Flashbacks

Memories of 2019:

It's hard for me to believe that another year has come and gone so quickly... But I am grateful for the many unforgettable moments I was able to share among the most incredible people ever!!! Here are some of my highlights that I'd love to if not briefly share with you all right now (if you don't mind at all?!?!)

#iLegitMissBigBangSoMuch

It is at times emotionally difficult for me to imagine this legitimate sitcom will never come back on my television screen with new episodes--- but it forever has a special spot in my heart. I definitely miss all of those characters so much and their relationships with each other-- which to someone like me meant everything than most people would ever think. It has literally given me a reason to feel so much better with the fact I am slightly different than others around me, but I know this legit sitcom gave me reasons to smile and laugh whenever I needed to feel happy again. #MoreAboutThisLater

#UtahMissAmazing19 

It has truly become an absolute dream come true and getting to have a year of service, has given me chances to make new friendships with so many people, learning to stretch myself in ways that I did not ever think were possible and giving back to others in the community has made me realize how much of an impact I can make in this world. I have definitely grown into a better person in ways I never would have expected myself to which I can only hope what the rest of my reign as the Miss Queen will look like from this point on?!! #ThreeAndAHalfMonthsLeft

#CupofCuoco2020

Alright--- I legitimately watch one of the cast members from the sitcom I mentioned earlier had an amazing idea to create themselves a talk morning show titled what my hashtag is in this blog post :) It has been so much fun for me to get a little better acquainted with someone that I may never get to meet in my lifetime, but getting to know them better not only BC they have such unconditional love for animals--which I will admit is just nothing short of incredible!!! I also have loved watching episodes of their show when they are surrounded by their furry friends and being a dog lover myself--- I cannot help but feel so much respect for them as an individual. This person who played one of my many favorite characters on the Big Bang Theory for twelve amazing seasons--- (Yes, The one and only Kaley Cuoco!!!) I'd love to meet her in person one day if I could and sincerely express my gratitude for all that she continues to do--- I may not have ever rescued any animals myself whatsoever, but knowing that there is someone in the world who would do anything to give them a better life really touches my heart. If you haven't watched or checked out her amazing talk show titled #CupofCuoco, I would recommend this to anyone that needs a little boost of positive feelings in their life!!! 

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YESTERDAY AFTERNOON----My twin sister and I along with our best friend Maria spent the day together at our friend Danielle's house for a little Christmas party!!! We always have such a blast with each other and getting to make new memories on a yearly basis if not more often than not. After all of us arrived at our together, We opened up gifts from one another which I will admit was definitely one surprise after the next--- But loved getting into the holiday spirit. My twin sister and I decided that we wanted to surprise our friends with a David Archuleta calendar... which if you must know happens to be our most favorite singer of all time!!! :) 

Once all of that was completed-- We headed out to the movie theater and went to see the well loved new animated film Frozen 2!!! It was truly one of the most fantastic sequels yet and could not help but have a little bit of tears in my eyes during a scene that I didn't know was going to happen. I was very grateful to have shared that moment with my best friends and enjoyed laughing till each of our hearts were tired!! 

Shortly after we left the movie, We headed over to a Mexican place for dinner and enjoyed getting to visit with each other even more!!! It was truly so much fun talking about how much we loved Frozen two and sharing stories that I am pretty certain will never be forgotten into the eternities...but whose still not laughing about them to this day?!?! There is not ever a dull moment between us whatsoever and always make it an effort to have a fun time with one another. #ThereIsOnlyMoreToCome. 

Charity Event

It was truly one of the most heart-warming experiences ever as I participated alongside with my other pageant queen sisters in a service project with a non profit organization called "The Page That Gives" and what an incredible opportunity it turned out to become. I was very grateful for the remarkable & amazing families who stepped inside of our room looking around each among hundreds of cuddly stuffed animals to take home with them. I really enjoyed getting to see the little kiddos faces simply light up with excitement and it was a little bit tricky not talking with them as much as I would have liked to, but knowing I could make their holiday season a little brighter touched my heart. All of us collected as many stuffed animals as we could possible for this event--but ended up with over 100 more than we needed to have, but to me I was more than pleased that we could bring some holiday cheer to each family who entered into our station!!! I may not have known neither of these families at all whatsoever-- but I was more than determined to bring a smile and understanding of what it means to give back to other people who may not be so fortunate as we are. I really appreciated getting to just be there not only as a pageant queen but a volunteer that could make a difference in the lives of others in some way or another. 

