kidney beans and tofu dreams

Mad Scientist Baby

2010-05-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

When I hold mad scientist baby:

When Sarah holds mad scientist baby:

...I see how it is Anna haha

THE WHITE ENVELOPE CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

So last Thursday, April 15, I came home from work and rushed to the mailbox with Andrew. I opened the door...AND THERE IT WAS! The big white envelope I had waited for :) I couldn't wipe the smile off my face...and wished I didn't have to wait an hour until mom came home to open it. Well five o'clock came around and Mom, Dad, Sarah, Andrew, Anna, Deerwesters (on skype), Grandma & Grandpa Palmer, Nikki, Rachelle, Esther, Larry, Jon, and the exchange students were all gathered in the living room to hear the words:

TEXAS MCALLEN JULY 7TH SPANISH SPEAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahah I was laughing so hard. Never in a million years would I have guessed Texas. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited though. I am happy with where I am going and have a good feeling about it. I think Heavenly Father knows I like surprises so He picked the last place I would ever think and go at the time I never expected...the day after my birthday. Good times...if you want to see a video, my sister Debbie took this one over skype:

http://deerwesters.blogspot.com/2010/04/marys-mission-call.html

haha at 5 seconds you can hear me ask Nikki "is Lyndee on the phone??" wayyyyy to go Lyndee.

C.S. Lewis

2010-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

"At first, perhaps, you can understand what [God] is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof. . . . But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that . . . does not seem to make sense. . . . He is building quite a different
house from the one you thought of. . . . You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace."

MISSION PAPERS SUBMITTED

2010-03-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

As of last night, my mission papers are submitted! I am SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED. I was a little nervous for the Stake President interview. I said a lot of stupid things to some of his questions :/ it is frustrating when you are nervous and can't express yourself how you want to... but he was nice and helped me to think about what I should be doing to prepare. He gave me some conference talks and the 2007 New Era magazine on preparing for a mission. I wish I could go back and talk to him and answer his questions now... but it doesn't matter because the questions were for my benefit anyway - not his. To prepare I am going to study Preach My Gospel like crazy! I also want to go out with the missionaries back home and give a Book of Mormon away. Oh and role play teaching more.

I'm excited to help others come unto Christ :) Nothing is better than that! What I will be looking forward to getting in the mail during the next two weeks:

I am NOT giving up.

2010-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, all my friends that I have been talking to are giving up on going into Nursing. They have been wanting to do nursing since I have known them, but it has been hard for them to get into a program. They are switching to other careers...which is totally cool if that is what they want to do but I AM NOT GIVING UP. I know that is what I am supposed to be doing and what I want to be doing. Its the best of both worlds - SCIENCE and getting to be around people all the time...now if it was outdoors, it would be perfect. It is going to be hard. I am determined in this. I don't care how long it takes for me to get into a program, IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN! As they would say on Galaxy Quest - "NEVER SURRENDER, NEVER GIVE UP." haha

Not my teeth but they looked like these^^^

In other news I GOT MY WISDOM TEETH OUT!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I have heard many horror stories so I was a bit apprehensive walking to the dentist. Everything went great though! Thank you for your prayers, it worked :) I know God hears them that is for sure. My wonderful angel of a roommate Lyndee picked me up afterward and made me pudding :) Mmm I love pudding...but I sure do miss my vegetables...two days is too long to go without them. It has been hard for me to stay inside and stay in bed. That is the worst for me. I want to go run and get my homework done but my swollen mouth and cheeks tell me otherwise. IN TWO WEEKS I CAN TURN MY PAPERS IN!!!!!! OH YEAH.

Well I am going to go back to bed. I hope I don't get an infection or dry socket - please oh please oh please just heal well!

Pathophysiology

2010-03-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I study so much I want to cry because of exhaustion. Haha but I think I'm over that phase now and on to silliness because of lack of sleep. It is my fault though. I played all last weekend - hiking and going to Relief Society things. I just need to remember WORK before PLAY! Pathophysiology is the hardest class I've ever taken. SO MUCH MATERIAL - SO LITTLE TIME...but it is definitly interesting. My favorite word from tonight's study session (yes I spent all friday night studying) was - ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY. Cool eh? Okay it is time for bed. I will have sweet dreams about hiatial hernias, gall stones, and jaundice :)

Oh yeah! I had my missionary physical today... and we are good to go!!!! Healthy as an OX! Haha well good enough to go anyway. Next thursday I get two cavities filled and three wisdom teeth out at the dentist. OH BOY it is going to be a fun time haha but its free after insurance... who can pass that up? Yay for Idaho cheapness. After all that dental work is done then I can meet with the bishop and stake president and turn them in!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!

