Do YOU Believe in God?

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?

Student : Absolutely, sir.

Professor : Is GOD good ?

Student : Sure.

Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?

Student : Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn't.  How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent.)

Professor: You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Is Satan good ?

Student : No.

Professor: Where does Satan come from ?

Student : From … GOD …

Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?

Student : Yes.

Professor: So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them ?

(Student had no answer.)

Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?

Student : No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?

Student : No , sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?

Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student : Yes.

Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor: Yes.

Student : And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, super heat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)

Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?

Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't.  If it is, well you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?

Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?

Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.

Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)

Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar.)

Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?

(The class broke out into laughter. )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.

Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.

By the way, that student was EINSTEIN.

27) What is your favorite part of your body and why?

My favorite part of my body would probably be.... either my eyes or my legs. I LOVE my legs in high heels. Hehe. Buuut it is kinda hard to wear high heels (I would like to wear) in Sweden with all the walking and running to the bus and such. 

I like my eyes because I use to think I use to have poopy brown eyes, until I looked a bit closer. In my eyes, I also have a bit of blue. I use a blue eyeliner, and it brings out the orange (under the brown) in my eyes, and I just LOVE how it makes my eyes pop. I guess the artist comes out in me when I do my makeup. "When you are painting on makeup, you are like an artist, but instead of painting a canvas, you're painting a face"

26) What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

The first thing that came to my mind with this question was: Marriage. I very strongly believe in a good and wholesome marriage. That was how I was raised. Majority people most likely weren't raised like me... but who knows. All I know how important marriage is, with the strong connection, determination, dedication,  and faithfulness. And that is the part I LOVE about marriage!!!! Spending your whole life with someone, knowing they will be as dedicated as you as you raise a family together. 

Not that I am against those who don't get married, it just makes me sad when those marital commitments aren't made. That is what I believe :D

25) If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

Christ. For obvious reasons.

23) List your top 3 hobbies and why you love them.

1. Painting. When I paint, I feel so calm and excited to be working on something. When I paint something, I usually work on a painting for someone else and I can't stop thinking about how much they will (hopefully) like it and enjoy it. I love that feeling of watching a person's face when I give them a painting, and doing that service for them and I don't expect anything in return. I love holding a brush, letting my mind go blank and finding out what colors my brush will make.

2. Crocheting. (Such a weird word) I mostly like to while Joel plays video games. But, I find it nice to talk while I crochet, and he can't talk while he plays soooo sometimes that isn't fun. I learned to crochet about a yearish ago during college. Me and two other friends made it a goal to once a week do a craft the whole semester. I was SO FRUSTRATED at first, and I did not like it. Thank goodness I stuck with it! I then taught my sister how to and we would crochet together. Lots of fun memories!

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That was Cheeto. She is OBSESSED with my computer. Always pushing buttons... I guess she is another hobby? haha! I always say I have a hard time getting things done with her always lounging on my computer. Then Joel always says, "Well. Imagine how much crazier it will be with a toddler running around??" Touché.

21) If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

If I could have ONE superpower.... Geez there are so many to choose from!! The first one that came to my mind was being able to FLY. I have had so many dreams about it! It is simple, yet it would be amazing. I am not afraid of heights, but I am cautious when I am up so high... Like if I were to fall or something. BUT if you can fly, you wouldn't have that problem! You would support yourself :)

My thing is if I am talking with someone about superpowers, people get so stinkin creative!!!! I just want to fly. And thinking about it while writing this... makes me want to so bad!!!

I'd only want to fly with this cute fruit loop.

What would your superpower be??

20) Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1. Kindergarten. I was super shy, and we were having a competition in class. It was to see who could blow the biggest bubble out of their gum. I don't remember if I was mad I didn't win... But I do remember who did win. Brock Bigler. Because if I remember correctly he used 3 PIECES OF GUM. And I had only used one. For some reason I was FURIOUS.

2. Kindergarten once again.  Perhaps First grade. I knew the kids were all playing kiss tag, and I knew the boy that wanted to kiss me. And I did NOT want him to kiss me. All I remember is being one of the last ones out of the classroom, and attempting to secretly look out the door so I wouldn't get caught.

