breezy: on a mission

april in the mtc

2009-04-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

apparently, she still needs mail.

looking fabulous in her juicy jumpsuit.

love this pic and love the shadow even more.

did anyone else do this in the mtc?

the wind

2009-04-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

still in the mtc, you can see she has not lost her fun personality.
she is still craving letters and packages.

go here for her most recent letter from the mtc.

Pictures from the MTC

2009-03-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hermana Redfern with her companions, Davis and Sybrowski at the Provo Temple.

Her MTC District.

mission update

2009-03-15T10:20:00.001-07:00

bree is still in the mtc.
this is her sister-in-law, mrs. r, writing for her.

you can read her letters from the mtc by visiting her mom's blog:
mom-o-six, nana-o-two.

she also expressed a NEEEEEEED for letters and goodies from every soul she knows. please take a minute a write her a little note. the addresses are located on the sidebar.

much love.

CALLED TO SERVE

2008-12-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have been called to serve in the ROSARIO ARGENTINA mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints!

I am so excited for the opportunity that I have to go out and teach the people of Argentina about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The time is now that we prepare to meet God.

Brothers and Sisters there is so much work to be done!

The field is in NEED of the message we have for them.

We all need to step out of our comfort zones (all of you who know me know that I am LEAPING out of mine, and yes I do have one) and spread the word!

The Church is True!

Christ Lives!

He wants and Needs us to come unto him!

The time is NOW!

Don't forget to write me :)

2008-12-05T11:26:00.001-08:00

This is one of my Best friends, Erik Johson, I mean Elder Johnson.

He is a lot of the reason why I decided to serve a mission.

We met back in Jan of 2006 and became really close in Jan 2007 when he was preaparing to go on a mission.

His excitement and determination made me excited to spread the gospel.

He is such an amazing eaxmple to me.

One night when we were waiting to here where he was going to go I said to him, "what if you get sent to my home town?"

Well a few days later we find out he was going to serve in The Oakland California Mission.

CRAZY

It isn't exactly my home town but it is the temple we attend, I figure I could run into him but it actually happened this past weekend, 18 months later.

It was totally weird to see him and I was super nervous for some reason.

It was good to see him though because for at least another 2 years I wont, why you may ask?

IM GOING ON A MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!

MY PAPERS ARE IN!!!!!

Now, we just wait.

It could be 10 days, it could be 3 weeks, or maybe like one of my friends and we could wait 6 whole weeks!

Lets pray for 10 days :)

2008-11-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

I always want to blog.

I sit down at the computer ready to write down a masterpiece like my SIL always does and then I draw a complete blank.

Which is completely weird for me because all of you who know me know that my mind is ALWAYS going.

If only I could learn to focus all my thoughts into beautiful words and place them onto my blog.

I am an AVID journal writer but my journal is TERRIBLE. Seriously. You would laugh if I gave you the opportunity to read it, which I wont.

What qualifies a girl to be a missionary?

2008-11-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Most people don’t realize what they are saying but here are YOUR answers:

*Someone “homely” looking or

*Someone who doesn’t have social skills with men or

*Someone who doesn’t have anything else going on in their life (like a prospective husband).

And my personal favorite:

*Someone who isn’t too pretty so they wont distract the other male missionaries.

Whatever happened to a girl being a good missionary because,

*She has a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or

*She has good social skills or

*She can relate to so many different types of people or most importantly because

*She LOVES to talk about the Gospel and wants EVERYONE to have the opportunity to feel and KNOW that the Father in Heaven loves them!

The Life of Crazy Bree

2008-11-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

Let's begin in summer of 2006...

It was a hot day in April, over 100 single, fun, crazy college students gathered onto a field to begin there first day together as BYU Sports camp counsolers. Jordan Francis and Bree Redfern began a conversation that would change there lives forever. Jordan at first didn't know what to think of Bree. The girl was dressed in heals for heavens sake. This was suppose to be a group of "sports camp counsolers" not "EFY counsolers", is the thought that went through most of the other students minds as they sized Bree up. Bree LOVED this type of attention, especially because she knew later on in the day she could prove herself on the bball court. Even though Jordan thought it was a little weird that Bree wore heals she decided to give the girl a chance and they hit it off. So much so that the other counsolers thought they had come together. They even decided to share a bed that night. Every second of the day they drew closer and closer. They had so much in common, even there voices sounded the same, loud and raspy. The next morning they packed up, everyone feeling super excited about the summer and headed back to provo.

