Colton Schroeder

Fun Weekend in SLC!!!

2012-02-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

For those of you know It was my Trev and Amanda's wedding this weekend and it was a great weekend!

They were sealed together for all time and eternity and it was the most beautiful wedding I have ever witnessed!

Don't these two young people look so good together? I think they look perfect together. I love you guys and congratulations!!!

Lisa was attempting to pin my flower in my vest but I guess she didn't do it good enough because one of Amanda's brides maid fixed it. I thought she did a great job though!

Lisa and Jordon were awesome to come and visit and hang out with me at the reception! They are some of my best friends! I am glad I got to spend sometime with them while I was down there! Thanks Guys you're the best!!!

So once I got home from the Salt Lake I had a package from my best friend, Crystal, and a letter from my good friend, Elder Decker, waiting for me in the middle of the living room! It sure was a great surprise!

Crystal got me a Pillow Pet Kangaroo and it cam with a baby kangaroo the size of my hand. The big one's name is Betsy and she is mine and the little one's name is Meeco and he is Crystals. Funny thing is Betsy actually has a pouch! I love it Crystal! Thank you so much!!!

Scripture of the Day

2012-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Alma 27:27

And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

Okay these are the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, the same people who buried their weapons of war and refused to kill their enemies. They were the most humble, faithful, and righteous people that I know. I really hope that I could strive to have this love for my fellow brethren and do my best to give those around me a second chance. They endured their trials with perfection and they accepted their life and their challenges without out any complains. The Anti-Nephi-Lehi people were amazing and so faithful and cared about everyone. I really hope I can one day be like these people!

Scripture Time

2012-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Alma 25:15-16

15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.

16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses: but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those this to come.

Can I just say: I love this scripture! For these people to keep the law of Moses, helping them look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ just blows my mind how incredible their faith really is. I hope I too can be have the faith these people had relying on the spirit of prophecy. I am also so glad that we have the Savior's example to follow now that the law of Moses has been fulfilled.

2012-02-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

So tonight Lisa Cline and I attempted to go to institute tonight at Skyline but we could find the seminary building! We were getting super frustrated! Instead, we went to ShopKo and looked around for a while. Then my dad called and he asked if I could meet him at Men's Warehouse and Lisa was kinda enough to drop me off!

So I played dress up before I got to walk out of there and I just thought I would model just a little! I thought the Greg, Chris, and I looked pretty good. Good choice Amanda!

And while I was there Trev wanted me to try on his tux because I am the closest to his size. Let's just say I'm a tiny guy!

Trevor and Amanda I am really excited for you guys! I can't wait to have Amanda to become part of the family and I won't have to call her Trev's fiance anymore, but MY sister-in-law! I love you guys and I am so glad I can be here for your wedding!

3 MORE DAYS!!!

A Trip to Lizzie's

2012-02-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

So it was time for me to get a hair cut!

I had to get a picture with my nephew, Knox. When I came over he was so excited to see me! Isn't he such a stud!!!

I got a haircut for a special occasion....My brother's wedding!

Can I just say? I love getting haircuts. Thanks Lizzie! I love it and you always do a great job!

1/26/12

2012-02-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 3:50 a.m. again so I could be at the airport at 5 and so I could make my flight at 7. It was a good flight. I was so dead and I slept the whole flight! It was a fantastic nap my face was pressed up against the window!

So after I got home, I really wanted to visit my new nephew Matix Mark that I had waited pretty much a whole week to finally meet the little guy. So over to Lizzie's!

Just look at the little guy! He is so precious! He almost looks like he is smirking.

He is so tiny. I am proud to be called his Uncle Colton or Colt because its easier for the little ones to say. Matix makes 21 nieces and nephews for me! Keep'em coming!!!

And here is Matix's big brother, Knox, he wanted to get his picture taken too! He is such a stud and he is such a good big brother to Matix!!!

I just want to take him home for myself! I love babies and children they are so fun. I think I'm just a little too baby hungry! Haha!

These little guys are the sweetest gifts that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with! There is no doubt in my mind or in my heart that children are precious blessings that come into our lives because God loves us!!!