3. Fourth grade... I can't remember who it was, but every time I got in line to eat lunch (we had to line up alphabetically) someone gave me a "flat tire" or stepped on the heel of my shoe to make it come off. So sad, right?? Of course I didn't like being bullied, even though it was something so small. From that point on I decided I would never be mean to anyone.

Now I am not sure if these are quite "significant memories", but they are the first ones I though of ;)

19) If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

hahahahahhaha! What a FUNNY question to be asking me right now!!!

I am so torn. Living in Sweden is so much fun and unique. I love getting to know Joel's family, the people in the ward, and at my Swedish for Immigrants class. Meeting new people has been so much fun, and a real eye opener.
I love the people, the shopping and the food...

You see, in September/October of 2011 Joel and I made this huge, long, and time consuming list. Deciding where to live after we were married. The two most important things came down to living in Utah for my family, or living in Sweden for Joel's job opportunity. 

Not that my family isn't more important... It was the toughest decision I have had to make in my life. My mom said something SUPER profound though! "I would rather you live in Sweden and be secure than live in the States and struggle..."

Now, Joel has decided to go back to school and the option of moving back to Utah has opened up. Now the reason why I moved here has changed. Now we are just 'here'. Not sure how realistic moving back is, but it is an option. 

THEN EVEN MORE PROBLEMS COME UP. Because school is free here. If we stay here I would work and he could go to school.

BUT. He was born in Utah so he is an American citizen and it would be a piece of cake setting it up to have him live there... 

Going to school in Utah makes sense in my head. That way he could "build up" all of his contacts. "It isn't what you know, but who you know" Joel says all the time....
So going to school in Utah makes sense if he would like to work there right??!

The thought of starting school here and finishing there is basically out of the question... We'd have to really look into it and see how it would work, if it would. 

All of these thoughts are kinda confusing, I know. I really am torn, 50/50.

We live here in Sweden and are content. Is it time for change? How do we know when is a good time for change? Do we dare go out of our comfort system? The longer we are here, the more we get settled in. 
Then I start thinking what if we did move....
Now I am use to how things work in Sweden. We would have to buy a car in Utah!!!! How expensive. Would we sell everything we have an just move?? How would that work??!




See why I am confused?

Ps- we did look up how it would work to fly with a cat... and it is possible :) Who could leave this cute face???

18) What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

The hard part with this question is how personal to make it.... 

I guess I won't go into too many details, but I know I have made mistakes in the past (along with most people, hopefully??) and I have figured out the hardest thing to do when something has gone wrong is to forgive myself. Whether that be something dumb I did in high school, saying something to my mom..... Whatever it might be, controlling my thoughts and forgiving myself (for me) is harder than forgiving others. 

Plus it doesn't help too much that I am hard on myself. This is where Christ's atonement comes into play for me, and I need him the most. All the mistakes I have made I could not have done it on my own. Thank goodness God is merciful!! I heard this quote, "Nothing you confess could make me love you less." Not sure if Christ actually said that, but the saying is true. No matter what I have done, he will never stop loving me, even if I have a hard time forgiving myself.

17) What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

The first thing that popped in my head was painting. I know I have some talent for it... But I wish I didn't put myself down or doubt myself so much.

I love painting, I just wish I had a smudge of more talent. I also have a hard time comparing myself to others talents... I think my problem is figuring out what to do with what I have right now. 

I really wish I could figure out a way to be super good at (in the future) painting, selling my paintings, while being a stay at home mom... hmmmm possible? Maybe?? I guess we will have to find out :) That is all I want to do, I don't see myself doing anything else really job-wise! Whether it be in Sweden or in the states... we shall see ;)

16) What are some of your greatest accomplishments?

1. I would say moving to Sweden and getting married is a pretty big accomplishment. Flying by myself over here is a big one too... I have never done it before on my own ;) So would that be three accomplishments squished into one? Haha!!

