Steve Irwin And His Wildlife Warriors

I've been preparing myself to end high school strong, but for two days I've been thinking of someone that I know. I don't know him personally but I feel like I've known him the whole time. His name was Steve Irwin, also known as 'The Crocodile Hunter.' It's been about 6 years since his life was taken away by a stingray's barb.

I remember the day of his death... hearing about it from my mom... the tears I shed... the broken heart... and the hope I felt was lost. It was the most painful and devastating event that took place. I felt like I had lost my friend and teacher.

I never wanted to believe that he was gone but I knew I couldn't lie to myself. Throughout my days of recovery, I've been hurt and asking questions in my mind, "Why did this happen? Why did he have to die?"

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been inspired by him and what he did to change the world. I never understood his phrase that he always said in his show, "Isn't he a little beauty?" about a crocodile until now. He loved all animals despite his fear of some of them. He had a strong heart for them as well as his family and friends. He wasn't just famous for animal conservation, but for being a loving family man, a wonderful comedian and a great teacher.

I will NEVER forget his work, love, passion, and enthusiasm. I will keep following his example as his family and friends will. His dream will NEVER die. It will live on forever and nothing can stop us from being Wildlife Warriors like he was. I know that he is proud of those who are keeping the dream alive by animal conservation. He will always be remembered.

Spring Break, Family Time and Joys of Motherhood

Spring arrived on March 21. I was excited and thrilled about it because there would be less snow and more heat. A week ago, my family and I went to a beach house in Bodega Bay, CA, which is near Rohnert Park. It was a fun week and I was happy to not have any homework so I can spend some time with my family. I enjoyed the weather in California, the ocean, the fog horn, the wet sand, the animals and the delicious food we ate. Well... not all of them was delicious to me. Crab is one of them. I love sea food but I don't really like crab. Love the fish sticks and fillets, salmon, shrimp, clam chowder and tilapia but definitely not the crab. Other than that, I was grateful to spend time with my folks because family is greatly an important value.

Though Nina was missing on the trip as you can see in the family photo, we still had a great time. "Families are together forever."

We found some neat treasures that were lying on the beaches of Bodega Bay. These treasures make me think of the scripture in Proverbs; "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

During that week of freedom, I spent most of my time watching my adorable niece Ellie, who just turned 8 months old. Though it was a hard job to watch the baby, it felt like to me I was her mother because of the things I taught her and my growing love for her. Motherhood may be hard but it is beautiful and divine.

Whenever I'd watch Ellie, I know that I will become a righteous mother who knows what's best for her children. Ellie is growing up so much and I know that she will become the righteous woman that her family wants her to be. I know that my mother is a righteous woman because of her strong testimony, her love for her family and the Savior, and her good example. I know that Ellie's mother and my sister, Lexie, is a good mother too.

One woman who inspires me a lot of being a mother is Stephanie Nielson, the survivor of a near-fatal plane crash. Because of her love for her family and her testimony of motherhood, she has become an inspiration to a lot of mothers in the world. Despite the hardships she had after her accident, Stephanie Nielson was willing to continue living the Gospel by loving her family and the Lord, praying for strength, faith and courage, and loving herself for who she is besides her body.

A New Life

About 4 weeks ago, my great-grandma Elma passed away in her sleep at about 100 years old. We were heartbroken to hear the news of her passing but we were happy that she can rest in peace, not suffer any more pain and return home to our Heavenly Father and those she loved. Her funeral took place a week later in Thatcher, Arizona, which is where she lived.

Grandma Elma was a wise, kind, loving and virtuous woman that we've had as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I will never forget her or the love she has given me. She has inspired me to be like her because of the Christlike character she was. She was not only a good mother, but a wise teacher and a righteous daughter of God.

We will miss her everyday but we will remain happy like Christ wants us to be happy and do what is right as I intend to. I know that her passing is not a permanent good-bye but a temporary good-bye. "God be with her 'til we meet again."

I Can Do All Things

At the stroke of midnight the birth of 2012 came. This year I'm making new goals and regardless of the sizes of the circumstances I'm willing to do what it takes to reach the goals that I planned to achieve. Martin Luther King, Jr. set his goal when a new year came, which is to fight for the freedom of his people. Not just the blacks but the whites also.

Down below is a poem I wrote last night because I believe that all things are possible if you believe. I thought it would be a great one for Martin Luther King Day. Read and enjoy it!

If You BELIEVE

This is the new year;

It is already here!

What can you do?

There are a lot of things for you

To plan and achieve.

If you do the hard things

With a positive attitude, a Bing

Will announce your accomplishment.

And you will be given positive and happy compliments.

There will be a time where you'll never say 'Never'

To yourself ever.

One thing to keep in mind and heart is 'Believe.'

If you do, you will achieve.