...Have a THANKFUL {heart}

“Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. We have seen our beaches, our parks, our forests littered with ugly refuse by those who evidently have no appreciation for their beauty.” -President Gordon B. Hinckley 

30 Things I am thankful for...

1. I am thankful for my sweet boy Davian.

2. I am thankful for my parents, my family, and my great extended family.

3. I am thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

4. I am thankful for the Atonement.

5. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

6. I am thankful for scriptures. Such a source of power.

7. I am thankful my wonderful friends who support me near and far.

8. I am thankful to be a mother. Both a challenge and a blessing. ;)

9. I am thankful that I am attending BYU-Idaho.

10. I am thankful for a modern prophet.

11. I am thankful for my apartment that has become a home.

12. I am thankful for prayer. My saving grace.

13. I am thankful for Daniel who treats me and Davian so well.

14. I am thankful for packages in the mail. One of my favorite things.

15. I am thankful for a warm bed on a cold night.

16. I am thankful for my talents.

17. I am thankful for a good running car.

18. I am thankful for snow tires.

19. I am thankful faith.

20. I am thankful good movies on a Friday night.

21. I am thankful a good book to read in bed.

22. I am thankful for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday.

23. I am thankful that I went to hair school.

24. I am thankful for the way that I was raised.

25. I am thankful for the little things that people do.

26. I am thankful for Skype calls.

27. I am thankful for Temples. The biggest source of peace.

28. I am thankful to live so close to a Temple. You can see it from any place in Rexburg.

29. I am thankful for understand teachers at school.

30. I am thankful for a grateful heart.

OH, LIFE

It has been an eventful few weeks in the Michelle&Davian house! Here is what we have been up doing...

First, our wonderful friend Jarred came to visit us and we had a great time. His family has a beautiful cabin not too far from Rexburg. We took a little day trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and fun walking around. Davian liked some of the little shops they had downtown and it was pretty fun. I have some pictures but I need to get a cable to take them from my camera to my computer. So, as soon as I do that I will get them up!

We were able to go home and visit my parents and some friends in Washington twice these past month or so. It was great being back in Palouse and great seeing my family and friends. I had so much fun crafting with my mom and being back in my parents house. I sure do miss all of them! (I will have to post some pics of our crafts too). I also had a great time with one of my Best Friends, JANAE. It is great to have friends that you cannot see for a while and then when you do see each other it's like you were never apart. =)

(LOVE, LOVE THIS PICTURE)

Davian started Preschool this week and has been having a great time. He is starting to make friends and I think he is going to settle in well. We have our ups and downs but we make it work together. I sure do love that little man.

The biggest thing for me is that I have started my Fall Semester. I only have 9 credits right now because I am part-time until Winter. I am very excited to be taking classes. I have had a lot of time to reflect on things while walking around campus and I really have been having a hard time sometimes. I just don't know what I was thinking not doing college at the "normal" age. I feel like I should be living in a house of girls and making some great friendships. Not only that but meeting the right guy and doing things the right way. I see groups of people who look like they are having such a good time and hear about people's wards and how much fun they are. I long to have the same experiences and things in my life. These thoughts seems to creep in every now and again and I feel sad. However, I have come to realize that these aren't thoughts from the Savior. The Savior doesn't want me to feel sad. He knows that I made some mistakes and He also knows that I am doing all I can to correct things and stay on the correct path. I have come along ways in the past few years and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned. I am where I am right and that is simply the best place for me. Life doesn't ever seem to go as planned, now does it? 

One thing that I love about BYU-I is devotional on Tuesdays. This may have been my first one today but I loved it. It is amazing to see all these young Saints gathered in a "mini" conference center. Not to mention this is a wonderful way to get a Spiritual boost for the rest of the week. Today Vice President Henry J. Eyring spoke (son of President Henry B. Eyring). Eyring spoke a lot about being good stewards to the Lord and what it means to represent Him. He quoted His father several times. There were several things that really touched my heart. I will mention a few things. One thing was that Vice President Erying said was, "Be happy even in difficult or ordinary circumstances." This really made me realize how you can be happy during difficult times. Being happy doesn't mean that things are going to be perfect it simply means that you don't focus on the imperfections. I am so happy with my life even though I long for other things. I know that right now I need to work on a few things and the Lord is giving me the chance to do this. Another great thing that was mentioned (quoting President Eyring) was, "The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to change you so that you're not trying to resist change. You're trying to have change take you where the Lord wants you to go. How you answer the question of who you are will determine almost everything." I really love this. I think it speaks for itself and I can really testify to it's truth. And one last quote from President Eyring, "Our hearts, fixed on Him and His work, will keep us on course, however the wind blows." I know that by following the Lord's plan for me I will end up where I need to be at whatever time in my life. This I am truly thankful for!

