"Put your faith in what you most believe in"-Tarzan

 It's been SO long since I've last posted, and tons has happened. I almost don't even know where to start. Let's begin about a month ago, Pedro was baptized. It was such a wonderful Sunday. I was very happy to be able to witness his special day. I was extremely proud of him for his decision, and I continue to be excited for him as he grows in the gospel. I know that entering into this Church has been a life changing experience for him, and its brought a long many trials of faith, but he's demonstrated a great strength.

Homecoming was that same week! It was so much fun to go back and see friends. I really do miss high school to a certain extent. There were some unforgettable times spent at Rancho. Might I add that I miss high school soccer so so so much. I would go back just to play again. haha

Our plane ride back to Rexburg from home almost got rerouted to Twin Falls, Idaho. Thank goodness it didn't. It all ended up working out nicely. We even went to Ihop after with a few of our FHE brothers.

The next few weeks were pretty drama filled and confusing, to be completely honest. My emotions were very high stung. I made a few big decisions very quickly without completely thinking them through. I can't say that all of them were the best or the worst decisions at the time, but I can say that I learned a lot about myself and others during the chaos.

Thanksgiving rolled around, and I was wonderful to see my entire family again. I realized how much I truly miss seeing them every single day. I had a few good conversations with my Dad. He always knows   what kind of insight I'm seeking. I really admire him. I love my Dad so much.  We went shooting and riding on Friday. That totally made me miss home and the vacations we would take with the Brodowski's, Lee's, McCords, Johnson's, and everyone else. It was a good fun day. Scotty and Addi even got to shoot and ride. Addison could hardly handle the excitement. It was pretty cute.

There has been so much snow out here lately and I've almost slipped about 20 times. It's pretty funny, I'm sure it's even funnier to watch from an outsider's point of view.

There are only 2 more weeks of school! I can hardly believe it. This semester has gone by so quickly. I've learned so much about myself in just one semester. I would advise anyone and everyone to go away for college. The information you learn just from being on your own is irreplaceable.

Our apartment is all decorated up with Christmas decorations. My roommates and I all stayed up until about 2 decorating. We even bought a little mini tree.  Such a fun night.

I deactivated my facebook for a while. I was a little fed up with everyone having a say in my life, and at the time I was extremely confused, and outside opinions weren't really helping my case. Finals are in about two weeks also. I felt like it would be highly beneficial to get off of it for a while, and guess what? It really has. I don't miss it quite yet and definitely can live without it.

This semester has taught me a lot. I've laughed a lot, cried a little, prayed tons, studied as much as I could have, lost sleep, and everything else over the past three months, and I don't think that I would change one thing. It's been a challenge learning how to be happy without my family and close friends within a 5 mile radius, and it's taken me the entire semester to figure out that I deserve to be happy, and that everyone who loves me back home only wants me to be happy! So i've made a resolution even though its not New Years quite yet...I'm going to be happy every single day. I'm going to make the most of life and where ever Heavenly Father intends to take me. I feel good even just typing this!

I love my family. I love my roommates. I love my friends, here and there. I love my Heavenly Father, my Redeemer Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to celebrate His birth together with my loved ones back at home. I don't know if I've ever been so excited for Christmas!

Love,
Leah

it's been a while.

Wow. Its definitely been forever since I last posted something. Lots has happened. Lets start with the amount of hours I spent in the library last week...average of three hours a day. It was insane. I cranked out a 9 page research paper on human trafficking in Mexico, and studied for a nutrition test, which I took on Saturday morning. I took a math test on Friday after school too...and lets just not talk about that one. Friday night was pretty low key after that. Saturday was jam-packed though. Like I said, I got up early and studied more for that nutrition test and then went up to the testing center and took it. After that I came home, took a nice little power nap and then got ready for my game. All of the roommates and a few FHE brothers came to watch the game. Our team had played this team before and beat them 5 to 0, but there were some drastic changes this time. We actually lost 2 to 0. Pretty embarrassing for us, since they're in last place. Anyways, Saturday night Sam, Emma, Brooke and I went to stake conference. It was pretty good, they focused all their talks on temples. After conference we all went out to Teton City and went to the Haunted Mill. We waited in line for a while, and then finally got in. It was freezing the whole night! The Mill was so much fun. We all got pretty scared, I screamed a few times. I had a blast. We actually all want to go back sometime this week. Sunday was a good day too, Sam and I got up and made cinnamon rolls for everyone. They turned out delicious! Then we went to the last half of stake conference. After that I went to a meeting for activities committee. We're planning the upcoming Halloween ward social. I think it'll be pretty fun.
  It's been sooooo cold lately. The forecast actually shows snow tomorrow. I'm not excited. ha.
I have a lot to do this week too. It's going to be pretty busy. But on the bright side, I'll be home 12 days from today! I couldn't be more excited! I can't wait to see everyone.

