Did you eat dinner with your family tonight?

As a college student, I don't get many opportunities to eat with my family. However, just thought you would like to know that the family that eats together really does stay together. I'm writing a research paper on the effects of family dinners and how to implement them into your busy schedule. Family dinners have been positively associated with a better social life for kids, less drug and alcohol abuse and better communication skills at an early age. Who wouldn't want to give this to their kids. While family time is crunched here are a few things the experts, as well as moms, are giving us: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AN EXTRAVAGENT MEAL! Even 30 minutes a day is better than no time at all. DON'T OVER-SCHEDULE YOUR KIDS. We all have lots to do... school, work and extracurricular activities are all necessary, but when they get in the way of quality family time we are hurting, rather than helping, the family.

Now, I know that I don't have a family yet, but I think this is helpful. What about you? My teacher actually asked me to get some feedback from mothers who have implemented the ideas of doing family dinners, so what do you think? What is most helpful for you and your family?

I hate being sick.

My throat is burning and my head feels like it's about to explode. But, life must still go on. On the agenda for today?

- Group meeting for a presentation on Monday at 10.

- Write an American Heritage paper.

- Do American Heritage reading

- Write English paper

- Practice Piano

- Start 2nd English paper

- Make note cards for American Heritage

- Take library tour

- Try not to die

And of course I have to do something of value when I feel like this...

- Go watch the American Piano Duo at the HFAC.

Is life good? Oh YES!

A forgotten video

I found these videos when looking for some pictures . I just make myself laugh. :)

Eternal Families

I am thankful for the testimony of Eternal families. I love my family so much and can't even fathom the idea of not being with them in the next life. This seems to be a reoccurring topic in my papers for this semester. The family is central to Heavenly Father's plan for us and can bring us unity and joy in this life and the next.

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is coming up and in the rush of school and everything, I have forgotten that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am so thankful that I get to spend this thanksgiving with Lena and Scott and Scottie and my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. I am so lucky to be able to have family close.

Today I am thankful for little reminders to be positive. While I was thinking about what to do this weekend, wondering if anything could be done, I was checking blogs. My friend Tara wrote on her blog about a little boy named Rex. He was diagnosed with DIPG, a brain tumor. He lived long enough to see his baby sister. He looks like one of the happiest little boys I have ever seen, as do his parents. So, because of him I can be positive about the fact that I am getting a college education, that I can talk to my family every day, that I have a testimony that families continue and that friends are a special part of life.

Even though I do not know him, I love Rex for what he has taught me in just a few minutes. Other things I am thankful for:

- Ice cream (I think I have become addicted to Dreyer's, which is bad because it is expensive)
- Running when it is cold outside and I can hear the leaves crunch under my feet
- Teachers who care about the fact that you were throwing up and couldn't take the test
- Little babies
- A cute little apartment
- My room mates (now and past)
- Family!
- Flannel sheets I can snuggle under on Saturdays.
- Grand pianos
- The great composers who I believed were inspired
- University of Georgia Football
- Diet coke (with caffeine please)
- Coupons (and this realization that Carl's Jr. tastes way better than Hardees and I should eat a sandwich instead of just fries when I have a chance).

So many other things, but I'll resume the list later. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy School-is-almost-done!

Halloween- Friday

So, sadly I didn't take any picture to document the momentous occassion. But last night was more fun than I expected. In all we visited ten Halloween parties in the space of 4 hours, courtesy of the Wilk and our loose definition of the word "party". Our definition is: If three's a crowd then four's a party, right?

We ended up going to our own complex party, our stake bowling party, a pastry making party, a bingo game, a whole bunch of single's wards and even a couple of family wards. In the end we snuck into another ward's party and ended up watching a movie with this guy we met earlier from our stake.

We thought it was only fitting that we watched Princess Bride since our new friend, Caleb, was dressed as Inigo Montoya.

I have a feeling Saturday night will not be as exciting, but I'm considering a cup of hot apple cider, a warm blanket and a good movie might be all I can handle today. Darn cough, why did you have to come on the weekend of one of the most anticipated weekends at BYU?

Music this semester

I am one lucky person. I have really awesome teachers this semester, including my piano teacher Mandy. Last week I had my first lesson with her, and to my great surprise, we are playing the same piece! Lob de Tranen, which means "praise of tears" is beautiful. It's mournful and touching all at the same time. It makes me so happy and sad at the same time... I love how music can do that to you. Everything is going wonderful including a cooking class where I get to make food, eat it, and be happy! I really do like my life, okay I love it.