Day 27

Day 27, Monday: A letter to your readers

Dear Readers,

Thank you. Thank you for reading my blog.  I know its not always the most exciting or spontaneous or inspiring, its just sort of an average blog, but it means a lot to me. Its my thoughts and perceptions and experiences that mean a lot to me, and that I want to share with others. So I appreciate you :) I hope you have gotten something out of reading this blog, maybe a laugh or just a good way to spend five minutes. But thank you 

Claire

Day 26

Day 26, Sunday: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

The summary report below reviews findings from the 30-year body of research evaluating the effects of non-maternal child care (day care) on children’s social-emotional development.

Summary of the study

• Children who spend longer hours (30 hours/week) in day care are more likely to exhibit problematic social behaviors including aggression, conflict, poorer work habits and risk-taking behaviors throughout childhood and into adolescence.
• The negative effects of day care are more persistent for children who spend long hours in center-care settings.
• Although high quality day care has some positive effects, it does not reduce the negative effects associated with long hours in day care.
• Mothers whose children spend long hours in day care show a decrease in sensitivity in their interactions with their child during their child’s early years.

 by Jenet Jacob Erickson, Ph.D

I read this for my Family Foundations course.  I'm not for sure if I agree with it.  I was in a day care growing up and I don't feel like I experienced any real "problematic social behaviors" and I can say for certain that my mother was never less sensitive in her interactions with me.  She is an awesome mom. I suppose that in circumstances where the family is not at the same spiritual level as mine (its a huge part of how I was raised and treated as a family) then of course this would be a reasonable argument because of the lack of nurturing done by the mother. However I do not think day care is the main cause of those problematic behaviors.  I think it would be due to the family situation at home.  My parents took me to day care so they could provide for us.  If a mother and father only care about work and it takes priority over their children, I think that is where the real problem is.

Day 25

Day 25, Saturday: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)

Last summer, I went to a church camp called "Especially For Youth" or "EFY".  It was an absolutely amazing experience and I loved every moment of it.  We were put into little families for the week that we went to different seminars and activities with. On our last day, we had a testimony meeting. It was so moving and I was able to learn from my wonderful friends.  After the meeting, we were walking back to our dorm rooms and started to sing. When we were hugging and saying goodbye, there were a lot of tears.  I for some reason didn't cry, but felt the love and spirit as I said goodbye to all of these wonderful people.  The last hug I got was from a guy named Alex.  I hadn't really gotten to know him as well as I would have liked, but it was the first time all week I had seen him emotional. (He was the funny guy in our group)  He came up to me in tears and wrapped his arms around me.  He told me that I was such a good example to him.  I hugged him so hard. I hadn't even realized that I had been an example to anyone, and to know that I had been a blessing to someone was an answer to a prayer. I was so grateful for Alex for telling me that, and for making me feel like I was loved and doing something good.

Day 24

Day 24, Friday: Your top 3 worst traits and your top 3 best traits

Worst:

1. I over analyze myself and others
2. I sleep in too late
3. I'm not very confident in different things about myself

Best:

1. I love to serve
2. I try to think of others before myself
3. The gospel of Jesus Christ is in my life.

Day 23

Day 23, Thursday: Things you've learned that school won't teach you

• Life doesn't stop when hard things happen
• Happiness comes through being your best self, and not really caring what people say about you
• an embarrassing moment is way better than a lie
• people don't always say what you mean
• sometimes its better to keep your opinion to yourself
• disney movies are better when its snowing
• books are better when its raining
• singing makes you happy, even if your not good at it
• being honest with a person is better than trying to spare their feelings, only tripping over your words later
• Prayer works
• tears don't always have to be sad
• songs can console better than words sometimes
• complaining gets you nowhere and usually causes contention
• keeping to yourself helps you move on
• Examples can come in the strangest places
• Everyone is a child of God and should be treated as such
• Learning moments happen everyday
• You are supposed to press the start button AFTER you shut the lid of the washing machine
• roommates don't like it when you accidentally leave the stove on...
• making your bed makes you feel bette
• the Lord will give you time if you you give Him time
• second chances are good things
• calling someone you've had a fight with to tell them how great they are makes you feel better about life.
• christmas lights in the living room is always a good idea
• talking with grandparents makes you smile, even when you don't really know what they are taking about.
• moms will always be there for you no matter what
• you miss people the most when you are on your own
• shoes make the outfit

Day 22

Day 22, Wednesday: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. (a pet peeve, a current event, a controversial topic, something your husband or roommate or neighbor or boss does that really ticks you off)

My biggest pet peeve: When people leave the windshield wipers on...and its not raining. OR its only a sprinkle...and the wipers are going quicker than it takes to coat the windshield with rain and so it makes that squeaking noise. Oh I hate it. The worst is when you are in the car of someone you don't know very well...and you cant SAY anything because that may be considered weird to some people. (if your reading this you know who you are) it just really grinds my teeth. There you have it.

