Surprise!

Yesterday between my homework and laundry time as usual on Saturdays, my roommate was more than willing to give me a haircut after I politely asked her to. Though I enjoy having long hair, I prefer short hair because it's not so much a pain in the neck. I believe everyone looks great with how they do hair, long or short. For myself, short hair fits my personality better than long hair.

I might miss having long hair, but I'm loving my short hair a lot. Sometimes change is good. I felt like my hair needed to change. I feel good about this.

Another surprise came this weekend; no snow ever came. The weather is very nice this time. It kinda isn't a surprise for me because the weather's been like this for a little while. Still I was hoping for more snow to come. That would be nice if more would so it could be a winter wonderland. At least it hasn't been very hot. It was pretty chilly yesterday and it is today.

In two days, I will be on the shuttle to Utah where I will look forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family and friends. It sure is a time to give thanks for the blessings we were given.

Live. Laugh. Love.

No living creature, human or animal, deserves to be used for experiments, money or any other selfish deeds. We are all God's creations; we have souls. We are sent here to care for another and work together. The world can be cruel and heartless, but we don't have to be.

Sunday Skype

Sunday is my favorite day of the week because I get to talk to all of my family either on phone or skype. It's a day of rest and worship to God. I recently got to talk to Nina on skype. It made my Sunday more special because I now remember how grateful I am to be raised in a family where there is love, laughter, and joy.

I'm grateful to have a mom who could teach me how to become a good mother like her and puts her daughters' needs before hers; a dad who loves his angels, always supports us even when he's not physically there and pushes us to move forward; sisters who have taught me how to grow into the EXTRAORDINARY young woman I am today; and brothers-in-law who showed what it's like to have a brother in the family. They also taught me that it's hard to have brothers who tease and can be sometimes annoying, but can still love you. I'm also grateful to have a niece to teach me how to become a mother and care for my own children.

Talking with Nina was great because I enjoy talking with my role models. I love her, Lexie and Breana. I don't know what I'd do without them if I were an only child.

Sunday is not just about resting; it's about spending time with those you love. Whether you see them or not.

Snow in Rexburg and Feasting Upon the Scriptures

I woke up this morning to see everything covered in snow. I was thrilled to see the white clouds and rain in our area. Thrilled enough to take a picture of it. I really love the snow as much as I love summer. I'm excited to have snow because it will make this Christmas very special. It may not snow in Mexico, but it would be nice if it did. That way, we'd have a white Christmas. A white Christmas in Mexico.

On this cold snowy day, I took the time to read "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It feels so good the scriptures because I feel closer to God when I do. I have this feeling of joy and truth in my heart every time I read the scriptures. I believe "The Book of Mormon" is the word of God as the Bible is as well. I have a strong testimony that they are both testaments of our Lord, Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Reading the scriptures always helps, and it can help you stay on the right track. Each scripture can influence us to do good to others.

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."

~Alma 32:3~

Steve Irwin Day! Crikey!

"My job, my mission, the reason I've been put onto this planet, is to save wildlife. And I thank you for comin' with me. Yeah, let's get 'em!"

~Steve Irwin~

For those who are big fans, it's Steve Irwin Day! This is a day to remember the Crocodile Hunter, the man behind the khaki shorts, the Australian accent and the catchphrase "Crikey!" But, that's not why he was "The Crocodile Hunter." He was known for wildlife conservation. He was the Prince of the Jungle and the Leader of the Wildlife Warriors. I include myself as a wildlife warrior because of my passion for nature. His dream will live on!

Since I was a baby, I've been fascinated with animals. That's me and Oliver when we were just little infants. He was such a cutie!

At 2 years of age, I really loved horses. On a Sunday afternoon, I went outside and climbed onto the horse using the trampoline. Without a bridle or saddle, I rode on the family horse. Luckily, I wasn't in any harm. Dad stayed with me though to be safe.

Oliver and me when I was just four or five years old in this picture. He sure loved giving kisses. I liked that a lot.

Holding a cat at great-Grandma Elma's house in '98. Cats are my favorite animals because they are cute and cuddly, but they can give us hard times when they're not in happy moods.

On a family vacation in Cancún, I was busy watching the chicks hatch from their eggs while we were waiting for our tour to start.


I also got to see spiders in the water. Or I saw something that looked like a spider. Probably a starfish. Who knows???? I looked like a zoologist, didn't I?

Me and Precious before I went to a friend's birthday party. She was a great dog to be in our family. Always protected us like a loyal guard dog. I loved playing with her a lot growing up. I used to come and hang out in her dog house with her. She and I were best friends.

I was excited to go to SeaWorld with my family at seven years old. I was thrilled to see the orcas in real life, which have been my favorite marine animals since I watched the "Free Willy" movies. At the Shamu tank, there was a baby orca that followed me around. He sure liked me! That made my day even more special.

When our sharpei, Neddy, gave birth to her first batch of puppies in '06, I was happy to learn how to take care of them, even though it was a big responsibility. I learned a lot!

When I went back to SeaWorld in my 12th year, I got to feed the dolphins, which I hadn't done in a long time. In addition to that amazing encounter, I got to know what dolphin skin feels like. They're very rubbery and silky. It was awesome!

Since I was 12, Dad would take his 'angels' horse-back riding in the mountains. That's what I love to do in Mexico because I get exposed to nature more, and the views of the mountains and the lake are so beautiful and sights for sore eyes.

While living in California with Lexie and Grant before Ellie was born, I worked at the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter as a volunteer for two years. Had lots of experiences with the animals I helped care for. As a cat lover, I worked with the felines.

Lexie, Grant and I would also go to the beach to look for starfish on the weekends or holidays. It's always good to bring a few layers of jackets on the cold, rainy days.

This doesn't look very good, but I did this drawing a long time ago, recently after the Crocodile Hunter's passing.

It's been seven years since the tragic death of our hero, Steve Irwin, and it was something that shocked the world. Though he's gone, his family and friends are still moving forward by loving the animals and fighting against animal cruelty. Not only are they wildlife warriors, his fans and the other animal supporters are as well.

Veteran's Day

Today is my privilege to honor my grandpa, David W. Meyer, for serving his country, family and our God. When I was in 8th grade, I learned about World War II in my English class. I was thrilled to discover that my grandpa, my mother's father, that he is a WW2 veteran and served as a combat photographer. It must've been hard for him to be in other countries because of his love for family and friends, but was very willing to serve his country, help other people who were in trouble and spread the word through art.

About a year ago, Grandpa told me some of his experiences he had while serving in Europe. There is one that I'm very grateful he is here today. While in England taking pictures, he came out of a tent in a camp he was staying. Just as he was about to take a step outside, a bomb came in front of him and exploded. Luckily, he survived. He took home a piece of the shrapnel to show everyone and remember the blessing of protection from the Lord.

David W. Meyer is a great man, and I enjoy hearing his stories, plus looking the pictures he took in the war. In fact, I would like to hear more of his WW2 experiences. I will always appreciate what he did to serve us, his family.

If You Don't Like Me...

If you don’t want to see me, then don't look at me.

If you don’t want to talk to me, then don’t say anything.

If you don’t want to invite me, then don't do it.

If you don’t want to hang out with me, then don’t come.

If you don’t want to hear me, then don’t listen.

But, I will ask you for some respect to me, my feelings, my rights, my beliefs, my needs and my choices because I’m a human being like you. I have feelings and a soul. If you don’t really like me, just at least be respectful.