Little Children

Tonight my roommate, Alice, was babysitting for her older sister. Her one-year-old nephew, 3-year-old nephew, and 5-year-old niece were over in our apartment, playing with building blocks and plastic animals, happily chatting away. It was so nice. Though I only spent a brief amount of time talking to them, the 3-year-old still gave me a big hug goodbye. He wrapped his little arms around my neck and squeezed.

It was the sweetest thing. My heart was so full of love and appreciation for this little kid. His sweet, tender hug melted my heart and made me smile.

Little Children are so very precious.

Last year, I spent a large amount of my time volunteering for a program called Friday’s Kids Respite in Orem. The program is designed specifically to help parents in the community with children who have special needs. Every Friday and Saturday, these noble people who are raising the purest of spirits are given the opportunity and chance to take a break, go on a date, or just relax for a couple of hours. They drop off their child and volunteers are assigned to each child to take care of them, play with them, watch them, get to know them. It is a fantastic way to serve and I highly recommend it. It’s a challenge and I learned quickly, I had to be on my toes. One of the little buddies I was put in charge of, loved to fling his fragile body off of the jungle gym and other high places. He was autistic and didn’t respond to anything I said or did. That’s okay though. I was constantly catching him and got plenty of exercise. He was a handful but wonderful. My favorite little boy I’ve met while volunteering, however, is Gavin. Sweet Gavin. He has down-syndrome and the biggest heart I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know. He’d take me by the hand and every time I made a fun suggestion of something to do, he’d give me a big thumbs up and a grin and say “good jjjob!!” There was a little girl that goes to the center often. I can’t remember exactly what ails her but she basically can only communicate with her eyes and facial expression and can’t get out of her wheel chair. Her hands are always fidgeting. Gavin made sure to always include her somehow, whether we were reading a book, rolling a ball, going for a walk—every time, he made sure his dear friend was smiling.

          We should all be more like Gavin. So ready to love and care for the ones who need our love. The other children never gave this sweet girl much attention. Gavin did though.  She always had a turn if Gavin had anything to say about it (and he always did).

          Susan was another sweet spirit dear to my heart. She has to have a tube feeding her constantly and can’t breathe on her own. She’ll never walk. . . she’ll never talk. . .When she is distressed or in trouble, she’ll scream for hours. When she’s happy, she’ll smile though she rarely responds to much of anything. But she loves music. She was actually my first child I was assigned to—first time volunteering at the center. I took two of my friends with me. She also has the most severe case and because of her oxygen tank and feeding tube—it really takes two people to attend to her needs. So my wonderful and dear friend, Natasha, and myself were her friends for the night. At first she was very fussy and Natasha and I were running out of ways to entertain her. We read in her folder that she liked music. So that’s what we ended up doing for the remainder of the night (two to three hours)—we sang to Susan. We sang every hymn and primary song I’ve ever been taught. The spirit was amazing, Susan was quiet, attentive. She’d cock her head up at me while I pushed her in her stroller and smile. Another sweet and tender moment. Heavenly Father loves the little children. I’m grateful for their example to me and for them giving me a glimpse of what it means to have the true love of Christ.

Matthew 18: 4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

Royal Gorge Route Railroad!

https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/

Yes. I'm grateful for this company.
They gave me my first real job as a waitress aboard this magnificent train.
Sometimes things got a little hectic, stressful, not much fun--but I'm glad I had that experience.

What's more? They are letting me work during Christmas break. Hallelujah! That little bit of income will help so much. And the owners are just amazing and so great.

Santa Express. Here we go.

Challenges

I'm thankful for the trials and challenges life has and will continue to put me through. I'm glad I earnestly struggle and that I know what sadness is like. I'm grateful that God is putting me through a refining process to become a better person. He trusts me enough to handle what life throws my way.

So even though some days are really hard, I'm glad those days are part of my experience on Earth.

Because, the good days are that much better.

It's a refining process.

Being put through the flame, molded, bent--to the shape Heavenly Father has in mind.
I love this message below:

And it's so very true. 

It's a beautiful reminder of who is really in control. Placing my life in the hands of my savior, coming to know Him, and love Him has blessed my life so very much and has truly made me a better and happier person. I know that I can face the trials of this life because I know that I am not alone. He knows me. He knows what I am going through and He's there to help. Although I don't always understand why things have to be the way that they are. . . why people that I love have to leave this earth, leaving me behind or why horrible things happen to wonderful people--especially those close to my heart. . . I don't always understand but I do understand Heavenly Father's love for His children. I understand that because of the gospel being restored to this earth, families can be together forever and that I will see those dear friends of mine once again. I know that God is a just God but he is also an understanding and merciful God. 

So I face my trials and do my best to help others with their trials and I do so with faith. Not blind faith. . . no. . . I do so with faith because I know. I know that my savior died for me and that He lives. I know and have witnessed the power of the atonement and how much it can change a person's life for the better. 

