Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh

Ahahahahahahahahahahaha. Just looking at this picture now makes me bust up laughing.
There is a back story as to why....
Lets just say...
Bear lake. Midnight. Full moon. Skinny dipping. 2 feet of water. White figure running into the lake. Tripping, basically belly flopping in while the rest of us watch. Oh ahahahahahaha. Probably the most hilarious moment of my life.


And also this one. Ahahahahaha for some reason, people dressed up as gorillas and inanimate objects just make me laugh for decades. Ahahahaha. Oh boy.

Day 07 – A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

This is an easy one, my parents.







They have had the biggest impact of me and my life. Through their teachings and how they decided to raise me and my sisters, I have come to make the decisions I've made and be who I am right now.
They are the most courageous and amazing people I have ever met. They traveled to America to give their girls - my sisters and I- a chance for a better life. They have sacrificed so much for us, it is incredible. They are my biggest role models, and will continue to be. I love them!

Day 06 – A picture that shows your true self

I had to enlist the help of my mom on this one. And this is the picture of what we came up with.
She says this shows my true self because I'm laughing, and I'm not fully facing the camera. Symbolism people!
Apparently this means that I am forever the eternal optimist, and just an all around cheerful person. And by the not fully facing the camera, she says represents being humble...um. Okay! Mom's are always right, so who am I to argue with the woman who birthed me:)

Day 05 – A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Anyone who knows me know that I love Mexico. A LOT. Its my favorite place to vacation! All of my relatives and family are there, so every time we go its one huge family reunion. We go to Aguascalientes, which translated, means "hot waters". It has the perfect weather year round- warm and sunny with the occasional thunder storms. I love it.




I just have the time of my life whenever we pay a visit. Seeing my grandparents, my uncles, my aunts, my cousins, my second cousins and aunts and uncles and everyone! It feels like I'm related to everyone I come across.

And I love every minute of it.

Day 04 – A habit that you wish you didn’t have

Well...I like to think that I don't have any bad habits.
But truth is: we all do.
So in that case....
Biting my fingernails. Its gross and I can't help it!
Its a nervous habit.
So if you see me biting away, feel free to slap my arm away and scold me.
Seriously.

Day 3- A picture of you and your craziest friend

I like to think that all of my friends are crazy...
But Miss Tylee Knowles definately comes out on top. I love her for it!!! She always provides a good laugh and a fantastic memory. And she is always pulling a face for the camera, I think of the hundreds of pictures I have with her, only a handful is she smiling in. It cracks me up.










Seriously. She's always pulling a face. And I'm always smiling / laughing because of how funny she is. I just adore her! Never a dull moment with her around. She is also one of my newer friends, and oh my. I plan to keep her around for a long, long time.

Day 2- A really good memory

I had a very hard time picking this one! But in the end, I chose my familys' Road Trip to California. IT. WAS. THE. BEST.


Miss Kaitlyn Barnard joined us on this trip. As stated in previous posts, Katie has been adopted into my family. Hence why she's joining us on this "family only' vacation. Our first stop were the salt dunes. Don't know where they are, only know that a scene in Pirates of the Caribean was filmed here. Hence this picture!


We then stopped at this BEAUTIFUL lake through a canyon. Oh, it was probably the 4th or 5th coldest day of my life. But it was just gorgeous.


My parents at the lake.


Yosemite National Park!!!! We were so excited. This place is stunning.


Do you wonder why I love tree's and sticks and stuff? Exhibit A.


Final Destination: Morrow Bay. It was quite a chilly week, so we just played around for a little bit. Aren't we adorable?


My family! We're missing Kevin and Viviana though. But this canyon was so amazing, the colors were breathtaking.

Thus concluding a really good memory! Such a blast, I love road tripping with my family. And to have Katie join us was a treat! Honorary Ramirez member.

What you did (and didn't) want to know about me.

Day 01 – A recent photo of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.


This is the most recent picture of me on my camera! This is my friend Matthew Petersen and I waiting for HP 7 part 1 to start...we were a little excited. LIE, we were STOKED!

1. I love to write.I get inspiration from the simple things in life. I have notebooks upon notebooks hidden all over my room with stories about everything and anything. chances are, if you're reading this, you're probably mentioned a fair share in a lot of them.

2. I am an avid bookworm. I LOVE to read, I will read anything and everything I can get my hands on, and will not put it down until I am finished.

3. I'm a huge fan of donating blood. This doesn't really mesh well with my blood phobia, but I think the greater good triumphs over my fear of blood. C'mon, saving three lives? Plus, I'm O positive which pretty much makes me awesome.

