Summer in AZ

Well this summer started off a little shaky but it's turning around:) thank goodness for family and especially parents who love me and never give up on me!

So I've started a few projects this summer. One: I'm trying to learn the guitar. I love he way this instrument sounds and it's a blast to play but I don't know that I'll ever be a pro at it....that's ok though. I'll just enjoy it for the fun of having a little knowledge about something other than the piano. I'm also trying to memorize some songs on the piano. I figured that it would be nice to be able to just sit down any where and pull out a song without music right in front of me.

I also did a little painting. This is something that I have never tried but it was kinda fun to paint on a canvas

Here's the finished project.

Also I made a peach pie for the first time in my life and fingers crossed at it turns out cuz I accidentally used lime juice instead if lemon juice:/ haha oopsies

I've learned some pretty awesome things these past couple weeks. I've learned that God will never take our agency away. We are the ones who choose to be happy, sad, productive, lazy, grateful, cheerful, happy, etc. He doesn't take the choice from us but He also knows that there is only one way to find happiness and purpose and contentment in our lives and that is through Him. Any other way is counterfiet and its rewards ( if you can call them that...maybe returns is a better word) are going to be short lived and leave us feeling empty and at a loss. I love this quote from Sheri Dew "He knows the way because He is the way". When I think in that way I know it makes the road seem waaay more clear. Do I have all the answers? No, but I don't need all he answers. Heavenly Father has the answers and He will lead us to the right places, people, and circumstances. He will give us what we need when we need it. It might not be what we think we need or what we want. He sees what's around what's around the corner and what's right in front of us. He won't let us fail when we follow Him. He can't. It's against His nature. We know from the scriptures that He never changes. He didn't let Nephi fail. He didn't let Moses, or Enoch, or Moroni, or any of His other children who followed Him. He's not going to change now. That promise is one of the most strengthening and empowering doctrines of this gospel. I know this church is true. I know God loves me and all of His children. I know He has a plan for me that is special, and just for me. He will guide me in it as I turn my life, will, and heart to Him. He will do the same for you. Never forget who you are and who you have always been.

My projects

So this semester I have had some of the funnest classes. I've had the wonderful opportunity to complete a new project almost every week. I've LOVED it!! So I thought that I would share some of what I've been doing. You know what the best part is? All of these classes count toward my major:) can I just say that I have finally found the perfect major: foods and event planning. This one is totally a keeper....for real this time;)

This is antiqued vase.

Antiqued frame

This is my first cake

 Woodlands cake

 Bud vase

 Random cake for Valentines Day

 5 flower corsage

The Power in Choice

I can't believe that I've only been at school for 2 weeks...it feels like I never left! It has been a very good two week though. I really enjoy all of my classes, learning tons (academically and socially) and having fun along the way. One of the lessons I am learning (or re-learning) is the power that comes from Choice.

I had a situation in my apartment that was, let's say less than ideal. It was making me so angry and resentful inside and those are not feelings that are easy to mask so they started influencing my whole outlook on life in general. I was not happy and I was convinced it was because of the people I was living with. Then I talked with my mom and sister about it. They agreed that the situation needed to change but it also needed to be handled with care. So I called an apartment meeting. Every one came willingly and we talked it out and essentially resolved the issue. But I realized that I was still angry inside. What? I got what I wanted, we talked it out. Why was I still looking at life with storm clouds over my eyes? I prayed to Heavenly Father. He reminded me that real change has to come from within ourselves to really matter. So I decided to refocus my attitude. What a difference that made. The rest of the week I was Klaire again. I was happy, I had my sense of humor back, I didn't mind the horrible weather (too much). It was amazing. Choice is amazing. God gave us our agency with the knowledge that it would lead to our happiness or misery; and we are the ones who decide where it leads. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for trusting in me and loving enough to let me decide how I will take on life's challenges. I have the power to overcome any dark cloud that surfaces. That does not mean that I do not need help and guidance along the way but does mean that I control alot more than I thought I did. I know the power in choices is real. I know that agency is a gift from God and it is one of the greatest gifts we can be given.

My Challenge to You: Choose Today

2015 has officially begun

Ok so my sibs got on my case about blogging so hopefully I will be getting better at it and this post will satisfy them for a while:)

I can't believe that 2014 is gone. I look back and I am totally filled with awe. I was so blessed this year in so many ways. I had experiences that I would not have thought were possible (or probable) but they were exactly what I needed to grow and become more like how my Savior wants me to be.

I think the biggest thing I have realized is that progression feels good. Sometimes its a hurts so good but as I look back at everything that happened this year, I don't regret any of the experiences that I had and I don't wish that none of them had happened. I wouldn't call any back but to see where I was last January and where I am this January is incredible and humbling. I know that Heavenly Father is guiding me and that it is through Him that I will reach my divine potential. I am so grateful to know that I am not walking through this life alone. I always have my Savior right next to me, plus all of my family.

I know that the people who read this blog are people who are close to me so I want to thank all of you for being a strength to me and helping me through all the ups and downs of life. Sure love you guys!

Thanksgiving

So I know its late for Thanksgiving but I have some really cute pictures from it so I will put those on.

Kitt gave Grandpa a lesson on baking cake mix cookies and it was so adorable. He took notes and everything.

On Friday, Katey and Jason came down and me and Kylee took twin Queen Elsa braid pictures.

I just love being with me family so much. They are the people who get me through everything that goes on. I am so grateful for their words of kindness, advice and their total support.

Times flies when you're having Fun!

So I have been totally slacking on this blog, my apologies. But I cannot believe how fast time is going. I mean, really. I only have 4 weeks left of school this semester. Get out of town, right?

This past month has been such a growing experience for me. I have learned so much about myself, my family and the importance of having an eternal perspective. Time is precious. Time is a gift. There is nothing that compares to the happiness I feel when I spend time, real time, with the people I care about. And the cool thing is, I think that's what eternity will be like, except we never have to say goodbye. We will all be up there building our world with our spouses and visiting each other in our different universes and I think that its going to be a blast. Maybe that's not the most appropriate way to put it I think that it work for now.

I am so excited for Thanksgiving. I will be at my Grandpa's house tomorrow and I'm not leaving until Sunday! Yay for family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

TTFN

Personal Mission Statement

My classes this semester are incredible. They have been opening my mind to so many different ideas and teaching me so many good things! In one of my classes we are studying the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the second of which is "Begin with the End in Mind". For this habit our teacher asked us to imagine our 40th birthday party. She wanted us to think of who would be there and what would they be saying about us. That was a very eye-opening experience. I have gotten into the habit of only looking about 3 months into the future. This is not necessarily bad but I think that it was limited me in my ability to really progress. So I started really thinking about what I want for my future. My ultimate goal is eternal life of course but what am I doing to get there? I'm not going to tell you all my goals because that's a little personal to put out on the internet but I will tell you that most of them pertain to improving and maintaining the relationships between me and the people I love and care about and also my relationship with my Savior and Father in Heaven. 

This is a little visual representation of my mission statement.