Oh the stories that I could tell about this summer but there is much more to get to; like Bree and her crazy dating life. Soon to come...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-11-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween has never been a holiday that I look forward to but when it comes I always enjoy it. This year everything I decided to do was last minute but fun as usual.

Me and the girls!

We were Kfed and Brittney Spears. Too bad I couldn't get him to wear fake earings and a chain...he looks totally normal and totally cute ;)
(You all know I love big T's and hats on boys)

Quick pic after the dance parties!

What a great night!

I Am Alive

2008-10-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Moving to Provo was probably the best decision I made this year.

I have rekindled old friendships, made new ones and everyday I am learning more and more about myself...

Reunited and it feels so good!

Meeting new girls and reliving the good old days with a sleepover!

Getting my groove on again!

I finally get to hang with Jdog and Heb and just be myself!

Life is good.

More importantly I have had so much time to be able to learn and draw myself closer to my Father in Heaven.

I have seen his tender mercies in my life and I am so grateful for them.

Crazy Bree, It just fits

2008-08-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

CB aka Crazy Bree has been my nickname since freshman ball at BYU Idaho.
I live up to it in several ways...
1.) I will dance anywhere at anytime on anyone, usually making a "thizz face."
2.) I have been known to chase a few guys literally and figuratively.
3.) I will talk to anyone.
4.) I tell my life story to complete strangers.
5.) I will compete in any sporting event even if I haven't trained.
6.) I have done some underground boxing.
7.) Dare me and I probably will do it.
8.) I will ask strangers for rides.
9.) I will try anything to make someone laugh.
10.) Lastly I will change my mind about something at the very last minute...
For those of you who know me, how often do I say I am going to go somewhere or do something and then I end up doing something totally different?
Well I did it again...
As of Monday September 1 I will be moving back to Provo!
For those of you who don't know, I JUST moved back to Rexburg, ID on Saturday August 23.
I don't know what compelled me but on Tuesday I packed up some stuff and left Rexburg.
On the way down to Provo I thought "what the hell am I doing in Rexburg?"
I am not in school.
Job opportunities suck.
A lot of my friends have left.
And a big city girl like me needs more then just a Wingers to have dinner at.
When I got here some friends started the convincing.
I looked for housing, talked to a place about a job and within four days I had a place to live and a part time job at an after school program for middle schoolers.
Now that is right down my alley.
Plus I have family and friends who support me here.
Which by the way I also have in Rexburg.
But I just felt at peace here in Provo.
I went to the Temple for the first time in a long time and I knew Heavenly Father just wanted me to be happy.
I found happiness in four days.
I am lucky.
Now I am taking a risk with a few things but isn't that how it should be for a 21 yr old college girl?

STEVEN IS MARRIED

2008-08-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

YAY! We are all so excited for him and we all just LOVE Brooke. As Haylea once said "she just fits." That quote really got to me. I really want to marry someone who "just fits" into my family...as Chris would say..."that's cause we're just the best!"This isn't a great picture of everyone. There where so many cameras no one knew who to look at! There were a few things that went wrong, for instance, it rained and the reception was suppose to be outside but Steven and Brooke could care less, they were just so excited to be married!
We are all so proud and happy for them. I am just glad I got to spend the weekend with a bunch of Stevens single friends and a few of my childhood crushed (check out picture above).
(one of the) BEST WEEKEND EVER ;)

Marriage

2008-07-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

its been a tough few weeks,

probably the hardest for me yet.

but i don't wanna talk about that,

i wanna discuss something that recently has been on many

LDS peoples minds...

Perserving Traditional Marriage and Strengthening Families

there is so much i wanna say.

CLEARLY

the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints

stands for marriage between man and woman.

we always have but now it is asked that we actually stand up and say something.

for some this is a COMPLETE test of faith.

just sitting here writing this i am struggling with the right words in fear of hurting someone.

