Finally Finished Finals!!!

Finals this time around were actually not too bad for me. I had 2 finals that I had to take in the testing center, which I actually took in the auditorium of the JSB (Joseph Smith Building). During finals week BYU turns the auditorium in that building, and a large room in the student center into extensions of the testing center, and there still end up being lines that are over an hour long. (BYU Testing center: the only place people will stand in line for hours to do something they don't want to do.) One of these finals went really well and the other, not so well. But, that's okay. I'm done, and hopefully I'll never have to take a statistics test again.

My other two finals, one I had to write a paper for, and the other I was able to choose from a list of 'activities' then write a 1-2 page paper on what you did and email it to the teacher. Neither of these finals were very hard, and I kind of even enjoyed myself while doing them. For the 'activity' one I chose to "strengthen intergenerational ties" by reading in my family history book.

I read about my great great grandpa and grandma, Johan Henrik Bergstedt and Charolette Marie Mathiasson Bergstedt. It was so interesting to me to learn more about their lives and their personalities. It made me appreciate them a lot more and want to learn more about them. I also would really like to learn more about my ancestors and ancestry in Norway, and take a trip there to go and see all the places I learn about.

Well, I have work today and tomorrow, then my sister's graduation on Friday, then moving Saturday, then dentist appointment Monday, then school starts back up again for Spring semester on Tuesday. What a relaxing break, eh? It's fine though because I actually really enjoy having things to do and ways to fill my time so I'm not just wasting it.

Anyway, that's it for this post! Good luck to the rest of you students who're still powering through the rest of your finals. I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Beyonce Ain't Got Nuttin' on Her

I just want to take a minute to express my appreciation for a girl in my life who has made such a difference for me and who is always building me up and helping me to become the kind of person I want to be. From puppying to soft kisses to hilarious texting conversations to family dinners and lots lots more. That's right ladies and gents, I'm referring to Miss Ashley Holt! (She's currently single boys, and the most eligible bachelorette in Provo so snag her while you can!)

Ash and I at the splendid b-day party she and Shea threw for me

Ashley is honestly one of the most amazing and inspiring people I know. She somehow does it all, and I mean that literally. She's a sterling scholar, a dating dynamite, church champ, an internship intelligent, a party planning pixie and she still manages to be pretty much the best friend in the entire world. I honestly don't know how she does it all and she does it all well.

Girls night at Ash's family's condo in PC

Ashley honestly always takes such good care of me. She makes sure that I'm invited to everything and encourages me, sometimes almost forces me to engage in social activities because she knows I'll love it and I'm grateful for that. She introduces me to so many good friends and always gives the best introductions, helping my first impressions go better, so long as I don't mess them up.

I don't know if I've ever been complimented as much in my life as whenever I'm with Ashley. She is honestly so great at seeing all the great things in people and letting them know about them. She definitely knows how to boost someone's self esteem and confidence, and she does it in the most genuine of ways.

Shea me and Ash at my B-day party. I am honestly so grateful for these two!

Ashley is one of the most driven and hard working people I know. Whatever she does, she puts her all into it. This semester, she's successfully been a top notch relief society president, a social guru, and done swimmingly in the academic area. She never fails to try her best and to give her all and that's something that I really admire about her. Ashley is also incredibly passionate and motivated to do whatever she can to achieve her goals and see her dreams come true. She's been offered plenty of internships and she's only 21.

Have I mentioned how hilarious Ashley is? I've never laughed more than when I'm with her or Shealeigh. Ashley's laugh and mine are honestly harmonious together. I swear. We seem to be so in sync we can even finish each other's sentences and say the same words at the same time without even meaning to. She is great at cracking jokes and is so incredibly witty that I can hardly keep up with her.

Ash planned an IPod Dance party in Jerusalem and she had the hilarious idea for us all to dress up as tourists

Seriously though, this girl never ceases to amaze me and to be there for me. She has made such a difference in my life and has changed me for the better. Her example encourages me to be the best that I can be. Ash has seriously always been there for me when I've needed her. Whether it be stresses with school, boy problems, concerns about the future, exciting news, etc. etc. etc. Ashley is constantly willing to lend a listening ear and to help me think things through and to feel better when I'm down.

