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Monday, May 26, 2014

Missionary Goals - Oregon Eugene Mission (05/19/2014)

I LOVE the family pics! Thanks for sending them :)
Cousins in 2007. Sister Duenas is in upper right with the sun glasses.
Awesome talk too! It was very good and it is literally one of the most perfect talks that a member could give with investigators present. The Elders must have been SO happy.
MY MOM'S AWESOME!!!
<Mother's Note: I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on Sunday about how to recognize promptings from the Holy Spirit and the process of how to receive personal revelation. The missionaries in the Greene Branch had an investigator come to church for sacrament meeting and she heard my talk.>

This is what we make when we have no idea what we want to eat for lunch. Two pasta sides mixed together with some hot dogs :) Was delicious :)

I couldn't remember how to sign 'I Love you', so I went from 'Live Long and Prosper' to 'Rock On!' and then finally got to the right one 'I Love You!' and Hi :).
These are my notes from the first district meeting we had this transfer. We have a new district leader and he is pretty intense and excited about missionary work. We made a lot of new goals for our district and what we all wanted to see improved. It was a great first district meeting :).

Make this the BEST TRANSFER we've ever had on our mission thus far!!
Make this the BEST DISTRICT in the Mission!!
We will see MIRACLES!!
Be an EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT missionary

GOALS:
---Transform our ward
---- increase member work
---- more activities
---- getting youth involved
- FIND 2 NEW FAMILIES!!!
- baptize 3 of God's children

Learn the principle of accountability!
-- pray to God in the morning, telling him what we'll be doing throughout the day
-- then pray to him at the end of the day, holding yourself accountable for what the day brought, also thanking him for what you were able to accomplish.

Sister Missionaries in my District chillin' on P-Day :)
Love you!!!!!!!!
Sister Duenas

Preach My Gospel (04/28/2014)

04/28/2014 - Sister Duenas wrote a very long letter and shared some of her favorite parts of Preach My Gospel (the book that missionaries study extensively from and use to prepare for discussions; it addresses many concepts such as: the Atonement, the Plan of Salvation, faith, repentance, baptism, the Commandments, prayer, the Holy Ghost, and more... ).


Preach My Gospel is simply amazing. Here are some of the gems and fun stuff I’ve found in Preach My Gospel:

P39: ‘This message of the Restoration is either true or it is not’. This quote helps many people, who are just teetering on making a decision, to move forward in the lessons.

P38: ‘The honest seeker of truth will soon come to [know] that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.’  Seriously. This is a huge key in helping someone in their progression in the Gospel. The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. (Unfortunately, that’s why some people attack the Book of Mormon so much.)

P33-35: Tons of stuff about the Priesthood and the authority that must be present if it belongs to God & Christ. I love these scriptures:
Acts 8: 18-21
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Priesthood can’t be bought, it is not a career choice,
  
Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Called of God

Jacob 4: 4, 6-7
 4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
 5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
 6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
 7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

Humble, testify of Christ

P48-55: The Plan of Salvation….in my opinion, it lines out very clearly the gifts of the Atonement, having a body, a life, and agency, all leading to one point…That He Loves us and wants us to come back and become like Him (if we so wish it). What we, as missionaries, offer is more than accepting Christ and making sure we are ‘good enough’ to get to heaven. We offer a higher goal…The pathway to Heavenly Father’s Kingdom and eternal joy, not just mortality.



Lastly: Since I could go on and on about the many gems in Preach My Gospel, I put this in my Preach My Gospel – Lesson 4 – Obedience section. ‘Let us obey the leaders of the church and be like Adam, who didn’t always have to know the reason WHY, but was just happy to be obedient.’

Love you,
Sister Duenas

Monday, May 19, 2014

Receive the Temple Blessings (05/12/2014)

Sister Duenas also sent an excerpt from a talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott in April 1999 called 'Receive The Temple Blessings'. Here is the video of that beautiful talk.



