Really Bad At Blogging!!!!

Well, I am trying to do better at blogging. It seems I've had a little more to blog about recently, so that's good. First off, I started my Dental Assisting Program. My good friend Ashley has decided to do it with me, and so far I have really enjoyed it. I am excited to learn more about everything. This is a picture of Ashley and me before at the American Insitute of Dental Assisting (a.k.a Dr. Hastings Dental Office) lol. I'm going on my 6th week now, so I'm almost half way through, kind of... ha.

So, on with the month of May. On the 2nd weekend of May my ward had a campout at Camp LoMia in Pine. It was pretty fun, we just cleaned the little cabin things. A few of my friends stayed with me at my family's cabin. It was nice to be able to sleep in a bed instead of on a nasty, plastic covered, spider infested mattress. Haha.

No, I don't really know how bad they were, but I'm sure they weren't as nice as my queen sized bed. I'm so spoiled. Well anyway, on Saturday we just drove over to the camp and met up with everyone for breakfast. I put my keys in my car because I figured no one was going to steal my car at a mormon camp ground in Pine, AZ, but my keys locked themselves in the car!!! My clicker that used to unlock and lock my car has not worked for about a year, but apparently, it decided to click the lock button for me right after I shut my door. So this picture is of me, and my friends Kattie and Henrietta who waited with me, in front of the AAA tow truck. I LOVE AAA! The man who helped me was very nice, so thank you nice AAA man!

Alrighty, now on to the really good part! On May 16th my good friend Henrietta was baptized a member or the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The two elders on the left (Elder Lovell, and Elder Spencer) were the main ones who taught her, but Elder Spencer was transferred the week before Henrietta was baptized so that's where Elder Kanahpus came in. Elder Spencer was able to come back and baptize her! It was really an amazing experience to go through this with her. She's such a wonderful girl, and I know that she really knows the church is true. On Sunday my friend Burt (Josh's old roommate) was able to confirm her a member of the church in sacrament meeting. The high counsilman and his wife were the speakers that day and before Sister ? (I can't remember her name) started her talk, she gave a special little message to Henrietta. She said that about 20 years ago she was able to go to Mt. Vernon, when the slave cemetery had just recently been discovered there. She bore testimony that she knew she had been standing on sacred ground. Then she bore witness that our Father in Heaven and his Son, Jesus Christ were "weeping tears of joy at the choice she has made," and that her family was rejoicing in heaven for she was truly to be a savior to them on Mt. Zion. I cannot express the feelings and spirit felt as she said that, but it was amazing. I couldn't help but cry. I know it's true. She will be a savior to her family. I also had the chance that same day to go to my cousin Jesse's homecoming. He has sure grown up after spending 2 years in South Africa. I love Jesse, and I am so proud of his decision to serve a mission! "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

On Memorial Day weekend I was able to go up to Pinetop and spend time with family and friends. My cousin Brian, his wife, Natalie, and her brother's family were all there from Friday-Monday, and my brother, John, and his family were there from Sat.-Monday. So that was fun. Then on Sunday my dear sister Emily and her family came down from Utah. On Wednesday Melissa and her kids came up from Mesa, and there was definitely a full house the entire time I was there. It was a blast to be around that much family, but it was also nice to get home. I also got the chance to go to Jerrica's (Josh's little sister's) baptism and spend some time with the Crandells. It was great to see them again too! Josh is doing well, just so ya'll know. He's in a suburb of Baltimore right now called Abingdon. He says the work is slow, but it's picking up (he's only been there for about a month). He's been out for 10 months now, and he is really loving his mission! :)

So that was my month of May! It was pretty eventful to say the least. Life is good, and I'm really loving everyday that I'm blessed with on this beautiful earth! Sorry this post is so long, but I just had a lot to catch up on. Goodbye! I love you all!

A Lot To Catch Up On...

This is just a brief update.

~Henrietta (far right) is getting baptized on May 16th!!!!! Yay! I am so incredibly excited for her, and I can really tell she is doing it because she knows it's true. I'll tell you all about it later when I get the chance.

~Also, I am no longer going into interior design. Although I loved what I was learning, I really didn't feel like it was what I was supposed to be doing. I wanted something where I could help people on a daily basis, and have normal hours, and not have to bring work home with me (which honestly is inevitable when you're a designer). So I changed to dental assisting. I am going to the American Insitute of Dental Assisting over on Power and Elliot. It is just a 13 week course, so I should be done by July 31! Yay! I am very excited about this new chapter in my life. I really feel like it is what I am supposed to be doing. My friend is doing the program with me, so it will be wonderful.

Josh's first baptism.