#NightToShine2020 - The Genesis Project

I am truly grateful for this upcoming worldwide prom event for thousands of individuals with special needs and being simply reminded about God's love for us-- is such an absolute wonderful thing. I just genuinely love spending time with all of my best friends and making memories that continuously last forever no matter how many times we keep returning back to this event. I will definitely be certain to have more stories after this event comes to an end in a few weeks and cannot wait to share all of them with you!!! 

Sneak Preview

Last Weekend

#LightTheWorldCampaign2019

There are legitimately so many people that I could name off who have been examples to me of Christ like service, but unfortunately it would take me forever to individually express my gratitude towards all of them right now. I would like to send a brief shout out to my cousin Hailey Bates whose at one time or another reached out to me and my twin sister, to join her for ice cream as well as visiting with each other to catch up on life. She is truly the epitome of what it means to be kind & making others feel good about themselves--(which I know to me and my twin sister) continues to means everything to us. I am not particularly certain if she must have had other things going on when she reached out to my mom about us getting together and since we never see each other that much, it was definitely one experience that I will hold onto for the rest of eternity. I love her so much and feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing example like her to strive to look up to as much as I can. 

#OnlyFifteenMinutesLate

It was definitely one of the most unforgettable experiences that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I've obviously attended a David Archuleta Christmas concert before and loved every time that he was able to share what the meaning of the season is to him personally. I genuinely just loved watching him perform a song that I have mentioned on here already-- titled: "My Little Prayer." No kidding when I admit that listening to him perform that song was truly a reminder to me, about how we should never forget or postpone a promoting when we get one. The entire concert was more than just a performance that me and my friends had so much fun at---We were able to be reminded about what the holiday season is celebrating all throughout each of the songs he did for us. Even if I didn't relate to any of the personal experiences he shared with the audience, I was definitely able to feel the spirit multiple times and not lose sight of what this month is about no matter what kinds of problems or battles we've had to up with along the way. 

#SeriousArchieFever2019

It was definitely such a treat getting to spend time with my friends and talking nonstop about how much we genuinely adore our favorite singer/songwriter!!! I absolutely loved getting to laugh until our hearts were completely tired-- but I mean there was no question about it for even a second :) It always get into the holiday spirit when we attend a Christmas concert and not to mention-- all of us wore our legitimate David Archuleta shirts from the last time we saw him perform here in Utah. We also got our picture taken with one of the audience members and it was definitely a random moment, but enjoyed getting to feel the excitement we had with our favorite singer!!! :) 

Splendid

Thanks to my diligent heartfelt prayers--- Our stake relief society social was an absolute success and could not have pictured it to be any much more incredible. I am grateful for the many sisters who did take time out of their busy lives to attend & reflect on what this time of year is about. After everyone got themselves settled into the pavilion and were able to have our activity begin-- I could not help but think the many people who have not only been a part of my life for many years, but continuously just make an effort to keep an eye out for me.

Favorite Highlights:

- Enjoyed a delicious meal and being inspired by the tender story of "The Giving Tree." It was truly such a reminder to me about what this time of year is about & even though it was a chilly evening-- there was never a dull moment to be shared.

- I also loved how we didn't have any rainfall or snow coming down throughout our activity-- which was one of the biggest worries I had prior to this event taking place. I was forever grateful when the sunshine came out and warmed up things a little bit-- (Not to mention the decorations were amazing in more ways than one!!!)

- I ended up choosing to stay after the event was over and helped to collect salt/pepper shakers that were placed on the tables. It was so much fun getting to contribute with this event in some way and making the clean up process slightly easier was more than just an absolute treat!!! I liked getting to take some of the goodies home with me and not to mention having gotten a ride from an incredible friend whose also our wonderful Stake Relief Society president.

