tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44946868671430227512024-02-18T17:41:06.476-08:00Enjoy to the EndLife is to be enjoyed, not just endured. - Gordon B. Hinckley
The musings of a Lady learning to enjoy life. The joys and struggles of my journey through this adventure we call life. Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-51308517740781559792014-09-30T21:46:00.000-07:002014-09-30T21:46:12.499-07:00Free Lemons<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know the quote "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? Of course you do. I've heard this many times, and I knew exactly what it meant..<i>or so I thought. </i></div>
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Sometimes you just go through a chunk of time where things are just hard. One thing after another, and you start to think you have bad luck or something. Yes, there are happy times in the middle of the hard things but they don't seem big enough to make up a difference.<br />
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That has been my life the past two years. I could do a whole article on the great things that have happened to me during this time, but I'm pretty sure I could write a short story book on the hard times. When the first trial begin almost two years ago I was told if I was just grateful for it it wouldn't be as difficult to get through. I tried, thought I was and then moved on. Then the next rough patch came, and the next, and the next.<br />
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Needless to say this whole being grateful thing just wasn't working for me. Now I'm not saying don't be grateful, not at all. Gratitude daily is so important, but being grateful for trials wasn't seeming to click.<br />
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Until last week. Like I mentioned here my world was rocked, something I'll talk about in the future when I feel that I can. Initially I was a mess, but then I saw what came of it and how it will help me become stronger.<br />
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One day someone close to me asked how I was doing and I thought about it for a second and I realized I was doing really well considering the situation. I was shocked! How in the world was this possible?! </div>
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This above quote is exactly what happened. It wasn't that I turned my rough patch into "lemonade", like the old saying goes but that I realized hey this is a hard patch. I've got this. <i><b>It is going to hurt, but hey I'm going to grow!</b></i> So I didn't necessarily turn it into some huge grand positive experience or some tasty lemonade, <i><b>but I saw it for face value, for exactly what it was.</b></i></div>
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Am I making any sense? It is all new to me. But I'm excited to have finally grasped this. I always thought this quote, "If life gives you lemons keep them because, hey, free lemons!" was just a funny quote but now I'm starting to think there is much more to it. </div>
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Instead of putting pressure on myself to create this lemonade I just saw it, didn't get angry, and moved forward. I saw what I would gain from it, no matter how painful, and kept on trucking. </div>
Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-31284067279968320802014-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:002014-09-26T11:09:01.874-07:00Currently.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Found <a href="http://www.soshayblog.com/2014/08/summer-goals-what-it-do.html">here.</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Watching: </b>Foyle's War on BBC. Sounds nerdy but I really love it! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Loving: </b>That my football team, BYU is 4-0 and ranked at #20! Seriously I don't remember the last time BYU was ranked. You could say I'm loving this A LOT!</span><br />
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Anticipating:</b> My two trips to Utah in November. I'm excited to see friends I haven't seen in over a year, meet my "new" niece and nephew, and take some steps towards my future!</center>
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Listening to:</b> I'm never listening to just one genre. But lately I've been listening to more classical and instrumental to help me focus during my GRE study sessions. You can actually find my study playlist on Spotify!</center>
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Thinking about:</b> What the next year holds for me. I've been undergoing a lot of personal change and growth as well as taking steps towards some big goals of mine. I'm nervous but excited to see what is going to happen over the next year.</center>
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Feeling thankful for:</b> My family. End of story. Okay I'll say more. They are absolutely the best. Anything happens for me and they are the first ones there for me, they pray for me, support me, make me laugh and remind me I can get through anything!</center>
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Enjoying:</b> Lunch breaks with just me and my book. I work near a Panera Bread and I thought I'd get tired of it after a while but I haven't. I love that I can go there during my hour and just sit by myself and read a book. </center>
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Wondering:</b> If I'll survive this winter. I know it sounds dramatic but I really hate being cold. So far I've enjoyed the transition into fall but it still makes me nervous when I see temperatures start to drop. So if you have any extra space heaters, heating pads, or anything send them my way!</center>
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Wearing:</b> All things warm! I love summer clothes, but I can't get enough of sweaters and scarves right now. Is my fear of winter getting to be a bit much??</center>
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Feeling:</b> Tired but exhilarated. That is pretty opposite isn't it? I'll have moments of pure exhaustion but then I'll have a solid study session, or have a great lesson and all this energy will come flying through me that I didn't know I had left. Which leads to what I've really been feeling...<i>Blessed</i>. I have gone through a lot lately yet I have felt so much strength. I know I'm being carried by my Savior and my family. <i><b>So you could so overall I'm feeling pretty awesome when I probably shouldn't be. </b></i></center>
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Found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/180673242/fitness-motivation-fitness-motivational?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=motivation&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_campaign_label=etsy_finds&ga_utm_source=newsletter&ga_utm_campaign=etsy_finds_041214_11177571460_0_3&ga_utm_medium=email&ga_email_sent=1397255848&ga_euid=NNf877qpdF_6HAUcs2ips_WB-5EL&ga_eaid=6890059672&ga_x_eaid=9f0a628302&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">here.</a></div>
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Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-80683823943537500912014-09-24T17:34:00.000-07:002014-09-24T21:38:01.567-07:00PORTLANDIA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For my birthday my sister (two years older then me) and brother-in-law gave me an all expenses paid trip to come and spend a weekend with them and their boys in Portland. This trip came two days after my world got rocked by some unpleasant news. Lets just say this trip became more then just a present, it became a blessing.</div>
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There was an air show going on all weekend about 10 min from their house so we started out with that Friday night. </div>
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This picture does not convey how much we enjoyed it.</div>
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The night ended with a firework show! Seriously its almost the end of September and we got to watch fireworks, not to mention the fantastic weather. It felt like it was still summer!</div>
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So happy!</div>
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And then we went back the next day. This time we biked there, it was so great! </div>
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This is my brother-in-law with their youngest Vincent.</div>
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And the one and only studly man, Luke!</div>
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Then the trip ended with the beginning of fall desserts, Caramel Apples! The recipe will soon be posted <a href="http://www.sisterswhat.com/">here.</a></div>
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This weekend was distracting, fulfilling and full of happy good times. The weather was in the upper 80's and it was a great way to officially end summer.<br />
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My sister and her husband have lived out on the east coast since about a year after they got married, so for about five or six years. They moved to Portland last summer. I can't even say in words how grateful I am to have them so close. It truly is a blessing to have them back on the west coast and close.<br />
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They make me laugh, make me feel loved and I'm grateful to call them my family and my friends. Not to mention they have two of the cutest boys, but then again I might be a little biased.Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-53267911294511673572014-09-16T17:02:00.001-07:002014-09-17T10:23:24.743-07:00"Believe in Good Things to Come"It was ten-o-clock at the end of my 25th birthday and I was sitting in the corner of my mom's closet while she packs to go out of town for the next eight days. It is tradition for my mom to wait till the night before a trip to pack and for me to sit in her closet and help her out.<br />
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This time I wasn't much of a help to her but her more of a help to me. I was exhausted. My family had filled my weekend with a lot of fun for my birthday and I pushed through despite a migraine and a really bad chest cold. Not to mention I had woken up at 6:30 that morning to prepare to speak at church in a different congregation/ward then my usual. So by this time on Sunday night<i><b> I was done</b></i>. Not to mention I hate when my mom goes out of town. As a kid I use to always get sick when she'd leave, luckily I've <i>mostly</i> outgrown that. </div>
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As I was sitting there "helping" my mom I just broke down into tears. I was frustrated with some of my friendships, exhausted and not super excited about my mom going out of town. These friendships seemed to be taking a tole on me and my health was doing a number on me as well. </div>
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My mom's flight was at 6:00 am the next day, yet she sat there with me and just let me vent. Once I got it all out she gave me a big hug and reminded me of what I had spoken about that morning in my talk. The reason I spoke in a different congregation/ward is because as a returned missionary for my church they are having me go around and share all that I learned from <a href="http://washingtontomexico.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-long-yet-very-short-road-home.html">my mission</a>. It has been quite a blessing to me to remind myself what I gained from a very important part of my life. I talked about three things I learned/gained on my mission.</div>
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The most important thing I gained was a deep love/appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ as well as his love for me. Knowing that I was never alone in my sorrows and in my pain, just as I had promised the members of this congregation that morning. My mom reminded me of this. </div>
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Whenever I teach a lesson or speak about a certain topic, I seem to go through something immediately after to see if I really believed what I was preaching to many people. Sunday night I knew I believed what I spoke was true. I knew that my Savior had given me my mom to help me through that exact moment, one of the many ways he was proving his love to me. And also gave me strength to then get up from the floor in my mom's closet and move forward. </div>
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Quote found <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng">here.</a></div>
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This quote perfectly describes what I was reminded of on Sunday night in my mothers closet. I think it is okay to have a good cry sometimes, in fact I really needed to let all of that frustration out. But then after a big hug from my mom I got and kept walking. I knew it would all work out! But I didn't walk away alone, my Savior was right beside me as I moved forward. I know sometimes he is even carrying me when I can't do it alone. </div>
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<b><i>You might ask how can you possibly know he is carrying you.</i></b> </div>