I'm off to Book of Mormon class and Nutrition!

Love you all!
-Leah

long time no post.

Its been way long since I've last updated my blog! I have found a new love out here in Rexburg, and it's called the Hart Gym. Every other night I take an abs class there, which I absolutely love. I think the university gym is nicer and cleaner than the 24 hour back at home. So that's been my new fix lately. I've also been trying to eat a lot healthier, i've been doing pretty good. I've just mainly cut out a lot of my snacking...which hasn't been very easy. But I do feel pretty good with all this exercise and eating healthy. I' also adjusting to the altitude pretty well. I'll be honest...it took a lot longer to get used to it than I expected, but once I go home and try to exercise, I know it'll be a lot nicer. haha. Today I gave a presentation in my Geography 320 class on central Mexico. It went really well, and I still feel really good about it. I also had a teaching assignment today in my Nutrition100 class. I had to teach a group about fatty acids and triglycerides. I made a pretty awesome study guide which I handed out to all of my group members. My tutor said he was impressed with it, and Sister Tatum liked it too, so that made me feel pretty good about my presentation. Tonight was pretty low key. It was a nice Friday night. I went to the gym for an hour and then came home and watched movies with Sara. We had a nice fruit smoothie. hahah. Jakers called me to talk for while. It was really nice to hear from him too. Pedro is at Halloween Haunt tonight...I wish I was there with him, but I know he's probably having a blast with his brother. There are officially 19 days until I get to come home! I'm definitely super excited! Tomorrow I have a game at 10am, which I'm also excited about. It should be good, I'm always ready to play soccer. I have a lot of stuff coming up this next week too. It's going to get really hectic, really fast. I have a book report due in Book of Mormon a week from Monday and I'm still trying to get through the book. But on the plus side, the book i'm reading, The Infinite Atonement, has been amazing. I also have a 5-7 page research report due on a current issue in mexico due a week from today. So if you have any meaty topics, leave me a comment. College is just moving right along. There are about 9 weeks left in this semester before Christmas Break. It's amazing how fast it moves. I love my parents, brothers and sisters and miss each and every one of them dearly. I miss Pedro. I really miss 6th ward. I miss Dennis and Autum, Dana and Paul. I miss Grandma jan, Grammy and Grandpa. I'm kind of sad that I won't get to be there for stake conference this Sunday, and more importantly...my Dad's birthday, but I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. I love my Dad, and I hope he has a wonderful birthday, I'll definitely be thinking about him on Sunday. I miss a lot of things about home, but I know that missing them for a long period of time, just makes them that much more satisfying, for when I do actually return home.

This post was really unorganized and somewhat crazy...I apologize if it was hard to follow. haha. I'll do better next time. But until then, I love you all!

Love, Leah <3

"Just wanted to call and say good morning"

Woke up this morning, not to my alarm, but to a familiar voice :] Pedro called me to say good morning, and wish me a good day! My day definitely can't go wrong now. Thanks boyfriend <3

Love, Leah

Vital Changes

So I've decided that there are a few vital changes I want to make in my life at this point. I feel like if I put my goals out there for the world to see, I'll do better at achieving them. So here they are...

1. Hit the library everyday. No more studying in the apartment where everything is distracting. Pass every class, exam, & quiz.
2. Get tutors for the classes I'm struggling in. Ask for help!
3. I'm taking a nutrition class, so why not put it to use. I'm going to start eating a lot healthier.
4. Along with eating healthier comes exercise. Gym every weeknight with my roommate!
5. Grow even more spiritually! :)

I feel like I'm just plain trying to boost my health. My mental health, my physical health and my spiritual health.