All in all, life is challenging but good :) soooooooo good. I've got a SUPERB Heavenly Father, an AWESOME FAMILY and sweet friends. What more do you need?

Watch this...

2010-02-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

"You've been talking to the Mormon's haven't you?!" haha

Live for right here, right now :)

2010-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

If we always have a theoretically better substitute available from somebody or someplace else, we will never make the most of anything.

There is no time like the present! Can't waste it on wishing you were somewhere else with someone else - have the BEST DAY EVERY DAY! Woooooooooooooooooooo!

V-day cookies

2010-02-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can't say no to a free cookie. Even though I will get bad gas and maybe a headache (because of the gluten) and spike my blood sugar way up... sometimes it is worth it. Especially when they are in pretty heart shapes :) Thank you BYU - Idaho Bookstore for the free DELICIOUS - MELT IN YOUR MOUTH - cookie!

HIKES: TO DO BEFORE MISSION

2010-02-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

This is my "to do" list of adventures before I leave on my mission. Anyone is welcome :)

1. Mt. St. Helens - 9 miles rt - Day Hike

2. Hurricane Ridge (Klahhane Ridge) - 5 miles rt - Day Hike

To be continued...

Three weeks down...

2010-01-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

It is officially three weeks into the semester. I feel like I'm back in the school groove again :) Time flies while I'm here at school. Days go by so quickly - always doing homework or studying! Here is my daily schedule if you are really bored haha:

6:00am - Roll out of bed, put on my byui workout clothes and head to the gym (which is conveniently right across the street!)
7:30am - Go home, change, eat a GLUTEN free breakfast
8:00am - Walk to the Hart building and grab an empty couch and do some scripture study
8:45am - Head to the McKay library (where the comphy chairs are :)) and read my Pathophysiology book
11:30am - Go to Book of Mormon for Prospective Missionaries
1:00pm - Head to the newly remodeled dining area and eat my lunch (today I packed broccoli/cheddar/potato soup and carrots)... there was a jazz band playing while everyone ate, that was fun
1:30pm - back to the library for more homework/studying...probably Pathophysiology
3:15pm - either Advanced Writing or my Pathophysiology class
5:30pm - GO HOME! take my time and make some dinner, talk with my roommates :)
7:00pm - depending on the day we might have FHE or a bishop interview or go to the library for homework... or if I'm REALLY LUCKY and ahead in my classes - NIGHT SNOWBOARDING!
10:00pm - BED TIME!

Exciting life I lead? haha I love it, life is good. Getting up early and working out is one of the best things in the world!!!! I feel SO GOOD!

I got to go to my friend Erika's farewell last Sunday. She is going to be a great missionary. I am excited for her to go to Spokane! Speaking of which I have an appointment with my Bishop this Sunday so hopefully I can start working on my papers!!! Woop woop!

I miss little Anna and Andrew!!! Sarah you better not let them grow up too much before I come home. Oh and I got the CUTEST letter from Kylie the other day :D I LOVED it!!!!! A package will be on the way :) And I owe basically everyone a phone call - it will happen I promise!!!! Probably on Saturday or Sunday.

Important Lesson

2010-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Somebody always has it worse. I used to think that I had a lot of homework - a lot to study... but I definitely DID NOT!!!! Pathophysiology is kicking my butt and its only the SECOND WEEK!!!! I spend four hours a day and still don't get enough studying in for that class.

I can tell tempurature...

2010-01-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

When I walk outside and my nose hairs instantly freeze into icicles...

I know it is below zero haha.

First Day

2010-01-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back in the BURG. At first I drove up and was like "oh dang I'm officially back and it is weird." It has been a couple days though and I'm adjusting - getting back into the swing of things here.

Today was the first day of classes. I got to my first class right as it was ending. I thought my schedule said it started at 12:30... but it actually started at 11:30. Haha sometimes I think maybe I'm too spacey to be in college. I just laughed and went to talk to my teacher to tell him that I actually DO want to be in his class, so he wouldn't drop me. Pathophysiology is going to be a really interesting class, but, also very hard. I'm nervous for the tests. FAITH NOT FEAR! If I am prepared I won't have anything to worry about! I think that is in the D&C somewhere?

It has been hard not to have Steph and Nicki here but my roommates are sooooooooo nice and awesome and fun and put up with me - it is going to be a good semester :)

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it."
-Michelangelo

2009-12-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dad keeps telling me that I need to find a man because they need more grandbabies... haha and I say "goin on a mission, leavin him wishin..." :) Someday... but not today.

