Joes corner

2012-02-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

"Theones who say "you can't" & "you won't" are the mostscared that "you will!"

today nick left for the Philippines! i went to the airport to send him off! he was so happy!!!! it was awesome! it was nice just to be able to sit there and talk to him in person, not just in letters haha walking down the hallway after saying goodbye to him was the WORST thing ever! that hall seemed so long! it just sucked knowing that this was the last time that i would see him till he gets back. but he did call tonight while he was at his layover in san fran!! talking to him was se-real. i mean talking to him i swear it felt like he was just down the road at his house!! i hate it! i feel like im completely alone now! i just hope and pray nick and connors time goes by fast! it already feels like they have been gone for years now!! and its hardly been any time!! ahhhhhh screw this! but hey there doing good things right? i guess this gives me time to focus on me and things i need to do in my life!! like golf and school. haha im not going to lie the part that im scared about with nick and connor being gone is im scared im going to get married because i dont have then to keep me busy haha honestly that scares me! i cant get married with out them in my wedding!!!!!

2012-01-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

were kind of......awesome

and awesomeerrrrr

(shes going to kill me for putting this on her............. )

last 2 weeks have been some of the best weeks of my life!!!! for starters church ball season has started up!! thats a huge thing! haha i love church ball maybe a little too much... oh well its such a blast! i have grown so close and love the guys on the elders team. each on of them have had a hand in shaping me into the person that i am today! with out there example i dont know where i would be right now. there always looking out for me, there always calling to see what im up to and see how im doing! heres to another great season for that!! then i went to the paint party down town with deven and tanner!! oh my gosh that was by far the best party that i have ever been too!!! it was so crazy! and the music was great! i couldnt of asked for a better night!! then i had a date this past saturday with kayli! shes such an awesome girl! its funny cause i met her a little over a year ago from brakken and havent really talked to her till last week, but we went down to this gymnastics place in provo and usually when i go to places like that with friends im one of the only people who can do anything... wellllll little did i know kayli did gymnastics for like 7 year!! yeah........ safe to say i looked like a fool who couldnt do anything compared to her haha it was kind of embarrassing wont lie!! but shes so much fun to be around with her personality! its nice its been hard for me to really get my feet back in the water per say when it comes to girls and dating lately because of some mental issues that happened... but its nice to start to feel confident again when it comes to this area! i cant wait to see what happens!

2012-01-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

...usually i know what im going to wright about before i start writing... tonight im just writing in hopes that it will take everything off my chest... i feel as if everything in the world is hitting me square in the chest right now. i feel so alone.... ive never felt this before.... i dont like it at all, i feel as if no one is around like im in a dark room trying to get out. everything i seem to do some how makes a U turn and comes back right at me. when people told me growing up was hard i thought they were crazy, but now i know what they mean im at so many cross roads in my life... its just a mess, i just hope that ill make the right decisions. i thought by keeping my self busy with work and school would help with all of this... but i all most find my self looking back at my past.. and what i had then looking forward to whats coming. the one conclusion i have come too is that i need to put my self first. i always put other people before me, thats a good thing dont get me wrong but i feel that why im partly in this dark room.... its time to think about me and do whats best for me.... i hate making resolutions because they never happen.. so ill just set some goals... this yeah im going to work on every area of my life but more importantly im going to focus on me. make sure that im doing everything for me that i can!

2012-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be

But you stay here right beside me
And watch as the storm blows through
And I need you

Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
And for when I think I lost my way

The more i look around at certain people that are in my life the more and more i realize that "god gave me them" for just about everything that goes on in my life. its funny how we tend to take people for granted. we never really think how have they helped me, or impacted my life? and was it for good or bad? guarantee if we did that we would show more love towards the people that have made a positive impact in our lifes and we would cut the negative ones out of our lifes. why would you want someone who around you who has been a negative influence? with pretty much all of my guy friends away on missions its made me look at the people who are in my life or have been and kinda evaluate what influence or help they have been to me. i could go through and name the ones who have been a positive help and i could name the negative ones. im just grateful for all the people in my life who have helped me *through the ups and downs*

Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up (Official Lyric Video)

2012-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

2012-01-05T23:37:00.000-08:00

"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life"
"Friendship is what gets you through the bad times and helps you enjoy the good times"

everyone says that there grateful for friends. but do you ever really take a step back and think how grateful you really are for your friends and how they help you in your life? I like to think that i have a lot of friends.. but I only have a few really close friends that I would do anything in the world for. I would drop what ever im doing to help them out. its funny when every something is going on in your life, you always seem to have that one friend who is going through the same thing.... or that could just be my case haha. but one person im extremely grateful for is Wade.... ohhh man mr. Wade now hes one of a kind! but thats what i love about him! theres no one else quite like him!! ive always been found of him from when i first met him, altho i wasnt sure if he liked me at first ha. but lately he has been one of the only things that has kept me going. kept my wheels turning. with everyone pretty much gone on there missions its been kind of depressing my best friends are gone, and parts of my life have seemed to be crumbling around me, I was at a loss i didnt know what to do. or where to turn. but wade was there, we can have conversations for hours! we can hang out and literally do nothing but still have a great time! hes such a great guy and i couldnt thank him enough for everything he has helped me with. now he may not know all of what he has helped me with but he has helped me more then he knows. just listening to me and making sure i follow my own advice and dont settle for less then i deserve. hes one of the best friends a kid could ask for!!! its going to suck when he leaves me for his mission in a few months! its going to be tough! but hes doing an amazing thing!

Good riddens 2011 and HELLO 2012!!

2012-01-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

as i was standing downtown and the new year rolled in, i took a min to reflect back on everything that has happened in 2011. 2011 was full of ups and downs, love and heart breaks, meeting new people, letting go of others. friends leaving and reaching goals. it was also full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. but one think 2011 did was teach me about my self, it showed me just how strong i really am. and also that i can get through anything that i set my mind to. the world is my playground. now i just have to go out there and explore. now that the new year is upon us theres no where to go but up from here!

so heres to 2012!!!!!