Ash and I at a rope swing we went to on our Jru  reunion in Bear Lake

 Not to mention Ash and I have lots of similar opinions and agree on just about everything that's important in life. We get along so well, I have to believe that we were friends before our births. She's so easy to talk to and the conversation always just flows.

Also on the retreat to Bear Lake, our Volleyball team. Isn't Ashley hilarious and also stunning?

Ash and I getting ready to do the pudding drop at the Bear Lake reunion.
This is a dang cute pic if I do say so myself.

Ash and I after the pudding drop

Ash and I like to do funny things. 

Honestly though Ash, I am so incredibly grateful for you. I don't think you will ever know just how much you mean to me and how much of a difference you've made in my life. I plan to be friends forever, legitimately, so I hope you're planning on the same. I'm always happy when I'm with you and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for being one of my heroes! I love you.

Love Forever and Always,

Your Sweet SB

Nostalgia

I know that I should be sleeping or studying right now but I can't help but feel a little nostalgic. It was a year ago that I left my home in Jerusalem and returned to my home and family here in America. They always tell you that home is where the heart is but who knew that your heart can be in so many places at once. Here are a few pics lol of my time spend abroad. If you want to learn more in depth about my experience, you can read about it here.

Hanging out with the Abu Lafi Family. These people are some of the most generous and compassionate people I've ever met.

Me and my Jerusalem roommates getting ready for Arab Culture night.

Me at the birthplace of Christ

Outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Door to the Church of the Nativity

Inside the Church of the Nativity

Beautiful sunset on a hike in the Golan Heights

Me at the Dome of the Rock

A shop in the old city

She Was Called to Serve and Now She's Off

In case you haven't read my most recent post preceding this one, let me give you a little background. My best friend is named Shealeigh Smith. She has made the choice to serve a mission for the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), also known as the Mormons. Shealeigh does not have to dedicate these two years to spreading the gospel. No one told her that it was required of her or even requested that she do this. She personally made that choice with help from the Lord. If you want to know more about Shealeigh, and why she made the choice to serve, click here. Shea is such a good example to me of living the gospel and simply preaching it in the way you live, the way you love others and everything you do.

Here's a few pics we snapped before walking out the door and saying goodbye to the incredible Sister Smith for the next 18 months.

Ash, Shea, Me and Letty. Boy will Ash and I miss these Girls. Shealeigh entered the MTC yesterday to serve her mission in Las Vegas and Letty will be leaving on a mission to Bolivia in a few weeks.

Last Pic with SheaBay before she's off to spread the good word. I miss her a ton already (I've already sent her two letters and she hasn't even been gone a full two days) but I am so grateful for her willing sacrifice and I know that she'll be blessed for her courage and desire to serve the Lord.

If you are interested with meeting with missionaries like Shealeigh in your area, click here. Or, you can chat with them online by clicking here.

I am so grateful for the choice I've made to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to live by it's teachings, and to be obedient to the teachings and council of it's leaders. I know that it is the true church, established by men who were inspired by God and who acted as servants in his hands. This Gospel has brought so much joy into my life and it can do the same for you.

Dear Sister Smith,

Tomorrow my very best friend, Shealeigh Elizabeth Smith will enter the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah to further prepare herself to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has been called to serve in the Nevada, Las Vegas mission, preaching the gospel in the English language. I am so excited for her, and so proud of her for making the decision to serve the Lord.

Shea and I at her mission call opening

She makes me so happy!

We loft whispers, secrets, and soft kisses

Me, Shea, and Ash. These two girls matter so much to me and have changed my life.

She makes me laugh and cry (but the best kind of cry) but mostly she makes me laugh more than anyone else. 

Shealeigh is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. From her I have learned so much and been able to grow a ton as well. She is so much of who and what I want to become.

Shealeigh is one of the most caring and selfless people I know. She's constantly looking for ways to serve others and to make their lives better. She feels immediate compassion toward people she doesn't even know, and immediately looks for ways that she can make their life better.