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Untitled Story:

This is my one hundred ninetieth post that I am about to write on here and have this spontaneous goal of mine to write up over 279 posts in the next year. I am confident this might either end up being one of the most legitimate decisions that I have ever made in my life or just turn into a complete utter mess altogether. It is also in honor one of the most legitimate television sitcoms that aired for twelve years and aired that number of episodes-- which I know will hold a special place in my heart for years to come. 

Earlier today in our special needs institute class, the teacher asked us a specific question that has been on my mind throughout the entire day. All of us were asked about when we had an experience or time in our lives when we had to use fasting and prayer--- which to most people it would happen naturally, but this was during a very low point in my life when I didn't know where else to turn.

LONG STORY SHORT--- I went through an experience last year that made me want to reach out of my comfort zone and make a difference in someone else's life. I was already in a difficult position w/ trying to make the best of that awful school year and felt like maybe I needed to start praying for this individual on a consistent basis to make their life somewhat easier. I obviously didn't know what else to do in those moments expect want to storm out of the classroom with them being left in their room with no chance of wanting to return. I was also in a difficult position with not feeling as needed much in the classroom or what I had volunteered to do was fulfilled for the teacher in anyway whatsoever... but I didn't want to them to know how it effected me on a personal level. 

I'll legitimately never forget when they mentioned to me--- "You are so kind!!" not straight to my face but it gave me a boost of confidence that I had been making their life slightly better in the smallest if not biggest way possible. #MorePostsToCome

Kindness Day

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."

#PersonalStories2019 

With everything that I've been through in the past year and a half---has gotten me a lot of time to just reflect how much this quote means to me. It has given me reasons to believe in myself and treat other people with kindness no matter what kind of battle they are faced up against, that I could possibly not know anything about. I know it can easily turn any kind of situation that life throws at us into a much more purposeful experience than doing whatever we need to get back at someone for how they could have made us feel at one time or another.

Praying for a friend of mine who lost their little best friend & making sure they are feeling comfort during such a heart wrenched time. I could easily relate to what it felt like when this happened to me --simply not knowing if I'd have enough love in my heart for another dog in my home. 

 Praying my hardest for beautiful weather in the next several days in behalf of a Stake Relief Society event that is taking place this coming week. I am definitely not consistent with it as much as I was in the last year when I was specifically asked to perform this task for an amazing group of ladies. 

I have also continued praying for a friend of mine and her husband that they would greeted with open arms & hugs in their brand new neighborhood. I haven't ever stopped praying for them since they moved away this summer and could not help but want to do something in their behalf--which for me is just simply talking to my Heavenly Father every night on my knees.

Exclusive

Special Invitation - Stake Relief Society Activity

Somehow all of the incredible stake relief society presidency has been convinced that my faithful prayers last year... made our social an unforgettable experience for everybody involved. I was more than willing to take on that invitation close to heart and never once failed to make sure we'd have not only a successful turn out alongside with being able to have GORGEOUS weather for a perfect evening!!! Earlier today when I was sharping multiple colored pencils & got excitedly asked if I would take on the responsibility of praying for our next upcoming activity in two weeks-- (Of course, I would not pass up an opportunity to do a little more than my fair share in hopes this activity not only has beautiful weather but that everything goes over well.) I will most definitely post about this experience of mine at a later date and please stay tuned for any updates on that down the road!!! :) #Determined #PowerOfPrayerIsReal #LegitimateReasonEnoughRight?!?!

David Archuleta Christmas Concert - Capitol Theater (Salt Lake City)

Please stay tuned for updates on this when it gets a little bit closer!!! I am not particularly certain with any kind of unexpected surprises or anything like that to happen while we are there, but I'm not trying to get my hopes up at this point either. I do know without any questions asked-- All of us will mostly have an incredible evening together and cannot wait to get ourselves in the holiday spirit. I am fairly determined that we will enjoy being in the same room with each other and making memories that I'll know cannot ever be forgotten!!! 

