Go to the Corner

Last night, something happened to me that has not happened since I was little.
I got put on time-out.
By my boyfriend's sister. [:
Because I stuck my tongue out at Ben.
But don't worry, he was on time-out too.
Because he bit me. hahaha

It was actually really funny. Because Ben's niece Ella and her dad Russ were already on time-out for sticking out their tongues. So there we were.. all four of us, sitting on bar stools in the middle of the kitchen. And Lindy (Ben's sister) ran out of timers.. so we had to use a watch and Ben's phone.

Ella got done with her punishment first. (Russ would have been done at the same time, but wouldn't behave.. so Lindy had to keep adding time for him) Then I was done second. And instead of Lindy talking to me about what I had done wrong.. she had Ella do it. Cutest thing in the whole world! She asked me why I was on time-out, then if sticking out my tongue was respectful to Ben. Then she asked what I was going to do as soon as Ben got off of time out. My responses?

"I stuck out my tongue."
"No."
"Tell him I'm sorry."

And then when Ben's time was up, Ella asked him the same questions. But.. he totally denied biting me, and almost had to sit there for a little while longer. :P

All in all, it was a funny little experience.. that I don't think I'll ever forget. [:

Gratitude Journal 11/13/10

Today, I am grateful for so many things.

For change.
Today, I woke up and decided I needed a change. So I cut bangs straight across, and put pink in my hair. It's little changes like this that keep me from chopping my hair off. I'm determined to keep it long at least until the summer time.
My friend Ryan posted a picture on Facebook the other day.. it was a before and after shot of his efforts to get back in shape. All he did was exercise every day and change his eating habits. And the change is incredible! He looks so much healthier and happier. It's like he was completely transformed in just nine weeks. The change that he has made has motivated me to start working out everyday, and to eat healthier and smarter. I've been saying for the longest time that I want to tone up and get my abs back, but now it's serious. Starting Monday morning I'll be on my way to a healthier me. [:
I'm grateful that we can all change. We can all make an effort to be a better version of ourselves. Whether it's toning up your abs, being a better friend, or strengthening your testimony.. there is always something I can be doing to change myself into a better version of me. [:

Gratitude Journal 11/6/10

I'm going to change up my gratitude journal a bit, starting today. Instead of just making lists, I'm going to explain. For both my benefit (for when i look back, read, and remember) and for the benefit of those who may read these entries. [: And, in order to keep these from getting too lengthy, I'm going to let my recognition of the Lord's hand in my life, and the feelings I've had shine through in the "I'm grateful" part of the post. (Which will now be the only component.. haha)

Today, I am grateful for so many things.

For a home-cooked meal. Yesterday, I was feeling really sick. And Ben made soup for dinner. Home-made kind.. from scratch. I'm so grateful that he knows how to cook, and he likes doing it. It's hard to admit, because I'm a competitive person, but he is definitely better in the kitchen than I am. And that soup made me feel tons better [: Today, Ben and I went to my mom's house in Parowan for dinner. She made enchiladas. Granted, they were just frozen burritos with home-made salsa and cheese on top and baked in the oven, but they were sooo good! There's just something about a home-cooked meal that does something good for the body and the soul.

For sunshine. Ben and I were stretched out on the grass this morning, waiting for the tailgate party to start before the game in Cedar. It was overcast today, and kind of chilly. While we were laying there.. the sun came out and instantly warmed me up. Inside and out. [:

For my mom. She is so strong, and so incredible. I am so proud of her for the choices she has made recently. I hope that I can grow to someday be as strong as she is. I miss her. And I'm so very grateful that I had the opportunity to spend some time with her this evening. I hope that I will be able to spend more time up there.. this "once every few months" thing just isn't going to cut it. I love her too much to be away from her that long. Especially when we only live an hour away from each other.

That Ben is my best friend. I can talk to him about absolutely anything.. and feel comfortable about doing so. I'm so grateful that he cares for me, and that he wants to take care of me. (Which he does a great job of, by the way :]) He is always there for me. He helps me everyday to become a better version of myself. He might tell you that I'm ahead of him in some areas of personal growth.. but the real truth is that I'm the one who has some major catching up to do. [: Ben is an incredible person. He has such an awesome spirit about him that makes me feel at ease.. at peace. I love everything about him. I love his personality, his sense of humor, his good looks, his beautiful sparkly eyes, his testimony, and his spirit. He tries to tell me that he has flaws.. but "Love isn't having someone perfect. It's having someone imperfect, and seeing them perfectly."