4. I'm a very touchy person. Thats how I show my feelings. Oh, and I just love feeling the texture of things. So if you feel a slight pat on your back one day and you see me running away, at least now you'll know that I'm really not a creepo who just touches people. I can't help it.

5. I cry easily during movies. Or, during anything for that matter. Don't even mention Bambi. I was watching "Cheaper by the Dozen" yesterday and I teared up. I'm a wimp!

6. I thrive on awkward. Really, I can't help myself. I love making things awkward, I love awkward situations. They make me laugh inside.

7. I"m a pack rat. I keep everything, I'm scared of throwing things away, I think I will need them later on in life. Which I won't. But I insist on keeping everything anyway.

8. I love my hair. Seriously. I cried when I cut it! I was so sad.

9. I like to collect things. Sticks, pine cones, toy soldiers, ID cards, tickets, rocks, bracelets, sweaters...If we're friends, there's a 90 % chance that I have something of yours. Whether you know it or not.

10. I think that Arby's Jr. Chocolate shakes are the best things ever invented. Have you had one? THEY ARE THE GREATEST.

11. There are 6 ways that boys can get to my heart: 1. Take me an arby's shake. 2. Get me flowers. 3. Voluntarily play 'Clue' with me 4. Be the nicest older brother / son. 5. Hold my hand. 6. Be a spiritual giant.

12. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints! It has been the greatest challenge / blessing of my life.

13. I like to eat. I eat my feelings! Sad, happy, excited, nervous, scared.

14. I love my family. They're the best. Really, they are. My sisters are beautiful and entertaining, my brother in law fits with us like a glove, and my parents are my heroes, they are amazing and will do anything for us.

15. I love missionaries. More than you'll ever know! I have friends that have served / are serving now, all over the country! California, Bolivia, Washington DC, Africa, Oregon, the Phillipines, Texas, Peru, Australia, Florida, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Canada, New Jersey, England, Finland, Colorado, Indiana, West Indies, Iowa, Indonesia, Japan, Argentina, Chile, Italy, Mexico... They are everywhere, serving the Lord for two years. They're the best.

Thats me in fifteen facts! And that completes day ONE of the blogggggging challenge. Its on!

Aggies, Wizards, and Grown Ups.

This has been a good week. I did go to the BYU vs. Aggies game! It was INCREDIBLE. Such a well played game, back
and forth the entire time. This picture is a little blurry, but its the only we got so deal with it! It was fantastic, a really fun ride and game.



Second of all. HARRY freaking POTTER. Need I say more? I am so impressed, they stuck to the story line really well, I laughed, I cried, I screamed. Just AmAzing.



Lately I have been thinking a lot. President Monson said that the three most important decisions to make in life are first, what will be my faith? Second, whom shall I marry? Third, what will be my life’s work? I've got my first question down, and it is a road that will continue on after this life, and for all eternity. I have no regrets here, it has been the best decision of my life. But the other two questions have been swirling around inside of me lately. I never anticipated having to decide all of this so early, but guess what? Its crept up on me. Now is the time to decide what step to take next. And let me tell you, S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L.

I know that if I choose one path, it means leaving someone else behind. But if I choose another path, I'll be stuck with 'what ifs?'. Or what if neither is the right choice for me? Or. What if they are all good choices. Oh boy. Being a grown up is tough work.

I wish it were as easy as eenie meanie minie moe. But how would I learn from that? I wouldn't. Life would just be a game, and I wouldn't make an progress.

I've come upon the crossroads in my life, not for the first time, and definately not for the last time. I'm unsure of the decision-making that has presented itself, I'm unsure of which way to turn, I'm unsure for how I feel, and I'm unsure on what I want.

But I am sure on one thing. With the Lord as my solid ground, I know that whatever happens will be for the best. It will work out. I just need to humble myself enough to see that. Not an easy thing to do. But it can be done!

Also, starting tomorrow I will be doing the 30 day blog challenge! More on that tomorrow.

"You reach the greatest heights while on your knees."

P.S. On this day, I am thankful for WARM BLANKETS

One. Whole. Year.

Once upon a time there was a girl.

She was happy, bubbly, excited, optimistic, antsy, worriesome, caring, and very friendly. She thought life was going great! Until one day she realized that she was missing something. There was a chunk missing somewhere inside of her, so she went on the quest to find it, to find herself. And guess what? She found it.

