Day 14

Lately, I have taken a ton of pictures of my food and blogged about them. I promise I am not just discovering food for the first time. I just get excited and want to share! Today I made the best loaded baked potatoes! I haven't had one of these for a long time. It was quite the dinner! 

Today I wanted to get out and do something out of the normal, so I went to the pool at my apartments by myself. Normally, I probably wouldn't even go with people I like so to go along was really stretching my limits. I don't really like swimming because I don't like the way I look in a swimming suit, I don't really know how to play in the water, and I don't like water in my eyes (even clean water). Also, I feel the need to wear much sun screen when I am out doors longer than a half hour and that is kind of a pain in and of itself. So I went by myself. There was no one down there. I sat and read my book for a good chapter or so, but then I got too hot so I knew I had to just get in the water. 

At first the water shocked my body and I was uncomfortable, but once I was all the way in, the water felt so refreshing. So a little something about me: I don't like to just play, or tinker, or do anything much by myself really. But when I am around people, I am so afraid of what people think of me that I kind of freeze and don't know how to be myself. So I am sitting in the pool, by myself, and I popped my bubble! I tried to float on my back and then suddenly, my arms started moving. I didn't know I knew how to do a back stroke! I swam laps and played in the water! I don't know what changed in me this afternoon. I didn't care what people would think if they saw me or feel silly that I was playing all by my lonesome. It was such a great feeling to just let go. I think the last time I felt that secure with myself was when I was a child growing up in Orangeville, Utah. 

13th Day

So the day is only half over and I still have accomplish more than I have in the last two days. If I keep pushing, I might just break some records haha but probably not. I have been known to over cram my days.

I made another trip to Wal-Mart. They scammed me. If they did not have the best prices for specific necessities, I would not ever go there again. Maybe when I grow up and have more money, I will be able to shop other places! I will keep dreaming! . . . . Glad I got this off my chest.

I threw on my Baker mojo today and baked! And experimented, which you should know is not uncommon in the Baker house. I made a goal not to eat cold cereal for breakfast so like I mentioned in earlier posts, I am finding breakfast alternatives like muffins. I found a recipe using Bisquick and blueberries and I loved it. Too bad I was out of delicious muffins this morning because I really didn't want to eat eggs or french toast or oatmeal. Oatmeal was easier to make so that is what I made haha. I normally really love oatmeal, but for some reason today, it just sounded unappetizing.

To make my trek through breakfast, I decided to read about the health benefits of oatmeal. Let's just say that I will probably keep oatmeal a main part of my diet! As I was reading this, I thought, "Why not put oatmeal in my muffins?!" I felt like I was a genius until the next thought came in: add granola as well! I kind of made up my own recipe for these muffins. None of the ingredients have the bad fats and sugars (minus the three TBS of sugar in the entire batch of muffins) in them. Most of them are high in necessary dietary fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin A, iron, and good carbohydrates. So these are pretty much the healthiest muffins ever; the only thing that could make it better would be to use whole wheat flour. Here is the recipe:

2 Cups Bisquick (will probably reduce this next time)

2.5 Cups oatmeal

1 Cup granola (I used Kashi with almonds and flax seed)

4 TBS white sugar (reduce or add if you want more or less sweetness)

1 TBS brown sugar 

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 Cups of milk

1 Cup blueberries (gonna try apples next time)

Preheat oven to 400. Mix everything together except milk and blueberries.

Add milk until mixture is pretty creamy; add more milk if batter is chunky. Add Blueberries. 

Place in muffin pans (grease or use cups, duh). Cook for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

August 13, Day 12

The phrase, "Give place not more for the enemy of my soul" (2Nephi 4:28) has been in my head lately. I have been trying really hard to pay attention to the feelings in my heart so I can protect myself from things that could potentially harm me. So I was driving today and Krispy Kreme popped out of no where with that glowing "Hot Doughnuts" sign right in my immediate vision. Let's just say I lost the battle today. Tomorrow will be better :)

I have a Fish friend that I admire very much. Sometimes however, we do not understand each other's humor. I thought that maybe he doesn't understand mine because I was afraid to show it because I was afraid of what he would think of me. I know, it's silly, but it was/is a fear of mine so I kinda hold back. I thought it would be a good idea to share a few things that make me laugh no matter what. I hope this shows a little bit of my sense of humor!