2. This painting is my baby. Never have I been more proud of a painting. I built the whole canvas. Bought three different types of wood, stapled on the canvas, etc... I think it took about 10 hours to make? Not a whole lot, but still enough!! It took a total of 60 hours by the time I started making it, and finished painting. The quality (of the picture) of the painting isn't that great but I guess it gives you a good idea. My painting professor had us choose a classic/popular painting, and recreate it to the best of our ability. In the painting we had to put an anomaly (an odd or peculiar... out of place item) into our painting! SO FUN. I put a Mr. Potato head in the painting... can you find it?? (I hope Mr. Potato Head doesn't fit in the Van Gogh era... in a bar......)

3. Going to college. I didn't complete it (yet), but I am so glad I went and I learned so much!!!! Crazy how much you learn when you are on your own. Living in Sweden has made me realize how many people I met in college. Every time I went up to campus I saw someone I knew! I love the atmosphere up at Utah State too. I miss that a lot as well.... But I am glad where I as well :)

4. Studying Swedish. I really had no idea it was this hard to learn a language!!! Now that I FINALLY feel like I have some vocabulary and can understand some people (mainly my teachers, important to understand them haha!) I feel much better about the language, finally. After 4 or 5 months, it was about time!! I have never really tried to learn a new language, so it is a bit harder for me than most I think, getting use to using that part of the brain. Whereas most know 2,3,4 or 5 languages.... I also need to learn to compare with myself, and not others. Easier said than done ;)

PS- isn't it crazy that my "greatest accomplishments" have happened within the last two years???

15) If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Well. I took THIS test online, and this is the answer it gave me:

Which animal would best suit your personality?

A DOG.

You are one of the best friends that someone could ever ask for. A very loyal, compassionate person who is always there for close friends and family members who are in a tough time. You are someone who can be counted on time and time again and never let small grudges get in the way of a good friendship. But unfortunately, you are very dependent, and every now and then someone will take advantage of your loyalty, and it is most often not until you end up hurt that you realized your foolishness.

I took the same test online with complete opposite answers and it still said dog... I am not sure what to think about this website. But whatevs. I have no idea really. Animals are so cool though! Some are fast and lazy. So I would like to be a lion? Cheetah? Dog? Cats are lazy... But tigers are pretty neat. I would want to be a bunch of animals for different reasons... Cheetahs are fast, lions are powerful, elephants are huge, cats are super weird, dogs are friendly and nice, hippos are awesome.... yep. Is there a mixture of all these animals?? haha.

All in all... I have no idea what I would be. I am not sure I really answered the question.. but oh well :)

14) Describe 5 strengths you have.

1. I am a people person. I LOVE people. My mom would send me to the grocery store and I would come back a few hours later, because I kept on talking to people.That is why I loved working in restaurants and meeting new people! When I was younger I worked in the back doing dishes, and that about killed me. Not talking to anyone for hours?!? It was horrible.

2. I like things to be clean. Of course I am not perfect and the house gets messy once in a while, but I feel so good having it cleaned. (I now understand why the only thing my mom wanted for mothers day/her birthday was a clean house ;))

3. Joel says people love me. Is that a strength?..

4. I am verrry detail oriented. I could paint the baseboard for hours. (anyone wanted theirs painted?? If you pay me I would do it!!!)

5. I am faithful. I am very strong in my values, principles, and other people. I know my beliefs and stay strong to it. I would never want to hurt anyone.

13) Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

1. I love being at home. I can stay home all day and be super lazy and be perfectly content. (Well i think this is a weakness!) I feel ok about not being productive, basically.

2. I can't/don't cook. Yet.

3. I have a hard time starting things/projects. But once I start them, I am on a roll!! Funny because Joel is the other way around. He can start things, but has a hard time finishing them.

4. When every I am in a disagreement with someone, I shut down and don't say anything. I have a much harder time communicating when I feel a certain way when there is a disagreement.

5. I like the internet a little too much. I feel like I need to know what every single person is doing back home!! Joel calls me a facebook addict... Well, do you blame me?....

12) Describe a typical day in your current life.

Typical day... here is the general gist fer ya.