BUT we have to know and stand for the truth that marriage is between a man and a woman.

there are ones we love who we want happiness for but we

CANNOT

support them.

why?

why dont some people ever get the chance to be married?

why do some people have disabilities?

why are some people unable to bear children?

why does it have to hurt so much to have to say goodbye to someone?

why do people have to die?

why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people?

we may NEVER understand why it is that some people are attacted to someone of the same sex.

why it is that we have to even say anything and fight against something that we may not want to fight against because we dont want to hurt anyone.

but we do know that God has a plan.

we do know that the gospel was restored by a man named Joseph Smith.

modern day revelation exist,

a modern day Prophet exist

if you are struggling with this i suggest you get on your knees and

BEG

beg for a better understanding.

BEG

beg for a way to fight with love.

BEG

beg for faith.

I am a NANNY

2008-06-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

And I LOVE it. I have learned so much in the past few weeks. I have been scared, mad, happy, sad, worried, anxious, fulfilled, rejuvenated, felt lots of love, and so much more. I love every minute of it. Its crazy how much you can learn from children. They bring so much life and they remind you of the important things in life. The kids I nanny for have been through a lot. Sometimes I feel inadequate and don't know if I can give them all the things that they need, but I am trying. I have never had a job that has left me feeling so fulfilled. Life is good.

This is Ben, he is so energetic and fun-hard to keep up with. Such a cutie.

Nicole, shes the creater. Loves to make anything and has so much creativity. She is SO good with kids.

Taylor is the oldest but I don't have a picture yet. She loves to read and is willing to help me with anything. All these kids have brought joy to my life!

A's Game

2008-05-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is ask! Free tickets to the A's game (box seat, and free food!)

My hott momma!

My friends from high school.

High School Reunion

2008-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of hanging out with a bunch of my high school friends the other night. Some are living out of their car, others are going to school, some are still together with their high school sweet hearts, others have moved onto new lovers, some have gained weight, others lost. It was really fun! Like high school though rumors were spread and most of them thought it was a little engagement party for me. I AM NOT ENGAGED. But who doesn't like to be the center of attention sometimes.

We called ourselves the ABC's (Aysha, Bree, and Cady)

My friend who loves to make fun of me because I am mormon...he lives in his car.

The twins, Andrew, and Steven (one of my favorites, such a good guy)

Aysha, Me and Jenn (Stevens girl, shes so fun!)

I NEED A JOB!!

2008-04-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have only been home for a week now, but I am in desperate need for a job. Part time. I already have a nanny job on monday and wednesday from 9:30-1 that I really do like and pays well, but I need more! Right now I just wish I was a full time student...

