Happy Thanksgiving! xD

Today has been a very exciting, fun filled Thanksgiving day. It started by me and my brother waking up to go watch some guys play football.

:D Some of the young men from my ward were out in shorts and t-shirts playing football. They were crazy!!! So after me and my brother got too cold to stand there anymore, we left for home again. Because my sister had to work, it was just me and Zach hanging out for a while. We played the nintendo for a while, and even played outside for a little bit. It was fun!

Then it finally was time to EAT!!!!! We went up to my aunt's house and had a party! For anyone who doesnt know my family, when we get together its always fun! My aunt Trisha always brings games and we all just laugh and have fun for HOURS. We tried to teach the little ones how to play Set, but it didnt work. So we started to play Phase 10. I won :D

My sister then finally got off work, and we all went home. I was extremely curious to know what my family was grateful for. So I asked them all and I was actually suprised at some of they're answers, because I never realized how much the small things matter to everyone in everyday life. I started with my brother, who I was most impressed with, and his response was: "I am grateful for the books I have to read. And for Amber who carries me on her shoulders when Im too tired to walk. And for shoes so my feet dont get wet. And light so I can see. And paper so I can draw pictures" I loved it! So I then went to my dad. He said: "Im grateful that after everything that has happened this year, (numerous surgeries) Im still alive and that through it all I still had a job waiting for me." My mom then had a problem pin pointing anything specific she was grateful for. She first started out by saying EVERYTHING. I asked her what specifically and she replied: "My job. Of couse my family and how much they are progressing. My health. Our wonderful ward. Beautiful children. Everything..." Finally I got to ask my sister. She didnt have any problem naming a whole list of things she was grateful for: "Im grateful for my family and friends. For my talents and the ability to share them with others. And for my sister, cause I can talk to her about anything" I loved hearing everything that they were grateful for, and Im sure the lists could be never ending, I know mine is. Now I just want to say that I am very grateful for my family, and for the wonderful support they give. Im grateful for my older sister to look up to, and my younger brother that I can help take care of. Im so grateful for the impact music has in my life, and the wonderful spirit it can bring. Im grateful for my wonderful friends who help me through life in any way they can. Im grateful for the ward I was able to move into and how united we can be. Im sooo grateful to have a young women president that cares so much about every single young women in the stake and all the effort she puts in to being the best that she can be. Im grateful for my talents and every opportunity I get to share them. And like I said earlier, My list could go on forever... But thats just a few things Im especially grateful for. My Thankgiving was great and I hope yours was too. Luv ya all!!!

Two Wolves

TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Senior Pictures!

Why

It must have been a place so dark you couldn't feel the light, Reaching for you through that stormy cloud. Now here we are gathered in our little home town. This can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd. Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen year old. Rounding third to score the winning run. You always played with passion, no matter what the game. When you took the stage you shined just like the sun. Oh, why, that's what I keep asking. Was there anything I could have said or done. Oh, I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul. God only knows what went wrong. And why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song. Now the oak trees are swaying in the early autumn breeze. The golden sun is shining on my face. The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing This whole world really ain't that bad of place Oh why, there's no comprehending. And who am I to try to judge or explain Oh, but I do have one burning question Who you told you life wasn't worth the fight They were wrong, they lied. Now you're gone, and we cried Cause it's not like you to walk away in the middle of a song. Your beautiful song. Your absolutely beautiful song.

