Momma Bear.

This is Momma Bear. She's cap'n. And my best friend. She had a birthday last week, here are 10 things I adore about her.

1. She makes a snickering sound that I just love.
2. Whenever she starts something and she likes it, she puts her whole heart into it.
3. Whenever I need someone to talk to, she's always there with an open mind and helps me see the other side.
4. If it wasn't for her, my family wouldn't be in the church. She's the one who let the missionaries into our home and I couldn't thank her enough for that each day.
5. She is always helping our family grow spiritually, she's the one who gets us to read our scriptures and say our prayers.
6. She has mad dance moves.
7. She's gorgeous. I hope that when people say you look like your mom when your older, they're right. Because I sure wouldn't mind it.
8. She'll do anything to make her family happy.
9. She helps me stay calm when I get worked up about things, and she's always patient with me.
10. She keeps our family together and always reminds us that we can do hard things.

"Life is an awfully lonely place without your best friend."

Lately

The last few weeks my life has consisted of only a couple of things.

1. 
   
   
   
   

Studying. Like crazy. Mainly for AP US History, don't ask me why I'm taking this class. Because I question myself everyday when I walk in. But I know in the end, it'll be worth it. You know why? i'm determined to pass the AP test. I will study until the first Friday in May, and I will pass.

2.

Reading. I love to read, and sometimes I forget that. And then when I realize how much I love it, I just can't stop. Right now i'm reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, everyone needs to read it.

3.

Sadies! I know it's next weekend, but trust me. I've been putting a lot of effort into this dance. I was in charge of our shirts (which are going to be dang cute) and so I've had a lot to do. But last week we went to Castles n Coasters! Oh, by the way, this is Dallin. He's my best friend, isn't he so adorable?! But anyway, CNC was the best, I had the time of my life.

xo,

Allie Jo

Sweater weather is better weather.

I've learned

Recently, I've learned a lot. A lot a lot a lot.

I've learned that no matter what you do, your family comes first. Then yourself. Then your friends. Some might disagree with me on this one..

I've learned that you don't give half effort. If you're doing something, you do it the best you can the first time. AP History taught me this one.. and chemistry.

I've learned that people will disappoint you. You will get your heartbroken. But you know what? That's OKAY. It's how we grow. Not the only way, but it does help.

I've learned that some days are hard. Really hard. But just because you've had a bad day, doesn't mean you have a bad life. All you can do about it is say your prayers, go to sleep and know that tomorrow doesn't have to be that way. Learn from today's mistakes so you don't have to make them again tomorrow.

I've learned that I'm going to make mistakes. I'm human. But through the atonement, I'm going to be just fine.

And lastly, the most important thing I've learned is that forgive is the key to everything. People are going to make you angry, forgive them. "Holding a grudge is like letting someone live rent free in your head." You're also going to make mistakes, and the only way to fully repent of them is to forgive yourself. I never really thought of forgiving myself, until it was the only thing holding me back.

This is my rant. And I'm out.

xo, AJ