I usually leave and take a bus a few minutes after Joel, but I still have to wake up earlier than him and I hate that. I LOVE my bed way too much, and I am definitely not a morning person. (Side note- I usually get on facebook in the morning to help wake me up! Kinda weird, I never use to do that… But it really helps! Since majority of my friends back home have been on facebook, so much happens while I am asleep!)

Now that we have a cat I usually like to go and cuddle with her in the mornings! Just for a few minutes... She misses us so much at night! She is very cuddly, and it is nice to feel loved by her.

I try to hurry and get ready to leave, so Joel and I can read our scriptures before I leave. We use to read them at night.. But we were sooo exhausted and didn't get anything out of it! Thus we decided to switch to mornings.

Then I run to the bus. I use to HATE running to the bus, but now I don't mind as much. It isn't too bad of a run now that we have moved and the bus stop is a bit closer. 

While on the bus I attempt to close my eyes and rest, really depending on the day. Now I like to read a book to keep me entertained! It is hard getting use to so many people on the bus! Sometimes I am lucky if I even get a seat. I usually ride the bus for about 25 min to get into town to hop on the train!!! Then that takes another 25 minutes... So the whole process of getting to school takes about an hour and 15 min away takes quite some time! 

I love this Thai restaurant on my walk from the train station to class, just fyi. Annnd it just so happens to be Joel's favorite as well :)

I usually always get to class late! It isn't too bad, but I could be earlier .. Haha I should probably try harder to be on time... But it is so hard being so far away!!!

I have class from 9am to noon, and I study Swedish. In the past we have studied songs, worked on grammar, talked a lot... One time we even played hang man haha!! Class is good. Sometimes it is hard and frustrating when you don't know what is going on, and you can't understand anyone. Not to mention during class they ONLY speak Swedish. They don't help you out in the beginning with Swedish and English, ONLY Swedish. I was oh so frustrated for months, and I hated going to class. I had no idea it took this much patience to learn a new language!! It is during times like these where I wish I was linguistic... Plus it is hard for me, because most people in my class have learned multiple languages, whereas I have not. 
I then go on lunch break. Lunch breaks are usually kinda fun! All the other immigrants in my class all go out and eat together, and it is fun and interesting to hear why everyone is in Sweden. I am the only American in my class, and most everyone comes from different countries! I really like the people there, they are funny. There are about four people from England (they have a hard time learning Swedish.. like me. Because they haven't learned another language), one from Whales, India, Bolivia, Russia, Turkey, Syria, Greece, France, Germany, and Australia... Just to name a few ;)

After class I usually head to the gym, if my schedule allows it! I work out at a place called Sports Life, and it is ok. They give good discounts to students, so that means if you go at a time when all the 15-18 year olds go... They might drive you crazy. Like, REALLY crazy. I try my hardest not to get annoyed, haha! There are soooo many. Which is why I try to go while they are all in school ;)
The other day at the gym I was doing a kettlebell workout, and this (super) old lady comes up to me and starts talking to me in suuuper fast Swedish!!!! I couldn't understand a word she said. Before I could say anything, she walked away. I am hoping she was giving me a compliment at my amazing kettlebell skills... But I guess we will never know!

I go to a school called NOVA and talk with kids for my "praktik", where I can practice my Swedish. Talking to kids is the best way to learn Swedish, or so I have heard! I usually talk with kids around the ages of 8, 9, and 10! That way they are old enough to realize I can't speak Swedish, and are excited to help teach me! And it is so. Cute. It is nice because I can practice my Swedish, and they can practice their English! Win win! We play games, and talk! I usually go there after they are done with school and they have their after school program, it is much easier to talk with them then! They aren't working on homework at this time and just playing... great for all of us!

I head home after this and spend time with Joel, finally! I feel like it is such a long day of shoving Swedish into my head, haha! That is a typical day in my current life :)

11) Describe a childhood dream.

njm
\jA Childhood dream....

I was pretty clueless as a child I feel like.

I just went day to day, minding my own business. I feel as though my thoughts changed soooo much!

I didn't really settle on anything.

For instance, in 6th grade I had to write a persuasive essay about why my parents should buy me a violin. (my best friend had one and I guess I wanted to be cool like her at the time?...)

