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Obstacles and Goals

2011-01-21T01:01:00.002-07:00

"When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?" -Sydney J. Harris

So tonight I was going through my computer and I stumbled across an old talk I gave about a year ago about Christ and the Atonement and the love he had for us. I forgot all about the talk and it was a pretty good talk (if I don’t say so myself). It made me realize that everyone makes mistakes, some are big and some are small but everyone (even our parents) has obstacles in their life.
I feel that a lot of our mistakes/obstacles make us stronger after we overcome them. But that is the biggest and probably the hardest part of it all is overcoming the obstacle. Only through the Atonement can be overcome them. We just have to realize what we want and humble ourselves before. As Sara Bareilles stated in her song ‘Uncharted’ “Compare, where you are to where you want to be, and you'll get nowhere” Just saying what you want to change and actually changing things are two very different things.
I know making goals are something you do for the New Year but I’m doing it now… just a couple weeks late. From now on I’m going to be on my ‘A’ game with everything. With my friends, work, boyfriend church, starting to read more (instead of watching my shows), working out… you get the point. I just want to get out of this obstacle I’m in of being stuck and comfortable with my life (and maybe being a little lazy). I used to love going out and being adventurous and doing active in things. So starting this weekend me and my man are going to start doing more productive things and I’m super excited about it. Having Brandon as a boyfriend there aren’t many nights that we don’t do something but a lot of the time we end up at one of our houses watching sports or one of my shows. So he was the one that came up with the goal of having at least 3 or 4 nights of the week without any type of tv. So we are going to start doing more productive things. I’m excited to try this new goal out with him!

" A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.”- Bob Dylan

Time Flies

2011-01-19T09:29:00.006-07:00

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
~William Shakespeare

Man, time flies by so fast. Brandon and I have been dating for about 6 months and that time just flew by. Of course a month and a half of that we broke up. But that only has made us stronger and better friends. We have fun so much fun together and I feel like I can be myself around him.
(Sorry for the cheesy post but I had to do something for being together for about 6 months!)

The boy is a little crazy and does some stuff that makes me question his age sometimes but I really do adore him.

'Tis the season to be THANKFUL

2010-12-17T08:45:00.013-07:00

When the holiday season comes around I just have to go think about all of the people I am thankful for and blessed with.

My family is numero uno on my list:

The kids with Nena: I will always be thankful for her, my grandma. She was the most polite, beautiful and elegant lady. I hope one day I will be like her.

The Hopkins girls (besides Darci): I love my sisters and my mom. I have been SO blessed with being born into an amazing family who are strong in the church and great mothers and friends!

My mom: I don't know where to begin with this lady. Even though sometimes we get annoyed with each other we will always be there for each other. She is such an amazing woman and so awesome (especially for putting up with me). I love you mom and I hope that one day I'll be a mom like you!

My dad: I love this guy! He is one guy who will always be there for you. He is so strong in the church, so generous, thoughtful, a great provider and he is a great listener. I love you dad and hope that I can marry a guy half as great as you!

Brandon: This guy will always make you smile. He is always in a good mood and it is contagious, you will never be in a bad mood when you are with this guy. He is great and he will always be there for you, day or night and he will always make you feel like someone cares for you. Thanks for being a great boyfriend!

Emily and Hanna: I love love love these girls. They are my best friends and they have been for a very long time. Each of them and super sweet and don't have a mean bone in them (unless you get on Emily's bad side). They are such great friends that both of them even came out to Utah to visit me this year!

Lindy, Blaire and Andi: I love living with these girls but not as much as I love each of them. We always have fun together and surprisingly we don't have drama.. only when it comes to our own drama (mainly boy drama) but they will always be there for you when you are down. Thanks for accepting me for who I am and loving me. I loves each one of you girls and you are all my best friends!

All of us girls with the hottie, Zac Efron. We are thankful for you and your good looks!

These people are just half of the people I am grateful for. There are many many more people that I am grateful for.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all will have an amazing holiday.