Day 21

Day 21, Tuesday: A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives

the project

EFY

parker's prayer (probably my favorite)

a mere 17 months 

future is bright

P-man

tender mercies 

memory lane

temple

oh my gracious that was so fun. I went through all my posts, and I have changed so much! It is amazing how much I have gone thorough and learned over this past year and a half. what a blessing! I am so thankful I started this blog. These are just a few of my favorites. I wanted to add so many more, but I had to refrain myself. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Day 20

Day 20, Monday: Get real. Share something you're struggling with right now.

Right now I am struggling with letting go and moving on. Call me old fashioned, but I feel like relationships mean something and should mean something for the rest of your life after you have met that person. I have had relationships that have ended poorly...and I still care deeply for those people and wish they had ended differently. Moving away from Kansas, I see a lot of my friends and people I love move on with their life and away from mine. And thats hard for me to see. I want those people to still think of me and think of the time we shared, but thats just not how it always is. and its ok. They are going on to bigger and better things. and so am I! But I don't want to forget what that time and those relationships mean to me and I think I'm afraid that will happen and already has happened with the people I share those memories with. But life is about moving on and becoming better, and I'm trying to improve everyday. Its a process. 

Day 19

Day 19, Sunday: Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them

HEY. LETS GET STARTED.

(in no particular order)

1. kent&anna  This is the blog of my sister and her lovely husband. I just love reading about their cute adventures and then hearing about them in person later. they are so cute. anna is a photographer and kent is a basketball star going to school to be a physical therapist. anna is the author of their blog. go read it. so cute

2. Lil' Luna Super cute craft ideas and recipes. I just love it.

3. Valory Jean Photography  I just love photography blogs. like all of them. You have heard a lot about my sisters, so this is another one I really enjoy.  Her pictures are just so pretty! They tell a certain story and I just love to look at them!

4. Mindy Gledhill is an Indie singer/songwriter. She is way cool. She just came out with a new album, check it out!! She is super inspiring and sweet.

5. Nie Nie Dialogues I love this blog! Stephanie Nielson is amazing. in 2008 she was in a plane crash and burned over 80% of her body. She blogs about her faith and her kids and her wonderful life after her crash and she is just a huge inspiration.

there you have it! love these blogs.

1

      2   3

                   4                5

Day 18

Day 18, Saturday: Tell a story from your childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what you remember and how you felt.

 I remember a lot about my dad. I love my dad. He is probably the best dad out there. He lets you make mistakes and lets you learn from them, but gives you council when you ask for it, and when he feels it is needed. He is probably the most spiritual man I know. He is also very funny. He would make up songs about almost EVERYTHING. and still sometimes does. I was about four and my sister was about 7. I'm sure he sang this song to us before then but this is the first time I remember it. We were leaving Dillion's Super Market. It was fallish and I was wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt. I don't know why, but I remember being really mad at Anna. I just was mad and didn't like her. Dad knew I was upset so offered to give me a piggy back ride to the car. I loved when my dad gave me piggy back rides. But I didn't really enjoy it since Anna was being a bum. But on our way back my dad started to sing a familiar song:

Claire Bear and Anna-kins

Two Sisters the best of friends,

Whenever one was feeling sad, 

the other one was there to make 'em glad

They're Claire Bear and Anna-kins

Two sisters the best of friends...

And I felt a little better. I felt happy to be Anna's sister again. :) Thanks Dad!

Day 17

Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

I really like this photo. My sister took it for my senior picture. I don't know I think it captures something with in me (if that is corny enough for you). I really feel this deep desire to be the person my Father in Heaven knows that I can be and for some reason I feel like I show some sort of dedication to that in this picture. Anna is also a steller photographer and so anything she does looks pretty dang good.

check out her daily blog here

and her photography blog here

Day 16

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it

My life is pretty darn great. I have a wonderful family, was raised in a home centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ and am blessed to be going to a school where I can feel the spirit reside. It is quite wonderful.  

But, like everyone, I have my challenges. I have this thing that I do. I analyze. I analyze everything about everything and its hard. I evaluate peoples body language, the way they look when I say something and every thing that they could possibly be thinking (most likely negative). Thats really hard. I have a hard time trusting people because of it and it makes me doubt myself as well. I am trying to overcome it though. One of the biggest ways I try to concur this is by not focusing on what others think of me. I try to only worry about what I think and what the Lord thinks of me. Its an ongoing process. It will take a while.