Guess what else? That was one whole year ago on Sunday. :) This year has been full of ups and down, it has been both the happiest year of my life, but also the toughest. I have gained and stregthened my testimony, and I will keep building it. I have discovered forgiveness and the amazing power of the Atonement, and used it in my own life. I have built a firm relationship with my God, my Heavenly Father, and His beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I have loved my family, friends, and everyone who surrounds me deeper and stronger than ever before. I have grown to love, respect, and follow the counsel of the Prophets of old, along with the Prophet Thomas S. Monson, and his apostles. I have visited the Logan temple, and find myself wanting to spend more and more time there. I have marveled at the miracles and tender mercies that I am blessed enough to recieve, for they are infinite and come from my Heavenly Father. I am a witness to missionary work, and the courage, strength, love, and humility that come from partaking.

"The gospel is the good news of Christ. It is the revelation that the Son of God came to earth, lived a perfect life, atoned for our sins, and conquered death. It is the path of salvation, the way of hope and joy, and the assurance that God has a plan of redemption and happiness for His children.
The gospel is the way of discipleship. As we walk in that way, we can experience confidence and joy—even during times of peril, sorrow, and uncertainty." -President Uchtdorf

I love the Church. I am so thankful to be apart of something so great, so inspirational, so beautiful, and so true.

This weekend I was able to be a part of a 1100+ people institute choir! It was such a blessing to attend and provide music for the fireside that Elder Ballard spoke at. He is truly inspired and called of God to guide us.

Oh, and my friend Mikey leaves for his mission TOMORROW! The people of Des Moise, Iowa sure are in for the greatest blessing of their lives, for Elder Morales will be coming to them in about three weeks. Mikey has taught me so much, I don't even think he realizes how great of an influence he is to those around him. He see's beauty in everything, and he simply loves his family. He is so full of joy and happiness, and it is contagious. He's loyal to his family and friends. He's very humble and helpful. He who comes from Minnesota, being the only member of the church at his school. But that has only strengthened him! He is so strong and firm in the gospel, and his testimony is unwavering. He is an incredible young man full of spirit and light, and he will be an amazing missionary. The people of Iowa will love him.

I just love missionary work. Those that choose to leave their family, their friends, their school, their lives and homes, to go serve the Lord for 18-24 months are the most faithful members. I look up to them for their courage and faith in the gospel, those who choose to spread the good word.

''Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a gerat work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.''- D&C 64;33.

P.S. On this day, I am thankful for MISSIONARIES

I'd Lie

I don't think that passenger seat
Has ever looked this good to me

He tells me about his night

And I count the colors in his eyes

SHOT GUN NO BATTLE!

He'll never fall in love

He swears, as he runs his fingers through his hair

I'm laughing 'cause I hope he's wrong

And I don't think it ever crossed his mind

He tells a joke, I fake a smile

That I know all his favorite songs

Not because I'm creepy. I just notice.

And I could tell you

His favorite color's green

He loves to argue

Born on the seventeenth (or... some other day close to that)

His sister's beautiful (All of them are.)

He has his father's eyes (His mother's eyes.)

And if you ask me if I love him

I'd lie

Denial is something I'm really good at.

He looks around the room

Innocently overlooks the truth

Shouldn't a light go on

Doesn't he know that I've had him memorized for so long

And he sees everything black and white

Never let nobody see him cry

I don't let nobody see me wishin' he was mine

Boys, why can't they pick up on anything.

I could tell you

His favorite color's green

He loves to argue

Born on the seventeenth

His sister's beautiful

He has his father's eyes

And if you ask me if I love him

I'd lie

Courage is something I need to work on.

He stands there, then walks away

My God, if I could only say

I'm holding every breath for you

Oh too true.

He'd never tell you

But he can play guitar

I think he can see through everything but my heart

First thought when I wake up is

My God, he's beautiful

So I put on my make-up

And pray for a miracle

Yep...he notices everything...but my heart.

Yes, I could tell you

His favorite color's green

And he loves to argue

Oh, and it kills me

His sister's beautiful

He has his father's eyes

And if you ask me if I love him...

If you ask me if I love him...

I'd lie

Maybe not lie...but blush a little, avert eye contact, bring up a different subject...

I'm shy okay. Besides my complete lack of a love life, I do wish to encourage everyone out there to take that leap of faith. Find that person that you can-and will- spend the rest of your life and eternity with. Love them with all your heart, soul, and spirit.

"True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves"

-Elder Holland

And if you're like me, and still searching, know that they will come. We just need to have faith and endure. Someone out there is waiting for you! And they'll find you! And when they do, build your own fairy tale. But for now...date. Meet new people. Grow. Become stronger.

"Go with someone who will provide good, clean fun...Please find someone who brings out the best in you and is not envious of your success. Find someone who suffers when you suffer and who finds his or her happiness in your own."

-Elder Holland

P.S. On this day, I am thankful for MUSIC