BECOMING

2008-04-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for college, my entire family shared a couple of opinions on my transitioning away from home. In particular were their thoughts on my developing relationships with new roommates. “Bree is going to have the hardest time with her roommates” or “they are going to have the hardest time living with her” were central themes throughout the household. Those types of statements frustrated me. What gave them the idea that I was going to be so difficult to live with? Well, I knew exactly what gave them that idea...they had lived with me for years and thought it was difficult. I couldn’t say that they had no clue, because they did, but I didn’t want them to believe that forever. I knew it was time me to look deep into why they were saying that—and if true, time for some behavioral change on my part.
A little more about my past
I guess you could say I was kind of a brat. My father used to call me a “paingel”—mostly a pain but still his little angel. I grew up with four pestering brothers, three of which were older. I constantly got picked on and touched; I was their little toy they could just throw around. So of course I developed defensive and “bratty” habits. As the years passed, whenever they would try to tease me, I would fight back by crying or simply screaming for mom and dad. I wasn’t patient with them at all...and they all knew how to “get” to me.
Even though I knew these things about myself I still felt very hurt by their comments. Was I really that hard to live with? When it came time to head out for college I was ready to leave. 5 days after graduation I headed out on a new adventure at BYU Idaho. I left with goals in mind. I was not going to be the “Bree” that my family had known for so long. I needed to be different then they expected. I set out to prove my whole family wrong.
Moving on to college
I moved in and instantly connected with all the girls, but in the back of my mind I still felt as though this could be a terrible experience. My family had embedded in my mind that living with five other girls was going to be difficult for me. I had a few “run ins” with one of the girls the first two semesters. Mostly because I became the one to tell her how everyone else felt. That used to happen a lot, partly because I was used to a contentious environment—it was easy for me to confront people. All in all it wasn’t a horrible year. I made good friends, enjoyed college life, and I didn’t care if someone drank my milk!
I have now attended BYU Idaho for 3 years. I have had over 20 roommates and I keep in contact with most of them. I enjoyed living with them. I actually have had probably the least amount of problems due to the fact that I don’t let the little things ruin my life and my personal relationships. If for some reason my milk looks like someone else dipped into it I just let it go. If the kitchen is mess—I clean it. If a roommate just needs someone to talk to I listen. Am I always perfect that these things? Heck no, but I try. Sometimes I feel motivated because of my family’s opinion, while other times I fell naturally driven to be supportive, friendly, and helpful to my roommates.
What changed?
So what is it that changed? It was me—I made that change all on my own. Having been sick and tired of what my family thought about me, I set out to make a difference in my own life. Sometimes I feel like they don’t always show me that they have seen the change in me, but I know it hasn’t gone completely unnoticed. A times my family still likes to treat me like their “paingel,” but are proud of who I have become.
Why are we a certain way
What ultimately shapes who we are? Maybe it stems from what order we were born in, or how our parents raised us. A child raised in a home where they were given exactly what they wanted all the time would most likely be selfish and demanding. Whereas a child who had to work for the things they received would most likely be a hard worker and excel in many aspects of life. I believe very strongly that how you are raised can be apart of whom you become, but it doesn’t define you. You define you.
In the Redfern family there are things that most of us are similar in. For instance we are very comfortable talking about “taboo” subjects, for example sex. That is a topic brought up very regularly. That was a learned behavior from our parents. They feel it is the best way to keep us informed and moral, and it’s worked for the most part. Is it too much sometimes? Yes, and I have had to learn in social situations to tone down my opinion about the topic because it might offend others. It isn’t always an easy change, but it’s doable.
Another thing about our family is we are extremely loud. Growing up we were always trying to talk over each other. This got me in trouble countless times. Whenever me and my friends were talking in class I was the one who always got yelled at because they could hear me over everyone else. In movies, concerts, church, or even devotionals I either get glared at or shushed due to the fact that they can always hear me (or maybe because in those places you shouldn’t be talking at all).
Problems our country faces
If I let my loud voice or lack of etiquette shape who I wanted to become then I would never learn how to control my life. I don’t mind being known for my loud voice or for being comfortable talking positively about sex, but I have had to learn how to take it down a notch, and respect others that I could potentially make feel uncomfortable. I hate the statement “it is just who I am.” So many people use it as a cop-out—a way to place blame somewhere else for their faults.
This is a problem that our country continues to face. People born into poverty are unfortunately likely to live in poverty as adults. It is all they claim to know, and yet we live in a free society that allows them to change the course of their lives and become something much more then they were given. We live in a land of opportunity. Here in the United States of America anything is possible and yet people are continually blaming their lives on external forces or their upbringing.
I myself have fallen victim to this. It is easy to blame our family, friends, or our circumstances for what we are—and who we are becoming. We need to take personal responsibility. Accept the fact that we have faults, and as we recognize them, we can then begin to change. When you have lemons—make lemonade. Just because life has taken a difficult course and things seem to be falling apart, or you feel like it really is just too hard to change how you have been for 20 years—it is still possible.

TECHNOLOGY

2008-04-04T10:20:00.001-07:00

We have been discussing technology a lot in my science class lately, mostly fears have been brought up. People are under the impression that as our technology increases we will become more "socially retarded." I think it is a possibility but I also disagree. As our technology has increased we have been able to communicate with more people and people from around the world. Think back to the 1800's, people and their interaction with others was limited to letters, letters that take a long time. Then I think about technology, education and the lack there of--through education human interaction has increased. People are more willing to share their opinion and are gaining a better understanding of the world. I think that if we allow it technology to take over our lives it will and eventually control us, maybe help us become more "socially retarded." Its all about balance. NO matter what happens in the future we still have control over our lives.