Tomorrow Is Another Day

2010-10-15T01:06:00.006-06:00

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and most importantly, I believe in miracles.
-Audrey Hepburn.

"Tomorrow is another day" how true that little quote is. You know when you just have one of those days when you just think life would be better if you just shoot yourself? Well, I had one of those days this week. I swear everything went wrong that day... went to bed late (first warning), woke up late and didn't get to shower, got to work late, all my appointments went past time, and it took about a little over an hour to get home when it only takes about 25 minutes. You get the point, it was just a day. When I was driving home I was just stressed to the max... wanting to get home, shower and get ready for a date I had. I just had to turn off the music, roll down my window and just breath.

When I was just sitting there in traffic I realized right now I'm learning patience. I need to not get mad and be grumpy all day just because of little things here and there and it was my fault for going to bed so late and it was just a domino effect after that. I also realized we get to choose if we are going to be happy or mad. And why choose to be mad and make your day terrible when you can be happy? There is a famous quote by Mildred Barthel that says, "Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response." How true that quote is, at least for me. When everything is wrong you just have to take a step back and breathe and remember tomorrow is a new day and this stress, hurt, pain and worry is just temporarily here. And even though the world and some people are really negative we can choose how we respond to it.

Another thing that has been on my mind a ton is not knowing the ending of my life story. One thing that I do whenever I first get a new book or about to buy one is read the very last page to figure out the end of the story. To see if it's a happy or a sad ending. I just like knowing everything that will happen. And I can apply this to my life in every way. I like to know everything that is going to happen. I am one that will write out what I will do that day, what stores and errands I need to make... sure I love being spontaneous every once in a while but most of the time I like to plan everything out. And with my life I don't know. I don't know what I will be doing in a year from now and that scares me so, so bad. I want to know if I'll be happy, have a new job, my friends, if I will have a boy and if we will be in love... and who knows? I know I sure don't! And I hate not knowing. I want to know. And during conference I heard a talk about having faith in the Lord is also having trust in him. And to trust that everything will turn out the way it's supposed to. You need to have constant faith in the Savior and faith will help you trust in him."We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord's will and the Lord's timing." And when we have that true faith and trust we will be a lot happier and I'm still developing that but as I am seeking it I already am feeling so much happier. I'm just trying to take one day at a time and not stress about what's going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. You just have to work through all your struggles. Your struggles are defining character. If y'all are LDS and have time look up my favorite scripture- D&C 58:3-4 it's a perfect scripture for my life right now.

Summer, you will be missed.

2010-10-05T16:21:00.000-06:00

"Summer is where the girls go barefoot and their hearts are just as free as their toes"

I had an amazing summer. Went to California for a weekend to visit my best friend, Andi who I missed dearly over the summer. Went to St. George a lot.. saw Brian Regan (comedian), Tarzan, soaked up some of the hot desert sun and just relaxed. Went to Missouri to visit my family and to see my cousin get married. I also experienced my first "summer love" Even though it was just a summer romance it was a lot of fun and I don't regret one second of it.

Getting some ice cream after soaking up some sun in St. George

Tarzan.. Great show!

Brandon teaching me how to swing.

Spanish Fork rodeo!

Kelsi's first 4th of July!

Just hanging out with good friends.

In San Diego with my best friends

Strawberry days Rodeo in American Fork

Dancing up at Squeak Peak

Mine and Brandon's first date. Thanks for making my summer a great one!

"I never promised you a happy ending.
You never said that you wouldn't make me cry
But summer love will keep us warm,
Long after our autumn goodbye"

What would life be without girlfriends?

2010-05-24T21:44:00.001-06:00

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

What would life be without girlfriends? I was just thinking how when I first moved out here to Utah I felt like I had no girlfriends and life was miserable. But now look at me... I have been out here for two years and I have lots of girlfriends. You all are amazing and I love each and every single one of you. You all have been such an inspiration to me in different ways.