She quoted the following section of Elder Richard G. Scott's talk:
"May I share a personal experience to help any who feel anguish when eternal marriage is mentioned since you believe your spouse will not prepare for that sacred experience because of deeply rooted characteristics or habits. about five years into our marriage, we had a growing experience. Our precious two-year-old son Richard died while undergoing surgery to correct with a congenital heart defect. Within six weeks, our daughter Andrea passed away at birth.
My father, then not a member of the Church, loved little Richard very much. He said to my inactive mother, "I cannot understand how Richard and Jeanene seem to be able to accept the loss of these children". Mother, responding to a prompting, said, "Kenneth, they have been sealed in the temple. They know that their children will be with them in the eternities if they live righteously. But you and I will not have our five sons because we have not made those covenants".
My father pondered those words. He began to meet with the stake missionaries and was soon baptized. In just over a year Mother, Dad, and the children were sealed in the temple. Leter, President Kimball put his hands on my father's head, promised him the vigor and strength of youth, and gave him the sealing power. He worked as a sealer for 11 years in the Washington D.C> Temple with Mother at his side. You do your part. Don't abandon hope for a temple marriage".
-- Elder Richard G. Scott

Here is my testimony Mom. I know that when things are difficult, they will get better. 
Just as Elder Scott says above, "You do your part." 
Have faith that things will work out, I am realizing it more and more on my mission. 
We hear all the time from our investigators "I don't know why you're still here. I'm a hopeless cause. You should just give up." 
Mom, we NEVER give up here on our missions and I am determined never to do so when my mission ends. 
Love you to the moon and back!
Xoxoxoxoooooooo
Your favorite sister missionary <3

Hippie Eugene, Oregon (05/12/2014)

05/13/2014
Hey Mom! Hello Hello!

Long time no speak :) hahaha  
Did you like your Mother's day card?! :)
I know it was only yesterday that I saw and spoke to you, but seriously!
We had a lesson right after the call and it was as if that hour hadn't happened or as if it was just a dream. 'Normal' for me now is making sure I'm teaching people about the gospel and strengthening all the testimonies around me (including my own).

Can you do me a big favor and send me my awesome strawberry cookie recipe?
<Mother's note: wow, I can't believe she needs the recipe. She had made this recipe so frequently that it had been committed to memory, but I assume that means that she is very focused on missionary work, as she should be :) >
So, I don't need the whole recipe. I just need to know if I am forgetting an ingredient.
1 tsp vanilla, butter, cream cheese, egg, cake mix, powdered sugar, ???

Here is the pic of the trippie hippie van we came across. It perfectly describes Eugene, Oregon without saying a word :)

I love you too! I will have to write you another time, since I didn't get your email until a couple of days ago :( But that's alright, you'll just get a ginormous letter next week ;)     <3 <3 <3

Love you!

Sister Duenas

Friday, May 16, 2014

Sister Duenas' Spiritual Thoughts (April 2014)

04/02/2014 - Never Postpone A Prompting....'nuff said :)

04/03/2014 - 
Obedience to the commandments lead to blessings from God. I know I feel more secure in life when I am following the rules. When I am going against a rule, even just a small one, there will always be a little pebble of guilt or uneasiness that I know I've done wrong. Eventually that pebble could grow to 2 or 3 or 10 until I am being dragged down and life becomes burdensome. The Lord taught what true freedom means, and it's not disobedience.
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8: 31-32


04/16/2014 - 
#BecauseofHim There is nothing you or I can do that would make our Heavenly Father love us less. We are His beloved children and we always will be. It is my wish for the world that we all can love as He loves and as our Savior loves, unconditionally and without end.


04/16/2014 - 
Here is a new favorite quote I found while studying about the plan of salvation. I love it! I think it really points out why we try to do so much while here on earth. Specifically for me I think this describes
perfectly why I am here on my mission; to help families know the path they can follow so they may be a family forever .
"It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting, and finally succeeding." From "The Race of Life" by Pres Monson, April 2012 GC.



04/23/2014 - 
Our Heavenly Father has given us this great gift and power. Our eternal progression depends on how we use this gift. When we use it to follow Christ and to do good we will have lasting happiness and become stronger as we resist temptation. Agency IS power.

04/23/2014 - 
As we become more like our Savior we enlarge our capacity to love one another unconditionally. All of us have someone we love who has strayed off the path they once loved and knew to be true. The only way I can think of to help others get back on this path is to be an example to them and, as Elder Russell M. Nelson says, "Let your faith show". 