Day 9, 10, and 11

Ya I know I rock. I cannot allow myself to skips days again! I still have hundreds of them! Just so you know, I did take a picture over the last four days, I just chose not to post it. I know, it defeats the purpose; promise to better in the future :)

Day 9 was on Friday August 10th. The night before I stayed up with some friends way too late. Guess who wasn't tired in the middle of the day?! Sarah Jane! I was so excited to see my mom and brother who came up to do school shopping for Cole but the three of us know that we all enjoyed buying me clothes instead haha. That night we slept over at my aunt and uncle, Kelly and Tatum's, house. It was so much fun! Granted the air mattress deflated in the middle of the night, but it was fun to spend time with my family. I learned that night that I have a black grandma. This explains why I tan so well (period)

Day 10 was Saturday. I went to Hobby Lobby with my aunt Tate. Dear future husband if you ever read this: this store is the ultimate temptation for me to spend money. Keep this mind. Now to continue, I came off conqueror, but if I would have bought something, it would have been these sweet colored jars, a fish bowl, candles, picture frames, paint, fabric, and pretty much everything and anything to have the ultimate craft box and decorations. I don't know if it is healthy for me to want these things. I think I will be avoiding that store. So later that night, I helped the Carriers, dear friends, with their catering gig. I got paid and could take enough leftovers to feed me for three meals, but I learned something more from this. The guests were the class of 1957. They all finished their plates! One man even told me that he didn't like any of the food  that was offered, but he took a plate anyway. I watched him, and he finished every little bit even though he made it clear he didn't like it. I thought about this and it is because they were born around the end of the Great Depression and grew up during WWII. They probably never had a choice on whether or not they finished their plate because their parents wouldn't allow them to be ungrateful. How generations change! This whole "children in Africa would love to eat your dinner" campainge is not working. I hope I can teach my children to be grateful.

Day 11 was Sunday naturally because 11 comes after 10 and Sunday follows Saturday. This was a very comtemplative day for me. In relief society (men be jealous you don't get to go to relief society), I learned a valuable lesson. The topic was about being member missionaries so I bet you could guess the generic things we talked about. However, it was the young women teaching's testimony that caught me off guard. She explained that she did not feel welcome in relief society or in church in general, so after a few weeks of trying when she moved away to college, she gave up. She made mistakes and is now coming back to church. She pointed out that this week, there are going to be hundreds added to our ward as new people move into the dorms. She said that these next couple weeks are so important to make these sisters (and brothers) feel welcome because if they don't feel that way and their testimonies are not as strong as they thought, they will not come back after a month. I really liked what she said and I want to take it to heart.

den osem (day eight)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt the need to be a great baker, literally. I should be on the show the Next Great Baker! To be honest, I just want the cool chef's coat! Today however, I thought I would pull a Betty Crocker and just whip up some muffins out of thin air . . . and bisquick. . . and an egg. ... and blueberries. . . . and sugar. . .and milk. . . and Love :) I even dressed up like her! So anyway, these muffins are great! I will definitely be making these for breakfast. Not only are they cheap, I could make these healthier by adding flax seed oil or something like that! Can I just say. . . Check out that muscle in the picture! Bet you didn't know I was also mimicing Rosy the Riveter ;) So thanks to fabulous women in my family, I have a bowl from my dear Sugar and my mom bought me muffin pans recently. Both taught me the importance of a good rubber spatula (mine isn't too hot though). I am so grateful that I have women in my life who have taught me the importance of good nutrition (muffins aren't that bad) and how to cook! I am also grateful for cell phones for those times that I forget things like how long to cook a certain casserole and I can just call up my mom and say, "Hey mom! So umm, shepherds pie. . .. . . 350 got it." Yes sometimes, I don't even have to ask a whole question and my mom knows what I am going to say :)