So far this week, I've been to the library everyday since Monday, read my scriptures every night, and I've gotten two tutors to help me out.
And tonight, Sara and I went to the gym and did some good routines, felt pretty good. We're also going grocery shopping tonight, and I'm sticking to all the health rules I've learned in nutrition.

So wish me luck! I think I can do it.

Love, Leah

Holy Weekend!

  I don't know if my fingers are capable of typing everything that happened this weekend! It was just that good, so we'll see if they can keep up. On Friday around noon, I loaded my bags into the car of a fellow relief society member, and headed off to Lehi, Utah. It felt like quite a long trip. With one wrong turn we were even heading towards wyoming...hahah. But Luckily I found that familiar house, with my wonderful Aunt Denise waiting for me inside. A little later, Sean and Pedro called and said they were on their way. I could hardly keep my eyes off the window as we waited. It was a happy reunion when we met up. I was very happy to see both of them. It was especially nice seeing Pedro again, might I add.

 After we settled down, we all decided to go visit Brooks at Olive Garden. So we went and had a nice dinner, with a pretty cool waiter. haha. Thanks Brooksy! After dinner it was monopoly time, and of course I lost first....lame. But the game went on. I don't really know what the end results were, but I know that it got pretty intense. All I can say is that it was pretty fun to watch...and listen. 

After Monopoly, we turned out the lights and played Murderer around a candle, probably one of the funnest parts of the night.  Weston was pretty much the main target, and apparently everyone wanted him dead first. I know I did. hahah. Love ya, Weston. Another good part was that Pedro didnt let go of his pillow the whole night. I've never seen him so scared. It was hilarious. Our murderer game turned into everyone passing out on the floor and quoting Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. It was quite the night.

The next morning Aunt Denise and I got up around 9ish. We were supposed to wait for Sean and Pedro to come over for breakfast, but we know better....so we went to mcdonald's. The guys didnt show up until about 11:30 anyways, and by then it was almost time for lunch. So we went to In-N-Out, because "its tradition" Mikey, Dane and Holly came with us to eat. After lunch we went to the Halloween store, and Pedro got yelled at for putting on an Avatar mask. hahah.

Following our pit stop at the halloween store, we went back to the house and watched some conference...while sean and pedro snoozed on the ground. The boys went to the preisthood session and Amber, Heather, Aunt Denise, Brinley and Cambree went to the University Mall. It was a mad house... I guess its the thing to do when your man's away at preisthood. hahah. After the mall we stopped by this cute little chocolate cake place where we had a warm chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sooooo good! 

Then came Thanksgiving Point. So much fun! Pedro, Sean, Mikey, Brooks, Aunt Denise, Heather, Laura (Brook's Girlfriend) and Me all went together, and walked the huge cornmaze and played on the huge slides, and walked through the "beast" maze. It was so much fun. So much fun, I bet sean and pedro even still have their wristbands on. It definitely was an awesome night.

Sunday morning came along. Sean, Pedro and Sam all came over before breakfast and to watch the first Sunday session. When it finished we started getting ready for the second session. We left with plenty of time to get to to conference center, but along the way there were seriously about 4 car crashes. Luckily we made it to the conference center in time to get our seats, before the session started. 

The session was amazing, and the conference center is gorgeous. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to go. I was blessed to be there with my aunt, cousin, boyfriend, best friend and a good friend/roommate.

After the session was over, we walked temple square and took a picture in front of the Salt Lake Temple. I got to see some friends from the Cypress single's ward from back home. I even got to see President Mackay, which was really nice. 

Once our walk and visit had ended it was time to head back to idaho. Sean dropped us off in Roy City, where we waited for our ride. The ride home went quite fast. I was really exhausted from the weekend, and it was pretty hard saying goodbye to everyone and having to go back to school. But i'm adjusting alright, and I am counting down the days to Pedro's baptism, when I get to go home for 4 days! I'm so excited. 30 days!! 

I had a wonderful weekend, and can't wait to see my family and Pedro again. But for now its time to buckle down and get back to the book. Take care everyone! Love you all!

Love, Leah

Utahhhhhh :D

It's finally Thursday, and tomorrow I finally get to Utah! I can't wait! Pedro flew in today and my cousin Sean picked him up. Who knows what those two crazies are doing today.  We'll leave tomorrow after class and drive for about four hours before we get to Lehi, where my Aunt Denise lives. I'm super excited to go see my family that lives there too. It'll be nice to get away from school for a little while and out of Idaho. haha. I have soccer practice in a few hours and then after that a wonderful math test to take....fun huh? not. 

We have tickets for the 2pm session of General Conference. This will be my first time attending a General Conference, and the second time I've physically seen a Prophet speak live. The first time was at the Newport Beach Temple celebration where President Hinkley spoke to us. It's crazy how long ago that was...

This week has been super stressful, I'm just glad its basically over. I have two huge canker soars in my mouth thanks to the stress. And I thank my dad for that genetic trait too. So thanks Dad ;] 

I'm counting down the days until i get to see my family back at home! Today is officially the 35 day mark. I can't wait!

Love, Leah

Woah, it's the weekend.

It has definitely been an interesting weekend. On Friday night, I had a game. We played the Titians, and beat them 2 to 0. We played really well together as a team, I was pretty impressed. It was a fun game. I's so glad to be playing. After the game I went home and watched The Breakfast Club on my computer, I was pretty tired from playing. (The altitude difference is killer!) Saturday, I slept in for a while before our ward social. The ward social was at the second counselor of the bishopric, Brother Herbert's house. We had a bbq and played a huge game of volleyball. I'll admit it was pretty lame until the volleyball game started. Our FHE brothers Ryan and Martin had everyone laughing. And did I mention Martin's truck, it only seats about 3 people comfortably, but we had 6 people in his truck on the way there.... it was horrible. hahahah. Anyways, when I got home I did laundry which was also horrible because the dryers here don't completely dry your clothes. So I had to bring everything home half wet and hang dry it in my room. Later that night Pedro and I had a Skype date. haha. I was trying to look all nice so I put on a cute top and did my makeup, but when I saw him he had on a full suit with a vest and a tie. I laughed my head off! Which probably wasn't the nicest of me, because he was just trying to be sweet. It was cute. Pedro's whole family came in while we were talking, and they all laughed too. His dad got on the webcam and was like, Hi Leah! where are you guys going?! Is he going to take you from one corner of the room to the other corner, to the other corner, and to the other?! I laughed so hard. It was so funny. Pedro didn't like that too much though. But overall it a nice night. Pedro and I laughed a lot. It was fun. So Sunday gets here, and church comes. I really like the lesson we had on temples in relief society. The teacher asked us to share experiences about the temple that had blessed our lives. I shared about Scotty and how no matter what had happened during his hard times in life, I always knew that we would be a family because of my parents' decision to get married for time and all eternity in the LA temple. And to think that he's going to be baptized in December! Goodness. I miss him. I almost started crying while talking about him in front of everyone. It took a lot to hold it in. After church we all came home and relaxed. I started studying for American foundations. The test is today, I'm a little nervous about it, but we're having a study session with a few people in the class. I think we'll all be alright as long as we study together tonight before the test.

I got a little homesick today... I was laying down, trying to rest and I just picked up the picture of my family and put it on my bed facing me. I miss everyone so much. It gets hard every once in a while. But I think that just makes it all that much better when I get home. I sit and think to myself about all the family vacations and meals that we had together and find myself wishing that I wasn't such a jerk and would of enjoyed the moments that I had my little sisters and brothers with me. And my parents too of course. Leaving has made me realize how much family really means to me. It's definitely the most important thing in my life at this point. And its funny, because I miss everyone for different things, and qualities and characteristics that they have. I love my mom and dad, and Lex, and Fayth, and Bailey and Scotty Boy and Addi so much. I'm counting the days until I get to come home again. It's going to be amazing.

Of course I miss Dana, Paul, Grandma jan, Autum, and all the youth of sixth ward and everyone else. hahah. I just miss everyone!

It's dinner time with our FHE brothers! I made the chocolate frosting for the cake!

Love, Leah!

Busy, busy, busy

Yesterday was extremely hectic, or at least it felt that way. I had so much to do! I had math class and history, and after that I had soccer practice, book of mormon homework, nutrition homework and a quiz, and geography paper to write and a quiz to study for of all the states and capitals and Canadian provinces. We had to clean up too, because tonight we have our first clean check. I'm just happy that yesterday is over. Soccer practice was a lot of fun though, I really enjoyed it. My coach seems pretty good, and the girls we have seem pretty good as well. So I guess we'll see what happens, our first game should be either this friday or saturday. I have my first activities committee responsibility coming up this saturday, we're having a ward social. It's a BBQ. That should be a lot of fun too. 

On monday night we went to our Bishop's home for FHE. We had a lesson on getting along with roommates, and making the most out of the opportunities we are given while we are here on campus. I really liked the lesson, and I really like hearing from Bishop Taylor. He's traveled all over the world, and he's a RN. He has a lot of cool experiences to share with us. After FHE we came back to the apartment and hung out with our FHE brothers for a few more hours. It was probably some of the most fun I've had yet. And we basically had a Karaoke stage set up in our living room, where one of our brothers totally stole the spotlight. It was a lot of fun. 

Today is definitely more mellow even though I have three classes. I got an 80% on my geography quiz this morning, which I'm pretty proud of. It was kind of difficult. 

I'm super excited for general conference in about a week and a half! It's going to be so much fun!

Oh and the new maroon 5 cd came out yesterday! I love it. I listen to it walking to and from classes. haha.

Love, Leah

This scripture really stand out to me at this point in my life.

1 Nephi 9:6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

Apartment 114 :]

So, This weekend has been kind of insane. It all started with soccer "tryouts" on friday night. I was so excited to play again. It felt really good. I met a lot of fun girls too. We had tryouts on Saturday as well, and the same thing happened. I was happy with my performance and didn't have a any doubts about making a team. The coaches were scheduled to call us that Saturday night to let us know what team we were on and when we would hold practices. Well, Sam's call came around 7 'o clock in the evening, but I didn't think much about it at first. Then my other roommate Brooke, got a call at about 8:30. I never got one. So, it came to be 9:30, then 10, and I found myself staring at my phone... What was wrong with me? I became totally discouraged...and you know what happens when you become discouraged. You call your Mom back at home. I called my Mom, who walked me through the step of once again being content and ok with whatever was in store for me. Not to say that no tears were shed, because they were, but my Mom can always make me feel better in times like these. So after that, I skyped Pedrocita, another person who can get me out of any type of funk. He made me laugh, and instantly got my mind off of my troubles. I'm very thankful for them both, and find it hard to imagine my life without either. I later fell asleep, but the soccer issue was still in the back of my mind.

This morning I had to meet with the Bishopric at 8. I got up at 7, still kind of thinking about this dumb soccer team, but I went about my ways. I went to the meeting happy to hear about my new calling. In between the meeting and church starting I had about an hour an a half to myself. I found a nice spot in the lounge and began writing in my journal. After I had finished, I read my entire journal from start to finish. It's funny how we change so much over time. I laughed about some of my past experiences. After reading I headed into the room where church is held, were I found my roommates. Sacrament meeting was really good. One guy told us this hilarious story about how he had the best shot of his life and scored in a soccer game, but then realized that it was on his own goal. I have no idea where that played into his talk...but I certainly enjoyed the laugh.  I was sustained as a member of the activities committee. Funny, huh? I just got released as the co-chair of Garden Grove Stake, and three months later, I'm put right back into it. Guess it's just a good calling for me, and I enjoy it too. After church I was set apart.

My roommate Sara, did a really good job on teaching her relief society lesson today too. Thats's her new calling. Sam is now the assistant piano player for our relief society also. hahah. sam...

On our way home from church, Sara, Sam and I had a wonderful chat. Mainly about boys, and the one Sam is going to be engaged to in a few months. But I wont say any names...at least just yet. (Just brace yourself though) But our little chat also included Pedro's baptism coming up. We're all so excited! And I am so proud of him!

We finally got home and Sam and I continued this talk, I cried a little again, but for good reasons. We mended the little feelings of tension that we had experienced. Things are wonderful right now, and I think our little heart to heart had a lot to do with it. I am so grateful for the people in my life. I have so much to be thankful for.

