Dear Mom

Yep, I am writing a post completely devoted to my lovely mother, so if you aren't my mother there is absolutely no need to read this post...unless you want to I guess. Just as a warning by reading this you will realize how I have the best mother in the the entire world and might be thrown into a fit of jealous rage. But know that I warned you...

Aren't we so stinking cute?!

Dear Mom,

Golly gee...I don't even know where to start. Thank you so much for being the best example to me. I have learned so much from your example. You are the strongest person that I know. Your life has never been easy, and yet you keep pushing forward despite all odds. You always have a smile on your face and always choose to laugh in situations where many would cry. You have this way of making everyone around you feel welcomed and loved, it truly is incredible. I have always known (along with many others) that your house was a safe place where we were always welcome no matter the time or circumstance. Mom you truly care about people. I remember my friends always talking about how they loved coming to our house because I had the best mom ever because they knew that you cared about them.

Mom, you are the person that I want to be most like on this planet. You have always been there for me when I have a broken heart. You always know exactly what to say when I overwhelm myself with things. You have listened to me rant and rave about boys, silly girls, school, and work. You always know when to listen, when to give advice, and most importantly when to tell me I am wrong. Thanks for teaching me everything I know and laughing along with me. I would not be where I am without you.

I know you are not found of this holiday, but Happy Mother's Day. I surely hope this one was just a little bit better. Thank you for being the best mother ANY girl could ask for. I love you to infinity and beyond...even like a circle (it never ends).

Your Daughter,
Jordan

Finally something blog worthy!

Picture this...

I was  walking home with some of my lovely friends after the last class of the semester.

We had just realized that after a year together, today would be the last time we would all have class together. So naturally we were all really bummed.

Like all good girls do we took a lovely sentimental picture together

(which I WILL get my hands on)

Anyways, I digress, 

we were walking home together talking about how we were all going our separate ways

either to do Level III or student teaching in the preschool.

When all of the sudden 

we hear the sound like a gun shot.

So naturally, all of us being girls and such, 

FREAK OUT!

Some screamed a little bit, some grabbed at each other, some even almost dropped to the ground.

All of us flinch and look around in terror to make sure that everyone was okay.

 Literally we thought that we just might die.

Only to realize that it was the truck driving by that had back fired.

Yep. That just happened.

So what did we do?

Laugh hysterically as we continue to walk down the main drag of campus.

The driver of the truck also rolled down his window to get a better picture of these crazy girls who thought someone was shooting at them.

Seriously, I almost wet myself.

Am I still laughing about this?

You bet!

I would have to say that it was the best way I could think of finishing off the semester with these girls. And I would say that it pretty much sums up our relationship too.

 Love these girls!

Only in ELED right?

I know some fabulous people

This past week or so has been definitely one to remember!

The best part...for all really great reasons.

I will be the first to admit that this week had a rough start. 

I knew that Relay for Life was this weekend and I was no where near ready.

As the week went on I only got more and more anxious because I wasn't spending the amount of time that I should preparing for the event. 

(I was a team captain hence the need to be ready.)

However, I have the most amazing people in my life that were such a help along the way.

First I need to thank a good friend of mine Creighton.He is so great I have bragged about him before here.

On Tuesday I had to walk up to campus to turn in some money that my team had raised, which would not be that big of a deal except the fact that one it started to rain and second it was all change. So I was walking up to campus in the rain carrying a container with about $100 in change; so really heavy. I'll be honest I was not excited about this adventure one little bit, but it needed to be done so I started my journey. However, right as I walked out the door of my apartment I was greeted by a good friend of mine (yes, it was Creighton). After he recognized the situation he kindly offered to drive me up to campus. Of which I was sincerely grateful. BUT even better he waited about fifteen minutes for me to turn in the money so he could drive me back to my apartment. What a gem right? 

Next comes a new friend, Ryan.

On Thursday I was talking to boy in my Institute class and somehow it was mentioned that we both needed to make cookies. Ryan then said we should make some together, I don't need very many and so you can take the rest for Relay this weekend. I realized what I good idea this was, so we set up a time that very day to make cookies over at his apartment after class. When I got finished with my final class I found my way to his apartment (which miraculously I found quite easily) and we made cookies together. It had been a while since I had made goodies with a friend and I had forgotten how much fun it was to have company. It was especially nice to do so with a super nice kitchen aid, I might add. By the end of the evening I left with bags full of delicious cookies and some great memories. 

Next comes the wonderful goody girls named Jocelyn, Amy, and Whitney.

They volunteered their precious time to come over and finish making wonderful goodies while I finished my final lesson project. These dears made dozens of cookies and muffins for that night on such short notice. What a wonderful example to me of being so ready and willing to serve, I literally asked and within a hour or so they were on the job.  They are the greatest.

Then comes my amazing roommates; Kelsie, Kellie, Bart, Lloyd, and Ashly

These girls are seriously the greatest! They helped with transporting, bringing all of the MANY forgotten things, and just being huge supporters for the evening. Even though some of them had plans or better things they could be doing, they took the entire evening and stayed helping me make our Relay for Life team and event a success. It was so much fun and I seriously could not have done it without them. I love those girlies, every one of them.

Then comes Mr. Osten. 

(pronounced like Austin but with  a long o sound at the beginning)

Now this kid right here deserves a gold star or fifty-two. He seriously gave up his entire day to help me get everything set up and ready for our team. We drove all over town getting and retrieving things then carrying them to our spot. He even saved me when I tried to carry a little bit more than I probably should have. He also stayed the entire evening and walked alongside our whole team. Not only did I use him for manual labor, but he also kept me sane. Reminding me that it will all be okay. Ladies, this boy is a keeper!

So all in all I had a wonderful, and humbling week. Realizations that sometimes  you just cannot do it all, so thank you for helping me ask for help and receive. So yeah I know some fabulous people! 

Oh and we had some seriously fun times while at Relay for Life, I even sang...yeah I know. If you are daring enough to watch go here . Enjoy!

Just Keep Swimming

Last year I heard Elder John Groberg speak and he quoted a line from a movie about his mission experience.

"Sometimes God calms the storm, other times He calms the child...and sometimes He just lets them swim."

You gotta pull yourself, back in the water
Take in one deep breath
You're getting closer
After all you've talked and seen
You gotta believe

 

I can do this. 

10 Things I Hate About You...

Firstly, I must say that I do not hate any of you at all. However, this poem from a favorite movie of mine sums up really well how I am feeling...

I hate the way you talk to me,

and the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car,

I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots

and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,

it even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right,

I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,

even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around,

and the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you,

not even close…

not even a little bit…

not even at all.