I am so thankful that I am in Rexburg, Idaho. I am thankful that I can attend school and grow in so many ways in my life. I love the "Spirit of Ricks" and couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now.  I know that Davian and I will grow so much during our time here.

The Past Week and a Half

This past week Davian was off visiting his dad. This meant I had a lot of free time on my hands..

On the 13th Davian and I headed over to visit my friend Hailie in Malta, Idaho to spend the day. We had a lot of fun swimming in the kiddie pool, eating popsicle's, and riding bikes. Well....Hailie and I rode bikes and Davian sat in a wagon that was tied with a jump rope to the bike. I am sure we were funny to look at but Davian loved it! 

The following day Davian went with his dad to Grandpa and Grandma Haines' river house in Garden Valley, Idaho. From what I hear they had a good time. Hopefully I will post more about that later. 

So what have I been doing while my little love was gone?! Well... 

I spent most of my time spending time with family, friends, and enjoying just having some down time.  I was able to go on two dates down in Utah and had a great time. It had been a long time since I have been out and it was great to have some fun and relax. 

My first date took me to the park where we had Sushi. This was my first time trying Sushi and I was surprised with how much I actually liked it. We had some great conversation and I enjoyed my dates' company very much. My second date was spent at Goodwood BBQ with a guy that I met a year and a half ago. The food was delicious and the company was just as good. I was very thankful for the opportunities that I had to go on some dates and really start to get a feel for what I want. I have really come to realize that I am ready to move forward and date more.

While I was in Utah I was able to visit some family down there that I don't get to see very often. I stayed with my cousin Sara, her husband Sean, and their kids in their home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. I was very thankful to have a place to stay and we even more excited to have a BBQ the next day with even more family. This included the Bryan and Tanya Borough family, the David and Becky Borough family, Matt and Nathalie Smith -> (who are having a baby!!), Nathan Smith, and Laci Ferwerda. It was great to catch up with family that I haven't seen for a long time and I am glad they are close enough to visit when I need some family time! I had a great time in Utah for sure. 

I returned back to Malta, Idaho to spend the rest of my time with Hailie's family. We did a lot in those few days. Between mountain biking up the canyon near their house, a temple session in Twin Falls, needing to replace 2 tires in 3 days, a random hiking/camping trip, and lots of late night homework and t.v.. We all had a great time and it was a great week to keep my mind off missing my little love! I was even able to visit my good friend Jarred in Twin Falls. It was sure great to see him and catch up. 

Here are some pics =) 

 Davian swimming in his undies!

 Midnight snack...stealing some cookie dough.

 Swimming at Jarred's

Our amazing wagon ride! 

 Sidewalk art!

 Me heading to one of my dates ;)

At the top of the canyon

 Heading out on our hike

 The lake

 Yup, I picked all of these

 Nothing better than eating straight out of the garden

 Our huge fire while camping

Sweet house warming gift from Jarred 

 Grandpa sent Davian a hawk feather. He was so excited about it!

Glad to be back home...We are best friends.

All in all I had a great time but there is nothing better than having your son light up when you pick him up. Nothing can compare to the love that I have for that little boy and I am very thankful for the special bond that we have. This week will be my first week of having a physical class at BYU-Idaho and I am looking forward to it! Davian will return back to visit his dad in a few days for one more week and then we will adjust to life in Rexburg, Idaho!

Come What May, And Love It

Something that I really enjoy doing is watching the Mormon Messages Videos. I found this one today and I really love the message. We can't choose how our life is going to go but we can choose the attitude that we have and sometimes that can make all the difference. Come what may, and love it =)

Adventure in Rexburg, Idaho

Well, life has changed a lot since I last blogged. Davian and I are now in Rexburg, Idaho. To be totally honest Rexburg is not a place that I ever imagined I would be. It was through a lot of prayer and pondering that I came to realize that this was a good place for my little family. We have been here a week now and it has been great. So far, I love my ward, my apartment is great, and I am excited to be at school. 