2008-03-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Where were you born? Wilson, North Carolina
Middle name? Ardrey
How old will you be this year? 21
Nicknames? Breezy, Easy B, BB, BreeDD
Are you taller than your mother or father? Mother
Do you cry often during movies? Yes
What is your biggest pet peeve? People not talking about how they feel
Favorite color(s)? Light blue
Favorite food(s)? Cheese, potatoes
Favorite restaurants? Red Robin, any Roadhouse
Favorite smells? Cologne on Men
Favorite time of the day? Afternoon
What brand of shampoo/conditioner do you use? Changes all the time
What brand of make-up products? Anything cheap unless my mom wants to buy
How many pillows do you sleep with? 1 if that
Do you play an instrument? Sadly no
Have you ever been skinny dipping? Not fully...
Did you play any sports in High School? Yes, basketball, swimming, water polo
What was the last movie you saw in the theatre? 10,000 BC
What is your favorite article of clothing? All my zip ups
What is your dream vacation? Europe
What was your first impression of your spouse? Don't have one
If you were an animal, what would you be? Hyena
What is your dream car? Anything that will run forever and look good
What is one of your weaknesses? Donald :)
What do you fix for dinner when there is nothing to fix? Well, does this mean I need to go get something? I would do chicken and rice.
If you could live in a different decade/era what would it be? Midevil times, but of course only if I was royalty.
What is the emotion you feel the most? Joy
Do you consider yourself outgoing? Too outgoing sometimes
What is something you are constantly working on? Being a better girlfriend
Any hidden talents? I can stick my fist in my mouth.
What is a word or phrase you overuse? I dont want to write it
What is the best thing that has happened to you this past year? Meeting Donald
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Going to the temple
The best piece of advise you learned this past year? Live, Laugh, and Love

Rethinking Education

2008-03-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is the theme of BYU Idaho. But have they really been rethinking education? Donald came to visit me and attended all but one of my classes. He was disappointed, angry actually, at the curriculum that all of my classes had. A lot of them are focused solely on the gospel, even science. How do I feel about it? I LOVE IT! I feel as though it makes things easier, and I feel like I can understand them better when you can revert back to the gospel, but have I really learned about things of this world? Yes, I have learned so much about the church, where it stands on certain issues and how I should base a lot of my beliefs. But when I talk to Donald I feel like no, not at all. He is so smart (this could partly be due to the fact that he is 8 years older then me). He informed me tonight he learned much of the things he knows in his early years at college. He has also visited his brother at BYU in Provo and says that they don't refer to the gospel nearly as much as we do. We are a private university and I believe we should talk about the gospel, but has BYU Idaho be WAY too focused on educated their students about the gospel? I know that when it comes to things of the world I mostly only know about how we can relate it to the gospel. I don't really know what to think right now because I have never met anyone who really thinks the education up here is lacking (mostly because no one here knows any different). People who might know how it is up here have any thing to say about thi? Is it an issue?

bad habit

2008-03-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

you know what i hate about sundays...FOOD. all i want to do is snack. I am not even hungry but i feel an urge to eat. whether it be yogart cake (which by the way is delicious and not as fattening) or peanut butter toast. no matter what i am always wanting more. These are habits i created young.

Granted here i was going through puberty and such but i still had bad over eating habits that i am still daily trying to break and its not easy. good thing this baller knows how to take care of his sweet bod.

haha, i love him.

Yes, I am a "fence sitter."