In other news, I want to talk about pajamas. The pajamas I got for Christmas have changed my life for the comfier. They are maroon with black bears on them from Cabela's. They are SERIOUSLY THE MOST COMFY PANTS IN THE WORLD. Hands down. I look forward to the evening time just so I can put them on. It is like sitting in a cloud. I seriously want everyone to have a pair of these pajamas... then we would have world peace.

In even other news, I cleaned the beast today. There was mold under the rubber mat. Maybe that is why it stinks haha. Thanks to carpet cleaner and the trusty shop-vac I think I have it all under control for now. The only thing I need to complete the station wagon fung shui is a peachy peach air freshener. FOUR MORE DAYS until I go back to school.

Life.

2009-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Things are pretty good these days :) I put my two weeks notice in a couple days ago at work. I am SO EXCITED to go back to school. I love the atmosphere there. I will be living with my friends Nikki and Rachelle from here in Olympia (because my old roomies are all either on missions or going to be!). Carriage House 208...incase you happen to be in town haha. This weekend was the Bricker Christmas party. It was pretty good, always nice to see everyone...haven't been on a road trip with Mom and Dad in a while but it wasn't too bad haha. Yay for family roadtrips.

Now it is time to pack. I promised Mom this year that I wouldn't leave her in a whirlwind with a trashed room this year haha. Usually I wait until the last minute and leave a bunch of crap behind... this year will be different :)

Today I was incharge of teaching Relief Society. Teaching is definitly something that is growing on me. I hated it before but now I enjoy it... not because I'm up their talking, but, because I get to ask the questions! haha.

True and Lasting Happiness

2009-12-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

True and lasting happiness comes only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I am living the principles of the Gospel I am filled with God's love. I am filled with the Spirit. This is a feeling greater than any drug, any drink, any accomplishment, any food, any guitar or car or clothes... this is something more - something pure, something great, something sustaining.

When I am keeping the commandments and living the Gospel, there is no void in my heart. It only overflowing with joy. That is the BEST feeling... my favorite feeling. But nevertheles I can't prove it to you. You must find out for yourself.

New Hobby

2009-11-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

Now that I am not on facebook anymore... I have time to sign up for FREE STUFF!!!!!

WHAT A GOOD TIME!!!!!!!! They say the best things in life are free and boy are they right! Haha... not only do I get to give out free things at work but I get to partake of them through the mail. So far I have recieved free:

-Emergence
-Calendar
-Stickers
-Feminine Products
-Online books

What a deal :) If you are interested, this is the website I go to: http://ratracerebellion.com/freebies.htm they check out all the freebies and make sure they are legit and not some crazy scam.

Merry Thanksgiving :)

2009-11-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

The day started with... sleeping in :) I had to take a vow of silence the day before because laringitis stole my vocal chords. Getting more sleep helped but I was still a little croaky for turkey day. The things I made for thanksgiving were the pumpkin pie and salad! Yum yum! Two of my favorite things. We had about twenty people over! Parrrrrrrrtay.

The exchange students :)

The usual family crew + Grandma and Grandpa Palmer

Grandpa - he's still tall!

2009-11-24T23:25:00.000-08:00

100 Things of Thanksgiving

2009-11-21T11:31:00.001-08:00

Things I'm thankful for:

Health
Music
Ability to hear, see, smell, taste, feel
A loving Heavenly Father
The Gospel
Modern day revelation
Scriptures
Lap Tops
Internet
Kleenex lotion tissues
That balm stuff Mike gave me last year from Vietnam
Paper and pens :)
Friends
Freedom
Cameras
pretty things/people to take pictures of!
Guitar
Forgiveness
Kind, gentle people
Comfy shoes
Work! especially right now
Chap-stick
School
Health, a functioning brain (...for the most part haha)
Mountains
Being able to climb mountains
Outdoors
Rain
Family
Single's Ward close by
A car to drive
That my family gets along :) nobody hates each other or anything for the most part
Journals
Almond Butter and bananas!
Ability to grow and stretch
Books
Learning
A faux fire heater in my room
My warm comphy bed
To live with my family one more time
Clean hair after not taking a shower for a few days haha
Fat friendly cats
Sweaters
When people buy the product I'm sampling at costco
Gum :)
Trident LAYERS gum to be specific
Babysitting nieces and nephews
Chex Party Mix
Muddy Buddies
Toothpaste
Letters from best friends
Phone conversations with long distance friends
Unique people
Banks
Blogs
Youtube
BYU Idaho
Breakfast... cinnamon twists
Bracelets
Snowboarding/snowshoeing
To breathe without a problem
To be home for the holidays
Conversations with anyone and everyone
The Lion King
Doughnuts in the snow
Fun/adventure
The ape caves
Licking the brownie bowl clean
Smiles
Giggles (giggle bonnet)
A bright future
Opportunities - making them meaningful no matter what, whether they seem good or bad
Scissors
Medical advancements
Heaters in my house and car
Bob Marley
People who strive to be better
Missionaries
Target clearance
Sunday - a Holy and set apart day
Balloons
Running... long distances :)
Waking up knowing you have a new day full of new opportunites/experiences ahead of you!
High fives and special hand shakes
HUGS
Warms socks
Mis-matched socks
Parents that I wouldn't trade for the world
Bycicles - never figured out how to spell that word and probably never will haha
Wake boarding in freezing weather
Frogs
Facial expressions
Modern Prophet/Apostles
Having a knowledge of who I am, what I'm doing, where I came from and where I am going
Sweet bruises
Toilet paper/toilets
Oceans
To love and be loved
Pumpkin Pie
You!