Oh! and I almost forgot the most exciting part! Sam told me to check my email, before she was about to call her new coach for me to ask some questions, so I did. And guess what?! I got a confirmation email from my coach. Thank goodness is all I can say. Brooke and I are on the same team too.

Sundays are truly blessed days!

Love, Leah

Once again, hard to get up this morning. I guess that's what comes with the freedom of choosing to stay up late right? totally worth it though. hahah. History is kinda totally boring, but math is getting better all the time. I'm not saying that I like math now, I'm saying that for now...I can tolerate it. haha. I think its a blessing for me to be in Sister Turner's class. She is a very thorough teacher, and in math...that's what I need. She still intimidates me, but hopefully that'll pass.

Tonight is the women's soccer meeting, I'm pretty excited for it. I have to miss the stake social tonight, because they are both scheduled for the same time. I'm alright with it though. 

The best part about this week, is tomorrow I finally get to sleep in! I'm stoked.

I love and miss California! and everyone dear to my heart that is there!

Love, Leah

Wednesday, September 15th

I got back to my apartment about 45 minutes ago, from my 9am Geography class. It's kind of ironic, I added that class only because I needed one more credit. In the beginning, I had a very bad attitude towards it and totally was not looking forward to taking it. But at least so far, I absolutely love it! I really enjoy my professor too, Brother Madsen. He's such a nice person. I know I'm going to learn a lot of vital information in this class.

Today I have my BoM class at 2pm. I already finished the reading homework all the way up to next week, because I thought it was all due today. hahah, it's a bittersweet feeling when things like that happen. Directly after that class, I head to my human nutrition class. Today is officially my first college quiz, its on calculating calories and percentages of calories in foods. I've studied and feel pretty good about it. So I guess we'll see how well it comes back to me when I'm actually sitting at the desk with the quiz in front of me.

The women's competitive soccer meeting is tomorrow night at 7pm. I'm really excited! Tryouts start on friday night at 7pm as well. I'm so excited to break out my beautiful nike cleats and start playing again! oh how I've missed it. The only thing missing will be Lexis playing defense behind me, and little mija Faythy scoring all the goals as forward. But it's going to be good.

So, last night I was having yet another problem with my computer charger and it started to concern me. I left it alone until the morning.  I woke up today, and decided that I was just going to unplug it and let it rest. I knelt down for my morning prayers and decided that praying for my computer would seem kind of silly, but tried it anyways. I left my bedroom, confident that when I got back from class it would work again because Heavenly Father knew that I needed to use it today for other classes. Well, I got home and plugged it in, and it works again! I know it sounds silly, but I love my Heavenly Father and truly believe that he helped me on this one. I mean, without my Dad around, sometimes I have no clue what to do with the little details of a computer, so I have learned to rely on the Lord.

Well, I've got more and more homework, and more and more studying to do. As it should be, I guess.

Love,
Leah!

Moving Out.

I've officially been on my own since last Monday, September 6th. It's been a emotional roller coaster. I've never been so excited/nervous in my entire life. I think about California daily and everyone I left back home. I miss everyone so much. I don't think that I will ever be able to call Rexburg my home, but for educational purposes I think it will serve me well. I can feel my relationships growing with my family members back home, which is a blessing within itself. I call my Mom every single day, just to talk. I love her so much. My parents taught me a lot in my 18 short years of living with them, and I definitely couldnt ask for better parents. I often catch myself thinking about the boys in my life too. Scotty, Addison, Pedro, and most importantly my wonderful Dad. I miss them all so much. But like my Dad told me numerous times before I departed, "It's you who is off doing new things! Not us! Don't get homesick." I love my Dad! even if he doesn't think so sometimes. Lexis...well, all i hope is that she doesn't trash my car. hahah, I love her a lot too, and my little mija, Faythy. And who could forget little Bailey Boo. I love my family, but I do love college.

Classes here are great! I'm a little worried about my Math 108 class, but I'll endure. I love my Human Nutrition Class, and Geography of North America Class! My Book of Mormon teacher is hilarious. This year, her class is focused on the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm really excited to jump into that class. History is a good class too. I love involving the spirit in every aspect of my education. I already am seeing the changes I want.