2011-12-27T01:33:00.000-08:00

got to stay together till the sun comes down and we dont know where were going from here... but we got to stay together till the sun comes down. great words if you ask me... thats one of the mottos that i try to live by. well this week was christmas.. and i can say it was great while it was here but im glad i dont have to work everyday for 9 hours... people are mean when it comes to shopping haha but this is a great time of the year for us to remember what is really important to us.. our family. we have all the jack in town! ive never seen that many people at my grandmas house!! it was so good though! family is the glue that holds my life together and i realize that! i just love the holidays...

2011-12-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

there are twist and turns around every corner in life. once we realize that our life isnt going to be a straight shot to the finish line, but that there will be twist and turns along the way. thats when we learn how to live, we need to remember to love the ones who truly care for us. dont settle for people when you know you deserve better and they dont truly care about you. love our enemies. lifes too short to keep grudges or be mad at people... face lifes challenges in the face and dont ask why me? some one once said. "We have no right to ask when sorrowcomes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same questionfor every moment of happiness that comes our way." lifes too short to live that way. and when people hurt you or do things that devastate you. dont seek revenge and eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. show them kindness be the bigger person. in the end its worth it and you feel so much better after. i mean lifes short. what good is it to count life by the years you live? you should count it by how good those years were.

2011-12-15T23:57:00.000-08:00

well.... today was definitely an emotional roller coster.. i went to a thing at the church that the bishop invited me to speak at with the missionaries, upon my surprise when i got there one of the elders look familiar.. i couldn't figure out why for the life of me. after it was over i went up to him and talked to him, then it hit me when we were talking he was my district leader in the MTC he was the guy that i broke down to that first night when he asked me if i was ok. he was the one, he was the only reason that first night i could go to bed... we both sat there after we realized that and i teared up a bit. it was a bitter sweet reunion and something i didnt expect to happen, i never thought i would see him again.

Good Things to Come

2011-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

“Don’t give up. Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead ,You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.” - Jeffery R Holland. this talk gets to me every time. when ever i need a pick me up i turn to this talk. all thanks goes to elder fahina for giving it to me.

2011-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

welcome.... this is my great family!

2011-12-07T22:45:00.001-08:00

i was going through some boxes today when we were trying to put stuff away from getting new flooring and i ran a crossed alot of photos, its way hard to believe i was that small and looked like that! haha oh how things change, and meko was so small... its crazy ive had her for 15 years!

2011-12-01T22:21:00.001-08:00

today has been a day of self reflecting... i guess thats what happens when you have alot of free time on your hands. ive been reflecting on a lot of different things.. one of them was how grateful i am for the challenges and obstacles ive had in my life, at the time they may of seem to hard for me to overcome or i couldnt see why i was going threw them. but sometimes you need people to ask you about them for you to see why you had them and how they have helped you.. one of them my good friend connor brought up in one of his emails, he started off asking me if i even regret coming home from my mission. and anyone who knows me knows that this has been something that has haunted me for the longest time and will, ive always had a pitty party for me about this, why me blah blah blah. but then i was suprised connor said that hes greatful that i came back (not what im use to hearing) and how ive helped him so much in the month leading up to his mission, and how ive helped me get more faith in himself and help him find who he really is and how to listen to your guy and how to have courage when eveyone thinks your doing something wrong but stick to what you feel is right. and it hit me. yeah i regret coming home sometimes but then i think of all the good that ive done... ive baptized a friend helped someone come back to church, and i also realized all the people i have met and all the relationships i have built by being here, i wouldnt of had any of those if i was still gone! me and connor got so close! and helped eachother through some of the hardest times, and thanks to him hes put that whole thing in a different light for me!! only guy that has ever made me cry by things hes said. then how blessed i am for people in my life... my family for sure! with out them i am nothing, they are my rock, the only people that will never leave me for any reason they will always be there for me. and elder johnson.. i found the letter i got from him last week and he told me something weird... as soon as he saw me in the MTC he knew i was destined for great things and i was going to serve in a different way. he told me he thought he was crazy but now he realized what that meant . i still think hes crazy after i read that, if i could be half the person he is i will be ok! so as ive been reflecting yeah i may have struggles and what not but, i have them for a reason. and its my job not to be like pore me but to try to see the reason for the struggles and learn from them what im suppose too.................... yep i just sounded like a girl... hahaha oh i love my life :)

2011-11-30T11:56:00.001-08:00

well nicks gone... but i know hes doing a great thing, so every time i get down about it i just have to think about that and all the good hes doing... its weird the 3 amigos or musketeers are all gone... but i guess were just all going on our own adventures around the world till we get back together... ive had alot of reflecting time now.. in a way its nice, something i havent really had. i did have a great experience at the temple today, it was neat... words just cant quite describe what happened

2011-11-28T23:37:00.001-08:00

sooo today i went to see the light down at draper park with shauna and ashley, then some how we ended up with mustaches dont know how... but i think we look pretty good in them!! were kinda cool.... they i was tired of sitting abound so i decided to make something... and walla!!

Céline Dion - That's The Way It Is

2011-11-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

a person very dear to me told me to listen to some celine dion, they said it would help. i didnt have much to lose so i did.. this song really struck a note with me, the words really hit me and made me think about everything, and helped me realize it may be hard at times but it will all work out.