Day 15

Day 15, Wednesday: A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

This was my day Wednesday. I couldn't take my camera with me EVERYWHERE, so I will fill in the gaps. This was a really fun project to do, to take pictures of my day. 

8am woke up

made my bed

organized, got ready for the day

scripture study

Alma 57

cleaned kitchen

lunch(ish) left over mac&cheese

bye house. studying in David O. McKay Library

went to the byui book store, got note books and index cards

THEN went to Math108. after math I could not for the life of me find my phone, so sat on the grass and dug out everything in my backpack. I found it. 

went home and watched TLC with my roommates

studying

dinner at the crossroads

English class started at 7pm and went until 10, I then went and played piano for a while with my friend Josh and got home at 10:53. 

More studying after that.

......................................................................................................................

This was the view when I was sitting and looking for my phone. 

Campus is SO BEAUTIFUL!! 

I am so happy to be here. It is so lovely. It is very busy but I love it.
I can feel the spirit here so strongly. What a blessing!!

Day 14

Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

(Not in any order)

1. orchids 
2. new shoes
3. the gospel
4. my family traditions
5. good hair days
6. being able to genuinely help people
7. teaching 
8. being loved
9. beauty and the beast
10. getting my to-do list DONE

Day 13

Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

Dear Callie Cat, 

I am sorry I yelled at you the night before we left for Missouri for Christmas break...I feel way bad about it. But you hissed at me so I was like "FINE WHATEVER" and I stormed in the house...and then you ran away and didn't come back :;( I always regretted getting mad at you. You probably just wanted some time to think or maybe just to get away from the stress of two year old Parker. I feel that. I just want you to know you were a good cat. and I miss you. I hope you are happy. <3

Love, Claire

Day 12

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time in your life...)

I miss my family right now. Its really nice being here with Anna and Kent, but I do miss my mom's example and her helping me with things, my dad's goofy personality and amazing spirituality and my brothers crazy quirks and sweet nature, and being able to snuggle with my Kiva. I miss them all, but I know I am where I need to be. 

Love you Family

Day 11

Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

I am happy, spiritual, loving, forgiving, impatient, good hearted, mormon.

Day 10

Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill.

Oh my gracious I have way too many of these. umm...there have been so many!! But what is life if you can't laugh at yourself in those moments? 

One of my most embarrassing moments was when I was in 6th grade. It was my12th birthday and I was having the best birthday ever. I was wearing my new outfit my mom had just gotten me: a blue top and Black gauchos  with my favorite sandals. Well, on the playground, my lovely friends and I were standing at the top of the tallest slide talking about how awesome it was to be 12 when my crush walked by. He was oh-so-cute. He had dark brown hair that he would spike up in the front with water from the sink every time the class went to the bathrooms. He was perfect. Well, my good friend saw me swoon...and decided it would be so funny to scare me by pretending to pull down my pants. well...due to the flowiness and light weight-ness of my gauchos, my pants came down. And EVERYONE...including my prince charming saw my Scooby-Doo underwear at the top of the slide. It was awful. I cried. Now I laugh at it though haha it makes for a good story!!

UPDATE: I moved in today! It was one of the best days I have ever had! I love my roommates and am so excited about this semester!! Tomorrow we have some more games and things and I just cant wait!!

Room 207

Day 9

Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)

Raspberry Picking in Idaho Falls! 

Addie

Jenna 

Claire 

Anna 

:)

May I just take a moment and say: I MOVE IN TO MY APARTMENT TOMORROW!! 

Day 8

Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Time really does go by very quickly, so enjoy life in the moment...however, do not go crazy or "YOLO" because you will most likely regret it soon after. Time is short, but regret makes it seem like your burdens take up most of it. Be wise and keep an Eternal Perspective. 

Day 7

Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of

• spiders. i hate them.
• bees. i hate them as well.
• snakes (carter brought one into the house the other day...almost moved out.)
• being alone
• being kidnapped
• not being able to be a mother
• causing hurt 
• being hurt
• sometimes the dark
• i hate horror movies
• death of  a loved one
• changes

Day 6

Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

I survive. I try to be happy in the worst possible circumstances. I try to make others happy. I try to live worthily of my Heavenly Fathers unconditional love. I try to forgive. I try to be the best I can. I really do try to let people who have hurt me be happy and to be glad for their happiness. Its hard though. I try to be a good example for the 3 little girls of the family I am staying with. I try to be a good example to everyone. I try to trust and to let go...Sorry I'm so SERIOUS haha. I really do try though. And thats what i'm doing right now. I have no job, i know hardly no one, and I don't know where I will be in the next year of my life...But i'm trying to move forward, for the Lord cannot steer a parked car.

Day 5

Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member

My Mom, Diane is awesome. I love her so much.  She is a really great example to me. 

