The Best Christmas Present Ever

Thanks Brad, for making it possible for me to talk to Eric. This was the best present I could have asked for. I love you.

While we are still on the subject of Brad, you looked really good on National TV (ESPN). I took pictures and video of it on the DVR, so it is a little fuzzy, but I wanted you to see it.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Bradley!

I just wanted to let you know how much I love you and admire you. You are such a great example to me. You have no idea how much shoveling snow and moving furniture for the widows of our ward and your dilligence in serving a mission have helped me. I have been so blessed to have three great brothers. You have been there for me so many times. I love that you listen to me when I call after a bad day. I love that you put up with my quirks and you are supportive of me in overcoming my weaknesses. I love how filled with hope you are, and that you have a very positive personality. I love your dedication to serving the Lord. I feel my own testimony strengthened by your example.

I love you!

Love,
Karen

The grades are in...

...and I passed all of my classes! I didn't get a 4.0 but I came pretty dang close. I am glad that it is over. Now onto the next term and a new adventure- working on a research project on recitivism. Wahoo!

New York!

I got to go to New York for the weekend. It was a lot of fun to see Erik, Julie, and Ginny. I also spent 6 hours seeing the sights. Of course, the highlight of the trip was spending time with family. Here are some pictures:



This is my favorite picture of Ginny.



Waiting for the subway.



In Central Park, where they filmed Enchanted.



Aunt Karen and Ginny

It's over

I officially finished my first term as a master's student today. I am glad that it is over. Going from semesters to terms was harder than I thought, but it went a lot faster than semesters ever did. I am not sure if I passed all of my classes, but I survived. I worked overnight shifts during finals week, which was a joke. I showed up for my last final after a 20 hour shift and was so tired. However, I only needed 26% on the final to get a B in the class, and I am okay with a B. I can't waste any more energy on something that I can't go back and change now.

I am excited to go visit New York. I can't wait to snuggle with my niece and spend time with my sister and brother in-law. Maybe I will even have time to see some sights, though I am hoping to be able to relax and just enjoy myself, rather than stress myself out over being able to see all the New York things. Maybe I will even start Christmas shopping.

My niece

Can I just say that I have the cutest nieces ever? I got to meet my niece Ginny for the first time this Thanksgiving break. She is so cute. She smiles and talks to you (until you try to take a picture) and then stays quiet. I managed to capture a smile on camera today, but it was hard work getting it.
I have also enjoyed spending time with my sister Julie and her husband Erik. They are great people whom I respect and love. They have put up with my crabbiness (I have five papers due on Monday/Tuesday this coming week). They have allowed me to hang out with them while visiting other friends.

Something new to read

I just finished the Heir Trilogy. I thought that this series was pretty good. As I read the last book today I felt sad that it was over. I enjoyed being able to escape for a while through books. If you have any suggestions about good books, send them my way, since I have four weeks off school and will need the mental stimulation.

In other news, I am really excited to meet my niece this Thursday. I look forward to being able to spend some time with family during the Thanksgiving holiday. Other than working on Thanksgiving, I have the whole weekend free to play. (Unless I don't finish my 5 final papers, which are due Monday and Tuesday).

It's also rivalry week. I hope Utah can pull off a win. GO UTES!

Being a Christian

Today in my policy class we were debating whether or not same-sex marriage should be allowed. The teacher told us it was a safe place for us to talk about our opinions on the subject. However, when one of my classmates made a comment about how when we were created, God created a man and a woman and commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth. This comment proceded to break loose a torrent of put-downs towards any Christians or Christian beliefs by the teacher herself. I know all of you who read my blog are at least Christian, if not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After class, while waiting for the next class to start, two of the people involved in the debate and I were talking. It turns out, that it is a bad thing to be a Christian and have values and go into social work. Isn't there supposed to be a happy medium? I feel very unsecure in my choice to become a social worker right now. This class debate rocked me more than I ever thought it would when I was going the reading. The discussion ranged from a blatant attack on the traditional family unit, to Christian beliefs, to ragging on Glenn Beck and his popularity and influence in getting people to vote against same sex marriages. In addition to this, our teacher showed us a clip called "Prop 8- the Musical" where Jack Black plays Jesus Christ and basically tells people to ignore what the bible says on homosexuality because we ignore everything else the bible tells us. Anyway, I feel very unsettled. And I wish that I had the opportunity to speak up in class. The teacher closed the debate right before it was my turn to speak up and defend my position. Shame.

Hello...

Hi! I hope that this blog gives you some insight into my life, boring though it is. This is primarily for family, so they can know what I am up to. Hope you enjoy it!