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<i>I know because I've had my pain taken away even just for an hour so I can accomplish something extremely important. </i></div>
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<i>I've gone through trials that there is no way I could have made it through on my own. </i></div>
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<i>I felt peace when I should have felt grief and sadness. </i></div>
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<i>I have felt hope when it would seem as though there wasn't any in sight. </i></div>
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<i><b>And the only thing that could have made all of this possible is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. </b></i></div>
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I'm so grateful for this knowledge and I'm so grateful for my Savior who was willing to die for me, and for you, so that you and I could live, and not just live but thrive! Life is hard and it is really easy to just push through life with out truly living, hence "Enjoy to the End". This quote, the inspiration behind my blog, helps remind me to enjoy life not just live it. But this quote only does so much, <i><b>I know its because of the Atonement that I can learn, grow, laugh, cry and keep my chin up!</b></i></div>
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Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-8089916856086444802014-09-11T14:37:00.001-07:002014-09-11T14:58:32.700-07:00I AM....Last Sunday in church we talked about honesty. And of course we discussed lying, stealing, cheating...with others. But we didn't really talk about lying to ourselves, we touched on it briefly and it got me seriously thinking.<br />
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<b>The lies I've told myself in the past month:</b><br />
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- I'm not ambitious enough.<br />
- I can sing, but I'm not as good as I should be.<br />
- I'm not creative enough.<br />
- I'll never get a high enough score on the GRE to get into the program I want.<br />
- I'm not smart enough.<br />
- I'm not funny enough.<br />
- My body is a mess. It will never be healthy.<br />
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I could keep going but I really don't want to, plus I think you get the picture. All of those are lies I've told myself in moments of low self esteem and guess what?! <b>It is lying!</b> We are taught growing up to be honest. We teach our children, our students, everyone, to be honest. Yet we lie to ourselves constantly. We feel pretty bad when we lie to someone we care about right? I'm no rocket scientist but I think that means telling a lie to ourselves is going to make us feel pretty bad as well.<br />
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Because of the I am beautiful challenge I've taken from my dear friend Sister Julie Anderson (Found <a href="http://sisterjulieanderson.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-am-beautiful.html">here</a>) I've been working on this exact thing this week. Not saying any negative comments to myself. Instead of being saying positive "I am" statements.<br />
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For example last night I came down with a sore throat and woke up with a runny nose. My birthday is in three days and my family and I have a fun filled weekend planned. So as my mom walked me through everything I needed to do all day to get better fast she said to me, "All day you need to be telling yourself 'I am well' etc.". Instead of the usually I hate my body, I've been telling myself all morning "I am going to get better fast. I am strong and healthy." Let me tell you I've felt much better.<br />
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I also started a big project this week and it is something I'm very scared of doing. But each time I sit down to work on it I've told myself, "I am smart, I can do this. I will succeed at this". Each time I finish for the night I feel like I've done so much!<br />
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It is amazing how big of a difference being honest with ourselves can make. We will feel better about ourselves and we will accomplish so much more!<br />
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<b>Truth's I will tell myself:</b><br />
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- I am strong.<br />
- I am smart.<br />
- I am funny.<br />
- I am healthy.<br />
- I will rock the GRE!<br />
- I can be creative if I want to be.<br />
- I love my voice.<br />
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Found <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/carlymarie/works/12180381-i-am-strong?c=267690-healing-affirmations-by-carlymarie&ref=work_main_nav">here. </a></div>
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By building ourselves up and being positive <i>we will not only empower ourselves, but we will also empower others!</i><br />
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I know for a fact that our Heavenly Father doesn't believe the lies we tell our self. He created us, why would he create something that wasn't good. All good things come from God, which in my mind means that we are good. When I tell myself truths, and build myself up I feel closer to Him.<br />
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What lies do you tell yourself? And what do you do to break the habit?<br />
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Now that you've thought about the lies you tell yourself, I challenge you to get rid of those thoughts and write down truth's about yourself. How did it feel?<br />
<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-37372554272157863152014-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:002014-09-08T23:23:58.651-07:00One Year Older....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I mentioned in my last post on Sunday, September 14th I turn the big 25! A lot has happened since I turned 24. I'm sure everyone says that but it is true. I've had years where it was a good year but not a ton happened, this year everything happened. So buckle your seat belts ladies and gentlemen and get ready for a ride!<br />
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About two weeks after my 24th birthday I feel in love with this guy....<br />
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In October I was hit with a new medical problem....<br />
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I was adventurous at Thanksgiving and made the coolest pie ever....<br />
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Celebrated Christmas with my wonderful family and boyfriend....<br />
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Spent January helping this guy prepare for his mission and doing everything possible on our bucket list....<br />
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In February said one of the hardest see you soon's that I've ever said to this guy for two years......<br />
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In March I got a new, great job as an Event Coordinator for the Lacey Chamber of Commerce....<br />
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In June I threw my first big event in this job, the 26th Annual Golf Classic....<br />
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In July I threw the biggest event I've ever done for 15,000 people, the South Sound BBQ Festival...<br />
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In July I also celebrated Sydney's six months of being gone, and apparently he did also....<br />
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Went on a great vacation with my family and my Brazilians....<br />
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I also learned a lot.<br />
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I learned that no matter how much pain I am in I can still be positive....<br />
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I learned that I really can do hard things.<br />
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I learned that I am strong.<br />
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I was reminded that my Savior loves me and that he will always provide a way for me.<br />
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I learned that friends come and go but the best ones no matter how distant they feel will always be there....<br />
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I reminded that these two below rock and love me so much.<br />
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And finally I learned that no matter what age I'm turning it is up to me to decide whether or not it is going to be great. <i>It is my choice to be positive</i>. And guess what? I choose that 25 is going to be <b><i>FANTASTIC</i></b>.<br />
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Full of adventures, hard moments, growth and fun! Are you ready?!<br />
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<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-35575266990265879672014-09-02T16:14:00.001-07:002014-09-02T16:22:01.345-07:00Farewell Summer - It Has Been Real. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a solid month. It was sunny, it was fabulous and full of good times. It was rough as well, but I learned a lot and it helped me prepare to turn the <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">big 25</span></i></b> this month! </div>
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I went to the fair! We rode on rides, ate fritters, took group selfies, <i>acted like we had no cares in the world</i> and just loved summer. </div>
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I want you to just look at each individual in this picture. I still have no idea what was going on.... </div>
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What a fantastic group!</div>
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I had my first real surgery (I don't count my wisdom teeth). I had a deviated septum, basically I couldn't breath out of my nose. </div>
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I was excited to have my mom record me when I was waking up hoping to get some viral worthy footage. Turns out I just kept saying how much I hated how I felt. Turns out I hate medication even when I'm half awake and under the influence of a lot of drugs.</div>
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On August 11th three of my students gave their farewells for their mission. It was a very emotional day for me. I love each of these kids so much, they are going to be amazing missionaries! I've been blessed to teach them and also learn from them.</div>
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Elder David Wolf - <b>El Salvador San Salvador West Belize Mission</b></div>
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Elder Hensley - <b>Philippines Laoag Mission </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHy4yAJurg2sWqkgjrN-wN8p0OXTAs4FoB5b-BL84mDWKBl_A_e-GvOB-KucabO3uDH8Bz8Nr323ELOn1iyQeHz_CfhLm2pEEUUj14kYoZoVMklUJAQh3GJZO-JYu_BnMGlxkpbcybL5j/s1600/August+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHy4yAJurg2sWqkgjrN-wN8p0OXTAs4FoB5b-BL84mDWKBl_A_e-GvOB-KucabO3uDH8Bz8Nr323ELOn1iyQeHz_CfhLm2pEEUUj14kYoZoVMklUJAQh3GJZO-JYu_BnMGlxkpbcybL5j/s1600/August+4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sister Bourque - <b>Peru</b></div>
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I went to the Ape Caves at Mt Saint Helens with my family. I wish we had pictures of inside the cave, so cool. It was the weirdest sensation to come up out of the caves where it had been 42 degrees to a 80 degree day outside.<br />
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My favorite part was when we'd do "blackouts" and turn off all our lights. Every time one of us would scream and pretend like we were being attacked and someone would sneak up on someone. But good times were had by all. Even the five boys who range from 1 year old - 10 years old were champs the whole time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjCH3lNHLMd029BAaUF_kvANzJbtuYEs2-DbPcJcGhRPdFXmsjLTeqnjamASgcQmV3ktpJXjVtQVTeICyp65W_vJJW1affv7wygaVEZZv2tQd4AZkAMEZ2nshrR8hjsiUm-4T5wOEOZmP/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjCH3lNHLMd029BAaUF_kvANzJbtuYEs2-DbPcJcGhRPdFXmsjLTeqnjamASgcQmV3ktpJXjVtQVTeICyp65W_vJJW1affv7wygaVEZZv2tQd4AZkAMEZ2nshrR8hjsiUm-4T5wOEOZmP/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then the month ended perfectly, with <i><b>Mariners tickets in the Diamond Club</b></i> (behind home plate)!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG4LOX7WRHFQ5qA7HgO0thuBNuFwdGvCXQeYuqgNg4xayBNZoEgsQOzxz2KLxb1xZ1Zl341ewPSnUkLLv8VgVuaiw08vAALKS57XawzIDLSqavxJCRtoQGm7WS9CiYGuDz3jpcfpm34Hj/s1600/August+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG4LOX7WRHFQ5qA7HgO0thuBNuFwdGvCXQeYuqgNg4xayBNZoEgsQOzxz2KLxb1xZ1Zl341ewPSnUkLLv8VgVuaiw08vAALKS57XawzIDLSqavxJCRtoQGm7WS9CiYGuDz3jpcfpm34Hj/s1600/August+5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCbQ_SchYb_mL3W98snUELSzhf85y9crGQ0H7KjzLNDhD1yGMiViPwhm3PiG49aFsKYE5kzerpHGqdFsOFcBekLta0Voc8MGnNvzbK1k0IoK8dAxnjUNyJP5QW0u1VnNuLt6PNUR8wb_t/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCbQ_SchYb_mL3W98snUELSzhf85y9crGQ0H7KjzLNDhD1yGMiViPwhm3PiG49aFsKYE5kzerpHGqdFsOFcBekLta0Voc8MGnNvzbK1k0IoK8dAxnjUNyJP5QW0u1VnNuLt6PNUR8wb_t/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had so much fun teaching my mom all about baseball. I knew I loved baseball but this night truly confirmed it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbosqvETFQc2UOqXiJ3o_qK_TAMm1dDSHyBtAL6HWWocCfGXE6vf1NDzBitMeVWSeGgWOfXEuMP_ptYAaskvaCRUlSpwEp4ocIbwJsAYQ_2yaFFqJAzVaG4PahEzCZOrCQrfDq4YuY0m/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbosqvETFQc2UOqXiJ3o_qK_TAMm1dDSHyBtAL6HWWocCfGXE6vf1NDzBitMeVWSeGgWOfXEuMP_ptYAaskvaCRUlSpwEp4ocIbwJsAYQ_2yaFFqJAzVaG4PahEzCZOrCQrfDq4YuY0m/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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So lucky to have great parents who will take me to do things they know I love. They even stayed till the end of the game for me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAtC1O1x9IJyjjDvNkBBjhfFOsRGHu_2KktRdCRR8NV5j0LHswEjmiHCgCI0Z1xKndDAcwxMR_-CsXS2-vGQ-4Qx23yoFgPeSzKMMOQs-bk2RcNJarzBC13vEsmXdjmY_eZq82eXKKWJs/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAtC1O1x9IJyjjDvNkBBjhfFOsRGHu_2KktRdCRR8NV5j0LHswEjmiHCgCI0Z1xKndDAcwxMR_-CsXS2-vGQ-4Qx23yoFgPeSzKMMOQs-bk2RcNJarzBC13vEsmXdjmY_eZq82eXKKWJs/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Check out this guys pockets. I know baseball players are superstitious but is this really necessary?</div>