When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

2011-11-23T23:34:00.001-08:00

well today was fun.... and interesting haha we took family pictures with my moms side. its allways interesting when we have all of my moms side together. we just pray the real pictures turn out some what good. then i had the privilege of getting called in to work (yay me!!) and tried to get it ready for black friday.... im going to be hating life come tomorrow night.. but BRING IT ON!! then all the family came over to our house for games and all that shazammm oh did i mention im 9-0 in ping pong tonight? i guess you can say im kind of a big deal :)

2011-11-22T21:41:00.001-08:00

tonight me and the family went down to greg olsen's studio!! it was so much fun! ive almost never seen my dad so happy it was weird haha he was just having a blast talking to greg and reminiscing about old stories from the mission, from what i could pick up on, they had alot of stories from when they were in the mission office together along with the field. he is such a good painter!! all of his painting look just like photographs!!! and to hear all the stories and kind of what the meaning behind the stories are. he was one of the first people to use models and take photos of them to use that for his paintings. he is the nicest guy in the world!! and his wife! there the type of people that you want to surround your self with, just good people! the last picture is a painting that he was doing, its so amazing how much detail that he puts in to his work, no wonder the church uses a ton of his works!

2011-11-20T18:16:00.001-08:00

Me and Shauna at the Grizzles Hockey game... were kinda creeps...

Pro Rappers??? yep..

2011-11-20T00:29:00.001-08:00

tonight was soo much fun!! went to noodles and co. and ate till we couldnt eat anymore! then went to my house and played some games with the family. sooo this picture is the result of my mom standing in front of the tv while we were watching the intense Oregon football game, she thought it would be a good idea to stand in front of the tv....well as you can see it wasnt... gosh its times like these that i wish i had brothers....

"Pain heals, Scars fade, but Glory lasts forever"

2011-11-19T00:15:00.001-08:00

this snow makes me sad.... this doesnt bode well for golf :(:(
guess..... SNOW GOLF!!! :) among other things... wow theres alot going through my head..... butttt something like this stuff is better left in my head i guess...

Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You

2011-11-18T01:52:00.000-08:00

he says it all...

2011-11-18T01:47:00.001-08:00

nicks last 80's night :( it was sad but we had such a blast!!!! we got to live it up till he goes!! :)

2011-11-13T21:36:00.001-08:00

some of nicks mission photos that i took today!! hes going to be a great missionary!!!

"you will not receive your testimony till after the trials of your faith."

2011-11-10T09:51:00.001-08:00

We do not understand:

Joy.....until we face sorrow

Faith.....until it is tested

Peace....until faced with conflict

Trust....until we are betrayed

Love...until it is lost

Hope...until confronted with doubts

-Unknown

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves."Henry David Thoreau

"Don't you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come." Jeffrey R Holland

Happinesscan be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn onthe light

‎"when you have something good, never disregard it for the foolish thought of a chance of something "better". because one day you'll look back and realize just how good you had it, and it will be too late. and in the end you're still the fool."

Jump Then Fall

2011-11-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

I love taylor Swift. theres always some song to describe how I feel at any given time..

No Arms No Legs No Worries

2011-11-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

Be Grateful for what you have, and know you are worth something

Im Thankful for.....

2011-11-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

My family is the number one thing in my life, there the reason for living. they have helped me with so much and i will forever be grateful for them and everything that they have done for me in my life.

Everyone from the MTC... these were a group of the greatest guys around!! all tho my time there may of been short i learned so much from these guys. i will always be friends with them, they have been such a big part of my life and im so glad i had the opportunity to meet and get to really know these guys, not a day goes past when i dont think about them and all the great work there doing.

oh my sweet sweet brakken... haha only one more year and hes back! he is one of my best and closest friends, he was there for me when i needed someone the most when i came back from my mission and i needed a friend, hes like my brother and i would do anything in the world for this kid.

good old hillary... where do i even start with this girl? she has been one of my closest girl friends for a while now, theres no one else quite like her! who ever marries her is going to be one lucky man! i can always have fun around her and joke with her. shes always there when i need to talk, she just always seems to be there! im so thankful for getting to know her better. my life wouldnt be as fun with out her in it.

Kylee, altho ive only known her for less then a year i feel like ive known her for so much longer then that, shes been a big part of my life, been there for ups and been there for the down's. i couldnt even imagine what my life would be like with out meeting her and im very very happy i did! she seemed to come in to my life when it seemed like it was going to crumble around me. she always could pick me up when im was down. i can always have fun with her, my most favorite memory is sitting in her basement reading the scriptures.. to me that was a very special thing and ill always cherish it, and she may never know that. she will always play an important part in my life!

shauna bo banna.... ive knows her for... wow i think like 7 years... or something like that... wow... anyways she was my best friend in highschool! we would have so much fun together if it was washing wilson and mia (our cars) taking photos for photo class or passing notes in english... yes we act like were 5 deal with it!

Kim Thompson... if i went threw this whole thing without giving thanks to my freaking awesome golf coach, ive been taking lessons from him for 5 years! he has open so many doors for me with out him i could of never mad alta's golf team let alone have the chance to play college next year. hes the coolest old guy you will ever meet! we can talk about anything and everything some times we will start talking about girls and problems then we will switch and start talking about golf. im glad to call him a friend and a mentor.

connor "keetch" and nick "nickster" ohhhh man haha these two guys are my best friends!!! ive known connor since 3rd grade!! we have grown up together and done just about everything together! he is one of the best kids you can ask for! i always feel at home with him and i can talk to him about everything! hes always there to listen when i had a problem it tares me up that hes gone on his mission but i know hes doing good things!! and nick my loveable brown boy haha i love this kid me him and connor were like ther 3 musketeers... with one of them being brown haha he always knows how to make me laugh and im so greatful for that! i am going to die when he leaves!

2011-11-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

i'd like to think that I'm pretty normal,
I laugh, I get mad, I hurt, I think
girls suck sometimes,
But when you're in the spotlight,
Everything seems good,
Sometimes I feel like i have it worst cause I have to always keep my guard up,
I don't know who to trust, I don't know who wants to date me for who I am,
Or who wants to be my friend for who I really am.