University of Virginia Football Game

2009-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Gracie and I got to go to theUVA vs. Boston College football game. I just happened to wear orange that day... and good thing because that is a UVA color. It was a nice sunny day for a football game :) We had a good time and danced like crazy but still couldn't get on the big screen tv... maybe next time! haha

Washington DC

2009-11-20T11:17:00.001-08:00

Last week Jon and I got to go to Virginia to visit Debbie, Chris and the kids. What an awesome trip! It was our first time to the east coast. We spent the first day in DC. It was cool to finally see all these things in person. We went to the Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Monument. The Museum of Natural History was probably my favorite :)

Hahaha...

2009-11-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jds1QZrJq1Y&feature=player_embedded

HAPPY HAUNTINGS!!!!!!!!

2009-11-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

So my Halloween consisted of babysitting, work and then the single's ward party. It was a good day :) This year I was a mad scientist. I attempted to fro out my hair but it didn't work so well haha. It was a fun costume though, I love dressing up :) Here is a picture with Chelsea and I... she was a sailor - OH BABY!

I am really enjoying my time here at home but I'm also WAY excited for school to start here in about two months. I just love it up in good old Rexburg! It is starting to get cold here, I can see my breath... but it is November. Last year I was in California where it was just starting to get the right temperature and then I had to leave haha.

Today in Relief Society our lesson was on "Raising the Bar." Time to go ponder how I can raise the bar in my life...

2009-10-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

When life gives you lemonade... DRINK IT!

I'M GOING TO VIRGINIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOO! THANK YOU CHRIS, DEBBIE, MOM AND DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JUNE 2009 TETON DAM HALF-MARATHON

2009-10-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Mt. Ellinor

2009-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've been attempting to hike this for about two months now. Everytime I set a date to do it, I either get sick or have to work last minute... etc etc. Last night I decided that I am just doing it already!!!! I texted everyone in the Oly area that might want to go... but alas no one could come! I knew Mom would have a fit if I went by myself but desperate times call for desperate measures... aka I went anyway hahah. Last night I packed my pocket knife (to fight off all those wild grizzlies haha), matches, food, extra clothes, new gps compass, camera and head lamp. I got to the trail head at 10:00 this morning. Yesterday I worked my legs extra hard so they were already sore from the beginning haha, but, it was a really good hike!!!! 3 miles straight up! Wooooooo. Hikes aren't as fun by yourself but they are sure better than nothing!!!! I had music so that made things better :) There were spectacular views of all the mountains nearby (Baker, Rainier, Helens, Hood) once you got above the clouds. I waved to my friend Nicki who is over across the water in Stanwood haha.

Mt. Rainier
Skyline

Victory! haha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE

2009-10-20T19:04:00.001-07:00

You blow that candle out girl!!! Haha Michelle is a super cute, super fun girl, I'm excited I got to celebrate her birthday with everyone. WOOOOOOOOO CAKE!

For Steph

2009-10-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Haha excuse the hair... I haven't taken a shower in a few days and then I was sweating from all the switchbacks - YUM!!!!!!!

2009-10-19T23:09:00.001-07:00

What a day.

SARAH

2009-10-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

Sarah you make a difference to me because you were a big sister and a friend I could look up to. I remember when I would be sleeping in on saturday mornings in high school you would come and let Oly in and jump all over me until I woke up... I hated that haha but it was fun too. I loved that you always invited me to go to Target/JoAnne's. It was special to me that you wanted to spend time with me even though I was younger. Sarah you are always you and I love that. You love to laugh and are always willing to serve. Thanks so much for helping me out with a job. I really appreciate you getting my foot in the door... everyone always tells me how much they love you and it always makes me so grateful to have you as a sister. I am proud to claim you as family :) You make a difference in my life because you have always took time to get to know me. You make me feel loved. Sarah, you make a difference in my life.

p.s. nothing beats listening to you when you get loopy late at night haha.