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August you'll be missed, but I'm excited to see what adventures come with the change in weather.<br />
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September is my birthday month and I've been dreading it all year, but I've learned so much this month that I've decided to embrace it with my arms open wide and a smile on my face. I've learned to be more positive, to always assume the best, to serve/love others more, I am blessed with a loving supportive family and that I am strong! <br />
<b>So bring it on 25!</b>Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-83830355839874280662014-08-26T22:02:00.001-07:002014-08-27T13:15:54.187-07:00How Does One Take the Leap?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I was looking through old pictures and I came across these two jems, and I had this interesting thought.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVepiZrpNwo3vx29fMgpWTyRLCUNPaurhTrzIt5WW7KUwlGFbtaVnIHHGRkYuXYYh9S5RAWzxv2btCbQbWRUPqwNQxjX19GVRfA6hxfhPfgHzzBnr4CiPjWhnwUDh8wbEn-MGqCY8-aO/s1600/jumping+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVepiZrpNwo3vx29fMgpWTyRLCUNPaurhTrzIt5WW7KUwlGFbtaVnIHHGRkYuXYYh9S5RAWzxv2btCbQbWRUPqwNQxjX19GVRfA6hxfhPfgHzzBnr4CiPjWhnwUDh8wbEn-MGqCY8-aO/s1600/jumping+1.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IWJyy8Ys0ajsjsXAaVfTFmHMcy4xplF28cqK7PLeBDJqUzPSNCvymbyNm1YX0pM7jCRIOyMwT8Dvyo4KUfp1upmONmHhNAG73nU_Ne0islC1CDq9CItVY5PV5TsxN5a2edVe6k20WqdP/s1600/jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IWJyy8Ys0ajsjsXAaVfTFmHMcy4xplF28cqK7PLeBDJqUzPSNCvymbyNm1YX0pM7jCRIOyMwT8Dvyo4KUfp1upmONmHhNAG73nU_Ne0islC1CDq9CItVY5PV5TsxN5a2edVe6k20WqdP/s1600/jumping.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Indulge me for a moment....</div>
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Some days I'm inspired and my mind is extremely motivated. But then I have days where I wonder how was I ever felt that way and I struggle with staying inspired and motivated. I'll have this genius plan of how I'm going to change a certain aspect of my life and then the next day I sit at my desk and wonder to myself, "What happened? Where did all those amazing positive thoughts go? What happened to the passion to make the change?". </div>
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I think a majority of my life is spent in the position of the above photos. In the ready to launch position. In that position I am full of inspiration and motivation but I haven't actually done anything yet to make a change. And then sometimes, when I'm feeling brave, I lift my heels off the ground and I start laying ground work.</div>
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<b><i>But how often do I get to this position?</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKm-wHNPS0fPRQxOIJoE4CNMED8KjZ-1V9bJpQ9GvyNUpgyDLc2Lrjk58jqZHFfHRxVtawPUQ7QSm16ETjMwZZgpI21LH7isNPN9HJJM-s7Bc-Mp6DactleuiwmsPXU9sWMRdzSnrMD1c/s1600/jumping+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKm-wHNPS0fPRQxOIJoE4CNMED8KjZ-1V9bJpQ9GvyNUpgyDLc2Lrjk58jqZHFfHRxVtawPUQ7QSm16ETjMwZZgpI21LH7isNPN9HJJM-s7Bc-Mp6DactleuiwmsPXU9sWMRdzSnrMD1c/s1600/jumping+2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Seriously though, how come I don't get to this position more often? I want to. But why don't I? I'm on this path to discover what is happening between photo two and photo three. Any tips??Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-5757826666790376812014-08-20T13:03:00.000-07:002014-08-20T21:43:28.918-07:00To Be Alive Is Extraordinary!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; padding: 0px;">
I've been having a rough couple weeks, which I blame myself for. I've been negative, neglecting myself and complaining a lot. Thinking I wasn't doing enough. My job isn't glamorous enough, I'm not changing the world enough, I'm not fit enough, I'm not stylish enough. Which is ironic because my blog's main focus is finding joy in the journey, <i>"enjoying to the end"</i>. But I guess it only makes sense that I would have to learn the same lesson that I'm trying to share with the world.<br />
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But this week has been so much better and let me tell you why. I've been taking care of myself, being more patient, I've found my passion, and I've discovered if I do my best each day then that is enough. Tomorrow I can do a little bit better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUd7SWf-wAglpmEOA9qoABz7J-O2CT7GNPVF15HJvydhuY4s151qYPnqiQaaWqZjo6aRLT8Oa2DjvPbQFTPapI_hGTQh_UHiGO2-IGBaBDjh5i0321-CgAZJEwLbs8gROO_euDFK9PujD/s1600/better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUd7SWf-wAglpmEOA9qoABz7J-O2CT7GNPVF15HJvydhuY4s151qYPnqiQaaWqZjo6aRLT8Oa2DjvPbQFTPapI_hGTQh_UHiGO2-IGBaBDjh5i0321-CgAZJEwLbs8gROO_euDFK9PujD/s1600/better.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Found <a href="http://ldsliving.com/story/74353-15-inspiring-quotes-from-the-brethren">here.</a></div>
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Last week I was listening to a seminar by Tiffany Peterson, that reminded me of something very important. It hit me pretty hard. She was asking us to rate our confidence level on a scale from 1 to 10. Then she said I don't care what number you picked because you're all 10's. I thought to myself, "of course you say that, you make money off of telling people that". But then she continued to remind us of the time we've held a new born baby, if we have. To think of how amazed we were by this tiny little creation that has just come into the world. And as she explained this I realized "Dangit. She is right!"<br />
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The fact that we are alive and well is amazing! Just because we aren't finding a cure for cancer, teaching children in third world countries, or solving world hunger doesn't mean we aren't fantastic beings.<br />
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I was reminded of one of my favorite lines from "The Fault In Our Stars". If you haven't read the book or seen it, it is about a girl who has cancer and her relationship with a young man who is in remissions. When Augustus first hangs out with Hazel and is trying to get to know here he asks her this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5052065/?ref_=tt_trv_qu" style="color: #70579d; text-decoration: none;">Augustus Waters</a>: What's your story?</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940362/?ref_=tt_trv_qu" style="color: #70579d; text-decoration: none;">Hazel Grace Lancaster</a>: I was diagnosed when I was 13...</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5052065/?ref_=tt_trv_qu" style="color: #70579d; text-decoration: none;">Augustus Waters</a>: No no no, Your real story.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940362/?ref_=tt_trv_qu" style="color: #70579d; text-decoration: none;">Hazel Grace Lancaster</a>: I am quite unextraordinary.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5052065/?ref_=tt_trv_qu" style="color: #70579d; text-decoration: none;">Augustus Waters</a>: I reject that.<br />
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"I reject that." I love that line. He had only known this girl for maybe an hour and already he wasn't letting her sell herself short. I know I'm guilty of this. I'm the number one offender of saying I am "unextraordinary".<br />
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But lets think about this for a second....Who gets to decide what is extraordinary? Who decided that only if you're traveling, changing the world in the public eye, and have an extremely successful career means you're extraordinary?! Whoever it was must have been very convincing because I personally I feel this way sometimes.<br />
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Hazel may be a fictional character, but the fact that she is fighting cancer and staying relatively positive is pretty extraordinary to me.<br />
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<i>I think the fact that my sister is <b>raising three kids on her own</b> is pretty extraordinary. </i><br />
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<i>I think the fact that my mother is <b>putting her business aside</b> to help my sister is pretty extraordinary. </i><br />
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<i>I think the fact that one of my best friends is <b>staying strong on his mission</b> despite family struggles at home is pretty extraordinary.</i><br />
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<i>I think the fact that the youth in my classes are able to get through middle school and high school <b>without succumbing to peer pressure</b> is pretty extraordinary. </i><br />
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<i>I think the fact that Sydney (my missionary) was able to go on his mission without looking back <b>because he believed it was right</b>, without the approval of his mother is pretty extraordinary.</i><br />
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I can think of many examples of being extraordinary in my eyes, and I think you can too.<br />
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Lets simplify the world and start recognizing the true examples of extraordinary behavior. Lets take the pressure off of ourselves to become these "amazing" people according to the world's standards. Lets just see that it is great to be alive, in a world that is hard.<br />
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<b><i>Lets be a little better today then we were yesterday, and know that is enough!</i></b></div>
Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-51829706237572513292014-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:002014-08-18T09:00:03.766-07:00Blog TourI was invited to be a part of this "Blog Tour" that is going through the blog world right now. I was invited by my sister who did it for our own blog, <a href="http://www.sisterswhat.com/">Sisters, What!</a> She is the main reason our blog is even successful!<br />
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So this blog tour has asked us to answer these questions about our creative process, I'll do my best.<br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">1) What am I working on?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I answer this question with a list of what I wish I was working on? But seriously, the list is a mile long. I feel like I have no time to work on what I actually want to work on. Luckily I do have a few projects right now that I've been working on, even if I've been working on them for far too long. Maybe writing about them will get me working faster!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzYn24F25paUw-d8kCQlaPh-04K5pCFcTy-ggg5PlQw4tZqYIDDLU2FVG9zMedmigR92IbZHjZBJZn9Xx4sdDQ9fuPjTonCEEqyQhqvNQK09xHRBEgHeTG4fQfEHF2ge1L1RwG92KJ-qm/s1600/bedroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzYn24F25paUw-d8kCQlaPh-04K5pCFcTy-ggg5PlQw4tZqYIDDLU2FVG9zMedmigR92IbZHjZBJZn9Xx4sdDQ9fuPjTonCEEqyQhqvNQK09xHRBEgHeTG4fQfEHF2ge1L1RwG92KJ-qm/s1600/bedroom+2.jpg" height="400" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My room:</b> There are a few reasons I'm re-doing my room right now and the first reason is because I want my room to be a safe, inspiring, happy place. A place where I can get to know myself and draw closer to my Heavenly Father, a place where I can be enlightened and learn more. I want inspiring words and pictures, that are full of color and life, all over the wall. Second reason is, my room needs to seriously be organized. It looks "tidy", but by tidy I mean there are random piles all over the room that only mean something to me. But even then when I'm trying to find something I have to look through each pile. And the third reason is, I want to get rid of all my "stuff". Things that I've always kept because I'm convinced they mean something, or that I'll wear one day, or actually need. Clearly if you haven't "needed" it in the past six months you probably won't need it in the next six months. The reason this project is taking me so long is because it is so hard for me to de-clutter, organize and be creative. Let me know if you have any great tips and/or ideas. Pictured is some of my inspiration for my room. Don't you love the clean and brightness of each picture!?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplnJvv4TVB4gvb4L-MBq_rCwP5sbzPU6HWXDn8fVmZP-d6eqp4d7KI78oFtDTxMKOMdPnKNIVYuOv4fP5mesrnOrqVYavTJeDWXL9Y4RzRyLK_Z2w_MiddyNFz3pjAekxOisiTTEDzOuZ/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplnJvv4TVB4gvb4L-MBq_rCwP5sbzPU6HWXDn8fVmZP-d6eqp4d7KI78oFtDTxMKOMdPnKNIVYuOv4fP5mesrnOrqVYavTJeDWXL9Y4RzRyLK_Z2w_MiddyNFz3pjAekxOisiTTEDzOuZ/s1600/bedroom.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJytRD9L8Z9VDp-cBPvkvifL2UneefLDeORXiXVqr1alPEaUhOAm7ye8y36KTYX28RH9N0Pz_RI-BoipO8WCITEBn7py8jphvCUa1hrGc-qAbIF4ANxIe91iclORx-79bid2VX8n8NCRZ/s1600/bedroom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJytRD9L8Z9VDp-cBPvkvifL2UneefLDeORXiXVqr1alPEaUhOAm7ye8y36KTYX28RH9N0Pz_RI-BoipO8WCITEBn7py8jphvCUa1hrGc-qAbIF4ANxIe91iclORx-79bid2VX8n8NCRZ/s1600/bedroom+3.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLq4BDjQlktkDB_kJUf9GQ3GQnRW5Xtm2LGYgcgi881njT8Ov3dbGovkP25VWrDZfY3UqzVh2odcnfh6q8zX4gWoXudrUlI6fqKVJH1uWy7dI5XchNN5pZIICj2G2dA5fttUKgFNTEmQ/s1600/pineapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLq4BDjQlktkDB_kJUf9GQ3GQnRW5Xtm2LGYgcgi881njT8Ov3dbGovkP25VWrDZfY3UqzVh2odcnfh6q8zX4gWoXudrUlI6fqKVJH1uWy7dI5XchNN5pZIICj2G2dA5fttUKgFNTEmQ/s1600/pineapple.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/2014/07/colorful-master-bedroom.html#comments">1</a>/<a href="http://hannahblackmorephotography.com/interiors/">2</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181607070/beyoutiful?ref=related-0">3</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193755530/watercolor-pineapple-8x10-printable?">4</a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Exercise: </b>The goal is pretty simple, exercise more. But since </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">that isn't a realistic goal because how do you measure it, this is my real goal: running at least 2x a week, yoga 2x a week and some form of exercise every single day. It can be anything. Just as long as I'm moving and getting my heart beat up. What I want most is to do a little bit of exercise in the morning. Here are a few workouts I'm going to start doing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCuVnMi0nYIr0-O4NRKfR0SFczgJicFtYzPTHU3FjZs_MsnZXI8KWMQ0Dc3k6EdxJfBzlKW1fCSI-h3ASb4ctAo3PWZXP0xLoeRVRuU25YFXNyxFJ49gnkPOvCI17HVBZhiByzUcga4be/s1600/workout+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCuVnMi0nYIr0-O4NRKfR0SFczgJicFtYzPTHU3FjZs_MsnZXI8KWMQ0Dc3k6EdxJfBzlKW1fCSI-h3ASb4ctAo3PWZXP0xLoeRVRuU25YFXNyxFJ49gnkPOvCI17HVBZhiByzUcga4be/s1600/workout+2.jpg" height="400" width="171" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpjDepoqTqehCAmlkotHN28UMdreGANGNmFERHt3vcAkGBFVKWuKhrG0rPt_F791jJLkDxtIY-6bLafYZ5SA_Jeoyu6HGb7gPC3l3L76P-cdyfvFjHuIRUEUqxAwy7KsfaJKCl7kWm5jm/s1600/Workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpjDepoqTqehCAmlkotHN28UMdreGANGNmFERHt3vcAkGBFVKWuKhrG0rPt_F791jJLkDxtIY-6bLafYZ5SA_Jeoyu6HGb7gPC3l3L76P-cdyfvFjHuIRUEUqxAwy7KsfaJKCl7kWm5jm/s1600/Workout.jpg" height="400" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaLL240wCA1yzzEPj2BIfpNVUzoeEYJTawWnlC3hbaGgICIZy-GDhV_7x8BcspH9U9E53dW1XXB77j3wwkgcJXp-3PdPRYeL0PEhFDuaR-GmAmLy3JTmG_9wZ9vUYrJrALXqXxwDGPSYM/s1600/joseph+smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaLL240wCA1yzzEPj2BIfpNVUzoeEYJTawWnlC3hbaGgICIZy-GDhV_7x8BcspH9U9E53dW1XXB77j3wwkgcJXp-3PdPRYeL0PEhFDuaR-GmAmLy3JTmG_9wZ9vUYrJrALXqXxwDGPSYM/s1600/joseph+smith.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Spiritual/Intellectual:</b> I love reading, but sometimes I find myself just reading pure brain candy because it doesn't require much thinking </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when I'm tired. So I've made the goal to read one spiritual and/or intellectual book each month. I've started doing this over the summer and when I'm reading a book that makes me think and helps me grow I find I'm much more ambitious and happy. Here are a few of the books that are on my list for the next two months: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IJrGyk7CGXQrGRIfWdqFWs8xbwZnoY53DVyRSxCsYEycKD4_O1vFcHG1LrMZmSDe3wBlbzgdJn57YvJr04sjWuawUNaZa_UWZbtIDAI2Gm5tHclIP1u9bqzN_W8ig88uY3HhM1qBozPI/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IJrGyk7CGXQrGRIfWdqFWs8xbwZnoY53DVyRSxCsYEycKD4_O1vFcHG1LrMZmSDe3wBlbzgdJn57YvJr04sjWuawUNaZa_UWZbtIDAI2Gm5tHclIP1u9bqzN_W8ig88uY3HhM1qBozPI/s1600/books.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>2) How do my creative doings differ from others from its genre?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">When someone thinks of creative people my name does not come to mind, but this is something that I've always wanted to be. My family has helped me see I am creative, just not in the crafty way. I create through my words and my daily life style. I think how I differ is that I just say it how it is, which can be good and bad. If you go through my posts you'll find I'm straight forward in my thoughts, and in how I live my life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>3) Why do I write/create what I do?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I write because I want to help the world be a better place. I honestly don't know if anyone is actually reading my blog but I share my thoughts and my life in hope that someday one of my posts will help someone through the hard time that is life. That maybe one of the hard things I'm going through can help with someone who is going through the same thing. Just maybe it will make it easier for them then it was for me.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://ourdailyobsessions.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-life-is-to-be-enjoyed-printable.html">Found here.</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> My blog is called "Enjoy to the End" because I want people to join me on my journey of trying to make this concept a central part of our lives. That we can enjoy the hard times, as crazy as that sounds. And that is why one of my favorite quotes was the inspiration for this blog, "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured", said by President Gordon B. Hinckley. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>4) How does your writing/creating process work?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Since my blog is fairly new I'm still ironing out my writing/creating process, trying to be more organized. But right now my posts really consist of what is on my mind lately and what I've been doing in my life. I try to write about things that are meaningful and not just fluff. I think of this as my meaningful journal. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now to pass on the torch to the next blog....A blog I just recently found is <a href="http://www.simplyclarke.com/">Simply Clarke</a>. I love what Marquis has done with her blog. It is full of light and it is real. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-6414742886337570862014-08-13T16:44:00.000-07:002014-08-13T16:44:49.110-07:00South Sound BBQ FestivalSo I know my posts are a little random sometimes. From what I've been doing with my life to whats been on my mind but remember this blog is a form of a journal for me and my future family. When I don't feel like blogging I remind myself this is the best way to document my life!<br />
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Anyway a little over a month ago, July 5th to be exact, the South Sound BBQ Festival, that I mentioned <a href="http://washingtontomexico.blogspot.com/2014/06/stop-breath-live.html">here</a>, took place. (Remember I'm the Event Coordinator for the Lacey Chamber of Commerce) It was the biggest event I've ever been in charge of and while it was so exhausting, I have to say it felt really good to be a part of. Not to mention I had a great team to help me out!<br />
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We estimated that the attendance was about 14,000 people, so a huge success! We guessed that I walked about 25-30 miles that day, <b>and when I say walk I mean speed walk</b>. No strolling occurred between 6 am and 10 pm. The most frequent thing said to me that day was, <i>"You look like a man on a mission"</i>. Lets just say I struggled walking the next day....<br />
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Here are some pictures from the day of.....<br />
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<i>We had a dunk tank where all the money went to our Kidwiler Scholarship Fund, and all the people dunked were important people in our community.</i><br />
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<i>I live in Washington. Home of the <span style="color: blue;"><b>2014 Superbowl Champions, the Seahawks</b></span>. So we were lucky enough to have Blitz and some Sea Gals in attendance.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTZF_PNoIqHPC2eunX7M2PO_t9QJMtXo_gyYiu8RW7fS_C1BBKXz8JBlGvEu7T3NIpJwVafphg5qRqpIgP8y_yqq00VE38oPHashX2OrTDhmx65gUyi5f9IQLJi3Bl5mUuG7xr_FTrSvj/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTZF_PNoIqHPC2eunX7M2PO_t9QJMtXo_gyYiu8RW7fS_C1BBKXz8JBlGvEu7T3NIpJwVafphg5qRqpIgP8y_yqq00VE38oPHashX2OrTDhmx65gUyi5f9IQLJi3Bl5mUuG7xr_FTrSvj/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>Had a Chicken Wing Eating Contest... </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D7zYwyLZnth03vednu17KE5-z1b20LevAhaI4LRIELoZvahdW4GztQ1SzVa76mOg2s_Uq0n2_jPnzGSs4KUnHrVA1AuGuY91NYpRvH6bxQ26m168aBFVzPkoVjc85mfUHC0xBPtFTlST/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D7zYwyLZnth03vednu17KE5-z1b20LevAhaI4LRIELoZvahdW4GztQ1SzVa76mOg2s_Uq0n2_jPnzGSs4KUnHrVA1AuGuY91NYpRvH6bxQ26m168aBFVzPkoVjc85mfUHC0xBPtFTlST/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_6lHb3q0S2F-bGcaHPHPawFtQK97YB-SgV5f3O4TOpddtoH60VWjQDtgsvSz6PPMYVhswHY_PdTEe55d0zFCzXrneADWl0lx4LHa6h48m7QiWSwtWcBgsJ-ksERKmSZUZaE0f-j_NvwS/s1600/IMG_7734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_6lHb3q0S2F-bGcaHPHPawFtQK97YB-SgV5f3O4TOpddtoH60VWjQDtgsvSz6PPMYVhswHY_PdTEe55d0zFCzXrneADWl0lx4LHa6h48m7QiWSwtWcBgsJ-ksERKmSZUZaE0f-j_NvwS/s1600/IMG_7734.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>And lots of great vendors...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_cPJfBMX11dAB_MLdCcEZbs6gTqIRtrPeaKXkdL-e9GRgp1C1VbbbeGi2Wmw70qFY-WE0m_YIYmTYSUeLjDYFZRs8NZzsoXa6mXGQmErGezCITSJ-vLt8-Qws7xoSuZ7SBmS8V-7Tmci/s1600/IMG_7596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_cPJfBMX11dAB_MLdCcEZbs6gTqIRtrPeaKXkdL-e9GRgp1C1VbbbeGi2Wmw70qFY-WE0m_YIYmTYSUeLjDYFZRs8NZzsoXa6mXGQmErGezCITSJ-vLt8-Qws7xoSuZ7SBmS8V-7Tmci/s1600/IMG_7596.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is actually my mom at her DoTerra booth. She got stung by a bee the day before and had a severe reaction (hence the swelling), but being the champ she is she still came!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v4Iz-si_FPBezeHqmobHrbQ5XeugDXLRyGpQIYtDqgTpynbYZ7_mp78rUPtHP2EZRBXTkCCAcWaqpTr-AItwn0V3cf-PXFTqPyZB3BZd_GMjOTHd4oPZZ8OHYFpgQpjo6h1GmLmrw5Ze/s1600/IMG_8142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v4Iz-si_FPBezeHqmobHrbQ5XeugDXLRyGpQIYtDqgTpynbYZ7_mp78rUPtHP2EZRBXTkCCAcWaqpTr-AItwn0V3cf-PXFTqPyZB3BZd_GMjOTHd4oPZZ8OHYFpgQpjo6h1GmLmrw5Ze/s1600/IMG_8142.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Some jamming music...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZjBhTrgMHrzl6hQQ9Rpu7EkhiMpEm77D1oTcoZKIM6oMFmD0_Nim2QYxgzDqKaOCnqxLzjmyZh2qrJdbGlppAHUPIsgu6pwPqi-RANYkToRrW1PoDCT-DKDGXL2ng2pO1NHojZ5TMaca/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZjBhTrgMHrzl6hQQ9Rpu7EkhiMpEm77D1oTcoZKIM6oMFmD0_Nim2QYxgzDqKaOCnqxLzjmyZh2qrJdbGlppAHUPIsgu6pwPqi-RANYkToRrW1PoDCT-DKDGXL2ng2pO1NHojZ5TMaca/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The Backyard Joes Competition (amateur bbq contest)...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1fHbqgzw50dDnpZg7vouDAde9np3Pn1ZhkR3XDHny3YTsOE3Nelu6LScff2nuPOBSvBilzDv1Qz2VuWcLjvlK_9Lg6HGaakt5fnI0tfYK4vrdj2kgU63TAGOSPCN0OkJwzTEadmkV5Mf/s1600/IMG_7537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1fHbqgzw50dDnpZg7vouDAde9np3Pn1ZhkR3XDHny3YTsOE3Nelu6LScff2nuPOBSvBilzDv1Qz2VuWcLjvlK_9Lg6HGaakt5fnI0tfYK4vrdj2kgU63TAGOSPCN0OkJwzTEadmkV5Mf/s1600/IMG_7537.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>And my sisters were the best and made sure I got food. They were even caught on camera!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EqYJjvoyX_YgGnBWCG0x3PQ61d7GdccwgwOvS3FzhCVjlznPrKpdMTxLbpevRRYzsQ2ZJI68Q0uTz-vxQalFz8o6rBVq8Cd7qm8ysppEgeXuMqanWgWKqCjiLa9m2sAeMaqW4wkdW6BA/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EqYJjvoyX_YgGnBWCG0x3PQ61d7GdccwgwOvS3FzhCVjlznPrKpdMTxLbpevRRYzsQ2ZJI68Q0uTz-vxQalFz8o6rBVq8Cd7qm8ysppEgeXuMqanWgWKqCjiLa9m2sAeMaqW4wkdW6BA/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>And I rocked my CamelBak and everyone was jealous, no really I got a million and a half comments about it....but lets be honest here, how could you not be.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahSa5hb99nPWUIY00Kd06XFQCfRgOJ-X85aDTJ6_uw4PUG9S1Q7Khwu9XLsBa0KlQ7cqXV4iOjuiuff4I8xOWnw5GmTUF5rQbEQ3f0FifuWgTGgYIXUI0BXQCtR7io1keYGKQ-KYgXpBE/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahSa5hb99nPWUIY00Kd06XFQCfRgOJ-X85aDTJ6_uw4PUG9S1Q7Khwu9XLsBa0KlQ7cqXV4iOjuiuff4I8xOWnw5GmTUF5rQbEQ3f0FifuWgTGgYIXUI0BXQCtR7io1keYGKQ-KYgXpBE/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF91LeTwl9mfvY2OkAHP-mEfcSNXX2JWTjIF3yodSeYLmNix6icu8Dw0zI4zZfTACc7mIL33h9KOqd8flP7_IJl6NIFfFcuPszc9AZygXSjckGC230p5U6ai_EcfNgrFf4O0yOD32_x1BZ/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF91LeTwl9mfvY2OkAHP-mEfcSNXX2JWTjIF3yodSeYLmNix6icu8Dw0zI4zZfTACc7mIL33h9KOqd8flP7_IJl6NIFfFcuPszc9AZygXSjckGC230p5U6ai_EcfNgrFf4O0yOD32_x1BZ/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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If I point it looks like I know what I'm doing</div>
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This picture was taken around 9:30 pm when I finally sat and I had to be helped back up.</div>
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What a great day. Lots of good food, great people and good times were had by everyone! I feel blessed to have a job where I get to be a part of great events that bring my community together. </div>
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<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-28611229464275692212014-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:002014-08-07T15:00:00.815-07:00God Is Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/2w49_1a9X0Q/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2w49_1a9X0Q&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2w49_1a9X0Q&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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I saw this video and just felt like shouting from the rooftops,<br />
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<b>"GOD IS REAL AND HE LOVES YOU!!!"</b><br />
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But since that isn't socially acceptable, and I don't know of any rooftops where anyone will actually hear me I'm going to say it right here.<br />
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I know I have a Heavenly Father. This isn't just an idea in my mind, or something I think might be true. <b><i>I know</i></b> I have a Heavenly Father.<br />
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And guess what else I know...He loves me. He loves you. And He is a part of my every day life. He is a part of your every day life.<br />
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There aren't many things that I'm 100% sure of in life, but this is one of the things I'm 200% sure of!<br />
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Sometimes I've found it just takes realizing how much He loves us, just like President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is saying in the above quote, for us to have the windows opened to the love and blesses He wants to shed upon us. Not to mention all of the blessings He is already bestowing upon us even though we don't recognize it.</div>
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, <i>"God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe."</i></div>
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If you ever feel like God is not there, you can lean on what I know. He is there. He is just waiting for you and for me to just believe! </div>
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In a world where God is being kicked and ignored, I stand up and say...<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He lives, He loves me and I love Him!</span></b></div>
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One of my closest friends recently shared her thoughts on the exact same topic, check it out<a href="http://sisterjulieanderson.blogspot.com/2014/08/all-time.html"> here</a>.</div>
<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0Lacey, WA, USA47.034262899999987 -122.8231915000000146.861157399999989 -123.145915 47.207368399999986 -122.50046800000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-80012095232306134712014-07-30T15:00:00.000-07:002014-07-30T15:12:18.168-07:008 Ways To Be A Missionary I recently found a post that is "8 ways 2 be a missionary". I loved it. Ever since I came home for my mission I've been trying to master the art of member missionary work. It is definitely hard, but I will not be deterred from my mission!<br />
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His last step is "Be not ashamed". This is my all time favorite. How can we expect to share the Gospel if we steer clear of talking about it because we are embarrassed. Be brave!!<br />
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See what Matt from <a href="http://the8ways2.com/">The 8 Ways 2</a> blog teaches how to be a great missionary without even realizing it:<br />
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>1. Be a good friend</i></strong></div>
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<i>The other day I was talking to a friend from a different church. I’ve known him for a couple months and had never asked about his religious beliefs. I felt the time was right and asked him about his faith. I showed genuine interest in him.</i></div>
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<i>But guess what? I continued asking about him rather than blurting out a wrote response of what I believe or corrections to what he said based on doctrine I follow. That day will come when I invite him to come unto Christ, but first I must be a good friend who he trusts.</i></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>2. Practice what you preach</i></strong></div>
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<i>People watch us. Those outside of our faith most especially. They pay attention to what we say and what we do. The people that seem to radiate the most light are those who have integrity. I’m more likely to listen to what those people have to say. If you know the scriptures backwards and forwards that’s all well and good, but how are you applying it? Do people see the gospel in action when they watch you?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>For the other six ways head over to his <a href="http://the8ways2.com/2014/07/29/8ways2-be-a-missionary-without-realizing-it/">blog</a> and read them. I promise you won't regret it! </b></span></div>
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Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com8Lacey, WA, USA47.034262899999987 -122.8231915000000146.861157399999989 -123.145915 47.207368399999986 -122.50046800000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-43298383464680293732014-07-25T17:30:00.000-07:002014-07-25T17:30:00.902-07:00WARNING: Joy and Pure Happiness (and picture overload!) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This last week I got to go on vacation. YIPEE! It was fantastic. Half of it was spent as a leader on a Pioneer Trek with the youth of my <a href="http://www.lds.org/">Church</a>. The second half was spent at the beach in Seaside, Oregon with my family. So pretty much my three favorite things...the youth, the beach and my family. </div>
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So get ready for picture overload. And believe it or not these are just my favorites ;). </div>
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This picture was taken when only the women were pulling the cart. The young women were absolutely amazing and rose to the challenge with pure faith!</div>
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Warning: If you see any of these women, be scared. We are trained in the art of throwing tomahawks. </div>
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These are my "golden boys". Even though they always make sure to make me feel old they are both so amazing. They always put a smile on my face and made me so proud as they lived the gospel and helped their family the whole trek!</div>
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My view from where the leaders were camping out. AMAZING!</div>
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And now to the beach.....oh pure joy!<br />
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This was my first night in Seaside. The picture says it all. </div>
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We convinced my nephew to let us bury him. It isn't a trip to the beach without at least one person getting buried right?!</div>
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Loved having my Brazilians along with us for the trip. (This is at Hug Point)</div>
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I was a master photo-bomber this weekend and the Brazilians were good sports :).</div>
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The whole crew! (We missed the rest of the Burton clan.)</div>
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My adorable nephew Vincent Frost.</div>
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This vacation reminded me how much I loved the outdoors. The whole time I was outside I felt at peace and like myself. Note to self: Don't go this long again without enjoying the great outdoors and all God has given to you!</div>
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Can I please go back?!</div>
<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-88195567078038545112014-07-11T09:49:00.000-07:002014-07-11T09:49:56.149-07:00You Matter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't not share this video. Especially after just writing a post about my <a href="http://washingtontomexico.blogspot.com/2014/07/shame-triggers.html">"shame triggers"</a>. Colbie Caillat nailed it. And good for her! We try so hard to impress everyone because we want them to love us, but in the process of doing that we forget to love ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are so hard on ourselves, and when I say we I mean I am. I always leave the house thinking "this is as good at is going to get". Or I'll dress differently or put on more makeup depending on who I'm around because I want to impress them. I spend all this time doing it but at the end of the day that time could have been used learning to love myself, and serving others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know about you, but when they started wiping all their makeup off they all looked so much happier to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now this is not me saying don't wear makeup, never get dressed up, don't care what you look like. There is nothing wrong with any of those things but if you're using those things to impress others and to cover up who you really are then they can be a big distraction. Like Colbie said, <b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">"Take a breath, look into the mirror at yourself. Don't you like you? I like you".</span> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we all just understood who we were I don't think this would be a problem. I grew up being taught I was the daughter of a King, a loving Heavenly Father. And while I believe this is true, sometimes I don't fully understand it. Which is why I am so hard on myself and also on others. Because I lose sight of who I really am. I'm busy looking at others and wishing I was like them, but the days I embrace me and love me I am so much happier!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we just believed and remembered it always, what a difference it would make in our lives. What a difference we would make in each others lives. The most powerful Being in the universe knows you perfectly and He loves you with a love that is greater then any love we could imagine. If that is true, then why don't we love ourselves?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think about your life. How would you act differently if you understood that you have divine parents? How would you feel about yourself? How would you feel about others? I know that as you and I come to understand who we are and whose we are we will begin to see a change occur in ourselves, and we will be able to start being a part of a change in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you feel like you don't matter to anyone. I promise, you matter to Him. You matter to your Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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*<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him?lang=eng">You Matter To Him by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf</a><br />
*<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/we-are-daughters-of-our-heavenly-father?lang=eng">We Are Daughters of Our Loving Heavenly Father by Elaine S. Dalton</a>Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-7597026165937501312014-07-08T16:58:00.002-07:002014-07-08T16:58:46.066-07:00Shame Triggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I read a post over at<a href="http://www.letwhylead.com/2014/06/wholehearted-living-knowing-shame-triggers.html"> Let Why Lead</a> about shame triggers. If you haven't read it yet I highly encourage you to. It really got me thinking.<br />
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At first I didn't think it applied to me because I don't have anything to be ashamed of, but she discusses some of what Brene Brown teaches about shame. She said, "But as I continued to read and listen to Brene talk about her research, I learned that shame for most of us is just that quiet feeling of "not enough"". This hit me hard because it really is something I can feel.<br />
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Now overall I know who I am. I know I'm a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father and that He loves me, I have a family who loves me, and overall I've got it together. But I also have no problem pointing out to people what is wrong with me, what qualities I don't have, and what parts of my life where I feel like I'm failing.<br />
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Erica was very authentic when she wrote about three of her triggers, which all hit home for me, and it inspired me to do the same:<br />
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1. <b>Not kind and loving enough. </b>I'm kind of a sarcastic person and most of the time I love my humor but sometimes I don't. I wish I was that girl who was more loving and kind to everyone. Do I talk about others to much? Do I complain too much? Do I always put myself first? Do I put others down to often in the hope I will get a good laugh?<br />
2. <b>I'm not exciting enough.</b> I hate the questions "what did you do before this job?", or "what do you like to do?". I've never left North America, I'm back living at home again, I served my mission in my home state and I don't have any big obvious talents. I always hate talking about myself because I feel like everyone else is living the dream and has exciting things to share while I'm just this average Jane just trying to find my thing. Talk about serious shame. I look at what I haven't done instead of <i>what I have done</i>.<br />
3. <b>I'm not pretty/fashionable/creative enough. </b>Pretty shallow I know but I'm being authentic here so I'm going to be honest. I follow all of these lifestyle/fashion blogs and I see these women and I think "what is wrong with me?" or "why am I not more girly and cute?". I find myself thinking I'll never look like that, or no matter how hard I try I'll never be able to decorate a home that cute. When why does that matter?<i> I should rejoice in my own uniqueness!</i><br />
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And just a few more of mine:<br />
* <b>Not motivated enough</b><br />
<b>* Don't have enough self-control</b><br />
<b>* Not confident enough</b><br />
<b>* Not positive enough</b><br />
<b>* Not brave enough</b><br />
<b>* Not active enough</b><br />
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Sadly I could go on. Erica on Let Why Lead said , "Wholehearted people know what qualities they don't have, but they wake up every morning and still feel "enough"". I think that is so true. They know they need to keep working and growing to be better that day but in the end they know I did my best.<br />
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Now I need to figure out how to overcome my "Shame Triggers".<br />
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Now it is your turn. Be authentic with yourself. It feels good :)Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-3659850785775939002014-06-25T17:30:00.000-07:002014-06-25T17:30:01.982-07:00Stop. Breath. Live.Life is crazy right now....<br />
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Next Saturday is the South Sound BBQ Festival in Lacey, WA.<br />
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I'm the Event Coordinator in charge of it and this is my first year doing it and we are expecting 15,000 people. So as you can imagine work has been non-stop for the past few weeks. Man I'm excited, but I'm a little bit more excited for the day afterwords.<br />
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Last Saturday my parents and I took a day trip down to Portland to see my sister and her family. It was only a day but it was fantastic! Hung out in her backyard, soaked up some much needed sun and then went blueberry picking.<br />
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Don't mind my face. I'm obviously not very photogenic, but the whole purpose of this picture was to show you my amazing multi-tasking skills. I mean look at me, holding a baby and picking blueberries. I'm living the dream.</div>
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Monday I got to go to one of my favorite places in Seattle with one of my favorite families. This is Sydney's family minus his dad (he is taking the picture). They are so great to include me in family outings even though Sydney is gone. </div>
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Safeco Field to watch the Mariners vs. Red Sox. So much fun. And since I'm a fan of both teams I knew I'd leave happy either way. And guess what the Mariners won, 12-3 so I was extra happy.<br />
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David Ortiz doing his thing. So much fun to watch.<br />
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The rest of my out of work time has been filled with helping my mother at her fantastic DoTerra classes, hanging out with my new Brazilian friends, re-arranging my room, mission call openings, and church. I get to go out with the Sister missionaries tonight. I always love going out with them because it is an opportunity for me to really forget myself and help others feel the joy and happiness that I feel.<br />
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My goal right now is to start becoming more productive with my time outside of work. Usually I get off work and I'm so tired I don't want to do anything. But after writing about confidence last week I realized this is probably why I've been struggling lately. I'm not doing anything for me or even for others. I'm not living!<br />
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I want to work on making my room a clean, peaceful, inspiring place for me. Get back to my music side. I haven't practiced piano or violin in ages! Not to mention the only singing I do is in the car and shower. Oh and I really want to learn to play the guitar. I also want to up my exercise. Ideally I want to start exercising in the morning but I really have a hard time getting up earlier then I need to. Any tips? I'm all ears!<br />
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Here is to life and to living it, instead of letting it live you. Who wants to join me?!<br />
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<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-38258369757517415272014-06-20T17:17:00.003-07:002014-06-20T17:17:58.642-07:00How Do We Get Confidence?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Growing up I was always taught how important it was to have confidence and believe in myself. I never thought I had any confidence problems. In fact I specifically remember my dad saying, "Sierra the Prophet (the main leader of our church) taught us to raise our kids with confidence. You, have too much." I think this was after I told him he could not wear Crocs out in public. All in jest of course but he was partly right.</div>
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See, confidence was not in short supply in high school. </div>
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Now this isn't to say I never have my low self-confidence moments. I just didn't really have them in high school. But about three years ago was when I realized how important confidence is in all that we do. I specifically remember the day. It was as chance in counter at my current job with a girl who wouldn't make eye contact with me, while near by was a group of cheerleaders. </div>
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This girl had acne, a little heavier, I think even braces, but still a cute girl. I tried so hard to interact with her. Ask her how she was doing etc but she'd just mumble responses. I could tell from watching she felt uncomfortable near those girls. Now these girls were your normal cheerleaders. Small and peppy. But they weren't drop dead gorgeous by any means. But you could tell they were confident by the way they carried themselves.</div>
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This experience may seem small to you but to me, three years later it has not left my mind. And I will tell you why...</div>
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There are many things in life that can help us build confidence but I believe one of the many things is having a talent or skill. Having something that you know you're good at and with that having someone who believes in you.</div>
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I had a best friend in high school who was a little bigger but was one of the most popular girls in school. She had a voice that was amazing, and a personality that made others want to be around her. She could have easily thought less of herself because of her size but because she had friends and family who loved her for who she was, and she had things she knew she was good at, she never let it bring her down. It was amazing to me. </div>
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I have recently found this principle to be true for myself. When I am not growing my talents or I'm not surrounded by those who support me and build me up I don't think very highly of myself. So I've found that as I pick a new hobby to learn or start a project, something that shows progression, and as I get better at it my confidence increases. It is amazing. And yes, much of our confidence must come from the inside. We must believe in ourselves. We can help build that inner confidence by working on ourselves as a whole.</div>
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Now many people do not have a great support system, or have a support system at all. I can't even imagine what that would be like. Which is why we should all reach out to each other, love each other and support each other in our activities and dreams. We have all heard the quote by Plato,</div>
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<b>So today I'm going to find something new to learn, or work on something I've left forgotten and I'm going to find someone who is in need of support in their choices, activities and dreams.</b> What will you do to help increase your confidence and the confidence in others around you?</div>
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<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-35941492956910151112014-06-15T19:59:00.001-07:002014-07-30T16:17:04.275-07:00Comfort ZonesWe all have our comfort zones. The place in our lives where we are most comfortable and things are easy. I have been taught my whole life and also learned from personal experience how much growth occurs for me when I take a step outside of my comfort zone. It isn't an easy step, but an important one nonetheless.<br />
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Today I had an epiphany, indulge me for a second. I love adventure, but would you believe I also hate it. Most people would never guess this about me. I come across as someone who loves spontaneity and excitement. And while they aren't completely wrong, I have this other side of me who is terrified of change and the unknown. I go searching for adventures and new experiences but most of the time I don't follow through.<br />
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Recently I have be presented with an adventure of a lifetime. One I've dreamed of for years. Everything about this adventure was/is perfect and I even have the perfect partner in crime who would embark on this adventure with me. But then I froze. At first I thought it was just because it wasn't the right thing for me. Then I considered maybe I was just scared of the change. I was sure hoping it wasn't that because I wanted to get over my fear of change and new things. But then this was when the epiphany hit...wait for it. What if the reason I was feeling hesitant was because where I am at right now may seem like a "comfort zone" from the casual look, but as one examines it closer it is far from my comfort zone.<br />
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You're now thinking I'm completely crazy but don't abandon me just yet. I might be way off base here but at the same time I think I've struck gold. If where I'm at right now was my so called comfort zone then why do I struggle with it so badly. Why am I searching for a way out? Maybe that is why I feel the need to stay here, because here is where my growth is occurring. I'm learning how to live a whole different life then I'm accustomed to.<br />
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So my point. Maybe sometimes we go looking for these big, grand adventures so that we can grow and learn, so we can get away from the certain situation that we are in. Maybe we think we are stuck in our comfort zone. But have you ever thought maybe you hate said "comfort zone" so much just because it is testing you and forcing you to grow?<br />
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I don't know if this makes any sense, I mean I only figured this out this week. And I'm not even sure how to exactly explain it, except that sometimes we think we need to run or get out of our comfort zone because it is dull and boring but I think we are wrong. At least I've been wrong.<br />