Here are a few things that we have done this past week:

My parents moved us down here and we were able to spend a lot of time with them and that was great. Davian went to Yellowstone with Grandpa while my mom and I settled in the apartment. 

For the 4th of July we went to fireworks with an old friend of mine from elementary school/church. Her name is Nancy and she has a wonderful little family herself! 

 

  

My mom, Davian and I were able to go to Bear World and check out the wildlife and ride some carnival rides. It was a great time. 

This past Friday Nancy and I went to Idaho Falls Temple. We went through with our friend Trish (another church friend) as she went through for her endowments. The following day she was sealed to her husband and two little boys. Such a wonderful time to share!  

All and all we are having a good time and enjoy thing new adventure in Rexburg, Idaho. We will see how much we enjoy it when summer fades and winter comes! Here are a few more pictures just for fun! 

 First day in the new apartment =)

 Being silly!

 His new room

 Picnic with Mom

Rexburg Temple. So thankful to be close to the temple. I can see it from my parking lot! Can't wait to go to a session.

Stupid Boy

Stupid Boy 

(Keith Urban)

Well, she was precious like a flower
She grew wild, wild but innocent
A perfect prayer in a desperate hour
She was everything beautiful and different

Stupid boy, you can't fence that in
Stupid boy, it's like holdin' back the wind

She laid her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
Stupid boy, stupid boy

So what made you think you could take a life
And just push it, push it around?
I guess to build yourself up so high
You had to take her and break her down

Well, she laid her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't

You stupid boy, oh, you always had to be right
But now you lost the only thing
That ever made you feel alive
Yeah, yeah

Well, she laid her heart and soul right in your hands, yeah
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans, yes, you did
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't

You stupid boy
Oh, I'm the same old, same old stupid boy

It took a while for her to figure out
She could run but when she did
She was long gone, long gone

She's gone
Long gone
Yeah she is now
Yeah, ohh

On and on [incomprehensible]
She loved me, she loved me, she loved me
God, please, doesn't matter no
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry baby

Yeah, I don't believe
She's never coming back to me

The Lord's Timing

"Accept cheerfully the place in life in which you find yourself each day, believing that while you are in that place, it is the best place on earth for you."

On Sunday Sister Wilke talked about the process of how the caterpillar transformers into a butterfly. She talked about the struggle it takes for a butterfly to emerge out of its chrysalis. She related this to our life and our own personal trials. Sometimes we have to struggle so we can grow. Above is a cute little quote that I got from Relief Society on Sunday. It is always amazing to me how the Lord knows exactly what we need to hear. You have to go through the hard struggle to grow. That has been difficult for me to learn but I know that all the experiences that I have will be for my good and help me grow into the woman that I am suppose to be.

LIFE AS I KNOW IT

I decided to try this blog thing again. I am not one that is good with words or do I think that what I have to say is all that important but I think this could be a good release. Also, I thought this would be a way to "journal" some of the happenings in my crazy mixed up life! So here it goes...

Right now I am attending school at SFCC, working part-time, and being full-time mom. As I think back on my life I never imagined it would be this way. Here I am at 23 returning back to school when I should be finishing. While school has been a blessing it has also been a challenge. I have had to learn to balance my time with Davian, work, and school. It has been tricky but I know that an education is the best way to secure a better future for Davian. I know this short-term struggles will be well worth it in the end. At this point I also have to assume that I will never get married again. I can't base my life decisions on assuming I will be married again. I have to live my life in the present and not in the future. Though, I want to get married again, at this point it isn't something that I am choosing to focus on. I know that prince charming is out there and really he must be pretty great considering how long the Lord is making me wait for him ;) In all honesty, I think the Lord wants me a little more prepared for that chapter in my life. So here I am. Driving myself crazy while attempting to get an education and being mom. Thank goodness for the continuing support of my wonderful family and friends!

Davain. He is such a busy boy. I have truly loved this age. He's personality has been unfolding throughout his three years of life and he cracks me up. In fact, as he says, "I crack myself". Even he finds himself amusing. He truly has a sweet heart and lots of love to give. Lucky for me he loves his momma dearly. I love all the funny things he has to say. I will make an effort to remember them and write them on here to share. I am so very blessed to have him in my life and wonder where I would be if he wasn't with me. He has brought me such an amazing amount of joy and love. He has truly been a healing power in my life. The Lord has truly blessed my life in so many ways.

I am looking forward to the future that is approaching. I have been praying and pondering about some changes for the future and I know that great things are to come!