I came to this earth to have a mortal experience that would challenge me to become better, to reach my full potential and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so. 

I'm grateful for all the wonderful things, sure, but trials and hardships are essential to becoming a person with character, strength, and wisdom. 

Amen. 

Rain, snow, the amazing qualities of water!

It still fascinates me how water is able to gather in the sky and fall on top of our heads wherever we may be. The more I study and learn about the world around me, the more I am amazed and delightfully surprised to learn about all the little things that happen in order for common, everyday reactions and instances to take place. Sooo many things take place beyond what we can see with the unaided eye. 

But rain? Oh, rain. 

God knew what he was doing. What an amazing way to cycle and distribute the water throughout the earth. 

Did you know that water is also always ionizing into hydronium and hydroxide ions? Autoionization. The polarization of the molecule is what allows us to pour water into a glass, the water molecules come together--creating a refreshing liquid that hydrates and replenishes our bodies. 

Amazing. 

And now here it is. . . just falling freely from the sky right now in Provo Utah. 

Last week it was snowing. 

At first I was unhappy, not willing to experience the cold of winter just yet but walking to school, I couldn't help but smile. White stuff. Falling gently from the sky. Amazing. 

Simply amazing. 

So there I was smiling like an idiot looking up into the sky trying to simultaneously avoid bumping into every person passing me walking in the other direction. It was so beautiful though! 

And the moisture is so needed. The earth will no doubt soak up every minute of this beautiful rainstorm. The rivers will be full this summer and the rafting is going to be suh-weeet. ;) 

Honestly though, water is amazing. 

I'm grateful to be able to experience the snow, rain, lakes, oceans, and rivers. . . I'm glad I can drink clean water from my sink and bathe in a tub of steaming water. 

Over the summer my younger brother, Jonathan, and my cousin, Patrick, loved to go floating down the river. I went with them once. They floated on an air mattress. I was floating behind on a tube in a tank top and shorts. It was brilliant. The river was so low which meant the rafting business was suffering a bit but floating and swimming was great. 

And then with Erik (another brotha) who introduced me to my first bridge jumping experience. Yes, I jumped off a bridge into questionably "deep" water of the Arkansas river. It was soooo sketchy but quite a thrill after I finally got the courage up to jump. We took Andrew and Alex with us (two other brothas). It was a brilliant day. 

That's some high quality H2O. 

I remember the first time I saw the ocean as a freshman in high school in California. Ever since then, I've always wanted to learn how to surf. One day. 

And then there's Bear Lake....a place that holds my heart with so many fun memories of our annual Tingey family reunion. I love that place. I took Selene (my roommate) there this past August. We rented a jet skii and were basically beach bums all day, soaking up what was left of the summer sun. 

Check out Otis's first snow two years ago (I think?): 

Adorable right? 

Because a pity party is no party at all

11/10/12 (forgot to press the "publish" button)

It's true! A pity party really is the most ridiculous way to spend your time.

This week has been a week from outer darkness (AKA hell...ish). 

Because I was an idiot and went long-boarding, crashed, and then immediately proceeded to go to a wedding reception and dance, my shoulder has been feeling not so good...I've never injured my shoulder before and don't ever plan on doing it again. I had a long stream of tears flowing every time I got dressed. Driving was another bit of agony. I drive stick shift. Nuff said. Did I mention it was my right shoulder? Ya know...my most dominant appendage. I could do very little with my right hand. 

If that wasn't bad enough, I lost the battle I had been fighting to a nasty cold. I felt awful. Congested, head pounding, arm throbbing, shoulder aching, sneezing, coughing, eyes running. . . . I missed a lot of classes, my research meeting, and a chemistry lab. 

My research partner told me to look this clip up: 

Relevant, no? I remember playing the Oregon Trail Game when I was younger. That seems like forever ago, now. 

Well I'm here to say that I've gotten over myself and refuse to go on feeling so sad about feeling so drab. 

Here's my thankful list for the week: 

1) I'm so thankful for my brother and sister-in-law living so close to me in Provo! Originally, I had planned to never mention anyone in my blog just in case someone didn't get mentioned and that hurt their feelings. I really am grateful for soooo many people in my life! But as it turns out, sometimes you just have to give credit and lovin' where credit and lovin' are due. 

    Samantha brought me all sorts of drugs, tea, hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup, and crackers. What an angel. It's so much fun having them around and they help me so much! It makes me wonder how I ever survived while my older brother was on his mission. I'm so grateful for them. <3 

2) I'm thankful for merciful professors. I was able to make up most everything I missed and that is really awesome. 

3) I'm grateful for the power of the priesthood. My shoulder was aching so severely Sunday that my roommate offered to ask her brother and her fella to come over and give me a blessing. Through pathetic tears, I agreed. The priesthood is real and amazing. To be surrounded by so many worthy young men who hold such a gift is truly a magnificent blessing. It helped. I know it did. 