Growing up I always wanted to be a professional ballerina. I guess that counts as a childhood dream eh?? Buuuut reality changed my mind when I went to a two week dance camp at BYU when I was 16. All the good girls were suuuper skinny, flexible, and built like ballerinas and I just didn't feel good there. Plus I have never been the competitive type which would be kinda hard in that profession. At that dance camp I made SUCH a good friend though!!!!! We stayed pen pals all through high school, then ended up going to the same college! We partied a few times. And now that I live in Sweden we are back to pen pals ;) So I guess something good came of it J

10) Describe your most embarrassing moment(s)

My most embarrassing moment... I feel like I have so many, but at the same time I can barely think of any!!!

A recent one was during my wedding reception... yep!! In front of 250+ people?? Sure did. As Joel and I walked in and sat down in front of everyone, I didn't think about my wire slip underneath my wedding dress having any problems sitting down. As I sat down in my giant wedding dress, my dress comes up and barely reveals a part of my under garments. No one saw anything... (I hope) Just the fact of that happening in front of soooo many people (that I don't even really know) was startling. Horrific. Embarrassing. You name it ;)

Another embarrassing moment was when I was at EFY in Provo, and David Archuleta was in my group. We were only 14 at the time, so he wasn't famous yet. BUT people still love it when I tell this story.... 

I was wearing a lace skirt, and sitting on the curb reading my scriptures with my EFY group. As I went to stand up, my heel on my shoes got caught in the lace at the bottom of my skirt. Lets just say the whole skirt came alllll the way down. And I couldn't get it up because it. Was. Stuck. So yes, David Archuleta has seen my underwear. 

Maybe I just have a problem with skirts... ;)

I honestly I have been thinking about this question for days. I can't think of any other embarrassing stories!! Anyone have any???

9) List 8 people who have influenced you and describe how

These are all such great questions!!!!! It has really made me think. And I am going to start with the obvious ones, obviously :)

1. My husband- he inspired me to be a better person from day one. He loves me unconditionally, and if I am having a hard day he knows how to help me. Basically... there is a reason I married him, haha!! ;)

2. My parents- they are always supporting me in all that I do, whether that be moving to Sweden and marrying the man of my dreams, or choosing a college to attend... they always support me. They have always encouraged me to go to church and teach me the right way, along with letting me make my own decisions. Even if some were dumb ;)

3. My mom's parents- My grandparents are such an amazing example to me. Their constant love for our family is incredibly comforting. If I have ever needed anything, they have always helped. I hope to be as amazing as them when Joel and I are old folk. Joel nicknames them, "The Oracles" because they are truly inspired people and are so in touch with the spirit.

4. My advanced painting professor- Carolyn Cardenas. Out of all my teachers I had in college, she was my favorite. First day of class she warned us that it would be a hard class and we might not like it, and that she was going to make us work hard. THEN she started listing all of the art supplies us poor college students would have to purchase- more than any other painting class required. I about died right there and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I then went to my mom for help, and she encouraged me to stay in the class. I learned SO MUCH, and I am so glad she talked me into it. My painting professor has multiple art galleries all over the US, and sells her paintings for millions. In one of her studios, Clint Eastwood jogged in and said, "I want that one, that one, and that one." And jogged out. So. Cool. Not only is this professor a great artist, but she knew how to push me to my limits and made me feel important. She gave me not so good criticism sometimes, but most of the time said the right thing to encourage me. She gave me specific attention when I needed it the most, and made my work feel important. I had one of my paintings up in an art gallery in 2010. When I went back and visited her a little while later she told me people STILL ask about my painting. It made me feel so loved and appreciated. I will always remember the influence she has had on my artistic career. 

5. London Taylor- This little girl has changed my life. I nannied her and her brother last year, but I feel like I specifically bonded with her. She was two at the time, and loved me right from the start. She was constantly telling me how much she loved me, and always wanted me to hold her. I felt so important to her, and she taught me that I can take care of kids and love them fully.