Here are a few of my girlfriends(sorry if you aren't on here these are just a few from this last year):

All the girls in San Diego. I love my best friends!!

This is my best friend Andi. Without her there wouldn't be an Amandi and everyone loves us. We just met back in January and I feel like I've know her my own life. She has such a fun personality and everyone just loves her. Just look at her, how could you not?

Kailee. She is probably one of the most amazing girls I know. She has been through so much in her life and she is still so strong. She inspires me to be better every time I'm with her.

Oh Emily! I don't know where to begin with her. We have been there for each other for years. She knows me better than anyone else in this world... Well did, but we are still pretty close even though we haven't lived close to each other in 2 years.

This is for Carrie. She is another amazing woman. She was baptized in the church about 3 years ago(I think) and she is now married in the temple.. She has come such a long way!

Kelsi, Blaire and I. Kelsi is just so cute, she is from England and I just love the way she talks with the accent. She is very fun and happy... never seen her upset! Blaire is so fun. She is like the mother of all of us. She is so strong in the church, just received her endowments and is helping be a better person and I love her for that!

"This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days. Smiles when the sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth. Love to complete your life."

St. George and Brian Regan!

2010-05-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."

This weekend some friends and I went to St. George, UT to get away from Provo relax, get some sun and to see Brian Regan! If you don't know who Brian Regan is... go look him up. He is a comedian and he is hilarious. I had a blast this weekend and want to say thanks to Blaire for getting us free tickets to the show.

All of us before the show! Aaron, me, Blaire and Kelsi

Brian Regan!!

After some pool time. We went to WalMart and saw Polygamists... we were a little excited!

The girls!!

We got to go behind stage and up in the spotlight room, we are so cool!

Me and Aaron.

We had fun!!

Aaron and Blaire at dinner.

Me and Kelsi! I love her. Glad she moved into my apartment! :)

Parents

2010-05-18T00:06:00.001-06:00

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."

Nothing too much is going on in my life right now... just working, hanging out and so excited to go home in a couple of weeks to see my new nephew and family!!

So this past week since it was mothers day some friends and I were talking how much we care about our parents and talking about that one day when you realize everything your parents ever taught you was true. Man, I hated that day! Sometimes I wish I wasn't such a brat to my parents and I feel so bad for all the crap they had to put up with me. I will be the first one to admit I was the worst and hardest child in my family. I'm so glad my parents (especially my mom) put up with me and still loved me after all I put them through. They are truly the BEST parents anyone could ever ask for and I love them so so much. I owe everything to them, without them I wouldn't be who I am today. I love you guys.

Over the past couple of years since I've moved out to Utah my mom and I have grown to be best friends and I'm so grateful for that. She is one person (besides my sisters) who I can always turn to anytime and she will just listen. Love you mom and Happy Mothers Day!! (I know, a little late but better late than never)

"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend."

New Hair!

2010-03-15T23:50:00.000-06:00

So I got a new haircut/ some more blonde.. tell me what you think!

Besties!!

We have the same nails!! I almost bought it because I loved the color but Andi got it so I just borrowed it.. haha.

Carrie's bridal shower!! I can't believe she is getting married. But I'm SO happy for her!! :)

Life is good. I can't really complain about anything. I'm just excited for the next couple of months!!

I have become a groupie!

2010-02-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Groupie: A person who seeks emotional and intimacy with a musician or celebrity. Usually a younger woman who will follow their favorite band/musician while on tour. They can sometimes be the band/musician's muse. They will do anything to be closer to the band.

Somehow, I don't know how I have become a "groupie" okay, okay not really. But lately I have been going to a TON of shows and have the biggest thing (crush) on performers. My favorite right now are just going to the local shows out here in Utah. My good friend Andi went to the Velour last week for her favorite, Benton Paul and one of the opening bands for him was Truman and she fell in love with them and got me hooked!