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For me I'm trying to examine what I think is my comfort zone and as I do I realize it I've been far off. And I know that because I have really hard days that stretch me and force me to grow. But I've thought all along that I was in a comfort zone because I was free from the trials I would normally experience. It isn't crazy different, in some new location that I've never been, surrounded be people I don't know. In fact I'm surrounded by my family. But sometimes stepping out of our said comfort zone isn't exactly what we need. Sometimes it is where the most growing occurs.Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-56666768766859679052014-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:002014-06-10T11:32:53.959-07:00Students Teach the Teacher. I mentioned a while back about how when I came home from my mission for my church I was asked to start a class for all 16-19 year olds who wanted to prepare to serve a mission in our area. When I started it I had no idea how much it would change me, nor did I know that I would get to know some kids who would become my best friends.<br />
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This weekend another one of those kids left for her mission. I don't know if I can count how many students I've sent out on missions now but I can say that each good bye doesn't get easier. And that is because each one that I've sent out has taught me something new. What I've learned the most from them is that when it comes to friendship age doesn't mean a thing. These kids are quite a few years younger yet I've become very close with quite of few of them. They have shown me love that others never have, they have taught me what it looked like to serve and love everyone, what it meant to be be selfless, I could go on and on. Here I thought I had been asked to be their teacher and as I said goodbye to Jenna yesterday I realized how they all had been my teacher.<br />
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These three were my first missionaries to go out that were actually regulars in my class. Spencer (Paucha Mexico Mission), David (Anaheim California ASL Mission) and Julie (Washington D.C. Mission). We were quite the foursome. </div>
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Yes we are twins, not triplets.</div>
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Tanner Risk (Marshall Islands Mission) and Julie again. </div>
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I even got lucky enough to have Sydney (Mexico City East Mission) in my class! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wwgpXONqhorrvLQH7CnZFgSOkQALDeatMT2lBgCPszCErawIKx5awFslWuRXsvNfJpPR2FNdq_jpia9RazzfGxEx7zcbU20WZKl1kN-BnJMyGfF9TK4_k0E_VWT_1C-WTnCpxeWy65HB/s1600/IMG_1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wwgpXONqhorrvLQH7CnZFgSOkQALDeatMT2lBgCPszCErawIKx5awFslWuRXsvNfJpPR2FNdq_jpia9RazzfGxEx7zcbU20WZKl1kN-BnJMyGfF9TK4_k0E_VWT_1C-WTnCpxeWy65HB/s1600/IMG_1854.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jennifer Hochstrasser (Nashville Tennessee Mission) and Jenna Lythgoe (Scottsdale Arizona Mission).</div>
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Jenna Lythgoe is quite the extraordinary woman. </div>
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Jenna Bell (Las Vegas Mission)...what a woman! I've seen her grow up from a little one. </div>
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I have students in states all over the country and countries all over the world. </div>
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When I came home I was in limbo and felt like I had no purpose, these kids gave me a purpose. They gave me the opportunity to share with them something I love so much. They loved me and included me. Everyone always says I helped them, but I know the truth. They helped me and they taught me. I was called to teach, but little did I know I was really the student.</div>
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Each and everyone of them are amazing. They are so strong and I know the world is going to be a better place because of them. I am still teaching this class and I'm excited to see where the next group goes. </div>
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<br />Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-57960735238344685532014-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:002014-05-29T11:13:06.836-07:00Whatever You Are.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going to write a little bit about Sydney tonight. I promise I won't gush too much. But he has taught me an amazing lesson over the past three and a half months, actually he has taught me this lesson since I met him but tonight we are sticking to his time on a mission.<br />
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Sydney is serving in the Mexico City East Mission and is currently in an area that is very poor and not very clean. Well his second week in Mexico he came down with appendicitis and had to have his appendix removed. Then about two weeks later he got a stomach infection and then about three weeks later he got an intestine infection. Visiting the hospital three times during all of this. And on top of all of these health problems he is in a brand new country, he is learning a new language and missing home. I know I'm not the most descriptive writer but I hope I've painted a good picture of what he was going through. I think through out all of this he complained to me twice, maybe.<br />
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After the appendix surgery.</div>
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Now what does "whatever you are, be a good one"have to do with not complaining? Sydney has this philosophy if he is going to do something, he is going to do it! I remember on my mission when the pain was really bad I'd talk about maybe going home in moments of weakness. But all Sydney has ever said in the two times he has complained was that it was hard, but that he was doing his best to get better. He could have easily asked to come home to get better, or complained to me, his girlfriend who would understand being a sick missionary. But now he just talked about wanting to get better so he can be the best missionary he can be. Each week as he writes me I feel how happy he is through his words despite the struggles that he is having. He knows during this time his calling is to be a missionary and so he figures even though he keeps getting sick and could make all the excuses in the world to not work hard, he is going to keep going. He is going to be a good missionary.<br />
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Soccer with the other Elders. Look how happy he is!</div>
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Not only am I in love with this amazing man but I am learning new things from him all the time. He is living Abraham Lincoln's wise words. So as I realized what example he was setting for me I decided it was time for me to bloom where I was planted and be the best I can be. Even though sometimes I may not be happy with where I am or what I'm doing it is important to be present and do the best I can. I've been practicing this just the past few days and man I've seen such a difference. Yes I'm exhausted and sometimes I don't get everything done I need to, but I feel fulfilled. It is a good exhaustion. I know that I'm living in the present and I feel at peace. So guys "whatever you are, be a good one".Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-56459526164308305312014-05-26T16:30:00.002-07:002014-05-26T16:30:54.639-07:00I'm going to succeed gloriously....So last night I had dream after dream after dream of different things in my life completely failing. And when I say failing I mean crash and burn. Can you tell I'm under a little bit of stress right now? Work is really crazy. We're getting ready for two big events and guess what I'm the Event Coordinator so that means double time for me. And then on top of it my pre-planned relaxing trip to Portland for a long Memorial Day weekend had to be rescheduled. So it is safe to say my weekend started off pretty rough. On Friday I was hit with this overwhelming desire to follow my dreams but with no idea on how to make any of them happen. The desire to travel the world, to have my own family, to work with youth and make my mark in this world. So between that and the stress from work I was feeling pretty down, like I was going to fail at everything and I felt stuck. The feeling continued through till Sunday.<br />
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I went to church like always still not knowing what to do. As I was sitting with some of the other young women leaders one of them mentioned what our class was going to be on, personal revelation, and suggested that maybe the reason I needed to stay home from Portland was for the lesson. I laughed and said maybe. Then as I was sitting in the class with the other young women we were talking about receiving personal revelation for ourselves as well as making decisions. A quote came to my mind that I thought would be good for the girls to hear.<br />
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Today I was emailing back and forth with Sydney (Monday's are their email days) and he was giving me a fantastic pep talk. Telling me how much he believed in me, that I could do anything I put my mind to and all that good cheesy stuff that I love hearing from him. But as we were emailing I remembered that quote from yesterday. I realized I needed to remember that in my life and not just expect my young women to remember it. Sydney believes in me, my family believes in me, my Heavenly Father believes in me but sometimes I don't believe in myself. </div>
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Yes I may not know right now how in the world I'm going to live my dreams, do all that I want to do and become unstuck but I do know that eventually I will. As I keep pushing forward and remember that I was put on earth to "succeed gloriously" I will be able to conquer all. Sydney reminded me that it is all about baby steps, and boy is he right. I think each of us, well at least I know I do, try to take these giant steps because I want results right away and if I can't get them I feel like a failure. But as I learn each time I do this I am more likely to succeed and grow when I take baby steps towards my dreams. It might take longer but I learn a whole lot more. A friend reminded me last week that our Heavenly Father can't steer a parked car. So it is time I get up and move, even if I'm just barely inching along. Because I am going to succeed gloriously! (And so are you)</div>
Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-43537470719833941202014-05-22T09:30:00.000-07:002014-05-22T09:30:03.643-07:00What Matters Most<div class="p1">
A friend got me thinking recently about what matters most to me. When he asked me I thought it was a simple answer: My religion, my family and Sydney. Probably cliche answers, but I'm okay with it. Then he asked why. That question gets me every time. With Sydney being gone for two years and not having to worry about dating it has really forced me to focus on myself. I can honestly say in the three months that he has been gone those three things have risen up even higher in importance. But why?</div>
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Why is my religion so important to me? I like to think the answer is simple: It gives me joy. Not just happiness, but pure joy. It gives me purpose. And it fills me with peace. I'm one of those people who if I don't know why I'm doing something it is really hard to motivate me. But, most importantly, I know that it is true. As anyone who has ever heard me really talk about my faith they have heard me say that it is the one thing that is always constant in my life. It is the one thing that will never change. The only thing about it that will change is that my love for it will grow more and more. My religion is why I am the way I am. It is the reason I know who I am, it is the reason I don't have to wander through life without any direction or hope. It is everything to me. </div>
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My family. I have been blessed with an amazing, big family. I'm the youngest of six kids, who all have been married and each have at least one child. Then there are my parents. I could do a whole blog post on how great they are. They have taken care of me even when they didn't have to, loved me when I didn't deserve it and raised me with me confidence, a good moral compass and love. They taught me to ask questions, find answers for myself. They taught me to love everyone, even if they don't love you back. They taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they taught me to love it. And they taught me to love life, to laugh and be happy. And most importantly my family matters so much to me because I know I will be with them forever and for that I am so grateful. </div>
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Two grandkids not yet born and one in-law missing. April 2013</div>
