influence on me.

This is a tough one because there are several things that influenced me like my parents, friends, but I think the thing that has influenced me the most has been the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Everything that I hold dear to me stems from this. My eternal family, my wonderful righteous friends, my time at BYU. Everything exists because of my testimony.

Day Six

Favorite superhero and why.



This one is easy! I Love superman! I love everything from the comic to the cartoons to Lois and Clark, Smallville and the movies. (I actually have quite the collection). I fell in love with superman when I was a kid and Lois and Clark was on TV. I Dean Cain was such a great superman!



I dont know how anyone could dispute the greatness of the man of steel! Lol

Day Five

A place you have been....

Well I have been many places, but my favorite has to be here...




and here...



and here....

Day Four

A habit I wish I didn't have....
I love sweets. I wish I didn't have to eat a sweet to end every meal.



ps. these are moms amazing cinnamon rolls, don't they look perfect!

Day Three

A Picture of Me and My Friends

I don't really have a ton of friend that I spend my spare time with, rather I enjoy my family, roommate and her family, so this is a tricky one. I decided a pic of me and the basketball team was a great idea instead. Each person on the team or coaching staff is my friend and I am so lucky to be able to work with each one of them this year. I love each one for their own unique personality and have had a ball traveling with them. Thanks team for being my group of friends!

Day Two

The name of my blog is "Come what may and love it" This comes from the title of a general conference talk by Joseph B Wirthlin. The talk is all about how your attitude determined your happiness, not what happens to you. I will post it because it is beautiful and exactly how I try to live my life.

General Conference / October 2008
Come What May, and Love It
JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN
OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES




The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.
When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted.

When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life.

“Joseph,” she said, “come what may, and love it.”

I have often reflected on that counsel.

I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

There may be some who think that General Authorities rarely experience pain, suffering, or distress. If only that were true. While every man and woman on this stand today has experienced an abundant measure of joy, each also has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.

For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.

How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother’s words often came back to me: “Come what may, and love it.”

How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.

Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you.

Learn to Laugh
The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?

There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh.

I remember loading up our children in a station wagon and driving to Los Angeles. There were at least nine of us in the car, and we would invariably get lost. Instead of getting angry, we laughed. Every time we made a wrong turn, we laughed harder.

Getting lost was not an unusual occurrence for us. Once while heading south to Cedar City, Utah, we took a wrong turn and didn’t realize it until two hours later when we saw the “Welcome to Nevada” signs. We didn’t get angry. We laughed, and as a result, anger and resentment rarely resulted. Our laughter created cherished memories for us.

I remember when one of our daughters went on a blind date. She was all dressed up and waiting for her date to arrive when the doorbell rang. In walked a man who seemed a little old, but she tried to be polite. She introduced him to me and my wife and the other children; then she put on her coat and went out the door. We watched as she got into the car, but the car didn’t move. Eventually our daughter got out of the car and, red faced, ran back into the house. The man that she thought was her blind date had actually come to pick up another of our daughters who had agreed to be a babysitter for him and his wife.

We all had a good laugh over that. In fact, we couldn’t stop laughing. Later, when our daughter’s real blind date showed up, I couldn’t come out to meet him because I was still in the kitchen laughing. Now, I realize that our daughter could have felt humiliated and embarrassed. But she laughed with us, and as a result, we still laugh about it today.

The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

Seek for the Eternal
The second thing we can do is seek for the eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?”

But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt.

I love the scriptures because they show examples of great and noble men and women such as Abraham, Sarah, Enoch, Moses, Joseph, Emma, and Brigham. Each of them experienced adversity and sorrow that tried, fortified, and refined their characters.

Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.

Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.

Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”1

With that eternal perspective, Joseph took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome.

The Principle of Compensation
The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. My grandson Joseph has autism. It has been heartbreaking for his mother and father to come to grips with the implications of this affliction.

They knew that Joseph would probably never be like other children. They understood what that would mean not only for Joseph but for the family as well. But what a joy he has been to us. Autistic children often have a difficult time showing emotion, but every time I’m with him, Joseph gives me a big hug. While there have been challenges, he has filled our lives with joy.

His parents have encouraged him to participate in sports. When he first started playing baseball, he was in the outfield. But I don’t think he grasped the need to run after loose balls. He thought of a much more efficient way to play the game. When a ball was hit in his direction, Joseph watched it go by and then pulled another baseball out of his pocket and threw that one to the pitcher.

Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has progressed. They have marveled at his goodness.

Trust in the Father and the Son
The fourth thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”2 The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.

He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong.3

One of our daughters, after giving birth to a baby, became seriously ill. We prayed for her, administered to her, and supported her as best we could. We hoped she would receive a blessing of healing, but days turned into months, and months turned into years. At one point I told her that this affliction might be something she would have to struggle with the rest of her life.

One morning I remember pulling out a small card and threading it through my typewriter. Among the words that I typed for her were these: “The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him.”

She did put her trust in God. But her affliction did not disappear. For years she suffered, but in due course, the Lord blessed her, and eventually she returned to health.

Knowing this daughter, I believe that even if she had never found relief, yet she would have trusted in her Heavenly Father and “[left] the rest to Him.”

Conclusion
Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”

I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.” Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1. D&C 121:7–8.

2. John 3:16.

3. See Ether 12:27.

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Day One!

15 interesting facts about me and a recent photo of myself.



1. I love to be creative in the kitchen
2. I love to take pictures
3. I love the distinctness all four seasons that is why utah is the perfect place for me
4. I have always wanted to learn golf, but it is so expensive, i don't know if i ever will
5. I don't miss lifeguarding at all
6. My favorite color depends completely on my mood. I like yellow currently, but orange green red blue and pink commonly fit the bill.
7. I swam and ran track because they were not teams you had to try-out for because I didn't want the disappointment of getting cut
8. I am rhythm deaf. kinda like tone deaf, but with rhythm.
9. My dream job was to be an astronaut, then I realized it may not happen because of a little thing called motion sickness
10. I love to do my laundry on the road so that when I come home I can just put it away.
11. I love to wear a watch. I feel naked and shambled with out it.
12. I love to wear sunglasses so I can watch people and not look suspicious
13. I love fruit cake
14. My favorite holiday is thanksgiving, because I get to help make the wonderful food.
15. I love the bubble of Utah County and BYU. I would be happy to live here the rest of my life.

Thirty Days to Get to Know Me

This sounded like a fun way to post about myself and let others get to know me. Here goes!

Day 01 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02 - The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03 - A picture of you and your friends
Day 04 - A habit that you wish you didn't have
Day 05 - A picture of somewhere you’ve been
Day 06 - Favorite super hero and why
Day 07 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08 - Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14 - A picture of you and your family
Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16 - Another picture of yourself
Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot
Day 24 - A letter to your parents
Day 25 - What I would find in your bag
Day 26 - What you think about your friends
Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28 - A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30 - Who are you?

Over The Years

20 YEARS AGO (1990):
1. I was four years old, and looking forward to the arrival of my little brother Greg at any minute (arrived December 11th).
2. I lived in Garland, Utah
3. I had big poofy bangs, and I loved to wear dresses. Especially ones that I could spin in!
4. I loved playing with our neighbors Grandma Verla and Carol.
5. I loved to go to school with dad play with the injured athletes (I look back and laugh at my subtle career moves).

10 YEARS AGO (2000):
1. I just moved to Minot, ND.
2. I was a freshman in High School.
3. I joined the swim team and track team.
4. I struggled to find myself, but found a love for the outdoors.
5. I spent my entire summer in the river behind our house and playing night games.

5 YEARS AGO (2005):
1. I was in my second and third semesters of college at BYU.
2. I became the pool manager
3. I made amends with an old friend.
4. I truly fell in love with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and found myself.
5. I decided that I really wanted to be an Athletic Trainer.

1 YEAR AGO (2009):
1. I graduated from BYU with my B.S. in Athletic Trainer
2. I started my M.S degree in Athletic Training
3. I sent Greg on a Mission
4. I finished my long stint as pool manager
5. I moved to the perfect apartment in Springville closer to both Ashlee and my families!

THIS YEAR (2010):
1. I finally figured out my health problems and lost 62 lbs
2. I became an aunt again!! (Corban 10/14/08, Zander 7/6/10)
3. I started my second graduate assistantship at BYU with the Women’s Basketball team
4. I got a new camera (Nikon 3000) and can’t stop taking pictures.
5. I got to go camping and to Seattle during the summer because I didn’t have the pool to worry about!

NEXT YEAR (2011):
1. I will graduate with my MS
2. I plan on keeping the weight off
3. I am planning on attending the temple (endowment).
4. I hope to get a grown up job after graduation.
5. I will get to see Greg off his mission, Geoff on to his, Matthew with his license and who know what else!