DEBBIE

2009-10-05T12:40:00.001-07:00

Debbie Deb!!!! My oldest sister :) You make a difference in my life because you have been an example of kindness and hard work. I think about you and Chris going to school with kids and jobs and I have a great apprectiation for your hard work. Going to school I was thinking about what you did and I was like "dang...I can barely do school as is let alone have a job and kids!" haha so you rock for being that example of hard work. From watching you I have learned all my babysitting skills! You have been so kind over these years to trust me with your wonderful children!!! I have had many good things watching you as a mom in action! You are always so patient and loving of the kids and I hope I can do the same when I'm a mom :) Thanks for letting me have practice on your chillins! Also, you make a difference to me because you will always love my teeth and my face and my cooking even if Mom makes fun of them! hahaha! You are crazy and I love it. You aren't afraid of bungee jumping or doing crazy things. Someday we will go bungee jumping together!! but not in Cali because I might get valley fever again haha. You're not only my sister but my friend! Thanks for always remembering my birthday and just being a friend :) I always love spending time with you. You make a difference in my life Debbie!

FOLLOW THE PROPHET!

2009-10-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

General Conference was SO GOOD!!! I would just like to recap what President Monson has asked us to do:

-Pray for the opening of countries to the Gospel, that the hearts of their leaders may be softened
-By love, serve one another
-Be kind
-Read and study the conference messages when they come out in the Ensign

These are all simple things. I know that by listening and heeding what the Prophet has asked us to do that we will be so blessed. We will all become of "one heart and of one mind" (2 Nephi 1:21). Let's unite in following the Prophet - in following Christ.

DAD

2009-10-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dad you have made a difference in my life because whenever I need something, you are there to help me out. This past semester I was planning on getting a loan and a job while in school so I could pay for tuition. You heard that and helped me out with tuition. Because of that I was able to focus more on school and was able to get straight A's and have fun! You also helped me when I got in my car accident. You always make sure that things work out. I've always been grateful for your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and that the Church is true. You are also an example of charity to me. Many times you have taken people in and invited them into our home for a place to stay and food to eat. It is hard to come across that kindness and generosity these days. Thanks for all that you help me out with in this life (cars, computers, school, camera's etc etc) you make a difference in my life.

MOM

2009-09-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Mom. What would I do without you? ...have the best life ever. Haha JUST KIDDING!!!! Mom you mean a lot to me. Whenever I have a problem about life and what not you are right there to steer me in the right direction to help me fix it. Just last month when I had issues with the bank people you came with me on your lunch break to help me talk with them. You are always serving me! You have helped me so much to progress towards becoming an independent human being. I still remember being mad at you for trying to get me out of my comfort zone haha. I remember you made me call the store I wanted to go to and ask for the hours... I was so shy. Thank you for helping me out of my comfort zone :) And thank you for listening to me whine when I had meningitis. Thanks for changing all my diapers (when I was a kid haha) and for waking up in the middle of the night a billion times. I can't repay you for all you have done for me... but I can take you out to Olive Garden next week! haha. Mom, you are probably the person who has seen me at my worst and yet you would still drop everything to help me. That is why you make a difference in my life.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONTH

2009-09-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Okay I have no idea if this is really "make a difference month" but it is going to be for me :) There are so many people who make a difference to me and I don't let them know that enough. So starting today I will be dedicating a post each day to someone who has made a difference in my life. I think I'll start with family and then work my way to friends.

Soooooooooooooo

2009-08-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a more stable job... being on call isn't very fun! I haven't worked since last thursday? Hopefully they call soon! Or hopefully I can find another awesome paying job soon... haha... but I've been having fun watching Anna and Andrew :) CUTE-EEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night Jon and I went down to the evergreen beach for a little adventure.

Jumping into Jenny Lake

2009-08-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

This was the third day on our fourth of July backpacking trip... haha the one who is screaming is one of my best friends (Steph) and next to her is my good friend Erika who is one crazy girl. The water was freezing cold - hence the screaming haha. But it was fun anyway!

Long time no see...

2009-08-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I finished my second year of school!!!!!!!!! Wooo!!! I managed (with help haha) to get a 3.9 each semester! Nursing program here I come. Well I don't feel like writing too much right now so I'm going to post some videos of the semester :)

New Blog Everyone

2009-02-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Hello everybody :) I started a new blog because I got a new email address and blogger wouldn't let me switch it over. So... here I am!