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I hate being that girl who writes sappy things about her boyfriend but I find it important to talk about how Sydney can matter even more to me, even though we are 2,868 miles apart and only communicating by email and letters. Most people say long distance is too hard. And I agree with those people. But this long distance is different. We are growing closer because we are united in our cause and purpose. I, 110%, support Sydney in his decision to go on a mission. Yes it is so hard being apart from each other but the growth he is experiencing makes me love him more. And as I read about his experiences and what he is learning it makes me want to grow also. I think an important trait of a good relationship is that your significant other makes you want to be your best self. And most importantly knowing that he is out sharing the one thing that I love most in my life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Knowing he is giving other people the chance to feel the same peace, joy and purpose that I have makes me love him more. But why? Because for the first time in my life he is the one who gives me the desire to be my best self, who has broken down my wall of independence, who has cared for me in a way I didn't know someone could, who has shared my dreams and desires and supports every last one of them, makes me laugh, and loves me for exactly who I am.</div>
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Like I said...for exactly who I am. December 2013</div>
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As I'm writing this, I'm realizing the things that matter most to me all tie together. I wouldn't have as strong of a relationship with my family if it wasn't for my faith, and I wouldn't have my faith if it wasn't for my parents and finally I wouldn't know Sydney or have the strong relationship I have with him. I'm grateful that my friend got me thinking about this because it has helped me evaluate what matters to me and how I need to be doing more to treasure and care for these things. What matters the most to you? But most importantly why does it matter so much? I challenge you to figure that out. Knowing the "why" can make all the difference. </div>
Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com0Olympia, WA, USA47.0378741 -122.9006951000000146.9513041 -123.0620566 47.124444100000005 -122.73933360000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-242935208419338922014-05-18T20:52:00.000-07:002014-08-15T11:22:03.496-07:00The Long Yet Very Short Road HomeI know this blog was meant to be a record of my current adventures and experiences but many of you requested a more detailed version of my coming home from my mission and how I dealt with it. Excuse the length, a lot happened over a short time. Where do I begin....<br />
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So like I said previously, I was told I was going home and I just started crying. I was given 24-hour notice. Not a lot of time to adjust or prepare to go home. My companion, Sister Clegg, and I did our best to still work hard that day and get me all packed up. When Sister Clegg and I said our final goodbyes we cried on each others shoulders, and she told me to get back better and back to her as soon as I could. Now if you aren't familiar with how a mormon mission works missionaries are always in twos. And you and your companion are always together. Because of this you really grow close. And not only do you grow close as friends but you grow close on a deeper level because you are serving and going through trials together. Sister Clegg and I had become best friends.<br />
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Okay back to the story... I flew home and as I was walking through security I saw my parents and I started crying. I think it may be the only time in my life I've cried tears of sadness when I saw my parents. Not because I didn't love them but because I wanted to be back on my mission. Coming home wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but that isn't because I wasn't in a hard situation, it was because the Lord still had a work for me to do. I still had a purpose outside of the many many doctor appointments. As I mentioned in the previous post I was called to teach a class for all those preparing to serve a mission as well as work with the young woman in our church. I poured everything I had into those callings but still lived day to day as if I could return at anytime.<br />
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My first group of mission prep students.</div>
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Now if you are a member of the LDS faith or not something to be known is that it isn't easy for a missionary to come home before his or her previously set return date. Look at it this way. As missionaries we prepares ourselves in every way possible. Physically, mentally and spiritually to go and serve for 18 months or two years. We quit our jobs, put school on hold, tell our loved ones goodbye, all so we can go out and share something that we love so much with others, and then you're told you won't be finishing it. Now it isn't like they were sending me home for bad behavior but I still had moments where I felt rejected and unwanted. But that was not the case at all. Looking back now I know the Lord had a new plan for me. I know he meant for me to come home and have the experiences I had here.<br />
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So I was home and for four months I lived in limbo. Doctor appointment after doctor appointment. Outside of my classes that I taught I had no real purpose. I couldn't get a job due to the severity of my headaches, all of my friends were back in Utah (where I was living previous to my mission), and on top of that there weren't many people in my area my age that I knew. I've had many people ask how did you come out of this situation on top and so positive. First let me tell you I wasn't always positive. I definitely had my low moments, or as my mom calls them, fetal position moments, where I didn't get why I was going through this and let me tell you I wasn't proud of those moments. I had moments where I felt like a complete and total failure. I couldn't even finish 18 months, how was I supposed to ever do anything else hard in my life! But I'll get to the point...how did I come out on top.<br />
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I came out on top because on my mission I gained a deep love for my Savior and the Atonement, and learned that He has a plan for me, and that His plan was always better then mine. As I remembered that or was reminded of that during the low moments I was able to rise back up and push forward. I worked hard to remember that so I would have less low moments. I knew how I reacted to coming home from my mission was going to define the rest of my life and I wasn't about to let it ruin it. I promised myself that I wouldn't go back to who I was before my mission, that I wouldn't forget about all I learned in those few short months, and that I'd always remember Christ. I made sure I did the important things daily. I read my Book of Mormon every single day. When feelings of anger or thoughts of self-loathing came into my mind I reminded myself of what opportunities I was having because I was home that I never would have had elsewhere. Now I didn't do all of this alone. I had/have a great support team. I have a fantastic family that was very supportive and most importantly I had a mother who stood by me every step of the way. Who helped me through the low moments and was happy with me during the high moments. She never gave up on me. And then I had Jesus Christ. I felt His love on a daily basis. I felt it through my students, through my family and through the many blessings He brought into my life over the past sixteen months that I have been home. And of course I have to be cheesy and mention that if I hadn't come home I don't know if I would have ever met Sydney :). And many have also asked me about my headaches. No they are not gone. I always have a headache and have migraines on a regular basis. But you know the Lord has given me some serious strength so I can get on with my life until we find a solution to them.<br />
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So that is me, that is my story. If you are a missionary who came home early or anyone who overcame the odds during something really hard I'd love to hear your experience. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear from you. I feel so blessed and honored by the response I received from my first post. Thank you for joining with me on this journey.<br />
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Sister Clegg and I at the Columbia River Temple</div>
Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4494686867143022751.post-50742351371710011632014-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:002014-05-16T21:34:39.865-07:00Welcome to my Journey. My name is Sierra and I'm living a life I never could have imagined, and for that I am grateful. I've always been a planner when it came to my life but all that changed May 2012. I had just graduated from BYU-Idaho and was living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I loved my life. I had great roommates, great friends and life was an adventure. But then I got an answer that it was time for me to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It wasn't part of my plan and after two months of struggling with this choice I decided it was time and submitted my papers.<br />
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I was called on July 25, 2012 to serve in the Washington Kennewick Mission. Now this came as a bit of a shock to me because I was from Olympia Washington, but nonetheless I was excited. I was excited to serve the Lord and become one of His missionaries. I entered the MTC on October 10, 2012. About a month into my mission I started having daily migraines that made life as a missionary really difficult. After a month of doctor appointments, phone calls home, meetings with my mission president I decided I was done. Not done with my mission but done with letting my headaches be a hindrance in my life. I told my mission president I had accepted that I may have daily migraines for the rest of my life and that he wouldn't hear from me about them again. Three days later he called to tell me that they had decided to send me home for medical treatment and as soon as it was figured out I could come home. I was devastated. Once again there went my plans. I went home on January 19, 2013 with no idea what the future held for me but something inside of me knew everything would be okay.<br />
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Fast forward five months and we still hadn't found out the cause of my headaches. But the five months hadn't been wasted. I had been called as the Stake Mission Prep teacher, which helps prepare anyone in our area prepare to serve a mission. As well as a Beehive Adviser in the Young Woman program that our church has. Both callings were very humbling and I learned so much. I found I was still serving a mission. In the end of May my leaders and I decided it was time to move on and be officially released from my mission. It was bittersweet. I was excited to move on with my life and see what the future held next but I was scared because I had been holding on to my mission for so long. But the next week everything changed......<br />
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I met Sydney Easter. To avoid telling you the long detailed story I'll sum it up the best I can. Sydney and I were from the same ward. He moved in when he was 10 and I was 14. Yes you read that right, I'm older then him. Because I was older then him we never interacted let alone spoke two words to each other. The weekend I met him he was home from Boston for his brothers high school graduation and his dad convinced him to text me, much to my surprise. In fact when I got the text from him I had no idea who "Sydney" was. Finally I figured it out and agreed to doing something with him. I wanted it to be a short lunch or movie to avoid too much awkwardness. Well the lunch turned into a whole weekend of fun together and then he headed back to Boston. I figured we'd stay in touch and become good friends. Before I knew it we were talking every single day and he had planned another trip home six weeks later. The week before his visit home he surprised me with the news that he was moving home. He said it was time. Long story short we started officially dating in August 2013 and were inseparable, something I have never been in a relationship. He received his mission call a month later to the Mexico City East Mission leaving February 5, 2014. A long wait but it was the exact amount of time we needed. I grew to love him in a way I had only heard stories about and seen in movies. Waiting for a missionary was always a crazy idea to me and something I never planned on doing. Once again my planning was out the window. But I don't think of it as waiting. I think of it as living, growing, serving, loving, crying, laughing and preparing for our future. He has been gone for a little over three months and it has been an amazing journey so far. While he is serving the Lord in Mexico City, I am working as an Event Coordinator in Lacey Washington looking for my own personal adventures and opportunities for growth. I don't know if anyone will ever read this blog but I'm starting it with the sole purpose of recording our experiences and growth so that Sydney can read it when he comes home. But if I do have readers welcome to our two year journey of joy and struggles!<br />
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Sierra Roundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549284977630712622noreply@blogger.com2