2011-11-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

i love watching golf.... even if it is at 3 am........ im a golf slut and i can admit it.

so yesterday was the best!!! me and nick went to two receptions then went on another double date!! this one topped the other one, it was sosossososososo much fun!! we by far had the coolest dates!! mine was one of the nicest sweetest girls ever! dont see too many of those these days

well i bore my testimony today.... i think its been a looooooong looooong time since ive gotten up there todo that.. it was nice to get up there and do it tho. i know my sunday is exciting

2011-11-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

so the last few days have been so much fun!! i went down to the gateway mall with shauna man ive missed her so freaking much and them me and nick had a double date with melanie and sadie we had too much fun with the camera on the computer... and i can rap up a storm i found out!!! and to top it off i went to dinner with shauna and ashley while they pretended to be british and i was married to shauna... yeah interesting night none the less fun!

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

this is halloween, halloween, HALLOWEEN!!!

if you havent gotten it yet today was halloween... me, Cole and Matt went dancing at UVU it was so nice to get out of the house and just go have a night to forget about everything that has been going on lately, it was coles last night before he leaves for a month... im going to have no one here ugh oh well guess ill just work alot. can i say its so fun to dress up as mexicans... i dont know why

2011-10-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

I really wish this was out when i came back... these things have pleged me more then people know.. like they pointed out

A missionary’s return is meant to be a joyous occasion. But it doesn't always happen that way.

It is the mark of a job well done, of two years of sacrifice devoted to God and others. Homecoming for a returned missionary should be a time for family gathering, congratulations, and reflection. For me, it was quite different—depression and bipolar disorder sent me home before my 10th month was up.

That doesn’t stop others from treating me like I am somehow less than I should be. For thousands of missionaries who come home early—whether due to rule infractions, health issues, or emotional struggles—much of the trauma lies in the treatment given by well-intentioned friends and neighbors.

Conclusion and Consequence
After returning from 10 months of service, I received several letters and comments from friends and acquaintances urging me to “not give up” and “go back.” While generally understanding, the expectations set by others crushed my spirit. I wanted to go back. I loved my mission. I hoped and prayed that, above all else, I could get better and return to the field. And yet I knew that I would not return. I knew I was in over my head. The good-natured but misguided pressure to “just cheer up” hurt deeply.

I learned quickly to keep my mouth shut. At college the few people who bothered to pursue the subject of my age would not accept “20” as a legitimate answer. Some accused me of being dishonest. Those who didn’t would likely ask, “How can you be home from a mission? Did you even go? What did you do to get sent home?” The worst part? I was still trying to sort out those feelings myself.

I recognize that much of the hurt I felt was unintended, or a result of inexperience with this issue. So, in an effort to educate, here are some tips on how to approach an early release missionary—whatever the cause of release—from someone who has lived the disaster.

1. Recognize how traumatic the experience is for the person coming home.
Many early release missionaries feel loss, nostalgia, or longing to be back in the field. Coming home brings both relief and sorrow. It’s akin to graduating from high school and leaving good friends behind. The conflicting emotions are difficult to deal with.

The thought of “What if?” or “What might have been?” is a constant nag, so allow your missionary to work through his or her feelings. It’s ok for them to be sad. It may take months for the wounds to begin to heal. But given time, they will. Let us grieve. In the meantime, supportive friends and neighbors should say, “We love you and you’re worth so much to us,” not, “You don’t have to be sad.” Many of us need to work through our grief to heal. Simply show love to us while we do it.

2. Don’t search for something to say.
You don’t need profound words of encouragement or a prepared speech to address an early release missionary. I recall many moments of pause, confusion, and stammering when I explained that I came home early. What early release missionaries do not need to hear is “sorry.” We want to know that our sacrifice mattered. We want to know that, whether our service lasted 24 months or two, we are still people in your eyes. For me, an arm around my shoulder, a “Welcome home, Elder,” and a warm smile are all I ever wanted coming home. That’s all you have to do.

3. Don’t be surprised if early release missionaries discuss their problems infrequently.
It may be too painful right after the return, or perhaps it is simply too much of an effort to explain the conditions of the release. I felt that no matter what I would say, my parents and friends would not understand what I was going through. I was largely right. Unless someone has had a similar experience, it is difficult to connect. Don’t feel shunned or unloved if your son or daughter or friend doesn’t share the dark days of his or her mission with you. Encourage conversation when you can, listen intently to understand, be sure they have someone to talk to, but don’t put blame or guilt on early release missionaries for not being “open” about their issues. They have enough on their plate already.

Pep talks and cheering up strategies didn’t work well for me. What helped me most in the awkward transition was moving on with life. Going to school, dating, and working all helped me put the nightmares in the past. Now, six months after the fact, I can look back and reflect with clearer vision.

4. Treat early return missionaries like everyone else, and not as if their situation makes them some kind of an anomaly.
Ask them about their future goals and dreams. Talk about old hobbies they might pick up again. Get reacquainted with your missionary. It is not necessary to discuss his or her difficulties in the mission field in order to reconnect.

New Beginnings
I consider myself exceptionally lucky. I came home to a warm ward, understanding family, and dependable friends. I may have felt alone and inferior at college due to the reactions of some ignorant people, but I do not regret the decision to come home. I served God when He asked, and I earned an honorable release. Every early release missionary should be proud of his or her contribution and willing heart.

I was told an analogy that has struck me inside again and again. In the military, the view of completing missions and of wounded comrades is quite different from our view of similar situations in religious missions. If soldiers rush into battle and are wounded on their first mission or 50th mission, they are treated the same. They are given medals. They are applauded for their service, no matter how long. Their brothers and sisters at arms risk their own lives to rescue and restore those soldiers to their homes. No one looks at them differently. No one says, “Well, you didn’t really help the war effort, did you?” or “Toughen up, man. It’s just a bullet.” These brave men and women are honored and respected for their service.