Shealeigh is a big reason why I've become the person I am today. As time went on in Jerusalem, Shea and I got closer and closer and began to spend more and more time together. Shealeigh helped me to feel so comfortable with myself and so confident. I began to care less and less about what others think of me. Shea brought out such a fun and carefree side of me. People began to say things to me like "I don't know who you are anymore" or "Where did this come from?" That side of me was always there, but it was always too scared to show until Shealeigh.

Letty, Vladi (Cuzin), Shea, Me and Tucker modeling on the shores of the Sea of Galilee

Shea, Stu Bev and Me
We like to show people how much we love them.
(only on the cheek of course)

Backwards hat day was definitely something to remember

All the pals cruzin' round the city. We made a stop in at a church.

At Emilie's Bridal Shower. I'm always happy when I'm with Shealeigh.

Best Friends

We were meant to be friends

On the shores of the Sea of Galilee

One of my favorite pictures of us

Shealeigh is one of the most confident people I know and she loves herself, but in the most humble of ways. She is completely selfless and down to earth but she knows who she is and where she comes from and she recognizes her great worth in that. She is happy with who she is and wouldn't want to be anyone else. That's one of the things I love most about her.

All the pals at a summer picnic soon after our return to the USA

Me, Shea, Letty and Ash at Taco Tuesday. Letty also has her mission call. She is going to Bolivia. What will Ash and I do without them?

My cousin Jon, Me, and Shea. We Died Jon's Mustache bright blonde and Shea and I each did a little piece of our hair. Ironically mine didn't work at all although my hair is already blonde. Shea's on the other hand turned out great.

Just acting natural at the Ugly Sweater Christmas Part. Shea was the bell of the ball for sure!

Colony 2015. BFAFIL.

Shea, I want you to know how much you mean to me, and you always will. You have changed me. You have helped me figure out who I want to be and have helped me on my way to get there. My time with you is some of the most treasured of my life. I will never forget all that you've done for me. I am so proud of you and so excited for the adventures you're going to have in Las Vegas. You're going to change so many people's lives for the better, the will call your name blessed. I will write you constantly. The mail man is going to be my best friend when he brings letters from you and my worst enemy when he doesn't. Thank you for literally being the best friend that I have ever had. I love you with all of my entire heart.

She's an Angel sent to be my saving grace

Go get 'em Sister Smith!

But to me you know you'll always be, My Little Girl

Every girl is a daddy's girl in someway at sometimes. Whether she uses those big puppy dog eyes of hers to get a few extra bucks or she's sitting on the end of his bed in tears, talking with him about her latest break-up and asking for advice, every girl needs her Dad.

My dad has truly become my hero. These past couple years we have become closer than ever before. One of the things that I absolutely love and admire about my father is the way he honors and exercises the priesthood he holds.

Life is always hard but mine has seemed a little bit more difficult than usual lately. I've felt a lot of stress with decisions to be made, finals coming up, other school work, church responsibilities, money, dating, family worries, etc. etc.  With many issues, stresses and worries coming to the surface at once, I've felt a lot more anxiety than usual and it's effected my day-to-day.

Today I asked my father to give me a blessing. He is the bishop of our home ward right now so he's almost always busy, especially on Sundays. I told him that if he did not have time, I would understand and that it would be okay. Although he had been up late the night before, woke up early that morning, and had been going, going, going all day long, my dad still made time for me.

I came to the church and stepped into his office. Rather than just giving me the blessing and getting me out of there, he sat and talked with me for a while about what my worries are and how things are going. He talked with me about my future plans and helped me consider solutions. He talked with me as if each of these stresses and worries were his own. I felt so loved.

I sat down in his chair and as he stood behind me and placed his hands upon my head, I immediately felt the spirit consume me, along with immense feelings of gratitude and love toward my father. I've never fully comprehended just how blessed I am to have him in my life, and I still don't, not completely. He is truly a treasure and an example and I wouldn't have anyone in the entire world EVER take his place.

Not only is my Dad an incredibly spiritual man, he's also got a sense of humor (my mom won the jackpot right???). If I had a nickle, even just a penny really for every time I've said to my father "Dad, you're weird" I'd be a rich woman. But I love him even still. Every time I hear the words "Here she come now sayin' mony mony" or "Where's you're moma? Yeah. What's she doin? Yeah" (that last one he sings to the tune of 'Everybody' by the Backstreet Boys) the vision of my father's wonderful singing and impressive dancing plays in my head.