My mom joined the church when she was a Junior in High School. She was not very supported by her family in her decision. She had a lot of trials in her youth, but that did not stop her from being the kind of person that she knew her Heavenly Father wanted her to be. She does everything for her family. She tries so hard to give her kids a life and an example that will make them who she knows they can be. Sometimes I don't fully appreciate what she does for me...but it is never too long that the Lord shows me the difficulties and hardships she faces without a complaint.  She helped my dad find the church.  Thats another reason I love her. She takes initiative. When my dad and she were dating, she showed up to his doorstep one day. She had a large picture covered by a towel. When she unveiled the picture, she said to my dad, "This is the Washington D.C. temple. This is where I am getting married, you can join me if you'd like." I LOVE THAT SORY. she is so cool.

My mom has taught me more than I can even realize. She is amazing, and I thank God everyday for her and the service she gives to me and my family.

Day 4

Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

I have so many of these!! Just looking through my PINTEREST board trying to decide has left me motivated with all the great words I have come across in my lifetime. 

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.” -Marjorie Pay Hinckley

This has to be one of my absolute favorites. I want to be the kind of person that helps everyone she meets, who gives selfless service with a cheerful smile. I want to be a mother and a wife who supports and loves. I want to be a friend and a servant to the Lord. I want the Lord to know that I did my best to be the kind of person He was while He was on the Earth. 

Day 3

Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable

• People hard core kissing in public places
• scream-o music
• swear words
• immodesty 
• when people gossip about people I know
• hairy backs
• smelly perfume
• crammed tight spaces
• hot cars
• being the 3rd wheel
• no one talking
• when you catch someone making a joke about you
• bragging
• alcohol 
• meeting a friend of a friend and being left alone with them

Day 2

So.... I missed a day. But its a new project so its going to take some getting used to! haha

Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

Well...I'm not sure what to do for this one. I thought a lot about it and I decided to educate on the thing I hold most dear...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  While I cannot educate on every teaching and doctrine via blog, I can teach about the Restoration of the Gospel.  

When Christ died, His church was left to his 12 apostles. When they all died, the church collapsed. Many people picked up bits and pieces of Christ's church, but did not adopt all of His teachings, and that is why we have so many churches on the Earth today.  Well in 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith wanted to know the truth. He wanted to know which church was true...or if any were at all

"In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?"

  Joseph Smith-History 1:10

He read in the bible one night for solace. He came across James 1:5 

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

James 1:5

Joseph recounts that "no other scripture had ever come with more power to the heart of a man than did this at this time to mine."

Joseph Smith-History 1:12

So, Joseph did as James directs. On a clear Spring day in 1820, 14 year old Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees nearby his family home.  He carefully kneeled down and offered a vocal prayer. Very soon after he began, a darkness seized over him. He recounts: "It had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Think darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction."

Joseph Smith-History 1:15

Joseph goes on to say that he felt he was to be taken, by a very literal dark being. He exerted all his strength and called upon the Lord. Soon after, the darkness went away.  A light appeared, above the brightness of the sun exactly over the young Joseph's head. Two personages appeared "whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

Joseph Smith-History 1:17

He saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Joseph asked them which church he should join. They told him to join none of them, for none were the complete gospel of Christ. He was then called to restore the Church of Christ to the Earth.

I love this. This is why I do what I do. This is why I am who I am, is because of this day. Joseph later translates the Book of Mormon, a sacred record kept by the people of Christ's time on the American continent, and establishes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, all through the power of God and His Holy Spirit.  

If you would like to learn more, please visit 

mormon.org

lds.org

or contact your local missionaries! (you can do so on mormon.org)

Day 1

Hey! So... School is starting soon. I am way excited!! I found out my roommates and my apartment number and ward so things are starting to come together!! Its crazy!! I have felt so much better about being in Idaho the past few weeks.  So, to celebrate the first month of school, I decided to do something awesome. I found this template on blogging EVERY DAY for one month. I meant to start it on Sept. 1, but didn't...so who cares? I think it will be fun, especially while so many changes are happening in my life. So. with out further ado...

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

My life is wonderful.  I grew up in a home centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ, learning from my parents who were both converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I grew up with an older sister and a younger brother.  I went to day care with lots of kids and 2 wiener dogs. I went to Woodrow Wilson elementary school where my dream career was to be a hair dresser and a babysitter. I went to Eisenhower middle school where my dad was the band director, and it was awesome. I play the trombone. I went to Manhattan High School where I became who I am today. I started everyday of High School with a 6:20am church class called Seminary where I learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I loved it. I graduated in 2013. Now I am here in Idaho, trying to figure it all out. and I'm excited.