Miss Amazing Queen Fundraiser:

All of us are gonna donate stuffed animals to an organization called "The Page That Gives" and we'll be giving these special gifts to families in need. I am very excited for this opportunity of giving back to other people who may not wake up Christmas morning with gifts under their tree and I am grateful with being able to see smiles on their faces, which I know will warm my heart in more ways than one if you ask me!!! 

Journal Entries

#PowerOfPrayerIsReal

I'm truly grateful for the blessings that have come into my life this past year and would like to share a few of them with you all right now. Over this past year, I have continuously prayed every single night for a friend of mine along with their husband who recently moved up to Ogden. I have definitely just loved being able to offer a sincere prayer of comfort for them and that they would be greeted with open arms in their new neighborhood. It's been such an amazing experience for me to help someone else in a way that I know without a doubt has meant the world & cannot find myself willing to stop any time soon!!! I am grateful to still be doing this almost every week and have been touched to know they've felt them and not having any worries to leave them in a difficult situation. I was able to catch up with this person a little while back and cannot tell you how much fun it was to tell them everything that is currently going on with my life. 

#DavidArchiesMusic

I have not only become obsessed with this artists musical talents, but getting to escape into a different world has given me a chance to remember who I really am inside/outside. It has strengthened me thru some of the hardest times in my life and never knew what could come from it later on--- I know it has never once failed to give me reasons to hope in every situation. I have definitely learned that music is one of those many things to inspire and give you a peace of mind, whenever things in life are harder to deal with than most. 

#BigBangTheoryContinuations

I will forever be grateful to have watched this legitimately loved sitcom as much as I did. It was one of those shows that could make me laugh or cry in ways-- Nothing else in the universe was ever able to do!!! I have cried so many tears over the last several months from when it concluded with still the most heartfelt finale that I have ever seen in my lifetime on television. I am also grateful for everyone of the characters who reminded me that being a little different is so much cooler than most of us--would ever possibly think or imagine. #StillBestLegitSitcomOfAllTime

(End of Part Two)

Monthly Update

Post Halloween Craziness:

I really enjoyed getting to be dressed up as Miss Transylvania for an entire day and was more than relieved to be myself the rest of the night. I also liked spending time with my third grade students more than anything in this world & feeling of their excitement was just incredible!!! We also went down to University Mall and several of the stores had candy available for the thousands of kiddos that were dressed up!!! It was so much fun getting to see my cute niece Skye have a slight feel of what trick or treating would be like for her and despite the fact, she is still quite young with being able to understand all that is going on-- she looked very cute in her Halloween costume!!! :) 

As this time of year begins, I have so many things in life to express my gratitude for and in more ways than one!!! I obviously shared maybe a little too much in the last year about my challenges and not knowing if I deserved to experience them or if it was to teach me a lesson. I may never want to see those happen again in the future, but I do know my life would not be what it is without them to help me grow everyday. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated with an incredible non profit organization called Miss Amazing throughout this year!!! I have definitely loved getting to make new memories as well friendships with the other queens who have made this reign, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have really liked getting to participate in the National Miss Amazing Pageant in Chicago this summer and being inspired by so many young women and girls with disabilities, to know they can make a difference in more ways than any of us could ever imagine. 

I am grateful for the remarkable (almost ten years) that I have been volunteering at the neighborhood elementary school. From the time I was seventeen years old until now, I have learned so much about what an incredible thing it is to give back and help other people besides myself. It has given me a fair share of challenges along the way but I am grateful to have so many extraordinary people, who want me to give it my best no matter the situation is. I am grateful for the hard times I was able to survive and get through even if I had tears rolling down my cheeks, that I could always give myself another chance at it the next week. 

I am grateful for living in one of the best communities ever and surrounded by the greatest friends & neighbors my family could ever have in this world. I truly love being able to know that I am in a safe place where everybody watches out for each other and when my parents were told: (when they were looking at the lot our home is on now from people-- "Oh, You will love Grandview, it's like one big happy family!!" It has definitely never ceased to amaze me that our community here appears to feel more like that in countless ways that I could easily ramble about--- but there is no time for it now.) 