Gratitude Journal 11/3/10

Today, I am grateful for so many things.
For sleep.
For "Wednesday Wonders" (Wednesday is the night that Brenna and I have a weekly adventure)
For laughter.
That Lindsey and I get along so well.
For my family.
For cute Disney movies that touch the heart.
For opera. Haha [:
To have my own room.
For making new friends.
For holding hands.

Today, I saw the hand of God in my life.
I am so blessed to have good friends. I don't know if this counts, but today I realized how lucky I am to have friends like Brenna and Ben and Lindsey and Natalie and all the others who have blessed my life. Brenna made me dinner tonight. Ben lets me hug him as long as I want, even if he has to be somewhere. Lindsey gets me. She understands me. Haha. She's the only roommate who does. :P They are all awesome.. every one of my friends are. And I'm so lucky to have them in my life! They inspire me to be a better person. [:

Today, I felt.
Rushed.
Good.
Full.
In awe.
Love!
Productive.
Accomplished.
Adventurous!
Hopeful (Lindsey..) [:
Sleepy. [:

Gratitude Journal 11/2/10

Today, I am grateful for so many things.
For stress relief.
For a sense of accomplishment.
For criticism.
For hugs.
For Brenna.
For dinner at Ben's.
For playtime. [:
For music.
For avocados! {:
For a clean room.
For clean laundry.
For caramel caribou ice cream.
For erasers.
For my dad :D

Today, I saw the hand of God in my life.
Sometimes, I think Heavenly Father likes to play little jokes on us.. to see how we react. [: Today, I got up early enough to have breakfast. And I even had time to make a sandwich to take with me, so I could eat lunch when I ran to work after class. (I usually don't get lunch) So, I thought I was super cool, and felt really good about the whole getting up early thing. But when I got to school this morning, I saw a sign posted on the door that said, "Dr. Roberts is sick today, class is canceled." (Or something to that effect) So, I had a whole extra hour, in which I now had nothing I needed to do. But I'm so glad I had that hour, because I spent it talking and laughing with my good friend Derek Baker. It was a lot of fun getting to sit out in the lobby on the awesome big red couches and just talk and listen to music and eat my lunch. It was an opportunity to slow down, to enjoy. I wasn't rushing. [: And I'm so grateful.

Today, I felt.
Accomplished.
Surprised.
Relaxed. [:
Small.
Loved.
Happy. [:
Full.
Playful.
Wonder.
Adoration.
Comforted.
Butterflies.
Love!

Gratitude Journal 11/1/10

Today, I am grateful for so many things.
For compliments.
For hats.
For warm blankets.
For understanding.
For Ben.
For roommates.
For prayer.
For holding hands.
For hugs.
For butterflies!
For silliness.
For laughter.
For Danielle.
Today Ben went to 25 Main for lunch. And brought me back a cupcake. [: I'm grateful for him, for the gesture, and for the cupcake. (It was chocolate peanut butter) Haha :D

Today, I saw the hand of God in my life.
I already wrote about the experience today, but that man in the parking lot and his simple phrase really hit me. If he hadn't said anything to me, I would have continued on in my hurried attitude all day. And then I probably wouldn't have stood behind this cute old lady in a wheelchair at Wal-Mart this evening. Her basket was overflowing, and the cashier wasn't the quickest. But I was in no hurry. So I waited. Only a few minutes after standing there, the lady in front of me dropped a box of pancake mix on the floor. She couldn't reach it. So I picked it up for her. She seemed so thankful for just the smallest act of charity. And I was so glad to perform it for her. Sometimes it's the small things that really touch your heart, and make your whole day. [:

Today, I felt.
Relief.
Hurried.
The spirit.
Late.
Friendship.
Sneaky. [:
Appreciative.
Cared for.
Spoiled.
Patient.
Happy.
Love.
Butterflies.
Loved.

Words of Wisdom

Today, when I was walking through the parking lot into the office building where I work, this man said to me, "You don't have to rush." I didn't think I was rushing at all.. But maybe I was. As I watched him, he walked slowly, with a hard limp. As I thought about what he said to me, that simple phrase started to take on so many different meanings.

I don't have to rush to work.
I don't have to rush to school.
I don't have to rush in making a decision.
I don't have to rush in planning events.
I don't have to rush in doing my homework.
I don't have to rush through the grocery store.
I don't have to rush through my prayers.
I don't have to rush through reading my scriptures.

I can slow down.
I can enjoy.
I can appreciate.