A sicky, rainy, dark, cold day

Today has just been one of those days for me... The kind of day where its dark and cold outside, AND you are sick. I stayed home today from school due to this wonderful bug that floating around lately. My sister and my dad had to run some errands so I was watching the rain fall out the front window waiting for them to get home. My dog jumps up on the couch to watch with me and all off a sudden... FLASH, BOOM! Almost simultaneously. My dog then lays down and puts his head on my lap. My poor dog doesnt like lighting nor thunder... Later on in the day my brother came home from school. He did not like the idea of a thunder storm either, he was very scared. I know how he felt because I would get the same way when I was younger. I felt bad so I decided that maybe a movie would calm him down. I told him to go pick a movie and I'd go in the back and watch it with him. He picked Toy Story! I love that movie, what a perfect movie to watch when your feeling ouchy... But how could it get any better? To make some yummy bear creek chicken noodle soup! I loved it. it was probably the best thing I've eaten in a while. As soon as I thought it couldnt get any better, it totally did!! One of my good friends Sis Gren brought me yummy rasberry hot chocolate, a very lovely card, and a book to read. I found the biggest cup I could find to put hot chocolate in, went to watch the rest of the movie with my doggy and brother, then started reading the book. (Very good book so far) Despite the cold, sicky day there is so much for me to be grateful for. Yummy food that makes you forget your sick. Good friends that love you. The smell of rail. And an awesome brother who will watch movies with me when I'm sick. Life is good!! :P

Sunset 3rd Ward

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So I made this about 2 years ago.. I just found it again after a while, I had actually forgot I had made it. Im now currently working on an improved one. Same song, just updated pictures. I just wanted to post this one so when I post the new one I can see the difference. Let me know what ya think. Thanks! :D

Im going!

So lately I've been thinking quite alot about my future and what I plan to do. A mission has always been the mix of things I could possibly do. I've always been scared to go on a mission because of being away from home for so long and being in a weird different place for a few years. But I think I've finally got over that fear because that should be the least of my concerns. I also think that I never really thought of it because I was required to go. But just because I dont have to doesnt mean I shouldnt. I think it would be good for me to do this. So, with some thinking and consideration, I have offically decided tonight that Im going on a mission once Im old enough to. I am actually really excited and I wish I was old enough right now. Im now just hoping I dont back down. I really want to go! :D

Funnest night in a long time

This morning I woke up knowing that today wasnt going to be my favorite. I had a long list of chores that needed to be done and was NOT looking forward to doing all of them. But as the day went one, it gradually got a little better. First, my best friend Ashley texted and asked if I wanted to go over to her house to hang out for a while. Of course I always love going to her house because she's pretty much over all amazing. We even played with her dogs for a while, which made it all the much better. After I left her house, I went home to a house full of BYU fanatics who I call my family. My dad, mom, sister, aunt Donna, uncle Nolan, Aunt Marnee, Uncle Lee, my grandma, a few cousins, and I all piled in my back room to party, eat food, and cheer on the BYU football game. For those who have never been at my house or met my family, they are a bit loony.. but they are SOOO much fun. Add in there that we are watching BYU, it just makes it way more crazier. My grandma will yell at the TV as if they can hear everything she's saying. My uncle Lee will pace the floor if the game gets too intense. My dad pounds on the couch. And the rest of us just kinda laugh at how into the game those three get. So for the first part of the game me my sister and my two cousins Britty and Emma were singing in the other room. My sister and Emma decided that they were going to improv a dance to the songs, that was pretty entertaining too. We all went back in to watch the last bit of the game, which is always the best time to watch everyone go crazy. BYU totally kicked trash and won and we were all happy. To top that all off my grandma makes the best remark. She says "Now I'm going to go and honk my horn all the way home" We all laughed for a couple minutes. So, I was thinking to myself that it couldnt get any better, but I was wrong. I then went to my friends birthday party. We eventually decided to play Russian Rat Race, with 5 decks of cards. That was more entertaining than watch my little ol' grandma yell at my TV. We were all laughing so hard that we probably could have all had six packs, if it wasnt for all the junk food we had eaten. So yeah, that was the highlight of my week, and we plan to do it all over again next weekend!! Cant wait! OH and anyone who wishes to come over for the game next week is so welcome to! There is always plenty of food, fun, and yelling! :P