04/30/2014 - 
Christ has given us the ability to repent and move forward. He knows we aren't perfect and we will make mistakes but He also knows our great potential. Don't let things you've done in the past keep you from moving forward into a better, brighter future.
How has Christ helped you to move forward in faith?

04/30/2014 - 
Heavenly Father knows the path we need to take in order to become like Him and enter into His kingdom. That means breaking down some walls and building greater foundations.

Almost Mother's Day (05/05/2014)

May 05, 2014
Hi Mom! Hi Jim!
I can’t believe that by the time you get this letter we’ll be talking and seeing each other the next day! (for Mother’s Day). I’m so excited to see everyone! Hopefully the Elders and Sisters in Greene have somewhere to go for Mother’s Day?

Love the new Spring skirts! They are a bit long for my usual style and taste, but will work well as a Sister Missionary :)

Super impressed with you getting so much done with the soap and candles.

Glad to hear the (Owego Stake) Women’s Conference went well and you had fun.
I love the story (you shared) about the 32 year old man with Down Syndrome. It is so true that, as long as one is living worthily, any one no matter the disability can access the priesthood. That man must have had great faith and the mother as well. Good for him knowing his duty and trusting in the Lord even though he didn’t have the right words, he had the right heart and faith.

Awwww, Sister Rimington is wonderful, love her :)
Did the Greene Branch like the postcard I sent?

Again, not surprised that your baking was a hit :)  It always is  :) <3 I hope that boy got more than one (playful) slap to the back of his head by his mother. How rude stealing the last piece of lemon cake from his own mother!  tsk tsk

So, we got an awesome member to be our "Skype HQ" as she calls it :)  (for Mother's Day).
she is a recent convert baptized one year ago. she is so excited to go to the temple and she is getting her Patriarchal Blessing in a couple of days as well. I hope my investigators turn out as wonderful as her :)

Anyway, we will contact you sometime between 3 and 3:30pm on Mothers Day, prolly more towards 3. This is Oregon time, so 6'ish your time.
My companion will be calling you very briefly on Saturday to let you know a more specific time, so make sure you answer your phone!

Love you! See you in a couple of days! :) <3
Sister Duenas

Also included in the envelope were beautiful flower blossoms that Sister Duenas dried and pressed for her Mom for Mother's Day <3

< Mother's Note: Sister Duenas was on 'exchanges' on Saturday, so when her companion called very briefly, I was a bit confused to hear someone who was not her companion on the phone. I was expecting to hear Hi, this is Sister West, but it was an entirely different Sister and I made her say her name three times and still didn't catch the name. I could hear Sister Duenas laughing in the background. Turned out it was Sister LeSieuer. > 
Sister Duenas later said: Hahaha you were so funny on the phone! Love you too! Hugs and kisses!

Easter and New Companion (04/28/2014)

Happy Easter Greene Branch!
Thank you for the Easter box and notes! It totally brightened my day to hear from all of you :)
I will send a letter soon!
Love,
Sister Duenas
Happy Easter! <3 Sister Duenas      <notice the Star Trek hand greeting...lol.
And the funny looking stuffed animal is a teddy bear dressed as the Easter Bunny>
Dear Mom,
Oh my goodness, I have no idea how you can come up with so many different questions week after week! Haha. Well, I guess you do work for the (blank) so it makes sense  8P

I love the (Greene) Branch chili cook off!  OF COURSE YOU WON!! Mwah-hahahaha! That’s my Mom – takin’ over the world with her awesome cookin’ :)
Poor Sister Missionary though, not liking chili
<Note: the Sister Missionaries and the Elders in the Greene Branch were the chili judges, and one of the Sister Missionaries does not like chili, but she was a trooper having to taste 12-13 different chili’s>.

They don’t have ‘Linger Longers’ out here in Oregon. They have only one church activity each quarter.
<Note: ‘Linger Longers’ is an activity that the Greene Branch (in New York) holds every 3rd Sunday of the month after church that is basically a dish-to-pass. It builds unity and strengthens relationships in the Branch.>

Advice: Daikon= icky, coulda asked me that. People are very health conscious out here in Oregon. I have had: humus, daikon, squash, no butter, coconut, cherry, bananas, no meat soup or sandwiches, etc.
<Note: Sister Duenas has eaten many of these foods before, but apparently they are served quite frequently in Oregon, and she does not enjoy cherries>.

Dinners here are the same members for the most part every month. We usually have a full dinner week and the next maybe 2 or 3 and then it's full again. 

Sister West and I are going to start having dodgeball tournaments every other Saturday for all 10 and up. We will see how it goes. Our first one is May 10th.
Sister West and Sister Duenas
<Note: Sister Duenas' last companion (Sister Clove) was transferred to Medford on 04/21/2014. Her new companion is Sister West.>

We have interviews with President Young after every Zone Conference, so every other transfer. The interview with President Young is a time for us to discuss things with him and ask him questions as opposed to the other way around (him questioning us).
As a missionary, we must be well-rounded in all of our skills. There is a person out here who collects things and then has a HUGE yard sale. This person recycles the copper found in wire, but stripping the wire. That is how I learned to strip wire :) 

This last district Meeting we talked a lot about goals and keeping ourselves accountable to them.
I loved the Faith & Repentance (Relief Society) lesson too! In Grants Pass, Sister Nielsen and I taught it. It went great! There was lots of participation and learning.
Yes, I am excited about my 6-month anniversary (of being a missionary) :)  Now, I technically have just a year left on my mission. In terms of 6-month periods, it is so short!

We try to do 1 hour of tracting every day, but usually it is just 3-4 hours a week since we have a lot of people (potentials, investigators and less actives) to visit.
The University of Oregon is in the Young Single Adult area, so we don’t tract there. I haven’t run into my cousin yet though
 <Note: Sister Duenas has a 2nd cousin who lives in Eugene and is not LDS and she has never met him>

My Atonement talk was pretty choppy and all over the place, but I’m glad you liked it nonetheless.

Love you,
Sister Duenas

Atonement Talk for Easter

As missionaries we study every principle, doctrine, teaching and
scripture that the Lord and His servants have provided for us. We
study in order to help others come unto Christ and in so doing help
convert ourselves more to the Lord and His gospel. The most important
of all His teachings, principles and doctrine that we can study also
happens to be the most difficult for our feeble minds to comprehend.
Of course I speak of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Seriously, we could all spend our entire mortal lifetime dedicating
our time to the study of the atonement and still not understand a
tenth of what all it entailed. All I know is that I am eternally
grateful for the atonement. Not only for what it does for me but for
my family and all others who I've come to know and love in my life. I
am also very grateful for the one who suffered and "descended below
all things" (D&C 88:6) so that the will and plan of God could be
accomplished.

Before I was a missionary I was a very normal girl, in a very small,
very normal town, living a very normal and dull life. I would read the
scriptures for personal progress and seminary but it wasn't until I
was in a Book of Mormon class in college that I understood the
smallest part of what the atonement was. To atone for something means
to reconcile or restore and furthermore, when the word is broken down,
"at-one-ment" the meaning is even clearer. Quite simply it is the
bringing together of things that were separated.

Now, as a relatively seasoned missionary, I know much more about the
atonement than that. More importantly I can see and appreciate the
sacrifice willingly made for all of Heavenly Father's children.

During my studies of the atonement I was trying to figure out more of
what it meant for myself so that I'd be able to help others understand
it as well. I was so excited when I had a small epiphany moment during
a personal study one morning. I was reading in 2 Nephi 2 & 9, I had
read these chapters so many times before but this time there was
something nagging at me to keep looking, keep reading, you're almost
there. Then, CLICK. Light bulb. I could finally understand how the
atonement satisfied the demands of the law of justice. I actually
didn't know that there was a fog over that part of my understanding in
the first place but once it cleared I saw just how much light was just
waiting to break through.

Jesus Christ suffered everything for each and every one of us. Without
the atonement we would all become "subject to that angel who
fell...and became the devil, to rise no more."
"And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils,
angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our god...to
remain in misery." (2 Nephi 9: 8,9)

We could not suffer the demands of justice, that great debt, on our
own. The only way for us to be saved is for someone else to rescue us
and that could only be our perfect, sinless big brother Jesus Christ.
He paid the debt we could never pay and now we are subject to him. All
He asks is that we keep His commandments. All He asks is that we come
unto Him. All He asks is that we love Him. We can show our love by
faith, obedience and repenting of our sins. When we do as He asks of
us we have full access to the blessings and gift of His atoning
sacrifice. If we do not repent the Lord has said "If they would not
repent they must suffer even as I." (D&C 19:17)

I testify that because of Him my sins are wiped away as I repent. I
know that He lives. I know that because of Him my family can be
together forever. I know that because of Him I can always have hope
for the future. Because of Him I am able to help in His glorious work.
For all of these things I am eternally grateful.

General Women's Conference broadcast (04/14/2014)

Hi Mom,
In every new area we get sent to we try to guess why we needed to be in this particular area. My guess for this area is first, learning from Sister Clove and second, it must be that this area needs a boost of faith and simpleness because my testimony is basically all that I've got to share in this "intellectual" area :)

You can open the card whenever you want on Mothers Day it's just the present I want to see you open. I'd probably cry if you opened the card in front of me :)

You betcha i use my tart warmer :). almost every night or morning so the apartment smell nice and we can wake up :)  The companions like it, though all of them like different scents so i change them pretty often.

Haha I knew it was an April Fools joke as i was reading it...too silly ;) 
My companions find you funny and pretty awesome ;) Totally got the Best Mom EVER!!!
Zone Conference last month
Here is a new favorite quote I found while studying about the Plan of Salvation. I love it! I think it really points out why we try to do so much while here on earth. Specifically for me I think this describes perfectly why I am here on my mission; to help families know the path they can follow so they may be a family forever :)
“It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting, and finally succeeding.” From “The Race of Life” by Pres Monson, April 2012 General Conference

We finally watched the General Women’s Conference broadcast.
Awesome spiritual video!! Made me cry.
I know who I am. A Daughter of God, who: is a disciple of Jesus Christ, will keep a temple recommend, remember my covenants, marry a worthy priesthood holder in the temple, be faithful, prayerful and scripture loving, and have an eternal/celestial family.
Just wanted to say…Miss you, love and can’t wait to see you soon :)

Love you,
Sister Duenas

General Conference (04/07/2014)

Hi Mom! Love you!


So here is my transfer news! I'm staying here of course. My new companion is Sister West.

Some spiritual things I have learned: 
  • learning to recognize and follow the Spirit
  • To go back to a door or finish (tracting) a street
  • change a lesson plan once we enter a house
  • ask an investigator to pray just one more time and they do it for the first time ever and you can just feel the Spirit flood the room
  • asking them to be baptized when you know they'll say no because it's too early, but you ask anyway and they say 'I don't think I'm ready right now, but maybe in a few weeks?'
One of the most challenging things has been knocking doors. Advice -> just do it. After the first 3 or 4 rejections, nerves don't matter anymore because you're just dying now for someone to listen.

Let's see...favorite part of the day.....hmmmm.....Studying. 2 hours is SO not enough. Preach My Gospel has so much to offer and if you look close enough and long enough the scriptures have all the answers you need. You just need patience and prayer.
Another favorite part of the day or amazing moment is when a member catches the vision and spirit of missionary work. (When that happens) I can just hear the angels sing!
When members accept new people into the branch/ward family and are willing to help us missionaries and contribute their knowledge and spiritual testimonies by coming to lessons with us -> that is when the work truly hastens. MEMBERS = MISSIONARIES.

My least favorite part of the day has to still be planning. It's useful and we need to do it, but it doesn't mean I have to like it  8P

I have only been reading a chapter or two a day of the Book of Mormon (due to studying so much Preach My Gospel), but I am still determined to get it read 2 more times while on my mission.

I received the Eugene pendant for my missionary necklace. It looks great! Thank you!

General Conference was awesome :) I was at various member houses for each session. The Bishop, WML and a new member. I really liked Andersen, Nelson, Scott, Hales (selective obedience indeed!), President Monson and Packer. One of my favorites though was Elder Ballards. WATCH IT AGAIN! And make sure everyone knows please that even though it is about missionary work it is directed towards MEMBERS :) OOO I really liked Corbridge's talk as well. I was planning on sending my notes as well!!! :) great minds :)

Unfortunately I've only filled 2/3 or a journal since I keep going back and forth between my brown one and the red one. though I do write in the red one everyday now :) I wish I could've had a page for everyday of my mission but SOMEONE had to take up like fifty pages ;) ( hahaha you know I'm just kidding I love all of the things you wrote in there. I refer back to them every now and again :))


Sister Clove will be (most likely) leaving Eugene (on the) next transfer since she's been here 3 transfers now. So I will be taking the area over. I bet she's pretty nervous since this area and me are quite the opposite.

Sorry there aren't any flowers in my letter this time. I gave the ones I had for you to another friend who needed some cheering up. So at least they went to a good cause :)

I know of President Frutose <Pres Frutose is the new Stake President for the Owego, NY Stake>. I saw him at dances and stake activities (when I was a Youth). He'll do great :)

Here are some more things to watch/listen to :)
Mormon Message: A Mother's Hope --> might make you cry but I love the message :) 

Listen to The Nashville Tribute song "Bless My Son". It makes me think of you and want to make you proud :) <3

With all these questions and nice long letters I'm reminded of the time when I first got out here on my mission. I've been telling Sister Clove all about you because she just likes getting to know people and how they've gotten to where they are now. She loves to hear about the silly stories I have and I think she sees how much I enjoy sharing them so she lets me ramble :) she is a good companion.

So hopefully the "it was all very [me]" part of my talk was alright? sometimes I need to not be quite so me when I speaketh hehe :}

Are the songs you sent on the Nashville Tributes cd ALL Nashville Tribute? Just want to make sure so we aren't going against the rules.

In every new area we get sent to, we try to guess why we needed to be in this particular area. My guess for this area is first, learning from Sister Clove and second, this area needs a boost of faith and simpleness because my testimony is basically all that I've got to share in this "intellectual" area :)

I just wanted to say I love you! Don't ever stop writing me, stay healthy and try to have less stress, tell the kitties I love and miss them. Hopefully Sunday remembers me :(
I'll try to answer other questions in my letter. And you bet yer knittin' needles it'll be a long letter!
A letter from Mara would be nice :)

Love you!!!!
Sister Duenas

Oh I would like a nice light jacket that's fit for spring. It's nice outside here but when the wind comes and there are clouds it can get chilly.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Before My Mission

Sister Kiana Duenas - Before My Mission
Of course I enjoy reading my scriptures, church, going to the temple, but here are some of my other 'loves'. Just keepin' it real :)  Missionaries are 'normal' people too. Really, we are  :)
BYU Winter semester
1 month before reporting to the Mission Training Center
Completed my Freshman year at BYU. Go Cougars!
Hiked the Y with my family (Aunt Martha & Mom pictured)
Physical Science field trip in Rock Canyon
Maid of Honor for my Sister's wedding
My sister and her husband on their wedding day
Some of my favorite things:
My books <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3   
Manga :)
      

I love animals and they love me <3

Dogs LOVE me. This Blue Heeler came up to me as soon as I dismounted my horse - Jackson Hole, WY
Feeding a bear cub at Bear World in Idaho
Rescuing a 3-week old kitten who's Momma cat abandoned it. I bottle fed it until it was 7 weeks old.
Miniature horse at Animal Adventure in NY
My kitties <3 <3 Cimmy (16 yrs) and Sunday (the rescue kitten)
My famous Strawberry Cookies
Usually made for special occasions or close friends. I left this sign on my cookies, so they wouldn't be scarfed-down by my family 'cookie monster' (Jim)
Making Sugar Cookies with Mom

I love flowers. They are so beautiful.
My favorite flowers are these Snowdrops. They are tiny and bloom in late March or early April in NY
Super Scrabble. I always kick some major 'butt' :)
Building Lego castles for my little cousin
I love taking various fun classes with my Mother :)
Cake Decorating class
Pottery class
Fun times as a Townsperson at my one and only theatre production 'The Music Man' in my Senior year

I love my family!
My extended family in 2007. The last family pictures with Grandpa Darling.
And the silly/fun version :)
All the cousins in 2007 and Grandma's Welsh Corgi - Buttercup