My dad also has the best original jokes. Whether it's his hand becoming a spider during sacrament meeting or when the waiter asks "What will we be eating tonight?" replying with "Oh, are you going to eat with us?!" his humor is pretty entertaining whether his jokes are very good or not.

My father is also one of the hardest working men I've ever known or met. He runs 2 businesses, fulfills his responsibilities as a bishop, is the greatest Papa any grandchild could ask for, an INCREDIBLE dad, a comedian, a priesthood holder, an adoring husband, and still finds time to sit down and watch netflix with me every once in a while, or come with us to Trafalga.

All in all I love my father is the greatest, and I love him with my entire heart. He's always been there for me and I hope that I can always be there for him. I'll always be his little peaches.

Mrs. Mom

This weekend I've had the opportunity to babysit my brother and sister-in-law's four kids while they stole away to Vegas for the weekend. Call me crazy, but it's fun to play mom! Although this is true, one thing I've learned is that right now, I'm not quite ready to be a mother of four. I'm glad that's quite a few years off and that they usually come one at a time.

Here are just a few of the 'Momish' things I've found myself doing this weekend...


Managing multiple schedules, getting the kids dinner, basketball practice, soccer game, basketball game, laundry, baths, dressing people other than myself, brushing teeth, spills, frozen pizzas, play dates, family fun center, trading my nephew my shoes for his flip-flops so he could play lazer-tag, WeArInG a SeVeN yEaR oLd'S fLiP fLoPs, eating out, managing kids when eating out, 3 kids meals that end up half eaten, more laundry, kids climbing on railings, fruit snacks, granola bars, cereal, peeling oranges, Phineas and Ferb, Arthur, driving a mini-van, being a human coat hanger, cuddling, falling asleep on the couch, carrying a sleeping child to their bed


I'm so grateful to have nieces and nephews and to have been able to spend so much time with them all growing up. Through them I've learned a lot about mothering and been able to get a little practice in for the future. They are so sweet and make me feel so loved, and they are definitely always good for a laugh. Children truly are precious and they deserve to always be treated that way. I think the preciousness of children is often not recognized. Life truly is a gift and should not be taken for granted. Thank heavens for precious children.

So You Think You Have Mono?

mon·o·nu·cle·o·sis: (/ˌmänəˌn(y)o͞oklēˈōsəs/) An abnormally high proportion of monocytes in the blood.

Once upon a time, about 2, maybe 2 and 1/2 weeks ago, I was a young girl in college with so much to do and so little time. I was running about, running around, and getting run down. One Sunday night I began to feel like there were itchy marbles in my throat. I wanted to keep hanging out with my friends so of course I ignored this feeling. 

The next day I woke up, feeling sicker than the day before. I didn't feel like death though so I decided to trek through my day. I went to classes from 9-11 then went to work. By the end of my shift I felt the deathly ill feeling creep into me and start to take residence. I decided that it would be best if I didn't go to the rest of my classes that evening. I went home, took some Tylenol, and slept like a baby (up every hour, crying) (just kidding). 

The next day I woke up and felt much better (disclaimer: I didn't realize that it was basically just because I still had Tylenol in my system). I went to work and felt okay, and because of my ignorance I wore myself way too thin and pushed myself too far and ended up feeling sicker than ever that night. 

The next day I didn't feel terrible but I didn't want to take the risk. I skipped my classes, put up my work hours, and spend the day in my bed. I worked on homework as much as I could but it was difficult for me to keep focus. I had fun plans to go to a concert the next day and wanted to be over this thing by then, so I gave my body as much rest as I could possibly stand. 