Day 7: Week 1 Complete

As usual, I had a few pretty neat things happen today. Today when I went to the temple, I saw a girl from one of my classes last year. We were never friends and to be honest, I don't really remember her name. We talked like we had known each other always. When I first saw her, I was so excited. I cannot explain why I felt so genuinely happy to see this young woman or that I was able to have a full on conversation and enjoy it. I had forgotten about her until I saw her. I want it to be like this with most people I meet. Is it possible? Well, I have a goal to remember every person's name that I meet this year by the second introduction. I  want to do this so that people can feel important and loved. I know I feel flattered when other people remember my name. So maybe with this goal, I will be able to have that kind of reunion with people I meet.

I woke up pretty sick this morning. I was bummed! I knew that tonight was our ward activity which just happened to be riding a zip-line down Provo canyon. I started feeling worse as the day progressed, but I decided to go anyway. Seriously, when would I ever get a chance to go on a zip-line for free?! It was one of the funnest summer activities I have ever participated in! The sun wasn't out and there was a cool canyon breeze. I could see down the canyon with all the pines and the river at the bottom. It was so beautiful! I wasn't even afraid of the heights and normally I feel a sense of danger up that high. I actually felt safer (more safe?) on the zip-line than on the gocart ride up the mountain. I had so much fun! It was also great to meet new people (ask me their names I dare you!) and get to know previous acquaintances even more. What a great activity!

Day Six

As I was growing up, for some reason I felt I had to be up before seven and to school before eight in the morning. Once college started, I failed waking up that early. Let's just say that I feel no need to wake up before seven any more! My nine o'clock class was easy to get to; that gave me enough time in the morning. So what I am getting at is that it has been so nice to get up when I want and get ready at my own pace this summer! I have quite enjoyed it. I don't think I will have a problem when school starts though because I will have a reason to wake up earlier.

My roommate Gaby Seeley and I went to the UVU campus today to get some things settled for school before deadlines and such. All last year, a new science building was under construction and it opened up partially at the end of our last semester. It its completely open now so we thought we would go check it out. I think I may have found my new study spot on campus! This building is so neat and HUGE. We found a skeleton statue that we named MR. Bones-Jones. We also came across this counter that holes in it for garbage and such, but there were no garbage cans placed underneath . . . yet. I fit in a cupboard pretty easily, so naturally , I had to get in a stick my head up through a hole. We thought we were pretty sneaky by making sure no one was watching, but neither of us thought of security cameras. I hope we made someones day haha :) 

Day . . . . . 5 !

I know I said the challenge was a picture a day, but it seems as though I put two on. Perhaps this will change as I become busier with school and such. So anyway, two pictures again today :) I wanted to share with you my delicious breakfast of cinnamon french toast topped with homemade apricot jam with a side of milk and a perfectly ripened banana, but you were not there! Where were you? I would have shared! I have a goal to not eat cold cereal for breakfast in an attempt to say healthy and well this up coming school year. So far so good! We will see how well I keep to this goal. I will keep you updated because I am going to learn some sweet breakfast recipes!

If any of you have met my car, you know that it is a rolling miracle. When I was on my way home from church yesterday, my car wouldn't start. The young man that was helping me couldn't jump it and no one could tow it that night. So miracle number one: My car was not booted or towed by the city! Later on today after I was able to get someone to help me, we went to Walmart to get some towing cables which I really did not plan into my budget. The package that they were in was pretty torn up, but it was the only one.We get to my car and miracle number two greets us with a handshake: my car started when my helper jumped it! Miracle number three: I was able to drive to a car parts store and buy a new battery after closing hours and they installed it for me! Also, when they tested my battery (I can't remember what the measurements are called)  measured at 40/600. Normal cars need like 200/600 to run, so really my miracle car stayed true to its reputation. Miracle number four: Although I managed to loose the receipt for the badly packaged towing cables, I was able to return them and get a full refund! That black rectangular looking thing is my new battery :) I now know how to install them and jump it if needs be.