6. My friends. Ok, I really have the best friends ever. Growing up, I had a hard time with friends until I was in high school and made the girls soccer team. That is when I got to know Autumn and Haley!!! We hung out with other people as well, but they were my base. When Heather moved in the middle of our Junior year, I sat next to her in Chemistry class. I thought, "Who is this shy and quiet girl? I can't think of anything to say to her... We will never be friends." (Plus it didn't help that I was suuuuper jealous because all the guys wanted to date her!)Thank goodness I was wrong!!! I think Haley invited her to a party or something... and it just went from there!!! Senior year started and that is when Heather and I got to be the best o buds. I can only really remember one time where we have been mad at each other... Not bad eh??

Heather and all my friends have been there for me since day one. All of them are incredibly strong in the gospel and are either serving missions, or married in the temple. I feel incredibly blessed and proud to call them my friends!

7. Michelle Warner- Michelle is simply amazing. She is basically my older sister, and has been in my life for as long as I can remember! When I was in 4th grade, she started babysitting me and my sisters. With every boy I dated, she was my over protective sister :) Michelle served an honorable full time mission and was married in the temple to her sweetheart!! She is the greatest example of an older sister- the best I could have ever asked for :) Now that we live so far away (BOO) she has been keeping in such good contact with me, and that makes me SO HAPPY. It is hard living away from everyone, because it feels as though people forget about you. But not Michelle :)

8. My ballet teacher- Miss Elizabeth Shively. I have known her for as long as I can remember! Miss Beth/and ballet taught me so much, now that I look back on it I felt as though I was being trained to become a woman. Miss Beth taught us respect. I saw her 4-5 times a week for years!! I feel as though since ballet is (mostly) classical, being taught how to be respectful and everything else just came with it. So grateful for all my time and effort I put into ballet!

8) What are 3 passions you have?

Hmmm this is a great question!!!! (I feel like I am always saying that.. haha! Because it is true I guess!)

If you want honesty, I have had a hard time with my "passions". I don't know what it is about living away from home and being homesick, but it is physically hard to keep up my passions. There is something about being homesick and wanting to stay in bed alllll day that is so nice ;)

First of all, like I said in my last blog post... I am very passionate about children and kids. I really can't wait to start my family with Joel, but we still want to make sure the timing is right for both of us. (Eva and Sebastian (Joel's bro and sis-in-law) aren't making it any easier either!!! They have the cutest baby everrrr.)

I am also passionate about painting. I don't think I am as passionate as I want to be right now, but I definitely want to make it into a serious hobby. I love it so much, I just need to focus more on timing. (Because we don't have very good light in our apartment, and it is so dark outside... so my painting hours are kinda limited during the day ;))

I would also say I am passionate about my family. They are just so sweet, and I miss them incredibly much. I can never say that enough. I am just glad to have friends here who know and understand what I am going through!!

(Is it just me or am I giving a similar answer to every question?? haha hope they get different!)

7) What is your dream job, and why?

This is my new FAVORITE question. Because, thanks to my lovely husband I have figured out what my dream job is, and I am quite determined to do it.

this youtube video is about following your dreams, if money was no object? What would you like to do, to spend and enjoy your life? This video changed Joel. It changed his thinking of what he REALLY would absolutely love to do. Even though it might be hard to change and get out of his comfort zone, he has decided to go back to school and study nutrition, become a personal trainer, and eventually own his own gym. And I am incredibly proud of him for making this big decision that will make him happier in the long run!! He went to a business school for two years and earned his associates, and until now I think he felt almost empty when people asked about what he wanted to do... that is until he watched this video. Now I think about it, maybe it would help in the long run to have his business degree if he wants to own his own gym? Food for thought :)

Anyways, he had me watch this video and it got me thinking what I would just love to do. I feel like all my life I have been slightly obsessed with babies/children and couldn't wait to start my own family. I guess my dream job would be to stay at home and take care of our kids! I would also love to paint on the side... That would be my hobby to keep me busy :) And crafting... I love to crochet and paint mainly.

And that is my dream job! To love and raise our family. I know the time isn't right for us at the moment, but I am literally SO excited to start our family. I can wait, but I can't at the same time if that makes sense :)