Pushups for Donuts

There was a boy by the name of Steve who was attending school in Utah. In this school Seminary classes are held during school hours. Brother Christianson taught Seminary at this particular school. He had an open-door policy and would take in any student that had been thrown out of another class as long as they would abide by his rules. Steve had been kicked out of his sixth period and no other teacher wanted him, so he went into Brother Christianson's Seminary class.
Steve was told that he could not be late, so he arrived just seconds before the bell rang and he would sit in the very back of the room. He would also be the first to leave after the class was over.
One day, Brother Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. After class, Bro. Christianson pulled Steve aside and said, "You think you're pretty tough, don't you?"
Steve's answer was, "Yeah, I do."
Then Brother Christianson asked, "How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Brother Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know... I've never done 300 at a time."
"Do you think you could?" Again asked Brother Christianson.
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I need you to do 300 in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," Brother Christianson said. Steve said, "Well... I think I can... yeah, I can do it."
Brother Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, Brother Christianson pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited-it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend.
Bro. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want a donut?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Bro. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
Steve said, "Sure," and jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk.
Bro. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Bro. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes." Bro. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut.
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut.
And down the second aisle, till Bro. Christianson came to Scott.
Scott was captain of the football team and center of the basketball team. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When Bro. Christianson asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?"
Bro. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."
Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."
Bro. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"
Steve started to do ten pushups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Bro. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Bro. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.
Bro. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Jenny said, "No."
Then Bro. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve,would you do ten pushups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten, Jenny got a donut.
By now, the students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve was also having to really put forth a lot of effort to get these pushups done for each donut.
There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Bro. Christianson asked Robert to watch Steve to make sure he did ten pushups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. So Robert began to watch Steve closely. Bro. Christianson started down the fourth row.
During his class, however, some students had wandered in and sat along the heaters along the sides of the room. When Bro. Christianson realized this; he did a quick count and saw 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Bro. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Bro. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Bro. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your pushups. You can do them any way that you want."
And Bro. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."
Bro. Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him."
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in."
Bro. Christianson said, "Okay, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"
"Yes."
"Steve, will you do ten pushups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Bro. Christianson finished the fourth row, then started on those seated on the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each pushup in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was dropping off of his face and, by this time, there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two girls in the room were cheerleaders and very popular. Bro. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Bro. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda. Then Bro. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, asked, "Bro. Christianson , can I help him?"
Bro. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, he has to do it alone, Steve, would you do ten pushups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Brother Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, plead to the Father, "Into thy hands I commend my spirit." With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he collapsed on the cross and died. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.

Just a story I really really liked. I hope you liked it too and I hope it made you think a little. Love you all!

True Friends

"You know you have the greatest friends when the only time they make you cry is when you're laughing too hard" I probably have the two most amazing friends anyone could ask for. They push me to do things that I know I can do, but sometimes might be too scared to do all alone. They really have changed my life in huge ways, all because of the small things they do and say. I was spending some time with them last night and I never wanted to leave. When I'm around them I know I can be myself, because they are not the least bit judgmental. If my friends are reading this I just want to say thank you so much for everything you do and being so nice to me. I love you guys, and I really hope that everyone has friends like this in their lives. "We can't call people without wings angels, so we call them friends instead"

I can do hard things!

After only two hours of sleep, I woke up at three in the morning and started an eight mile hike. My aunt, my good friend Leticia, and I hiked to the top of Squaw Peak. Because we left so early, we were able to go see the sun rise from the top. Its was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! We hiked about 2/3 of the way there in the dark. It was starting to get a little lighter outside as we reached a huge meddow. By the time we got to the other end, it was light enough not to need our lights anymore.