2008-03-08T20:37:00.001-08:00

“I don’t believe you can be a Democrat and be a good Mormon,” I overheard a young man declare in the library my freshman year. This statement got me thinking; is it okay to be a Democrat and Mormon? Are their views cohesive with my religious views as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons)? Harry Reid, a Democrat and a Mormon once said, “I am a Democrat because I am Mormon, not in spite of it.” Did I agree with Harry Reid’s declaration? It was time for me to find out for myself what I believed and what I stood for. After much studying, many political debates and some soul searching, I came to the conclusion that it is okay to share political views and beliefs with parties on both sides of the aisle. President Gordon B. Hinckley has said that we need more people on both sides, fighting for the good in each political group.
The quest begins
My high school years were filled with controversy. Moving from a predominantly white, wealthy suburb in Oregon to one of the most diverse counties in the United States opened my eyes to different perspectives, especially in the field of politics. I originally considered myself to be a fairly conservative Republican, but also open to all political views no matter which political platform they were part of. Due to my beliefs about what the family is, I had a stance against gay marriage and abortion, thus steering me away from the “left side,” however, many of the traditionally Democratic stances resonated with me. When I moved to California I participated in several school clubs including the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Young Republicans. Ironically, I found myself more accepted in the BSU even though I am not Black. Despite our different racial backgrounds and skin colors, I built strong relationships with many of these people due to our desires to fight for equality. This led me to learn more about their political beliefs and a high percentage of them happened to be Democrats. As we talked politics, I found myself agreeing with many of their views, but through a Conservative lens.
Years later I moved to the Republican state of Idaho; this is where the real political journey for me began. I left California still believing myself to be more of a Conservative, but I was in for a culture shock. After hearing that young man from my freshman year make comments about Democrats, my innate desire to fight for the underdog resurfaced. I started to attend College Democrats on campus. There I was able to gain a more complete understanding of the issues the BSU introduced to me. Here was a room full of my peers who had the same religious beliefs as I did and still floated to the left side. However, we were still by and large the minority on Brigham Young University’s Idaho campus. I faced some controversy from the political majority. For example, en route to a College Democrats meeting I ran into a friend who happened to be chatting with the president of the College Republicans. When I told them where I was headed, his reply was, “Have fun in Hell!” Outraged at his close-mindedness and mostly out of rebellion, I decided right then and there that I was a solid Democrat. Thus began my fight against all Republicans, but that soon changed as well.
Learning more about both sides (so I could argue)
In our family and among my friends, we like to debate. I consider myself somewhat of an expert in this field. I have found that you cannot really be passionate and opinionated about one side of an argument without being knowledgeable of its opposite. But, let’s be honest, it would take way too long to talk about both sides of each and every subject within politics. It takes candidates the better part of year to get debate and rally each issue. As a result, I am going to touch on a few things that I feel passionate about within both parties seeing as they helped shape my current political opinion. The more I research, the more I see that there are fundamental dichotomies within each party. To simplify, Republicans are for less government involvement in American lives and Democrats are for more government involvement. This is very interesting considering Republicans want to prohibit abortion and gay rights and Democrats are pro-choice and pro gay rights.
The main reason why I felt compelled to claim the “left side” came from my research on health insurance. One out of seven people in the Unites States do not have health insurance. Democrats want to move towards socializing health care, making it more affordable for everyone, essentially leading it to be controlled by the government. Republicans feel this will bring problems to health care, long lines and inefficiencies. Both sides want to make things better, but can’t find a common ground.
As for welfare and poverty, Democrats want to raise the national minimum wage to $7 allowing parents the opportunity to raise their children outside of poverty. It seems like a good idea, but Republicans are asking where this money would come from. The answer is taxes. Americans already feel like they are paying too much in taxes. When it comes to welfare, Republican say people should have the choice to give and shouldn’t be forced. This is where I struggle. If we aren’t forced to help then will it get done? I don’t know. I do know that when it comes to the Mormon faith, we are constantly striving to be more like Christ, and He would have helped. However, He never forced anyone to do that same—in fact that was Satan’s plan. Instead, He encouraged others to follow His example.
I also struggle with moral issues. I am a believer in the sentiment, “love the sinner hate the sin.” Republicans are constantly fighting to keep the definition of marriage between a man and a woman. By doing this it seems that we do not love the sinner as we are not giving them the agency to choose how they want to live their lives and who they are allowed to love and marry. But then, as members of the Mormon church it is our duty to stand up for the family as God has defined it from the beginning of time. On some issues like abortion and gay rights, it seems that I am more of a Republican. Having many people close to me whom can only have a family through adoption I am an advocate for women to have their babies and placing them with a loving family who would give them a good life. As for those whom choose the Gay lifestyle, I love them, I mean it, but I am still a believer in the family beginning with a man and women. Yet, on issues like governmental assistance like welfare and health care, I am more of a Democrat. I see good and bad within each party.
Coming to a conclusion
My father calls me a “Demublican” since I am clearly within both sides of party lines. I continue battling my ideas on government and life. I am only 20 years old and it seems that I am holding a pretty high expectation for myself to come to a full understanding of what I believe when in reality I am really on a life-long journey of learning. Politics aren’t something that you can just read up on and become an expert on overnight--or even within a few months. You have to live life, experience things and then draw an opinion from those experiences whether they are the area you are from with their respective socioeconomic demographics, diversity, joining the Black Student Union or going to BYU-Idaho. Despite my evolving political opinion and constant learning, I still have some sense of what I believe and what I want to fight for. And I am proud of that as it has not come easy. I give myself credit for caring enough about politics to learn about the issues that face us today and take a stand—even if I stand as both a Democrat and a Republican, even a “Demublican.”

