"attitude is altitude"

So I may be the world's worst blogger but I couldn't stop myself from posting this inspiring video. Here is a man without arms or legs who goes around motivating people to change their attitude towards life. We should all learn to focus on what we do have rather than what we don't. 

Learn more about Nick Vujicic.
Thank you Matt Henningson for sharing this video. 

talents

Today, I am grateful for the talents of others. This man is incredible. Beautiful music. Perfect for studying. Enjoy!

oh the simple joys...

Today, I saw a man riding his bike with no hands while playing his ukulele. Absolutely made my day! I'm sure he was about to bust out singing too. Too bad I missed it. Definitely put a big smile on my face :)

winter is here

Usually, I would be sad about this because of the freezing cold and snow here in Utah but...this year I'm not. That doesn't mean I'm happy about the snow and cold either. I don't have any feelings about it besides the fact that I now get to listen to Christmas music every chance I get. You can still give me a hard time about it. I'm not forgetting about Thanksgiving, just super excited for Christmas! It only comes once a year people, so better get in as much as you can. My roommates and I already have plans to decorate, make sugar cookies, and yes...put up our tree this week :) So please stop hating on my love for the happiest time of year! Just love it.

The first snowfall...last Tuesday. Love the beautiful mountains here! I really do love the snow. I've adapted. It's so beautiful to just watch it snow outside. Especially when I'm curled up on the couch with a blanket and hot chocolate. Ideal. 

Hope everyone is excited for winter and the holiday season. Get out your decorations and Christmas music :) Don't forget about our Savior whose ultimate example and sacrifice make it possible for us to be here and become more like Him. 

miss mcglothin...aka "teacher"

To a bunch of first graders, Miss McGlothin was a little difficult to say, let alone even remember. So today, I became "teacher." I'm not sure if I've got that teacher look yet...maybe it comes with experience...?

My anxiety level dropped from about 100 down to 5 today as I was thrown into a first grade classroom to SUB for a couple of hours. Yeah, substitute. Talk about being thrown to the wolves! Thank goodness I had my partner Keelia there with me. The anxiety had to be evident on our faces as we walked into the classroom. Mrs. Taylor gathered her things, pointed to the note on her desk with our instructions and ran out the door. Crap. The kids would be back from recess in 5 minutes. Uh....what are we supposed to do?? We quickly looked over her notes and...relief. A very detailed outline of exactly what to do and at what time. She must have guessed I was a type "A" student. Man, did we have fun with those little kids for a couple of hours!

They were learning the letter "U" today so naturally, I was assigned to read a book titled, Underwear. (Can you imagine the uproar from these 6-year-olds??) The kids had a few minutes of free time before lunch and I received a few love notes from them. One boy in particular loved drawing hearts so I got multiple colored hearts from him :) Thank you Zachary. 

I met my mentor teacher today...the cutest (young and 6 months pregnant with her 3rd boy)! She's so fun and just down to earth. I am really going to enjoy learning from her. I'm sure I will have plenty more cute little kids stories to come :)

the results of parents in provo

My parents and Hannah drove up to Provo for the weekend! Hannah's friend Aubrey came along for the ride but I'm pretty sure she needed a few days to recuperate from all the activities and lack of sleep. I was SO happy to have them here. Even though they had a rocky start to their trip, we still had two and a half days to make up for it.

Started off at the Homecoming Parade! Mikaila danced with her folk dance team. Notice the clothing and hot chocolate...the high was 39 that weekend. Probably the worst weekend for the Arizonans to come up but so glad they endured and made it through the cold. 

Cute girls...Hannah and Aubrey

Josh was able to make it just in time to see his wifey perform :)

And there's our little folk dancer!

We had to go get some soup and warm food afterward since we were all pretty frozen from sitting outside. Guru's definitely warmed us up. Recommend this place to everyone! Such good food and great atmosphere. It was fun joking around and catching up with everyone. 

This was a frequent occurrence throughout the trip. Love catching up with Mom! 

Daddy's girl

Favorite little red head...okay so she's not that little anymore but I am definitely bending down a bit in this picture...don't judge. 

After lunch Mom, Mikaila and I went shopping while the others went to the movies. I'm pretty sure we exhausted this girl to the max. Aubrey chilling outside the fitting room in Macy's.

My dad has always wanted to come out for a BYU game so the team put on a good show for us and came out with a victory. Dad just had to buy the face paint to support the Cougars. Luckily, my new sports job on campus was able to get us pretty good seats (they even had backs to them). No bleachers for us. It was pretty dang cold though! 

The girls and I joined in with the face paint as well. We couldn't let Dad be the only one. That's be too embarrassing. BUT...speaking of embarrassing. The trip wouldn't be complete without a bit of embarrassment from the old man, right? Well, the fam got the complete college experience from a single's perspective. They even came to my singles' ward. I loved it! And...mom and dad REALLY loved it. Mom was able to scope out the boys and see if there were any I was missing out on. (She even put in a good word to one for me) And Dad was able to announce in Priesthood that I was single and they were welcome to come talk to him after church! Yeah that went over well...the guys loved it. And the whole ward loved them. My parents are awesome. 

We planned on having dinner at Josh's until we came over to find him attempting to break into his own house. Forgot the keys...again...surprised? The two of them together were able to find their way in though! 

Playing games with Aub and Hannah after ward prayer.

Such a fun weekend! I have the coolest family ever. It was nice to take a break from studies and catch up with them. Now only 6 more weeks until I get to see them again!

it's about time

I guess it's time I start one of these. I never had a desire to start a blog nor thought I had much to put on here. But after three years of being 645 miles away from most family and friends, I guess it is time to creatively describe my insanely entertaining life with the world! Or at least those who are interested in knowing. Especially since I spend an embarrassing amount of time checking out other blogs. So stay tuned. There may just be something exciting to read in the future.

Some things I'm looking forward to this weekend:

Source: BYU Athletics

BYU beating San Jose State with...

most of this amazing family!

...and no stressing out over schoolwork...until Monday :)