Hang The Memory of Your Successes

Tonight my YSA stake held a fireside for returned missionaries. It was awesome. I could go on and on about how I felt, the memories it brought back, etc. But, we all know I love my mission dearly, so I will save that for my journal. However, there was a quote which was said which really struck me that I wanted to share.

“Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes. Take counsel of your strength, not your weakness. Think of the good jobs you have done. Think of the times when you rose above your average level of performance and carried out an idea or a dream or a desire for which you had deeply longed. Hang these pictures on the walls of your mind and look at them as you travel the roadway of life.”-James Whistler

I love that. A lot.

Oh wow.

I was at the dollar store tonight and I saw this. Really?

Birthday Celebrations

Well, I had a birthday this week. I took the day off work and was really quite spoiled! I woke up and my mom had placed lavendar roses and a sign that says "Life is all about how you handle plan B" in the bathroom for me, with a card. My dad had also written, "Happy Birthday Carrie" all over my car. My mom took the day off work and we went out to lunch and went shopping (I got a new purple dress which I LOVE. I will have to post pics). I was treated to phone calls from siblings and my nieces and nephews as well, which was fun. That evening Chad and Buffy came over for dinner and cake and icecream. They gave me a new CD player for my car. They installed it too and had fun disposing of the old one. So, yeah, it was a great day! This getting older thing isn't too fun, but it's always nice to celebrate with people I love.

Weekend Re-cap

As usual, I had a busy weekend! After work on Friday I headed to a mission companion's wedding reception. Wouldn't you know it, I ran into a girl I went to high school with while I was there. I really can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know from some part of my life (not that that's a bad thing...). It's kind of crazy! It's a small world!

Saturday I went for a jog, did some shopping, and got the house ready for a party I had that night. I had some friends from the ward over to celebrate my birthday and another friend's birthday.

Today I had a presidency meeting, church, and then got together with some friends.

And, it's back to work tomorrow... already. Weekends go by way too fast.

They're On!

My license plates came today! They're on my car now (thanks Dad!) along with my lovely BYU-Idaho Alumni frame. I got it last July when I walked and am happy to finally have a car to put it on! Also, I've now made my first car payment, so it's pretty official.

Feeling Good About Things

After a rough couple of weeks, I'm feeling good about things.

I usually have RS visits on Tueday nights, but I didn't tonight. It was nice to be home to get some things done.

I renewed my driver license this morning, so it's nice to have that out of the way.

Also, we have a new person at work! She's awesome. She's my age and an RM.

And, I got a raise. Hallelujah!

My birthday is next week and I'm taking the day off to have fun and relax. SO looking forward to that!

So, yeah, things aren't too bad around here.

Easter Weekend

(Pictures to be added soon)

After work on Friday I headed to Grandma's new place. Mom, Dad, Christi and Traci, Gary and the kids came and we all ate dinner with her.

After dinner Christi and I headed to a party.

Then, yesterday morning we headed up Provo Canyon. Chad and Buffy threw an Easter party. They spoiled the kids rotten. :) Christi and I helped hide eggs and other prizes. We had a BBQ. It was a lot of fun. It was chilly at first, but warmed up. A few of us definitely got some sun and are feeling the burn today.

Yesterday afternoon I took graduation pics for my friend. She's graduating with her Masters degree.

Last night I finally got to relax a little. My life has been non-stop busy!

This morning I had a presidency meeting, then church in the afternoon and a family dinner tonight.

And tomorrow I start work again. I feel like I need a week off to re-cooperate from everything that's been going on! Ahh, wouldn't that be nice! Tomorrow's going to be a big day at work too. More changes. Crazy.

I thought I was busy when I was in school, but I don't know... life is pretty busy now!

I'm grateful I've been able to think about my Savior recently. He knows who I am and the struggles I face. That is so comforting to me. I've kind of being having a rough time lately with various things, but I'm thankful I can turn to my Savior for relief and strength. He loves us so much more than we can comprehend.

Happy Easter!

I Love the Gospel!

After such an amazing weekend listening to the words of Church leaders, I just want to share some thoughts. It seems that sometimes I post more of my feelings rather than life happenings here on this blog, but I guess that's just fine.

Where would I be- or perhaps more importantly- who would I be without the Gospel in my life? It means everything to me. It has made me who I am today.

With conference this weekend and my mission reunion on Friday, I've been thinking about my mission a lot. I've been thinking about what a sacred, life-changing experience it was for me. A couple of other sisters and I were talking about how life moves on, and sometimes the people in the areas you served forget about you, but to you those weeks you were in the area and those people were the world to you. A mission really is a personal experience. It is different for everyone. In the end, yes, you may have touched lives, but you are the one who is changed.

In between sessions today, Dad and I watched a documentary-type thing on KSL. It was about a lady who was invited to watch the following Mormon Message from a friend. She watched it and the Spirit touched her heart. She ended up meeting the people in the video and getting baptized, along with her three children. It was really touching. It reminded me of how amazing it feels to share the Gospel and be part of someone accepting it.



This Gospel is amazing. I'm so glad to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I want to continue to share it with those around me!

Side note- I'm really proud of David Archuleta. Way to represent! Go Elder Archuleta! Oh, and, I'm glad they had sister missionaries in the MTC Choir. Sometimes I feel that sister missionaries are overlooked because so many Elders go (and are expected to go). But, they are just as important as the Elders!