4) I'm glad my roommate laughed at me when she came home on Sunday (or was it Monday?...maybe Tuesday?). I was having a lovely pity party, with big fat tears--my whole body aching from my wounds and from being sick. Selene walked into the room and laughed and laughed. Its hard not to laugh along with her even though I was telling her to be quiet the whole time. She reminded me that I really should get over myself. What an awesome roommate eh? Living with someone who is so chill, down to earth, and frank is definitely a blessing. 

5) Thank goodness for facebook and all my wonderful facebook friends. I posted a status asking for medical advice for my shoulder. I definitely did not want to go to the doctor and I figured I knew enough mothers and doctors who would be more than qualified to throw a few helpful hints my way. I didn't expect so many comments but they all were so helpful. It's also a good feeling to know that people care. Everyone needs affirmation and love. Even me. By the way, even though I won't be able to go climb some rocks for a few weeks, my shoulder is feeling much better. :) 

6) Ibuprofen! Seriously. 

7) I don't know if I can thank my Father in Heaven enough for letting me sleep soundly at night while I was sick and in pain. I didn't think it'd be possible but through Him and with prayer, anything is possible. A good night's sleep can do wonders and I didn't miss a wink. 

Cheers! 

No pain no....what?

Went long-boarding today. First time. I lasted about five minutes. Maybe six.

Wobble. Wobble. Panic. Boom.

It was kind of a big hill. . .  .

I was kind of a beginner. . . .

I banged my head against the pavement and just laid their in dismay until the stars cleared.

After such, with some help, I got up and went to the car, proceeding to go home, get a dress on and go to one of my best friend's weddings. I was limping. My shoulder is killing me right now and I was icing my face all the way there (courtesy of my wonderful friends, Chelsea and Natasha who were my date(s)). I laughed. A lot. I thought it was rather hilarious. Go figure. I would be the one to biff it minutes before I was supposed to leave for this reception. I had to apologize to the groom after I shook his hand. . . my hand is kind of scratched up. Ah well. It's okay.

I'm grateful for being able to feel pain though. Weird right? Goodness, people don't know how blessed they are that their bodies have that ability to warn them when something is not right. I read of a case study once of a young girl who could not feel pain. She'd be bleeding and wouldn't even know it because she didn't feel anything! At first I thought, "wow how cool is that?!" But on a much more serious note, that's not cool at all. How crazy would that be. Her body was still that of a normal little girl (for the most part) and still was affected by wounds and scratches and such. To not have that part of her brain register when her body was in jeopardy....I can only imagine the mother's anguish and worry.

Here's a piece abc did on this little girl:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/07/05/the-girl-who-cant-feel-pain/

On another note, I'm also grateful that I'm healthy and body is able to heal itself. Very grateful. Health is something, I think, I usually take for granted but shouldn't. I had a bit of a health scare my freshman year of college. I was a bit dramatic then too....but still.....I was concerned. Note to self: never ever diagnose yourself while using Google as your guide. Funny right? Goodness....freshman. I feel a cold coming on but cheers to good health, anyways. I know I'll heal and get better.

I suppose I should apologize for getting a bit behind? I'm not really sorry though. . . there are people who read my post, sure but this is mainly for me. And I have to say, counting your blessings on a daily basis is an excellent EXCELLENT habit and it has truly changed my outlook a bit  lot.

Anyways.
TTFN.

Smiles

I'm not going to post often this week--it's madness.
I still have two midterms, two papers, and a group project to finish. .  . among other things.

But I'm grateful for people who smile.

I love it when people smile and really try to do my best to smile at people whether they be friends or strangers. This not only makes me happy, but its neat watching their face light up in return.

Smiles are truly contagious.

"When you smile, smile with your face, your heart, and your liver, okie dokie?" -Eat, Pray, Love

Life!

I'm so grateful for my choice to partake in this life experience!! It is the most stressful, wonderful, awful, fantastic, hardest, fulfilling, disappointing, satisfying, easy, rough, smooth, sweet, sour, terrifying, challenging, sharpest, roundest, tender, loudest, old, new, stale, fresh, lovely, hideous, prickly, soft, clumsy, cheerful, saddest, beautiful thing I've ever done.

Seriously.

I'm so happy and thoughtful, interested, and sad all at the same time.
The human body and mind is amazing.
People are all sorts of different adjectives.
And life is sticky.
Sticky.
Like maple syrup on a beautiful Sunday dress in the middle of the Summer after eating a wonderful breakfast that ended up making your tummy hurt a little bit later which you bore with a smile because you were around loved ones whom you truly love spending time with and who make your heart ache whenever you have to leave their presence but with always a tender hug and a kiss and a promise to see them again soon even though you know soon is never soon enough but you're okay with that because soon will happen sooner or later and all you can do in the meantime is take some medicine for your aching tummy and fill your life with as much sunshine as possible because winter is never far away even though winter also has its charm, which we all know to be true despite our indifference to the cold--thank goodness for mittens and scarves.

Right?