So should it be with missionaries. We were willing to go where the Lord asked. Sometimes we get hurt. All we ask for is acceptance and love. We return with dread, hoping our partial offering will still be acceptable to those we care about most. My hope is that every missionary will be loved and respected. With your understanding and support, it can happen.

Advice from a Mission President
Craig M. Moffat, an allergist for Intermountain Healthcare in Utah, returned from service as the president of the Washington Seattle Mission in the summer of 2010. He has extensive experience with missionaries who return home early. Here’s what he says:

“When I call parents, the majority of them are understanding. They just want what’s best for their child. They want to know the issues and voice their concerns. Parents are most often confused as to what to do.

“The steps that have to be taken are, first, apprise the leaders and parents and second, keep communication lines open. As a mission president, I don’t have the time to work out the particulars for the missionary’s care when they get home. That is up to the parents.

“The greatest weakness in the system is the transition home. The best advice I’d say is to love the missionary. They have suffered tremendous internal torment, guilt, anger, and fear. They carry a spirit of self-incrimination, saying ‘If only this’ or ‘If only that.’ Parents will do best if they accept them with open arms. And when the time is right, sit down and talk about the issues. Don’t fluff it over.

“The problems come when parents are defensive and angry. These feelings are quickly absorbed by the missionary. They think they’re unworthy anyway. Tell them it’s okay. Get them talking. How a missionary perceives his or her mission will reflect upon how that missionary perceives him- or herself. Put aside stereotypes, don’t worry about the long-term results, and get them help.”

2011-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

this morning Rufus went back home to his heavenly father. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Rue you were the best dog anyone could ever ask for, you were always there when someone needed you no matter who it was. you were so calm and good with everyone, you really were the perfect dog, you could always calm my nerves and if anything was going on in my life i know i could just go sit with you and you would make it all feel so much better. You were there when i needed you the most, that night before i went in to the MTC when i went out back because i was having a panic attack you could tell something was wrong. Ill always remember you running over to where i was laying on the grass, and you laying next to me and just licking my face for the longest time. You wouldnt stop haha, you would just lay there and lick me. You really did help me to calm down and to know that everything was going to be alright. i will always... always remember that night and what you did for me, it meant so much to me. As i laid next to you all last night and this morning, i only hope that you knew that i was there for you, and i wasnt about to leave you when you needed someone there the most. I was going to stay by your side to the very end, because thats what you did for me and it meant so much. I love you Rue i hope you know that, your in a better place now but that still doesnt mean i dont miss you like crazy. You will always be in my heart and prayers. Ill love you forever. till we meet again.

2011-10-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

heres my second go at this.. i think im mainly going to log things that stand out to me... so i can remember the important things..

Pg. 30-45

have ye inquired of the lord?-- if we really want answers we cant just ask the lord to tell us, we need to inquire. i never really would inquire.. but after reading this it makes me realize that if we dont theres now way were going to get answers to our prayers.

whoso would harken unto the word of god and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness to lead them away to destruction.

by small means the lord can bring about great things....

ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the lord your god.

2011-10-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

You know, I fake it oh so well, that God Himself can't tell what I mean and why my words are less than parallel with my feet... you ask me what I need, and all I really need.. is to breathe.... i found this and i like it. it really makes you think...

2011-10-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

so along with blogging my life, ive decided to make little mental notes and feelings that come to me as im reading the scriptures, my goal right now is to read 15 pages a day and pray after. lets see how this goes...

pg 15-30

the holy ghost is a gift of god unto all those who diligently seek him.

for he that diligently seeketh shall find, and the misteries of god shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the holy ghost-- isn't this how we should be living our lives? always diligently seeking after god? instead of seeking things of the world?

(tree of life) knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? yea, it is the love of od, which sheddeth itself abroad in the heart of the children of men, wherefore it is the most desirable above all things and most joyous to the heart.\

the great and spacious building was the pride of the world.

the fountain of filthy water enen the river of which he spake and the depth thereof are the depths of hell.

2011-10-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

so today connor was flying out to brazil so i decided to go wait for him and say one last good bye!! i had to wait around the baggage check in for an hour and a half before the missionaries finally showed up, i was so nice to be able to surprise him! and to see him one last time for 2 years! i really am so happy i was able to do that, gosh im going to miss that kid. but hes going to learn and grow so much!! im so happy for him words cant describe it!! it was nice to be able to talk to him and just see how hes holding up and all that fun stuff, then i went over to his house to help his mom set up his blog and got to talk to him again on the phone!

2011-10-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

its safe to say... im a quote whore... i love quotes. i cant help it. when ever im having a hard time with something in life i seem to have a quote that helps me and keeps me moving along in the right path.

2011-10-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have been doing alot of thinking lately at my thinking spot, and this is one of my new sayings for life. I think its a good thing to live by!

Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

2011-10-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

If you love someone don't give up on them....

2011-10-23T18:44:00.001-07:00

‎"I believe we have all been created for better things than we can comprehend."- Jeffrey R. Hollan

i LOVE Jeffery R. Hollan's quotes!

2011-10-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

man on man... sooo much has happened since i last wrote.... my best friend in the world connor left on his mission.. that may of been the worst night of my life so far!!! the good part is i got to be his companion for an hour and we went out and ate at gauls cause its tradition! when i finally said goodbye and give him one last hug it was the worst! i got that feeling you get when you know your going to cry so i had to leave, i took one last look and ill never forget it... its almost like we knew what each other was thinking it was so weird! when i got to my car i just lost it... i couldnt fight it anymore! i just sat there and cried. i know hes doing a good thing but its still way hard to have your best friend since 3rd grade leave for 2 years... so its been hard since he left i dont really have words to fully describe it.