(End of Part One)

New Slate

I have certainly long awaited for this moment to come and wish that every phase in life, could assist me in persevering through all the trials life has to offer. I still have no clue what else this school year holds for me and hope with everything that takes place, I am more than willing to face it with a smile as much as possible. It was slightly hard for me walking outside of the school today & not having had tears want to immediately run down my cheeks... but I am determined to make the best of whatever it is that happens throughout this experience. 

As I returned back to the elementary school year this afternoon---I was incredibly thrilled to be inside of a classroom with not only an incredible teacher- but someone who never fails to make me feel alright whenever I mess up. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to help in anyway that I can & hopefully impact her student's life in some way or another. I absolutely loved getting to make corrections with assignments for students and file all of their stuff into folders, which is not an uncommon task that I have ever gotten asked to taken care of. 

Halloween Activities:

There is truly nothing more fun than getting to see all of the kiddos in their Halloween costumes and seeing their excitement for this once a year celebration!!! I have never actually been into any of that scary side with the holiday whatsoever and most likely never will be any time soon. I am definitely excited to have an opportunity to dress up again and disguise myself as somebody else for an entire day!!! More about this to come at a much later date and stay tuned!! :) 

Crazy Times

Side Note: (This blog post was not originally supposed to be written today... But I struggled so much with trying to keep what is going on in my life updated every week and here is a brief preview. (Please don't ever question as to why I haven't just kept this more current than most people who have these kinds of things-- but that is a completely different story!!!)

Halloween Activity:

My friends and I haven't long awaited for this event to happen in the last several weeks--- but it's just crazy to me that in less than a week away, everybody will celebrate being somebody else for an entire day!!! I was very much legitimately excited to spend quality time with friends that I rarely ever get to see and then changes happened---So most likely I am not gonna catch up on life with any of them. It shouldn't necessarily make the event less worthwhile than if they were participating alongside me & everybody else who is going to be there. Be sure to check out for updates on this tomorrow if I ever find myself blogging about stuff that I know needs to get shared!!!

Birthday Celebration:

My friend Camille turned twenty four years old this past weekend & decided it would be so much fun to celebrate her birthday with friends this weekend!! We are gonna spend a lot of hours together and I'll guarantee there are no dull moments between us whatsoever... If you ask me. Camille's family has a hot tub in their backyard and it's been so much fun getting to spend time with each other-- outside in the somewhat freezing temperatures just hanging out. More about this later on and unless I don't ever get a chance to share anything on what happens this weekend--- Please forgive me!!!

Catching Up With Friends:

One of the many legitimate staff we had at our NINJA Conference this summer, I was able to visit and catch up with a little bit last night. It was so much fun to hear from them again & let them know I'm still consistently keeping them in my prayers every single night!!! I have continued doing that for months now and throughout my entire summer break when I was at places, there wasn't a single time when I could not be on my knees asking my Heavenly Father to help them through this new chapter in their lives. 

David Archuleta Christmas Concert:

More about this unforgettable event later some time next month!!! Me and my friends are thrilled for the amazing opportunity to spend time together as we watch our favorite singer perform LIVE again in concert. I am determined there will be a lot more memories and stories to share once this is comes to an end... But I cannot wait for the experience of a lifetime with so many people!!! #November30th #RepetitivePost

Simply Amazing

I have mentioned this one too many times...but getting to speak at this mini girls retreat ended up being an experience that I would not soon forget. I was able to learn many things about believing in my self and persevering through any challenge that life throws at me. I certainly had a lot of nerves and mixed emotions out on the very high elevated challenge course, which to me at first didn't seem like that much of a big deal---but the more time went on my nerves kicked into gear. It was definitely so much stamina with being up way high in the air and not knowing what to think as I walked carefully across a somewhat wobbly bridge. Instead of me going into details about this, I'll just need to admit whenever anything in life challenges you in some way or another--Do not ever let yourself think it's too much to handle or that you can't achieve your goals.

