There TRULY is No Place Like Home

I never would have guessed that camp would only be a day long. Everything was going great until the unfortunate passing of one of the girls, Sophie Barton. She had collapsed on a hike with her ward and was rushed to the hospital. This was truly a tragedy. Sophie had grown up with me in my ward and had only just changed wards when the boundaries of our stake were realigned. I can remember playing Barbies and dress ups with her when were young. She was a talented, bright and energetic girl and she was always the life of our ward activities!

Several things struck me through this event. The first was that although Sophie was young and had a very long life ahead of her, Heavenly Father has a plan for us and that sometimes we may not understand why he does the things he does. I realized that there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives.

I also realized that I need to really treasure the life I have. Life is precious and short and such a BLESSING! Her passing reminded me that I need to be a little bit kinder, nicer and more grateful for all I have. She was such a talented musician and worked so hard to share her talents with others. As I thought about that I realized I want to share my talents as much as she did and live by her example in this area.

The last main thing I realized was that there truly is no place like home. This was the theme for camp and I feel like the girls really came to know and grasp this theme. As soon as I heard the news I was wishing I was home with my family wanting to hold them, tell them I love them and have them share the pain. That night as we all arrived home we all ran to our families for comfort. This theme also became meaningful on an eternal side. Sophie was able to return to her Heavenly Father's home and gain an extensive knowledge of the gospel. Someday Sophie will be able to be with her family in this place because of the covenants her parents have made. I am just grateful for my eternal family and that I get to be with them forever! It is nice to know that I will have support here on earth and all through eternity!

You've got the best of both worlds

You're the kind of girl who can take down and

man and lift him back up again

You are strong but you're needy

Humble but your greedy

And based on your body language and cursive I've been reading

Your style is quite selective, though your mind is rather reckless

Well I guess it just suggests that this is just what happiness is...

and what a BEAUTIFUL MESS this is...

Thank You Jason Mraz.

Life in Corporate America

I began working at my Dad's office this week. I will be there 3 days a week doing anything and everything they need me to be doing....Mostly just the jobs nobody wants! But hey I have my own cubicle and everyone there knows me as Sarah Jane. I have already learned a few things about the business world...

#1. Cubicles do not muffle sound. I can hear everything and EVERYONE around the office. It is so strange to sneeze and have voices all around you say "bless you!" I have heard so many over the phone interviews that I am pretty sure I could now give one!

#2. Sometimes people don't leave their cubicles to talk to you so you always have to listen in cause people could be talking to you and you don't even know it!

#3. When in doubt always ask.

#4. Don't eat poppy seeds before a drug test.

#5. Important things to know= where the bathrooms are and where the fridge is (the fridge with the free soda!)

#6. Always pay attention when getting out of an elevator...all the floors look the same in my building.

#7. Human resource people are always the most friendly in the office.

#8. Chat it up with the other interns because you will probably be doing a lot of projects together and it is best if you talk rather then sit in awkward silence.

#9. Check your email REGULARLY...Meaning every half hour.

#10. If you stay in your cubicle you don't have to see anyone you don't want to. It is like you can disappear in there!

"Oh my goodness!"

Shirley Temple. Just saying the name brings me joy. As a child she was my hero, I loved how my family would compare my curly hair to hers. I loved her movies especially Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. On my 18th birthday I received a collection of 18 of her movies. All the memories came flooding back! But something new that really struck me was her immense talent! She was discovered at 3 years old...3! I don't even think I could say my full name at three years old and this little girl could memorize lines, songs and dances. She starred in her first movie at 6 years old...WOW. Her optimism and bright cheery dimples served as a source of joy for those people suffering in the great depression. At such a young age it is remarkable to me that she was able to have so much talent. Unlike many child stars, Shirley turned out to be normal. She became a mother and had a family of her own. She even survived Breast Cancer and was a U.S. ambassador! What an amazing women! If you can't tell I really love and admire her! And her middle name is Jane :D!

What I learned from High School

Today is the big day...I am graduating after 12 years in the public school system. I can't believe that it is already here! Here are some things I have learned, they may seem simply but they are very important!

--True friendship is two-way. "You only get what you give"

--Boys don't have cooties and they make the best friends

--Friends may come and go but family will always be there

--Working hard can bring you the most joy

--I can do hard things

--There is so much happiness in doing a job well done and putting forth something you are proud of

--Developing and sharing my talents are what makes me the most happy

--Pray, pray, PRAY about everything and things will always turn out for the best

--Sometimes the unexpected is the best thing

I am just so grateful that I have family and friends who have helped me during my high school years. I owe so much to their support and love. I am grateful for what these years have taught me and how surviving high school has really strengthened my testimony. I have loved the opportunities high school has given me to shine and to work hard. Next stop Utah State!