I have the biggest crush on the Truman brothers.. and guess what, I met them last night and that's not even the best part of it- Ben Truman (one of the brother's) came over to my apartment!!! I was soooo excited. He is way cute. He personally invited Andi, Blaire and I to go to their concert at Sammy's in a couple of weeks. How awesome is that?! I'm so excited. I promise I am NOT a stalker.

Ben signed their CD for me and Andi!

Chad and Ben Truman with me and Andi!!

Aren't they cute?

Amandi!

2010-02-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

So my good friend Andi and I were bored one day and decided to go to the pet store because we were bored... bad idea. An innocent trip to go "look" at the cute fury things ended up costing me money on a $10 hamster. But she is so stinkin cute we couldn't help but buy her, plus there were some evil hamsters there who were picking on her because she was the smallest (and I know how that feels) we just had to save her from them.

Andi and I were trying to decided what to name her and decided to combine our names together and name her Amandi. Amandi is probably the coolest, cutest, most popular and most spoiled dwarf hamster there ever lived. I love her.

Valentine Day!!

2010-02-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

My lovely valentine was my amazing friend Kailee and for Valentine's day we went to Irvine, CA.. not just for valentine's day but we were there during that weekend. We got each other presents and it was a lot of fun! Thanks for being a great valentine Kailee, my best one yet :)

My mom also got me some awesome presents.. the monkey/monster thing dances and sings to the cupid shuffle and she also got me candy and a perfect boyfriend thing.. so funny.

Overall it was a great Valentine's day this year!

California!

2010-02-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

So I am in LOVE with Orange County California... not just because of the O.C. is one of my favorite shows ever!! My roommate Kailee and I went to her home town in Irvine, California and I loved it. It was in the middle of February and the weather was beautiful, it was in the high 70s the whole time. It was a nice break from cold Utah.

We went shopping, to the beach, went on some walks, also went to the New Port Temple.. it's a beautiful temple. I loved it. It's really cool because something Kailee told me that I didn't know was the the residence in Orange County put their own money towards the temple. Shows how much they really wanted it which is really awesome, I think.

I had an amazing time, I can see myself living in a place like Irvine or New Port. I can't wait to go back!!

Happiness

2010-01-26T14:55:00.001-07:00

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

All I can say I'm so happy the year 2009 is over. It was a hard year for me. Getting my heart broken, not finding a good job, my dog died and I broke my leg... okay it wasn't that bad but I'm just happy it's a new year. New year, new me!

So far this year has been great. I have a full time job in Lehi, UT working for a company, MyEbiz. I have new roommates who are AMAZING (though I do miss my old roommate Lindsey). I became really close with one of them, Kailee. She is such an inspiration to me, she makes me want to be a better person. I love her.

This is Kailee and I at a BYU football game.

Besides Kailee I've become really close with some other awesome people who are so fun... every time I hang out with them I always laugh my head off. I just want to say thanks to all my friends, you all are amazing (My family is included in that).

This year I have decided not to dwell on the past and just focus on the present and to look towards the future and figure out what I want in life rather then just winging it. I've decided to go back to school. I've decided to apply to several different schools... I'll let you know what I decide to do after I apply. I just might move out of Provo, but we will see.

I have a new niece Addison Christina Goddard who is adorable, I love her so much. And my nephews are getting so BIG.. I was just skyping with my family this past Sunday and Braden knows the first Article of Faith and he is only 3!! It's amazing how smart, obedient, and funny this kid is.

Here are some pictures of my family and friends from the past few months:

Summer in Review

2009-09-05T14:48:00.000-06:00

Even though my summer was ruined by breaking my leg and having to go home for 2 1/2 months i actually had a lot of fun thanks to my friends and my family! Here of summer pictures from my summer! .. enjoy :)

Lindsay, Megan, and I on the 4th!

My dad and I and Zona!!

My friend Kendra (who is ENGAGED (congrats!!)) and I at a Royals game, so fun!