Highlights from this experience:

- I absolutely loved speaking about my Miss Amazing pageant experience and motivating all of those girls to believe in themselves to try out new things. It was truly an incredible opportunity for me to let each of those girls know how you do not have to be a pageant queen whatsoever or participate in this event to make an impact in this world. I also had one of the girls after my presentation come up to me and mention that they are interested with doing the pageant--which was an absolute JOY to hear!!! It will definitely be one of the most amazing experiences ever and give you chances to stretch yourself in ways that you never imagined possible. 

- Playing my favorite NINJA game of all time with everyone!!! It was truly one of the most amazing times ever and seeing what kinds of moves people came up with, just never ceased to impress me in more ways than one. I also really enjoyed getting to laugh and share stories with all of my brand new friends throughout the entire weekend so much!!! I definitely loved being able to enjoy this legit time with all of them more than words could ever say in a blog post-- but you all have the idea right?! I am grateful to have been a small part of this amazing experience and gotten a chance to learn something about trusting myself to do anything that I set my heart on. (For Your Information: I also really liked doing the archery shooting a lot & having one of my friends help me with it was a delight in so many ways!!! It really became a good stress reliever and letting some of my frustrations out with releasing an arrow was very much something I had not done in such a long time, but I loved being able to learn it alongside so many remarkable girls!!!)

"Never sacrifice who you are just because someone else has a problem with it."

Heartfelt Tribute

EARLIER THIS MONTH--- My good friend Josh was called back to his heavenly home and did not even know that he dealt with any health issues whatsoever. His positive energy and smile lit up about any room he would roll into on his electric wheelchair... but you shouldn't ever think of that as just an absolute understatement. It has literally given me reasons to seeing every problem in life with a much more different outlook and perspective instead of being swallowed in doubts all the time. 

As I reflect back on this past year and a half... It has not been one of the easiest or happiest times for me. I have really learned so much about learning to persevere through anything that life throws at us and continuing to influence others for the better of mankind. I have certainly missed all of the many laughs we shared together and enjoyed being around someone who didn't ever once complain about his trials in life or anything that was placed in front of him. 

With this being the one year anniversary since his mission was completed-- I have never felt so much more of an ability to look for the good in what life has to offer. Josh didn't want to leave this world in a way that would not remind us about how to strive harder each day to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. 

Josh,

Thank you so much for not only being an incredible example and friend to me, but also seeing your life through the eyes of our Savior, Jesus Christ everyday. You never ceased to amaze me with all of the positive vibes you shared among your friends and making each moment one to never forget. You have definitely motivated me to see the good in everything that life has to offer and understanding we don't ever have to face our trials alone. Thank you so much for reminding all of us: "It's okay... Just keep swimming!!" Life will never continue to get easier as I think about my experiences with trying whatever I can to persevere with a smile on my face and remembering that I can do hard things. We miss you so much and cannot wait to see your smiling face again in heaven!!! Hope you are finding many people to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to and letting them know about what's truly important to not only us but everyone else in this world. 

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Over these past couple of weeks, I have neglected to receive information about whether or not I will be heading back to the neighborhood elementary school this year. It has been extremely difficult for me not being over at a place that feels like a second home and making a teacher's life easier in some way. 

I am not particularly certain if this has much to do with the difficult experiences that happened last year at all whatsoever. I am confident there might be some hesitation about stuff-- but there is not a reason for me not being there due to what the previous school year made me feel like at the end. It's been one of the most unusual experiences ever and not knowing what could happen down this road- has left me with being not needed or forgotten about. I am completely feeling like maybe there isn't much for me to help out with anymore this year and even though I greatly miss all of those kiddos-- life has not been the same for me. #iMissYouSoMuchThirdGrade

Girls Retreat - Park City, Utah

I have definitely long awaited for this event to take place and cannot wait to get away from the stress that life has continuously given me. I am more than looking forward to a weekend with lots of laughs, stories to tell, memories that I can positively know will last into the eternities!!! I have always wanted to go up to the National Ability Center in Park City and cannot wait to see it in person with all of the most amazing people ever!!!