I had brought my journal with me on this hike, and when we got to the top and after watching the sun rise i wrote in my journal for a while. Here is just a few thoughts that I had written after such a beautiful hike. "It is so amazingly beautiful and peaceful up here. Away from all the worldly trials and concern. I've spent most of my life thinking I can't do it. What ever "it" was at the time, I just couldnt do it. But today that thought went away. I, along with anyone, can do hard things if we set our minds to it. On our way up here I was thinking a lot about how hiking or climbing a moutain can relate to life in many ways. This trail in particular had a ton of rocks we had to hike on and over and around. There were also many really steep inclines. It was probably one of the hardest things I've done, but as I looked up from those rocks and steep hills I was climbing, I was suddenly surrounded by so much beauty. We all have our own personal hills to climb and rocks to get over, but if we look up from our problems for just a split second, at the least, then we realize there is so much more out there than what we are worried about. So much beauty. I'm very grateful for what the Lord has created for us and his willingness to share it all. Yeah the climb might be super hard and long, but what's waiting for us at the end is so worth it."

We must have spent at least two hours up there just looking around. Looking at the place we see every day of our lives, just in a new perspective. My favorite thing to see while I was up there was the temples. Just from that one place we saw I think three temples. It makes me really grateful that we have them so close. Even though I'm not old enough to go in besides Baptisms for the dead, the temple is still such a help to me. I go there somtimes with friends to just talk or think or read. It brings the spirit so strong to be so close to the Lord and His house. Over all, everything was just so amazing and I would highly recomend it. Its worth it!

"No one said it was going to be easy, they just promised it would be worth it"

YCL year at camp

So as some of you may know I love to take pictures and put them to music and make a cool little slide show thingy.. Well this is the most recent one I've done. It is pictures of my YCL (youth camp leader) year at camp. Its pictures of my fellow YCL's and its put to the song "I believe". I chose this song because this years theme at camp was I'm a believer. I'm working on a few others and just collecting more photos before I can start. So I will post those too once they are finished. Enjoy! :P

About me!

Hey Hey! I'm Amber!! A few things about me.. I love the colors blue and brown. I have five people in my family. My parents, nineteen year old sister, and a six year old brother. I like to collect quotes. From other people and also some quotes that I have made up. Its always a party at my house because my family is so crazy. Im seventeen and will be a senior next year. Cant wait!




I am related to my best friend. My best friend is my sister. We do everything together. Go out to eat, go to movies, hang with friends, vent, talk, pretty much everything we do together. Its so nice having a friend that you can trust and fall back on. I love her to death!











I love to be outside. If I could live in the mountains I so would! I love to go camping and hiking. Its my favorite to go up and see the view from the top of the mountains. I also really like to see the stars from up there. You can see so many and they are bright and just plain awesome!













Music is a big part of my life. I sing, I play the guitar, I am starting to learn the bass guitar, and want to learn to play the drums. I have two guitars at home and am starting to teach my sister a few things. I'm going to start wrting my own songs too, I dont know how well that's going to work but I'm going to try! :D






Every since I was little I have loved to cook. I make dinner a lot for my family, and not because I'm told to but because I actually want to! I have done Catering/ProStart in high school for the past two years and I might do an internship for the foods teacher next year. Maybe I'll even go into that in college.






I love to sing. I was in mixed chorus as a freshman, Advanced Womens choir as a sophmore, Concert Choir as a junior, and now am trying to decide if I am going to do it again next year. We sang all over the place. We did concerts and competitions all over Utah state. Also we would go on tours to places like California or Washingtion to sing there as well.


My friends are a big part of my life, they are pretty much my family. Whenever I have some free time I'm always off doing something with one of my friends. Everything you can think of, we've probably done it. Cooking food cause we're bored, driving around yelling out the windows, scavenger hunts in walmart, and just hanging at my house and watching movies. Fun times.



I love dogs! They would have to be my favorite pet to have. I have one dog right now named Zeus. He i s a black lab, 100 lbs, and thinks he's a lap dog. He loves to talk to people so he barks a lot, and loves to run around. So he might seem like he's mad and going to come eat you.. ha but he wont hurt you.





Thats just a few things about me. Hopefully you got to know me a little better. Till next time... ~~Amber~~