2007-12-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

I AM LEGEND
We went and saw this movie this weekend and this photo right here can describe how i felt the whole time i was in the theater.

i felt like nothing really good came from this movie. if you like action and crazy idea of what could happen to this world then this is the movie for you.

but i left angry, sad, and mostly scared. i had nightmares.

2007-12-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

For those of you who may not know much about the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, we believe that you are saved through our brother, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Something I have been thinking about lately is the atonement of Jesus Christ. He came to this earth knowing that he would suffer for ALL of our sins. I cannot imagine what it was like that dreary night in the Garden of Gethsemane. To think the pain that I have felt when I have sinned or even something as little as those countless paper cuts were suffered by Christ. Then times that pain by every other single person that has ever existed on this earth, it is unbelievable. The most important thing to remember is that he already suffered for our sins; he doesn’t want us to have to suffer like he did. Though we may suffer and at times things may be hard because of sin it is through the atonement that we can find peace in our lives. I love this scripture which is located in the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, in Alma 7: 11-12:11

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

Christ suffered so that we don’t have to. It’s amazing what the atonement can do in your life. It can change you. Through the atonement you can be forgiven and washed clean of your sins. I have seen the change in my life and others. My relationship with my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ has been strengthened when I have turned to them. I love this gospel, I love my life and I am thankful everyday for it!

2007-11-28T06:13:00.001-08:00

here we are at the newport temple, waiting for his lil bro to come out. the wedding was a blast. i couldnt have asked for it to have gone better. the temple is pink, crazy huh!

gall, he is such a good dancer :) we had a blast on the dance floor!!
the groomsmen.

2007-11-10T22:51:00.000-08:00

its been a week since we made it official and i finally had my freak out.

i made a phone call to him as soon as i could get alone.

poor guy

luckly i started off with "now this isnt a break up call"

then i preceded with "we need to talk"

i shouldnt have even said it like that i know but at least i warned him right?

we talked though, a good talk.

manly about my concerns. it took a while but he ended up completely easing my mind.

by the end of the convo i just wanted to be with him.

and not to kiss and hold but to just be close to and talk.

i went to see a comedian tonight Craig Robbins, you prob know him, he is on the office. by the way... he straight up almost gave me his number. i turned it down on the account that i have a boyfriend!

lol but donald told me later that he has always wanted to meet craig robbins, i should have just taken it.

anyways my point was that the whole night i wanted donald by my side. i dont know what this kid has done to me.

haha he has made it past the first week.

this is a BIG deal!

lets see if he can make 2 :)

2007-11-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

this is donald, such an amazing boy! i cant wait for you to meet him :)

2007-10-29T20:43:00.001-07:00

this is sadie. in africa. him and his sister were both in the orphanage that brandon and i worked in. he is an amazing dancer. he is very loving but you can tell he hurts alot. i miss this kid!

2007-10-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

so i dont know how many people are actually going to look at this but i thought it would be cool to write some things im thinking.

i dont even know where to really begin. i have so much on my mind how do i type it all.

i had a convo with a friend from san fran yesterday who is 28 and graduated from penn state. right now he is at the academy of art studying to be a graphic designer. anyways he is at that age in the mormon culture where he should be thinking about getting married and supporting a family, but he isnt really worried about it. and then there is me this crazy 20 year old who thinks about it non stop. everyone keeps telling me not to worry about it but its not that easy.

i have gotten better. i made the deicison to prepare for a mission, but then i met with my bishop and he told me not to worry about that now. jeez! everyone is going to make me go crazy!

i know that the most important thing is to turn to heavenly father, but like a lady in gospel doctrine spoke about last week in church...

How easy is it really to let God's will be your will?

ITS SO HARD!

but i am going to do my best, i am going to try to let gods will be mine.

my nephew

2007-09-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

this is my nephew, tyson.

he is the cutest little man around.

learn more about him here.

a new beginning

2007-08-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

i thought this looked fun, i have seen my sis in laws page Linds and some of her frends and i thought i would join in, it looks fun. though linds prob is the only one who knows me and prob will be the only one looking at my page, i thought it would be a cool place to write done some of my thoughts. Considering i am going to...

AFRICA!!!!

i call this a new beginning because i know my life is about to change... for the better!