Marriage between a man and woman.

I believe marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.  As I watched this April’s general conference I realized that declaring this belief frightened me. I knew that if asked directly I wouldn't betray my values, but that publicly declaring such an unpopular ideal scared me.However, I know I shouldn't be afraid of what the world thinks of me, so I declare that I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and that I will be true to it’s prophet and it’s teachings. 

Projects

I've been home for a while now, so to stave off boredom I take on little projects. If I see a piece of furniture that is cheap (hopefully free) I fix it up to either keep or sell.
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This was my first real upholstery project I don't know what people usually use to put the buttons on, but I made do with a pencil, pliers and my biggest sewing needle. It was tough.

I broke the mirror so I turned it into a chalkboard.

 In addition to furniture I embroider bookmarks. I don't know how to do very many stitches, and I make up the patterns, so I bet people who actually know how to embroider are appalled. I like them despite their amateur nature. I've made a ton of these, but I've got a lot of books so I've always got a spot for a new one.

I also made some rice bags they are just so cozy to have in the winter.

Got any furniture that needs some TLC, or a book in desperate need of a mark let me know. ;)

Cheer up Charlie

Sometimes there are things that make me grin. The part of my face that is still paralyzed can't smile or stop smiling on command. Basically if I am truly, honestly, frowning or smiling my face feels like it is permanently stuck in that position. Who knew that Mom's dire warning that; "Your face will get stuck that way!" held any clout.

As of late root beer floats, and this song are two things that have the magical ability to induce perma-grins. That is a cool trick!

A Graduate

ai nɑʊ hæv ə dɪgri ɪn komjunɪkeʃən dɪsɔrdɚs ænd dɛf ɛdjukeʃən!

(IPA for: I now have a degree in communication disorder and deaf education!)

(Senior class) 

I lived! I made it to graduation!

I've had a remarkable education experience, and I'm sincerely grateful to have to received a university degree.The most exciting part of this final semester was the opportunity to be a student clinician. It was the best way to finish my B.S. 

What's next? I applied to the masters programs in Utah and got in, but before I even decided which one I was leaning towards I hit the annual spring slide. Every spring my body gets to a point of exhaustion that makes all my dysautonomia symptoms worse. This spring was hard in new ways one of which was gastroparesis. Because of that, and with the help of some mild coercion I decided to take a year off before going to grad school.

I'm kind of nervous about it. I don't like putting off the rest of my education I'd rather forge ahead and hope good health catches up with me. However I'm starting to think that maybe that isn't how things work.

My doctors have been very reassuring though as the above prescription demonstrates. :)

My biggest fear is that I'll be either too idle, or I'll get caught up in other activities and not give rest/rehab an opportunity to work. Balance is such a tricky skill to master.

Really it's a relief to know that I can rest for a while, and maybe not being in class will give room in my life for other great things!

Skiing

I got to go skiing this weekend. I went with my roommates, and a volunteer organization called Common Ground. It was amazing. They used something called a bi-ski. 

It was so  fun, and was something I never pictured myself doing. I'm feel so lucky to have gotten to go.

Thanks roommates, and thanks Common Ground.

Christmas

It is Christmas time!I love the Christmas season. It is easy to be cheerful when so many people are serving others and our focus is centered on the Savior.

Do you love the Christmas tree? It was an early Christmas surprise from my roommate. It makes me smile every time I see it.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Christmas Carol

Crafts

Summer Crafts:

Baby quilt: We did this quilt for a cute little cousin who has had a tough year.

The button flowers were my mom's idea and are scattered throughout.

Vanity: Brittney bought this a couple of years ago fully intending to fix it up. (I was so jealous) Brittney is now on a mission and left it the garage.With her permission I started to work on it. I soon realized that it needed a lot of fixing before I could get to the beautifying. I also had to deal with a large number of spiders and creepy spider sacs. I was freaked out by the arachnids, but with the help of some spider poison( Click here for Simpsons clip) I showed them who's boss.  

Viola!

Don't before and after pictures feel so satisfying?

 

Printer Desk: Next I wanted to make a desk for my printer. I got it at Savers It was in good shape except for some loose legs that Josh fixed for me. I wanted it to look Shabby Chic.

 After a little work it looked kind of terrible. The spray paint was bad and came out like it was fake snow. I was kind of nervous I had ruined it and was not excited about having to sand it again. 

 It was all worth it though.The finished product looked better than I had hoped.

I had other projects planned but, some summers are just too short.