I have had many reasons to believe that we are the children of a God of miracles throughout my life. Today was another testimony to me that God really does pay attention to the little things and that He answers our prayers. He is aware of us!  In all reality, I could manage without a car if I needed to, but my car is important to me and Heavenly Father knows that. Earlier today, I said a prayer specifically for miracles so that my car wouldn't be booted and that I would be able to move it from the parking lot to my apartment and that it would start if possible. I had hope in these prayers, but Heavenly Father answered in a better way than what I had expected. Not only did it start, He provided me a way to fix the problem and I made it home safely. All of the series of events today seemed frustrating and I was stressed, but as I reflect this evening about what happened and the tender mercies of the Lord, I know that He was watching out for me and teaching me lessons of gratitude, prayer, faith, hope, and patience and humility. What a great day!

Sunday, Day 4

What a day! It started with my sweetheart waking me up with a happy message. That may have made my day. I am so blessed to have someone that cares about me and lets me know about it.

To be honest, I was kind of nervous about today. My ward started church at 1:30 in the afternoon and that is what I thought would throw off my groove considering I have had church in the morning my entire life. I thought it would drain out my day. Time did in fact fly today, however, I was surprised at how well I was able to focus on the Sabbath. I think it is because I wanted to stay focused on the gospel and in particular Jesus Christ before I took the sacrament today. So I focused all morning on spiritual things and by the time I got home from church, it was five in the afternoon!

So I had a good scripture study before church today and I want to share a few things that I learned that I feel are appropriate. I have always had a hard time distinguishing the difference between faith and hope. Well it just happened that today as I was studying the Christ-like attributes section of Preach My Gospel, those two topics were in the pages that I studied. This book described hope as "believing and expecting" something to occur and faith as a "principle of action"(pages 116-117).  So eventually, I came to the conclusion that faith is what you do to follow Jesus Christ and you hope for certain blessings because of what you did. The trick is to make sure that we are putting our faith and hope in the right spot. Another way to put is is faith is what you do to receive a specific hope.

The picture that I posted today is of my notes in my gospel study journals. One is for my daily scripture study, and the other is based on topic. I just wanted to say that I know that if we take the time to write down what we learn and feel as we are studying the gospel, we will learn more than we ever expected. By writing these sacred thoughts and feelings down, we allow the Holy Ghost to teach us even more because we show that we want to learn and that we value what we learn. I definitely see a difference in my study between the instances when I have a pen a paper right by my side and when I just have my scriptures. I have also seen a difference when I make an effort to organize and label my recordings too. You should try it some time :)

Day Tres

Once upon a time there was a young lady named Sarah Jane Baker. Sarah Jane loved plants and working in gardens. Naturally, Sarah Jane grew up and went to college so she could be an educated woman. Sometimes, she missed being home so to solve this dilemma, she bought a plant. It was one of those miniature looking palm tree things that people normally put in pots with their petunias. As the semesters went on Sarah Jane grew attached to this plant. You see, it was one thing that didn't change during her growth spurt way of college life. She promised that she would keep this plant all through her college experience. Then one day when she was moving back home for a while, she left the palm tree thing in the hot car. It's once perky, foot long, luscious leaves now looked like that lettuce you forgot was in your vegetable drawer in the fridge a month ago. Sarah Jane tried to baby it to make it perk up. She clipped all the dead leaves off and kept it in a stable environment. Eventually, she lost hope and neglected to even try to take care of it.  Weeks went on and she decided to put a new plant in the pot. When she went to remove her beloved palm tree thing, she noticed little starts budding from the top of the twig that was left over! Sarah Jane was amazed! She had not watered the plant for at least three weeks and it was not anywhere near a window. What Sarah Jane forgot, is that this palm tree thing is constant. It remained strong even though it was choked and neglected. She knew it was strong, she just forgot to see it's real worth and potential.

So what did I do about this? Well, I still wanted a new plant in the pot so I carefully removed my palm tree thing and separated the roots from the dirt. Surprise there was actually two of those whimsical plants in that ceramic pot! I put them in a jar of water. It has only been five days since it just had little buds and the leaves have grown just a little over an inch!  When they are big enough, I might put them in some dirt so their roots can take hold to something. I might just leave them in the jar too! It is cool to see the roots; maybe I should put some rocks at the bottom so the roots can hold onto something.

So I think I got my love of plants from my Great Grandma Dorthy Tucker. She is famous for her giant gardens from the past. She is 85ish now and she still has a huge garden. Mind you her garden now is about the size of a large garden for normal people, but she will insist that it is small. She is so healthy and hard working! I want to be like her when I am 85ish! I got to see her today at my Uncle Steve's wedding. She is remarried to a man named Merlin who I am sitting by in the picture. They are both so kind to me and I really appreciate them. I am so blessed to know them. In fact, I have met all of my great grandparents except one! Now that is a privilege!

Day TWO

I finally have everything unpacked and organized! Well, mostly organized; I would like to organize my book shelves a little different than I already have them. I also did some deep cleaning because the people that had my room and bathroom before left a mess. While I was working today I listened to music nonstop either from Pandora Internet Radio or from my ipod. It was interesting to notice how I felt while listening to each song. I realized how much music affects my attitude a behavior in a different way by paying attention to how I felt rather than focusing on the fun-ness and catchy beat. I think I need to be more careful about what I listen to. I also need to whip my ipod into shape!

I went to the Provo Temple this morning. I made a goal to go once a week this year since I live so close to two temples. I did go home for six weeks this summer so the temple was not as close, but my parents made a special effort to take me to one. In fact, as a family we visited the Vernal, Utah temple. Anyway, I have made my goal almost every week so far! I think I might have been taking the opportunity for granted earlier this spring and summer. I realized this when I was home in Price when I had to make more of an effort to go. I think I would like to revamp my goal to attend the temple once a week with purpose, reverence, and an open heart. What a blessing it is that I can go so often! I want to make the most of it. I want to go for the right reasons, not just to check of a weekly task.

Day 1 X 2

Pinterest has done it again! I have a list of things I want to try that I have seen on that website, but I think one in particular will benefit me and future generations. This great idea I saw was to take one picture everyday and write about it for one year. Considering I cannot afford to print off 365 pictures or the time to paste it onto a paper, I thought using my blog for this project would be a great idea.

I wish I would have started yesterday, so I will include a few things about it. I moved back to Orem, Utah for school yesterday. I was terrified! I moved by myself, but luckily I have good roommates who helped me bring my stuff up from the car! I really like my room this year. The closet isn't as big as the other rooms, but I would much rather have a good sized window than a big closet.

So today, was not my best shopping day. Needless to say, my list of things to buy grew once I realized how much stuff my old roommates bought. Also, I forgot my list when I went to the all powerful Wal-Mart. I don't really want to talk about it. If anything, I will not go hungry for at least three weeks! I bet I could even stretch that if I needed to.

 I had a good talk with my friend Chase Hart. What a blessing it is to have a friend to talk to who knows how to give feed back. He remembered that I enjoy hiking and suggested that we hike up to the giant BYU Y that is on the side of the mountain. I had so much fun! My roommate Gaby came with us, and I am excited to see the pictures she took. The view overlooking the Utah Valley was amazing, plus, we were up there for the sunset! I could see the Provo Temple and the Mount Timpanogous Temple up there. It will be neat when the Provo City Center Temple and the Payson Temple are done because I bet you will be able to see those from up there too! My legs are going to kill me tomorrow! Especially from the steep descend. It really was a great experience.

To my Baker family who may or may not read this: My hiking up to the Y is not a sign of treason to the Utes.  I think I might have littered up there on the Y itself. Yes, it is true, I cannot find certain wrappers. This does not detract from my loyalty to the Utes. In fact, this is a fun accomplishment to hike up that mountain.