~Elder Crandell has been in Annapolis for the past 6 months or so, but he just got transfered to a town called Abingdon which is just North of Baltimore. He says he thinks he'll like it there. He LOVED his last area and had two baptisms while he was there. Many of the people he taught were very sad to see him go, and a lot of them cried when he said goodbye.

~ Alright, well that's it. I'm going to go to bed. I just wanted to share my exciting news with you, and just give you a little update. Love you all.

Andrea

Henrietta

Well, as many of you know, I have been trying to befriend and share the gospel with one of my schoolmates. Her name is Henrietta, and she is a very sweet girl. Last week Elder Crandell, some of my family members and I had a fast for her. I was planning on giving her a Book of Mormon yesterday, so I figured I'd ask some people to fast with me that she would be willing to accept it, and want to learn more.

Yesterday was Easter of course, and Henrietta was going to go to church with me. She texted me early yesterday morning and said that she didn't think she should go because she doesn't own a dress (she has come with me before, but just felt kind of awkward wearing pants). So she didn't come to church with me. I told one of my friends after church that I was going to start a "Buy Henrietta a Dress Fund," and he immediately got out his wallet and gave me the only cash he had. By that night I had $60 to spend on Henrietta's new dress. The Lord will provide. I was so thankful to the people in my ward who helped me out with this. Some people I don't even know personally gave money to the cause. It was an amazing experience.

Later that night I went over to Henrietta's house to give her some Easter goodies, along with a letter I had written her, a letter Josh had written for her, and The Book of Mormon. I talked to her for a minute when she answered the door and asked her about when she wanted to go dress shopping (I didn't tell her where I got the money). Her response was, well I am meeting with the missionaries at 2:00 on Tuesday, but we could go after that. What?! She was meeting with the missionaries? I didn't even know! So I asked her if it would be ok if I joined her on Tuesday, and she said she'd love to have me there. So I am going to be there with her when she meets with the missionaries for the first time. I am so excited! I have given people copies of the Book of Mormon before, but I've never actually been able to be around when they were taught. Anyway, we visited for a little longer, and after I left she sent me a few texts. She said thank you for giving her the book, and that although it may take her a while, she would read it. I was glad to hear that. She also told me that she started crying about half way through my letter to her, and that Elder Crandell had referred her to Moroni 10:3-5, but she just read the whole chapter. Later that night she sent me another text that just said, "Thank you both for the inspiration." 

It just amazes me what we can do when we put our trust in the Lord and let him take the reigns. I truly believe that I was supposed to meet Henrietta so that I could share the gospel with her. She is from Mississippi, and she lives here all alone. Everything in her life has pretty much gone wrong since she moved to Arizona, but she has stayed here for 2 years despite that fact. I am so glad I've gotten to know this wonderful girl, and be touched by her sweet spirit. I hope that she will accept the gospel, because I know it is what she needs in her life right now. I am so excited to really begin the process of teaching her about our church, and our loving Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ!

I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING!

You're thinking..."Andrea, it is not Thanksgiving anymore." But I just have had time to think today, and I wanted to share a few things that I am especially thankful for in my life.

I'm thankful for...
1. My wonderful parents. They are such a huge blessing to me. They have been faithful in the church and to each other for their entire lives. I have been blessed to have them as such amazing examples to me for my entire life. Thanks Mom and Dad.
2. My great siblings! I think I've been blessed with the most wonderful siblings on earth. They are all such great people. People that I can talk to about anything, and who I love and trust. Thank you Emily, Melissa, Cynthia, and John. And thanks for all marrying wonderful people too! I have such a great family!
3. My grandparents. I have learned so many life lessons from both sets of my grandparents. I wouldn't trade any of them. I'm so grateful to know that all four of them love me unconditionally, and want what is best for me in my life.
4. I'm thankful for all the rest of my extended family. I have such wonderful aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides. I am especially thankful for Deon and Lisa for letting me live with them two years ago and for Nancy and Dale who I have lived with for a year and a half now! Thank you so much for letting me live with you, and be a part of your family. I love you!
5. I'm thankful for Elder Crandell! I love Josh so much. He is my very best friend. I'm so glad that I get to be a part of his life while he is on his mission. I have grown and learned so much from having this experience.
6. The Crandells. I am so glad that I have gotten to know this amazing family for 2 1/2 years now! They are great people, and I have learned a lot from them over the past few years.
7. Everyone else that I did not name specifically. I love you all. And I am thankful for everyone who has touched my life.
8. My friends! I have such wonderful friends who really care about my well being. I am blessed to have friends that I've known since I was little, and those who I've only known for months. They are all wonderful people, and I have been touched by each of them individually.
9. School. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to attend school and learn new things daily. This is a wonderful blessing. It is a trial also, but it is wonderful to put to good use the mind Heavenly Father has given me.
10. The Gospel. It is such a blessing to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The knowledge that we have is amazing. I can't imagine thinking that when someone dies, that is the end. Life would be so much harder without the gospel.
11. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our best friend. We can turn to him when we feel as if no one else is there. He loves us unconditionally, and knows us individually. I am so thankful for our older brother and for the sacrifice he made for us. I love him.
12. Our Heavenly Parents. I am not yet a mother, but from what I hear your parents love you more than anything. When I think of this, and think of the love our Heavenly Mother and Father must have for us I just get overwhelmed with joy. I am thankful that we will be able to return to them someday.
13. This beautiful earth. I have been trying to be more aware of my surroundings and really see everything through God's eyes. This earth is amazing. There is no possible way it could have just happened by chance.
14. A free country. I am thankful that we live in a country where we are free to worship how we please, elect who we want as leaders (well at least elect who the majority wants), and live a good life. There are so many people who do not have that same opportunity, and that makes me appreciate what I have.