2011-10-18T01:29:00.001-07:00

so tonight me and connor had our last late night movie night for 2 years... that really didnt hit me till just now... its the most bitter sweet thing in the world.. i know hes doing a good thing but still, ive grown up with the kid hes been one of my best friends for 10 years.. hes always been there for me when ive needed a friend... ive never gone really more then a month with out seeing him. and now hes going to be gone for 2 years... just thinking about it gets me all teriey eyed... this is going to be so tuff for me.. i mean all of my other friends are pretty much gone... its almost fitting in a weird way that hes the last one to leave, since he has been one of my closest friends.. i honestly dont know if i could of been able to get threw some of the things ive gone threw the last few months if he wasnt here. i would be so lost and not in the right place. hes kepted me from doing some many dumb things and making so many stupid desicions. now he may never fully realize the impact that he has had on me. but he has been one of the best influences that i could of asked for.... and i honestly dont know what i would of done with out him.. we've been threw so much and done so many crazy things... from getting chased by jeff in his truck to going threw the temple. or our freaking sweet trip to st george this last week that i will never forget... hes just the best thats the only way i can put it.

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.

We The Kings - Over You (Lyrics)

2011-10-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Inspiring: How Bad Do You Want It? (Success)

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

2011-10-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

‎'Seek forgiveness of those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged you. Forgive yourself.'
Elder c. Scott Grow

2011-10-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

as im sitting here in nicks condo and all i can hear is connor and nick playing the xbox. i decided to check my emails and i got a letter from an investigator that i taught in the mtc, not its not to often you get real investigators in there but me and my comp lucked out but anyways, i was reading the email and we challenged them to get baptized so long ago but only the wife ever accepted. but she emailed me at told me that her husband is finally ready to get baptized, i cant explain the joy i have! usually someone wouldnt care i mean i never taught them in the field. but these people actually wrote me a letter when i got home and i still have it, i mean for a non member to write me and tell me that eveything happens for a reason and they knew i was suppose to meet them. i mean to me thats something thats pretty cool!! when i get back im setting a goal. i have a few book of mormons that i was going to take on my mission. by the end of the year im going to place all 5 of them. this is my way of making my experience at the MTC the most i can and continue my mission.

2011-10-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

today i went threw the temple with connor and nick while they got there endowments out. it was so nice to go to that and be there as they went threw for there first time, i was so happen and excited for them!!! its such a wonderful thing to be able to go threw the temple and have the blessings that are granted to you because of that. im going to miss those guys so much there like my brothers.

best part about this picture is we all look retarted.... and it looks like im 50 pounds bigger... i dont like that.

Citizen Cope - I Couldn't Explain Why (Official Video)

2011-10-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

citizen cope your the only thing that gets me threw the days on days like today....

2011-10-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

well today was general conference, and thanks to grandma i had the priviledge of going to the ending session with kylee! it was such a nice thing to go do, and im so greatfull i got to spend it with kylee!! it was such a great session, there wasnt really any talks that i didnt like, there was only one that i couldnt understand what he was saying haha so im not really sure if i liked that one or not. there was a few of the talks that i liked alot. but the one that i really like was elder richardsons. his is the one that really seems to hit me hard and mean the most. from what i got his overall theme was teaching by the spirit and if we aline our manner of teaching the spirit we will be alined witht he holy ghosts teachings personaly and how our quest to peruse getting better may seem discouraging, we shouldnt let it stop us from reaching our goals. it was such a good talk! but the part that hit me the most really wasnt apart of the main theme.. in the opening he said. even tho i left my mission, my mission didnt leave me. after all these years i feel like my mission was the best 2 years FOR MY LIFE . he didnt say of his life, he said for his life. now that really struck me ive never heard anyone say it was the best years for there lifes... and after i thought about that i thought about my super long mission, yeah it wasnt what people would call a mission but to me it was and it really was the best week and a half i could of done for my life, i will for ever be greatful for it. it has shaped my life and was a crucial part of it. and i now realize fully i dont need to do my papers again, im done with my mission for now ( even tho your never really done) it was the best thing i could do FOR MY LIFE and its helped shape me in to who i was today.

2011-09-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Don’t you dare for one more second surround with people who are not aware of the greatness you are – jo Blackwell

these fall night just dont feel the same, the feel colder and darker then usual.

the days seem longer and longer.

colors dont seem to be as bright as the once were.

things dont have much meaning now that your gone.

i just want thing to go back to the way they were when it was just you and me and we could of taken on the world.

2011-09-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

honestly i dont even know what to write or if anything i do put will make sence, my head is spinning so much right now i cant get everything to make sence, im at a mix in my emotions right now im between being mad but then i want to break down and cry... i dont know what i want to do because one min i want to scream and yell then i want to just cry.... i dont know what to think anymore, i promised my self i would never let my self get so close again or be so open and honest about how i feel and be venerable bcause something seems to happen, i know how i felt and i cant throw it away... oh if only i could explain those things, it was so real.. im so hurt and down this isnt going to be good for my tournament saturday.. ha the best part is its exactly a year ago when brookly ripped my heart out and did the mexican hat dance on it too... i just guess my luck really is that bad, they always say god has a reason for things.. well if he would want to come explain why everything has happend in my life i would be more then willing to let him come and do that.. i feel like i have had so many triles and roadblocks in my life. with my dads illness, my emotinal problems, anxiety and my mission. i just want to know why they keep coming. isnt it my time for all the good things that i have been promised?? cause i sure think so, i dont know how i can be expeced to continue to be strong, i have been threw so much just to get here. no one even knows how much its taken me. its taken everything i got to get here, theres plenty of time ive wanted to quite lord know that. i was told it wouldnt be easy that it would just be worth it. and thats the only reason i have pushed forward i was promised these blessing if i just kepted moving forward, i feel like i havent gotten those, whens it my turn? i dont mean to be selfish but i need the help. right now i just feel so betrayed by the people i thought i could trust and that i cared about, im backed up against a wall and i feel like theres no way around that wall.. there was only a few things that i cared about in this world... and would of done anything for those things. now i feel like i have been deserted by one of those things and its the worst feeling in the world. maybe i will go put my mission papers back in... cause nothing really seems to be going according to plan here anyways or worth staying here for.. everything here just hurts you in the end.

The worst thing about falling is when its over, you realize that instead of just falling… you fell.

If you love someone, don’t give up.

You just have to go after what you want and if it doesn’t want you back then so be it. It doesn’t deserve you anyways..

Second chances are hard to give, but in the end theyre worth it.

Somewhere theres someone of your dreams who is waiting for that special person, just like you are –nicole jack

The truth is.. everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for – bob marley

Love is when 2 people know everything about eachother and are still friends.

I miss that time when I liked you and thought you liked me too..

Maroon 5 - Misery

2011-09-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

says it all...

2011-09-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

i LOVE my emails from brack they are the one thing i look forward too every monday!! and these are a few new quotes that made my quote list..

“Have you noticed the saddest person always has the most beautiful smile” - Kid Cudi”

You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life... Zig Ziglar

"Its tempting to sit and wait for life to come to you. But it cant, Its too busy. Life is out there. You have to go for it." -Harry Beckworth

its not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters... -Epictetus

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."- Christopher Robin to Pooh

"Don't be just another member of society, be a living example of your dreams and goals." - Author Unknown

Kiss Me Or Not - Thompson Square - Cover by Caroline County

2011-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

im not really a fan of country music but i like this song haha

2011-09-25T01:12:00.000-07:00

soooo the past two days have been a freaking blast!! and much needed!! well i guess its really been one day.. but yeah... anyways friday night we went back to out old ways and went off roading back up to pyramid it is the BEST view in all of salt lake valley and utah valley! ill attach the video so that was fun getting up there considering we broke like 5 laws.. like moving the rocks they put there or moving the fence so we could get the cars threw... then... we went tping... haha we got 2 different houses it was like middle school all over again it was great! finally got home at 4 then i had to wake up for a tournament today in 2 hours haha i played with my sister and a really good family friends grandson and his friend we did pretty good considering who we had playing we finished 4th which was better then i expected the big win was the prizes we won... i spent 50$ on things... and made a profit of 900$... i walked away with a 700$ painting.. yeah its the coolest thing ever! then we went to a haunted hospital in tooele it was so fun! but im looking forward even more to next weekend!! kylee's coming up which i cant freaking wait for! and conference which we are going to, its going to be so awesome!

Patrick Stump - This City ft. Lupe Fiasco

2011-09-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

i loooooooove this video.... then again its prob. cause lupe is in it.. he so freaking good!

2011-09-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

well... tonight me and connor watched a movie called paul... best movie ever!! then we met our new friend henry!! the raccoon hes the best!

2011-09-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

i got this from a friend but isn't it true? isnt this what life is all about????

Life is about laughing and living, in good and bad times. Getting through whatever comes our way and looking back and smiling.

2011-09-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

applebees..... oh dear goodness... so tonight me and nick went to dinner to connor and we teated him since he is living soon, it was way to just go to dinner with them we got to talk about pretty much everything going on in our lives. girls, school, work, missions and all that and we also decided that once they go threw the temple that we would go at least once a week if not more! im way looking forward to that its going to be great! oh man we had so much food!! and we finished it all and mostlikely it was in a record time we scarfed down an appatizer main course and we had 2 that right 2 deserts! oh my hevens that was so much food but worth every bit of it!!!

17 miracles

2011-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

today i went and saw 17 miracles with my family, ive heard alot about this movie but it honestly was way different then what i thought it would be at first... its the story of the martin and willie handcart company as they travel ac crossed the plaines to reach zion, it was a very touching movie, quite the tear jerker didnt really expect it, but the one thing that it did for me was confirm that this is the true church, even tho it may be hard its worth it.

They never said it would be easy. They just said it would be worth it.

2011-09-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being.
Dallin H. Oaks "desire"

I have chosen to talk about the importance of desire. I hope each of us will search our hearts to determine what we really desire and how we rank our most important desires.

Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming.

First I speak of some common desires. As mortal beings we have some basic physical needs. Desires to satisfy these needs compel our choices and determine our actions. Three examples will demonstrate how we sometimes override these desires with other desires that we consider more important.

First, food. We have a basic need for food, but for a time that desire can be overridden by a stronger desire to fast.

Second, shelter. As a 12-year-old boy I resisted a desire for shelter because of my greater desire to fulfill a Boy Scout requirement to spend a night in the woods. I was one of several boys who left comfortable tents and found a way to construct a shelter and make a primitive bed from the natural materials we could find.

Third, sleep. Even this basic desire can be temporarily overridden by an even more important desire. As a young soldier in the Utah National Guard, I learned an example of this from a combat-seasoned officer.

In the early months of the Korean War, a Richfield Utah National Guard field artillery battery was called into active service. This battery, commanded by Captain Ray Cox, consisted of about 40 Mormon men. After additional training and reinforcement by reservists from elsewhere, they were sent to Korea, where they experienced some of the fiercest combat of that war. In one battle they had to repel a direct assault by hundreds of enemy infantry, the kind of attack that overran and destroyed other field artillery batteries.

What does this have to do with overcoming the desire for sleep? During one critical night, when enemy infantry had poured through the front lines and into the rear areas occupied by the artillery, the captain had the field telephone lines wired into his tent and ordered his numerous perimeter guards to phone him personally each hour on the hour all night long. This kept the guards awake, but it also meant that Captain Cox had scores of interruptions to his sleep. “How could you do that?” I asked him. His answer shows the power of an overriding desire.