The next day I went to work again and even picked up some extra hours. By the time I came home I was again, beat. I was excited about going to the concert that night so I decided to tough it out, take a quick nap, and put on a tough face. My friend and I took the front runner up to Salt Lake, had some dinner and made it to the concert venue. As more people came the room got warmer and I got sicker. We eventually decided to sit on the floor in the corner for a bit until I suggested that maybe I just needed to step outside for a minute and get some fresh air. We started to walk out the door when the bouncer or whatever he was (I've never been to a concert before so I don't know what to call him) told us that there was no re-entry. I turned to go back in but my friend insisted that we leave the concert and get home. I was upset because I wanted to be tough and didn't want to ruin the concert but my friend was incredibly considerate and I actually felt really sick, so I finally gave in. We took the front runner back to Provo and when we got home I went right to bed.

Friday I felt a better but not 100% yet. I felt well enough though that I decided I would be fine to go to our Easter family party in Salt Lake. Halfway through the party I retreated to the couch where I curled up and tried my best to drift off to dream land.

Saturday I had plans to go to the Color Festival in Spanish Fork with some friends but learning from past experiences in the week, I decided that it probably wouldn't be a good idea. Instead I tried to see the doctor but was unsuccessful. Instead, I set up an appointment for the next week with my pediatrician. (Yes, I am 21, and I still see my pediatrician. And yes, I usually am about 8-10 times the age of any other patient there. And no, I don't intend on changing doctors anytime soon, no sooner than I absolutely have to at least...)

Anyway, the next week was a lot better but I still took it pretty easy. I went to see my pediatrician on that Thursday and he had me get a blood test taken. The next Tuesday I got a call from the lab, informing me that the results came in and that I had tested positive for Mono. Hooray... (She also told me that I should be over the contagious stage, lucky for me.)

In all honesty I hear all about how terrible Mono is, and I definitely feel the effects of it, but I haven't found it to be as terrible as everyone's told me it is. So lucky for me, I guess my case is a lot less serious than many others. So no worries people! I'm feeling better and better each and every day.

So, if you think you have Mono...

So I tried to upload the video of him actually opening his call, but I keep getting an error message.

But, here's a video of the happy elder moments after he opened his call.

The Best Day Ever!

TennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennesseeTennessee

My Brother's Goin' to Tennessee!!!!!

Tonight at approximately 8:15 p.m., my younger brother, Tyler Brian Bradshaw, had his life changed forever. Tyler has made the choice to serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will leave his home and family for 24 months to teach others about the wonderful truth that our church has to share. He has received his assignment and has been assigned to labor in the (drumroll please)...

TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE MISSION!!!!!

He will preach the gospel in the English language.

He has been asked to report to the Provo MTC on August 14th, 2013.

What an exciting event!!! I was so nervous and excited and anxious about hearing where Tyler would serve, and it wasn't even my mission call! I'm surprised at how well Tyler was able to keep his cool. Tyler is honestly one of the most amazing and incredible people I have ever known and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. Tyler has always been incredibly mature for his age. He's always been genuinely concerned for the welfare of others and been very careful to make sure he does the right thing. He's always been great at including others and making them feel like they not only belong, but that they are wanted. He's always had a strong testimony of the church which he has been great at sharing, both vocally and through the way he acts. Not only does he always stay far away from trouble, but he is constantly doing things to better himself spiritually such as studying his scriptures, continual prayer, and seeking knowledge from additional sources such as talks from general authorities of the church. He's such an amazing example to me and I am SO excited to see all of the great work he does in Knoxville.

I just can't stop thinking about how happy I am, how excited I feel, and how amazing my not-so-little younger brother is going to be as a missionary and a messenger of God.

It Came!!!

The best younger brother a girl could ask for.

I'm hoping I'm his favorite sister.

The Proud Parents

Pure excitement (plus about a million other emotions)

Where will he go?

Tyler's guests made both a state side and foreign guess.

 

Tyler with my eldest brother and his family

Tyler with the newly pregnant couple

 

The gang. Tyler's been so blessed to have some amazing friends.

These kids sure are gonna miss uncle Ty...

...Can't you tell?

Survey says... Tennessee, Knoxville Mission!

Learning more about the mission

Tyler and our mom
Greatness begats greatness

Of course we had to celebrate with some ice cream complete with homemade chocolate fudge sauce.
(yes, I ate it. I kinda broke on this whole sugar thing yesterday, but I made it pretty far!)

My cute newborn niece Emi on google hangout. What a babe she is already!