My best friends and I bowling at ladies night!!

My best friend Hanna and I like to match :) we're cute.

Me and my beautiful mom. I love her so much!

My best best friend, love you!

Thank you all for making my summer SO much fun! Love yall.

The Endless Trial

2009-08-16T20:21:00.000-06:00

These past few months have been a big trial of my patience. I have never had so much happen to me at one time. Fracturing my tibial plateau was just about the absolute breaking point of my patience and then I had to blow out my knee 8 weeks after that. I’m trying to look at this in a positive way. Paul the apostle counseled us “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” Heb. 12:1-2 Two guidelines that he has given us as we run the race are first run with patience and second look unto Christ. Running with patience suggests rhythm, pacing yourself and being able to endure. And looking unto Christ helps us know we are not alone. We will have times when we feel like quitting the race because we can’t see the end in sight but you just need to learn to enjoy the ride. Some blessing come soon, some come late but for those who embrace the trial the blessings will come. I’m just trying to take one step at a time and hopefully things will start looking up!

P.S. Sorry its been forever since I've updated. I'll be better at it from now on :)

Goodbye Max

2009-06-06T22:25:00.000-06:00

Today Max died.

You were a great dog, the best. You meant so much to our family, you will be missed. We love you Max!!

Life can be hard but also so good

2009-06-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

"Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward."

The past couple of months has been SUPER hard. But the best thing I can do for myself is to move on with my life, which is exactly what I am going to do. I'm starting up with piano and voice lessons in a week and starting up school in August!

Through these past couple months of hardship I have found out who is really there for me, my family. I love them so much and would not be here if it weren't for them, so I just want to say thank you. You really do mean the world to me and I'm so blessed to have a wonderful family. I love you guys!

Easter eggs and Girls day!

2009-04-15T16:15:00.000-06:00

Eric has never colored Easter eggs before so we just HAD to color some for Easter. He surprisingly wasn't as excited but its okay, I had fun :)

GIRLS DAY!! Ever since I've moved out to Utah I haven't had too many girlfriends so a couple girls from my ward and I decided to start hanging out and it has been soo much fun! One of them, Katie and I are going to be moving in together next year so thats going to be way fun and I'm super excited.

San Diego!!

2009-04-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

For my Easter present my parents flew me down to San Diego. It was the first time I've been there. It was such a nice get away weekend, and fun just to hang out with my mom and dad without my siblings :)

Patience is a virtue

2009-03-25T22:31:00.000-06:00

"The right thing isn't always real obvious. Sometimes the right thing for one person is the wrong thing for someone else."
-Twilight, Eclipse- Charlie Swan

How true that quote is. Lately I've realized I'm trying to rush some things that some people aren't ready for.. even though I wish they were. I just wish that what I know is right is right for that someone as well, I just have to learn to be patient. I'm just grateful for my family who has been there for me and telling me to be PATIENT! Without them I think I would go crazy. I really am starting to believe that patience really is a virtue and good things will come out of it if you are.

The Good Life

2009-03-18T20:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, I did it!

So I've fallen into the trap of getting a blog thanks to my wonderful sisters Lindsay and Megan. I've been debating back and forth whether or not to start a blog. Seriously, my life isn't really THAT exciting. Right now my life is amazing, its really THE GOOD LIFE , maybe even the best time of my life at least as of now.

I just applied to school which I'm going to start in the fall. It's called Stevens Henager College and I'm going to be going into the school of graphic design, which I think is pretty cool because when I am a stay-at-home mom I can still work and have a good income (so I can go shopping).

I love Utah- I never thought I would ever say that but I do. It's so pretty and I LOVE the mountains, there are a lot more things to do than out in Missouri with nothing but humidity.

I have an AMAZING boyfriend who I've been dating 41/2 months. He is so sweet and good to me. I've never been more lucky. He's cute, funny, romantic (sometimes), smart, and a great example for me. He truly makes me want to be better, and I adore him :)