Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone! Don't let the bats scare you... Just kidding! Peace out, dudes! Halloween's awesome. My favorite holiday!

Happy Day

Today was the happiest day of my life! Why? I got two midterms done already. The first one was Missionary Prep; I just had to turn in my journal so that my teacher could see that I've done what he asked me and the other students to do. I also took an English Midterm test, which I'm 100% positive I did well because I'm an English nerd. A while ago, I took the time to study for my other class, Library Research Skills, which is only a block class. Tomorrow is the last day to be in that class; I'm excited to be done with it. I think of the test for that class to be a midterm/final test. Anyway, I'm glad to have studied for it. Time to nail it!

 Today made me even happier when I received letters in the mailbox today. Three from sister missionaries that I've known since I was in the Young Women program and one from my loving and supportive mom, who always writes words of encouragement to help me keep moving forward. I was especially excited about my missionary friends and their experiences in the places they're serving.

Lacy, who's in the same ward up in Provo, UT and been my great friend since junior year at Timpview High, shared with me how much she's loving her mission. I was excited to hear that she got to be a part of a baptism. I was also happy to hear that she loves the drawing I did of her. I miss and love this girl so much! As a good friend and missionary, she's encouraged me to reach out to others who need the Gospel, even though I'm not serving in the mission field. She also bore her testimony to me. So grateful for her strong example of missionary work.

I hadn't heard from this girl in a long time! Emma wrote in the letter she sent to me and my mom, how much she appreciated our kindness and friendship. She also mentioned that when she gets back from her mission, we would have to hang out. It felt so good to hear from her. I was also excited to hear that she loves missionary work and, like Lacy, is encouraging me to do missionary work. She said I would make an AMAZING missionary if I ever want to serve a mission. Maybe I will. Just have to think about it.

As always, Mom loves to send me letters with words of encouragement and support. They always motivate me to keep working hard in school and moving on with faith. I love my mom. In her letters, she always tells me that she's proud of me, always prays for me, and believes I can do anything that I put my mind to. She's a great mom to have and I wouldn't trade her for anything, not even for a better mom.

Melina's 31st Birthday and Forgiveness

Today I woke up to begin a new day of school. Before I went to my classes, I took the time to wish my sister, Melina, a Happy Birthday because it's her big day. She's 31! I'm very thankful I get to be her sister even though she drives me nuts when she gives me facials. Yet, she's taught me that our bodies need to be healthy and clean so we can show others our inner beauty and have healthy, strong lives. I didn't get to celebrate with her, but I know she had a great birthday; she got to celebrate with her husband, Andrew, our loving mom, and sister, Breana.

I was happy to wish Nina a Happy Birthday, but today was a hard day for me because I was still struggling on forgiving my cousins. Last night, I had a dream; I was walking on a grassy hill with a backpack on. While I was focusing on my destination, I heard someone calling my name; I looked up and realized that my cousins were the ones calling me. They tried to catch up with me, but I ran off because I didn't want to talk to them. It wasn't the first time I dreamt of something like that. 

All day I kept thinking about that dream and the cousins. Anger was starting to fill my heart again because I was deeply hurt when I wasn't included in the wedding this past August. But, more than that, I had to get rid of this feeling, so I had to do something that would come in handy: prayer. I asked Heavenly Father for the strength and courage to forgive. While I was praying, I felt as if this weight was getting less heavy. Some peace and love were coming to me.

It's hard to forgive someone after they do something that's very hurtful, especially if it hurts you deeply, but it hurts more when you don't forgive and move on. I've learned from experience that to forgive doesn't mean to forget or pardon; it means to move on with faith, love and peace.

For me right now, it feels good to forgive because I can make a fresh start on things and move on with a happy soul, heart and mind.

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."

~Doctrine and Covenants 64: 10

Our Dog Smokey

On Sunday at 11 p.m., our beloved watchdog Smokey died from internal injuries. It was a real heart-breaking time for us because he was so protective of us and a part of our family. We've had him for seven years. He was the leader of his dog family and always gathered them to bark with bravery to protect our home. Now without him, the other dogs we have are on their own.

It's very hard for us to move on without him, especially for my dad because he was so attached to him. They were like best friends. Like other animal lovers say, "A dog is a man's best friend." We will miss him everyday.

The day I was told of his passing, I started crying because I had loved Smokey so much even though he drove me crazy whenever he would jump on me or scratch the door. But inside me, I always loved him. We've loved Smokey since he was born along with his brothers and sisters. His momma, Neddy, was a good mother to her puppies.

The love I have for Smokey helps me to love the other animals, especially those that I may not get along with. Through the work, passion and enthusiasm of Steve Irwin, all animals are special and important even if they're crocodiles, snakes, or sharks.

"If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love."

~Steve Irwin~