“I knew that if we ever got home, I would be meeting the parents of those boys on the streets in our small town, and I didn’t want to face any of them if their son didn’t make it home because of anything I failed to do as his commander.”¹

What an example of the power of an overriding desire on priorities and on actions! What a powerful example for all of us who are responsible for the welfare of others—parents, Church leaders, and teachers!

As a conclusion to that illustration, early in the morning following his nearly sleepless night, Captain Cox led his men in a counterattack on the enemy infantry. They took over 800 prisoners and suffered only two wounded. Cox was decorated for bravery, and his battery received a Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism. And, like Helaman’s stripling warriors (see Alma 57:25–26), they all made it home.²

The Book of Mormon contains many teachings on the importance of desire.

After many hours of pleading with the Lord, Enos was told that his sins were forgiven. He then “began to feel a desire for the welfare of [his] brethren” (Enos 1:9). He wrote, “And … after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith” (verse 12). Note the three essentials that preceded the promised blessing: desire, labor, and faith.

In his sermon on faith, Alma teaches that faith can begin with “no more than [a] desire to believe” if we will “let this desire work in [us]” (Alma 32:27).

Another great teaching on desire, especially on what should be our ultimate desire, occurs in the experience of the Lamanite king being taught by the missionary Aaron. When Aaron’s teaching caught his interest, the king asked, “What shall I do that I may be born of God” and “have this eternal life?” (Alma 22:15). Aaron replied, “If thou desirest this thing, … if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest” (verse 16).

The king did so and in mighty prayer declared, “I will give away all my sins to know thee … and be saved at the last day” (verse 18). With that commitment and that identification of his ultimate desire, his prayer was answered miraculously.

The prophet Alma had a great desire to cry repentance to all people, but he came to understand that he should not desire the compelling power this would require because, he concluded, “a just God … granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life” (Alma 29:4). Similarly, in modern revelation the Lord declares that He “will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9).

Are we truly prepared to have our Eternal Judge attach this enormous significance to what we really desire?

Many scriptures speak of what we desire in terms of what we seek. “He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken” (D&C 88:83). “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts” (D&C 46:8). “He that diligently seeketh shall find” (1 Nephi 10:19). “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).

Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy. We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power. We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities.

Those whose highest desire is to acquire possessions fall into the trap of materialism. They fail to heed the warning “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world” (Alma 39:14; see also Jacob 2:18).

Those who desire prominence or power should follow the example of the valiant Captain Moroni, whose service was not “for power” or for the “honor of the world” (Alma 60:36).

How do we develop desires? Few will have the kind of crisis that motivated Aron Ralston,³ but his experience provides a valuable lesson about developing desires. While Ralston was hiking in a remote canyon in southern Utah, an 800-pound (360 kg) rock shifted suddenly and trapped his right arm. For five lonely days he struggled to free himself. When he was about to give up and accept death, he had a vision of a three-year-old boy running toward him and being scooped up with his left arm. Understanding this as a vision of his future son and an assurance that he could still live, Ralston summoned the courage and took drastic action to save his life before his strength ran out. He broke the two bones in his trapped right arm and then used the knife in his multitool to cut off that arm. He then summoned the strength to hike five miles (8 km) for help.⁴What an example of the power of an overwhelming desire! When we have a vision of what we can become, our desire and our power to act increase enormously.

Most of us will never face such an extreme crisis, but all of us face potential traps that will prevent progress toward our eternal destiny. If our righteous desires are sufficiently intense, they will motivate us to cut and carve ourselves free from addictions and other sinful pressures and priorities that prevent our eternal progress.

We should remember that righteous desires cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent. So motivated, we will seek for that condition described by the Prophet Joseph Smith, where we have “overcome the evils of [our lives] and lost every desire for sin.”⁵ That is a very personal decision. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said:

“When people are described as ‘having lost their desire for sin,’ it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to ‘give away all [their] sins’ in order to know God.”

“Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity.”⁶

As important as it is to lose every desire for sin, eternal life requires more. To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God’s children. If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings. The Book of Mormon teaches us that we should “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48).

I close with a final example of a desire that should be paramount for all men and women—those who are currently married and those who are single. All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity. Those who already have a temple marriage should do all they can to preserve it. Those who are single should desire a temple marriage and exert priority efforts to obtain it. Youth and young singles should resist the politically correct but eternally false concept that discredits the importance of marrying and having children.⁷

Single men, please consider the challenge in this letter written by a single sister. She pleaded for “the righteous daughters of God that are sincerely searching for a worthy helpmeet, yet the men seem to be blinded and confused as to whether or not it is their responsibility to seek out these wonderful, choice daughters of our Heavenly Father and court them and be willing to make and keep sacred covenants in the Lord’s house.” She concluded, “There are many single LDS men here that are happy to go out and have fun, and date and hang out, but have absolutely no desire to ever make any kind of commitment to a woman.”⁸

I am sure that some anxiously seeking young men would want me to add that there are some young women whose desires for a worthy marriage and children rank far below their desires for a career or other mortal distinctions. Both men and women need righteous desires that will lead them to eternal life.

Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something, whether a true friend, a gifted teacher, or one who has qualified for eternal life.

I testify of Jesus Christ, whose love, whose teachings, and whose Atonement make it all possible. I pray that above all else we will desire to become like Him so that one day we can return to His presence to receive the fulness of His joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

2011-09-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

so its been a pretty great day!!! utah destoryed byu!! 54-10 may of been the best thing i have watched ever!!!!! went to the haunted forest, connor got pulled over and top it off my grandma is getting me some tickets to conference! all in all its been a pretty great day!! there are some things that could of made it better but its still been good!! and ive almost finished D&C!! :) thats the best part!! its something i started while i was in the mtc and got alot of the way threw it but then i stoped but ive got it now!!