Well, I could go on and on, but you're probably sick of reading now, so I won't. I am just so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with. Thank you for all of you who bless my life.

I Guess Its About Time!

What have I been up to the past 2 months you ask? Well, here is a little update. I am such a slacker at blogging. Sorry everyone!

Alright, where do I start? At the beginning of December my friend Kellsi and I went up to Pinetop. We visited my parents and our friend Aubrey! It was tons of fun. I actually went up there because Josh's sisters, Aubre and Jerrica, were in the Feast of Carols (a dinner/musical put on by Show Low kids every year). Tisha had invited me to go with them, and I had always wanted to go. I was excited! They did a great job!

The little girl is Josh's sister Jerrica. She played the princess! She did such a good job!

This is Josh's sister Aubre and her friend Garrett. Aubre sang in a trio and Garrett sang a solo. They both did such a good job! I really enjoyed getting to see the Crandells and spend some time with them!

Well, I knew I shouldn't have pushed my luck. I was so excited that I had gotten those pictures to post that I tried to put some more on, but now my internet is out, so I have to wait to even post this at all. That's ok though. Anyway, that was a wonderful trip! I always love going up there. I love visiting my parents and friends!!!

Alright, now on to another thing. I finished the semester, and quit my job at TC Eggingtons. So I am no longer a hostess! Yay! I got a new job as a receptionist at The Whitton Companies. They are a concrete, framing, and plumbing place. It is a good job. They don't mind if I study or anything during the down time, so that is really nice for school. I like it!

Ok, then there was Christmas...Merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope it was wonderful! Mine was amazing! I got to talk to Josh, and it was wonderful! And I got a beautiful hope chest and a Cutco chefs knife from my parents! I have tried other knives and I just don't like them, so that was very nice! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Now I work Monday through Friday from 7:30-12:00 and go to school in the afternoon/night. On Mondays and Wednesdays I have a color rendering class for interior design followed by a drafting class. I have school from 4:25-9:50, so that is kind of rough. Its ok though. I am just tired, but so are tons of other people in the world! Lol. Then on Tuesday and Thursday I have Institute, followed by my English class, and then I go work out for a while. I am taking a fitness class, so I have to go. Over all it is a good semester. I like my classes andteachers. It is keeping me busy, but busy is good because time goes by faster! Well, I guess that's pretty much it. I'm sorry this is such a brief and boring update, but at least its something right? I love you all! Hopefully I will be able to be a little better at blogging from now on. We will see...

Where Do I Start???

Thank goodness for Ashley's house. I am over at Ashley Paxman's house and her internet does not kick me off when I try to post pictures so here it goes! Sorry, I don't have a lot of time, but this is just a little update of what I've been up to for the past little while! Love you all! Thanks for not giving up on my blog!!!

These are in opposite order of when they happened, but that's ok. This is just the girl cousins who were up at the cabin for Thanksgiving. Left to Right and Top: Trisha, Leslie, Betsy, Aubry, Sarah. Bottom: Cynthia, Brooke, Kristen, Aryn, Amy, and Me!

Mmmm...Food!!!

This is some of my friends and me waiting for "Twilight" the movie to start. We were there 4 hours early...so we were pretty bored.

This is part of a group I started called The Ladies in Waiting! Haha. We are all waiting for missionaries. Its fun to have a group of girls to hang out with! Left to Right: Kellsi, Me, Kattie, Jayne, Aubrey!

This was at my friend Jessica's 19th birthday party. It was an 80's party!!! How do you like my hair? Lol!

Long Time No Post!

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a long time!!! I'm going to try to make a post with pictures, but I just wanted to say "Hi Ya'll" incase it kicks me off again! Love you! And Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday!