Getting a little fresh

Uh oh, Ricky boy. I'm not so sure that was a good idea.

Hi, I'm still alive

I'm just writing this post with the assumption that I do have some followers. And yeah, I'm still alive. If you read my blog, you may be wondering what's going on with all of these journalism posts. Well, I've been taking my first journalism class this semester and our weekly assignments consist of creating blog posts. So, there you go. I love journalism. I have learned so much about it this semester, and I'm pretty confident that it is exactly what I want to be studying.

The semester is ending in about 4 weeks. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Oh my word, what a quick one it has been.

In April, I will move back to St. George. I'm so excited to spend 4 WHOLE months with my family. I haven't done that in almost a year.

Soon I will start looking for summer jobs. I am hoping and praying that I can also get an internship with The Spectrum (St. George's newspaper) this summer.

However... I'm really going to miss Provo. I have grown to love this place and all of the people that I've met here. I seriously feel so blessed that I am a student at BYU. Some days, I have to stop and tell myself that I really do go to school here. It is a dream come true-- I feel so lucky.

(Thanks for the fantastic picture, Rosie)

Spring has sprung, and I don't think there is a better feeling in the whole world than laying a blanket out on the grass and snuggling up with a good book (or textbook, of course).

I also have a mini job. You know those annoying people that knock on your door every March trying to sell lawn aeration? Yeah, I'm one of them. I have to constantly remind myself as I'm walking down the street that my self esteem cannot be based off of cranky people who get mad at me for coming to their door. The key to making a lawn aeration sale here in Provo is to compliment the women on their wreaths and front-yard flower beds. Seriously, it's true.

Have you been following these Republican primaries? I have. My political junkiness has rubbed off on my roommate and friends. Everytime there is a primary you can pretty much guarantee a party in room 2123.

I also love Friday nights. Especially when they're spent with this boy.

Also, sending prayers for my sweet brother Brock. He's been in the hospital for almost two weeks now. Breaks my heart. I love that brother of mine so very much.

Finally, here is a powerful video to watch. My Book of Mormon professor shared it with us on the day when we were studying 3 Nephi 11 when Jesus Christ visited the Nephites.

What a wonderful experience my Book of Mormon class has been.

"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth..."

I am so thankful for a Savior who is an individual Savior. He knows exactly what each of us needs.

I believe that the Atonement was far more individual than we will ever, ever imagine.

What a blessing.

Whew, long post. Life is good.



What a year.

I can't believe it's nearly the last day of 2011. Please excuse the obnoxiously long post, but here is a summary of my 2011 from behind the lens of my camera:

Spring Break 2011. From our faces, it's obvious that we just love our St. George.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. This picture is definitely a keeper. 

A happy Easter at the Cottle home!

Oh, I love sweet Margo. 

The Spring Recital. I was one proud piano teacher!!

Seminary Graduation.

Graduation day with my handsome brothers.

I took this picture the first day that I spent on my brother and sister-in-law's beautiful farm in Tennessee. 

The tractor lesson!

Well hello there, Nashville!

I sure do love me some Watertown, Tennessee!

Haha, who knew the folks in Watertown were such campaigners? 

I loved spending my 4th of July weekend staying at Dan and Gail's lake house on the shores of Boone Lake in Piney Flats, TN.

My sister-in-law and I just soaking up the sun at Boone Lake.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Asheville, NC is one cute place!

My sister Brittany and I spent one summer afternoon browsing shops in Knoxville-- so much fun.

Mhmmm, that's what I'm talkin about.

We visited Duke campus during a stay in Raleigh, NC.

I snapped this photo the morning that I said goodbye to Tennessee. It was a fantastic 2 months. 

I spent a day cliff jumping at Sand Hollow Reservoir with my family right before I made the move up to Provo.

My second home sweet home!

I love new friends! 

I was so happy when my beautiful little sister came to BYU with her tennis team.

And.... I went on a couple of fun, fun trips to Temple Square!!

 It has been one awesome year. I'm so thankful for every experience that I have had, and I'm so looking forward to the ones to come during my 2012!

"The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." 
         -Jeffrey R. Holland

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime!

Priceless. The adults decided that it was their turn to take over the traditional nativity scene presentation this year. I think they should do it every year. I mean, check out dad in that wise man costume.

Happy Christmas Eve! Never a dull moment in the Cottle house...

Oh, we love Christmas!!

 Merry Christmas from the Cottle house.

It's been wonderful.

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays.

Well, this morning I finished up a presentation and walked home from campus sighing with relief. Yep, my first semester at BYU is over, and I am homeward bound tomorrow. I can't believe it. These first few months of college have been some of the best-- I have learned so much!

Here are a few things that I have learned:

- There really is life after my Physical Science class. Honestly, there is.
- Sleep is essential; staying up until five in the morning drinking caffeine definitely is not.
- There are some dang smart people in this world. Holy smokes.
- There is magic in doing homework in the library. Seriously.
- Provo is not St. George. Thus, I can't wear sandals in December.
- If you don't do laundry, then you don't have any clean clothes? Go figure.
- It's miraculous what a Reeses peanut butter cup and a little Frank Sinatra can do during studying.
- My family is still my family, and they always will be.

Ultimately, I know that Heavenly Father is always there. He makes the seemingly impossible-- possible.

I loved this semester. I love BYU. I love my new friends. I love Provo. And I love the fact that I am going home in 24 hours.

Mitt's the Man.

I hate to do this, but let's be honest folks... Mitt's the man.

And no... I am not misinformed.

I seriously love this country, and feel like it is my obligation as a citizen to become informed.

Right now, Mitt seems like the best pick.

Check him out for yourself at mittromney.com.

Lately

Well, it's been a couple of weeks...
Things are SO good.

Here are 10 things that have made me happy this week:

1) The weather. I love this cool weather so much-- it's even made me pull out the Christmas music. Too soon? I don't think so.
2) Waking up on Sunday morning and looking at the sun shining on the beautiful snow-capped Wasatch Mountains.
3) A late night drive to a super sketchy park at the base of Provo Canyon. It was quite an adventure.
4) The BYU Homecoming Parade. For a few minutes, I felt like a little girl again.
5) A fun, fun date! We even carved pumpkins. It doesn't get much better than that!
6) BYU won their game on Saturday. Let's be honest here, who isn't happy about that?
7) Hot cocoa. I chugged a 20 oz. cup. Awesome.
8) I was able to see my cute sister on Saturday when she was up in Provo! I love her big time.
9) Sweet Potato Fries. Honestly, I've found my new favorite food.
10) Making even more new friends. Seriously, Heavenly Father knew I needed them in my life. They are making such a big difference!!


"In all living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed-- not just endured."
                                   -Gordon B. Hinckley