Christmas Spirit

There is nothing like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree in your home. It really does add so much to the mood of the holidays.

There is also nothing like reading edifying talks given by our church leaders around the holidays to remind us what it is all about. Today I read this talk and I loved. I thought it was so great, so I am sharing it with you.

Enjoy!

http://lds.org/liahona/2011/12/come-let-us-adore-him?lang=eng

Catching Christmas

I found this cute poem and wanted to share it.

Mother has always been careful
To keep me from catching a sickness.
But one thing she hopes I come down with
Is a condition called “spirit of Christmas.”
Catching the spirit of Christmas
Is nothing like catching a cold.
It makes you feel warm
And new and transformed
And leaves your heart feeling like gold.
Catching the spirit of Christmas
Is the catchingest of all that goes ’round
During this season
When there’s no greater reason
To lift those whose heads hang down.
Catching the spirit of Christmas
Won’t leave you sick in your bed.
It’ll give you the zest
To start living your best
And love others as Jesus has said.

Recalling the good and the bad

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my teenage years and all of the wonderful, bittersweet and trying times I have had through them. Pondering what I have gained from all of those experiences. I cannot help but be eternally grateful. Each and every one of those experiences have made me who I am today. They have made me appreciate the things in life that really matter. Although I may not be thrilled with the way I have had to learn some lessons, I truly am grateful for what I have gained.

I hope that each of us will strive to keep a journal and write down the lessons we learn, the fun and happiness we have had and the wonderful blessings we have been given to be thankful for. I know I just recommited (yet again...) to keep my journal more up to date..... It isn't easy, but I really do see the leaps and bounds from over the years in what I have written.

Smile :)

college prep

It is so weird to be at the point. I can't believe college is coming so fast..... How did I get here?! Where have the years gone?
People who go to college are supposed to be so mature and old....at least that is what it seemed like to me as a 12 year old, new to the Young Woman program and just learning about who I am and what I like and dislike.... It is mind blowing for me to see just how much I have grown in those 5 short years and what I have yet to learn and develop. It is scary yet exciting to think of the huge life changing choices I am going to be making in the next 5 years.
Crazy, crazy...but bring it on! I am ready for the challenge. I am ready to find out what I am made and capable of. I want to learn more of what my divine mission is!

AND. Hopefully I can start this blogging thing again....I think it is a positive thing. Writing is so powerful and really helps people find out who they are...and it is one way to keep a record of you and your life. :P :)

Ciao mi amici

I don't really know what to say...but thought I should write SOMETHING.......
Ummm.....Last Sunday I was in our stake choir and we have a Palm Sunday/Easter musical fireside. I had a little solo and everything went great. This Sunday (Easter) Emmayln, Mom and Myself are singing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" in our ward and there is also a duet and a couple choir numbers. Hopefully everything will go without a hitch......that is all I can think of for now...

Ciao
:)

17

Well. I am now 17 :) Hopefully that means on year wiser as well as older. Had a rather fantastic birthday. Wonderful, wonderful birthday breakfast on Thursday which was still awesome even though I had school. I got some tulips that were oh so pretty after French class was done. Then just chilled the rest of the day mostly.
Friday went out to lunch with mom and dad which was supa fun and then went to Thai for dinner and a concert by the Portland Mormon Choir with a guest soloist Dallyn Vail Bayles. He is AMAZING. His voice, his energy on stage....wow. He graduated from BYU with a BFA in Musical Theater. He was so inspiring. I was able to talk to him for about 30 minutes after the concert about musical theater and its careers and tip and things to remember. It was really cool. I feel so blessed to have been able to have that opportunity.
Saturday I went to the Mormon Prom with a boy named Taylor Kerr from the stake. He is really nice. I had a BLAST!! It was so fun. Got a bunch of pics.

That pretty much sums up my birthday :)

First day back at CCC

It was a great day back at CCC. :) Had writing at 9:00 and math at 12:00. First days are always nice. Pretty low key, let-me-tell-you-what's-going-on kind of day. French tomorrow. I keep feeling this sense of excitement because I know two more months...and blessed summer is back again. :) Brings a smile to my face. hehehe

Also. I'll be 17 next Thursday. Next year....I'm thinking college....Yes?...ha...ha...ha.... Where did my childhood go? Everything has gone a little faster than I think it should...but then again. I'm starting to feel like its getting time to go. I know all adults know the feeling. Lots too do in a short time.... aaahhhhh


Signing off :)

McKenna

Spring Break 2011 - California!

Spring break has been great!! We have been in California since Sunday night. Monday we went to San Fransisco and had one great day. Visited Alcatraz, walked along the wharf, strolled down China town and Little Italy, had ice cream sundaes at Ghirardelli square, walked down Lombard street (the crookedest street), had soup bowls at Boudin and ate a garlic dish at 'The Sinking Rose' and went back to our hotel exhausted!! That was a great day. Tuesday we went to a petrified forest on our way to our hotel on Clear Lake. Wednesday and today, Thursday, have just been nice lazy days swimming and playing games, going on walks by the lake and enjoying some relaxation.Tomorrow we are driving to the Red Wood forest and exploring there and then driving as far as we can and either stop at a hotel or make it all the way home to Oregon City, OR. All in all it has been one great week with the family. :)

:)

Thought I'd check back in....

Just thought I'd write something because I like to write and....well it's been a while. I'm still living. I am busy with school and life. Lots of life experiences. Good...Bad.... Learning from them all. :)
It's funny to look back at my blog. Seen how I've grown, what I used to write like and be interested in, some embarrassing things......it's crazy. That's for sure.
I'm currently at the community college near my home. Still doing the voice and dance lessons thing. Enjoying it a lot.
That's about it for now.

Ciao