Sharing Time

2012-02-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry, just saying sometimes it's hard to find time in the day to do this. I am trying to get started up again. So this morning I read in Alma 22 and this chapter was about Aaron teaching king Lamoni's father. I love this chapter. My favorite verse in this chapter is after Aaron teaches Lamoni's father about the Plan of Salvation starting with the creation and ending with the redemption of Christ. And this is when Lamoni's father is pleading with God.

Alma 22:18

"O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead."

My favorite phrase in this verse: "...I will give away all my sins to know thee...". I just find this amazing how great king Lamoni's father's faith really is. I really admire him. This really is a truly humble man and I hope that could come to tell myself that everyday for the rest of my life and that those who I one day will teach!!!

I actually have some news, I got a month long calling! haha. Well it doesn't really have an official title but I now am one of the Young Men Supervisors for mutual and help out where ever I can. Since I wont be in town for very many Sundays, I only help out on Tuesday nights. I am pretty excited though and this is my first calling!!! Woohoo!

AZ Adventure: Day 7

2012-02-05T20:30:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, I woke up at 3:50 a.m. and I had to wake Jeremy up because he wasn't up when we were suppose to head off to the MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE!!!

Oh man! It was such a great experience. Let me just say that it has been a dream for me to attend this temple and it has always held a special place in my heart. In this temple I was sealed to my family when I was a wee little lad in grade school! I really appreciate Jeremy's willingness to take me and we woke up so early to go because Jeremy had work. He also showed me around his work and it was pretty cool to see around and what he does. The guys he works with are really cool guys.

Then the rest of the day I just hung out with Natalie and Jetta. My last day Jetta was actually coming to me and making me feel really special. Then the Belnapers got out of school early and Haylee picked up lunch at In-n-Out. It was delicious!

Later that night the Thompsons, Elsworths, and Trinity came over to the Belnap's home and we had another bonfire and we had some awesome dance offs on Just Dance 2 and 3. It was so much fun!!!

I'll try to upload a video if I can get one.

When I was telling all the kids goodbye for two years, it broke my heart, especially when Haylee was giving me her love. She is one of the sweetest girls I know. She was just in tears and trying to hold them back. Now she sends me texts saying, "You should write that in your journal." That is something that I kept telling her. It's one of our little inside jokes.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!

Thank you to everyone who helped make my visit so great!!

A special thanks to Natalie and Jeremy Belnap for giving me a place to stay and everything else!!!!

Scripture Time!

2012-02-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

I know I have been bad at posting my spiritual thoughts. I have just been finding myself more occupied all of a sudden.

Wednesday- Alma 18:10

"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them."

As I read this I was thinking how I would hope that I could be like Ammon and be a faithful servant as I serve a mission and throughout the rest of my life. I would think how great it would be to remember what I have been commanded to do and live up to those standard the best I could!

Thursday- Alma 19:13

"For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit."

I love how king Lamoni experiences his conversion being overcome by the Spirit and shares his testimony with his wife and his household. As I serve my mission I am so excited to be able to share my testimony with others and how I have seen Jesus Christ in my life and the power of his atonement I have experienced. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. I love the scripture John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the father, but by me."

Today- Alma 20: 27

"And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom: for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them."

Now king Lamoni's father was saying this to Ammon and Lamoni that he is impress with them. As Ammon and Lamoni listened to the Spirit and did as they were asked they were able to act as an instrument in the Lord's hands. I hope that as I listen to the Spirit and serve the Lord throughout my life I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands in building is his kingdom upon the earth!

AZ Adventure: Day 6

2012-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, I went to the Phoenix Zoo with my sisters Natalie and Kara, my cousins Kortney and Kylie, and my nieces Jetta and Braelyn!

We got here and I knew it was going to be a great day! My Dream car the Honda Odyssey!!!

If you didn't know monkeys are some of my favorite animals. I just find them so cute and I would love to be able to climb in the trees!

This is my tiger. Okay not really but he is the my high school's mascot! We think he was really hungry because he kept moaning and checking all the doors. I would hate to be in his cage!

The Giraffes, I love these animals! I find them so pretty!

I know this is gross and I'm getting ready to go on my mission but this was the big highlight of my zoo adventure.... two tortoises doing it! I felt so bad for the girl because it sounded like he totally cracked her shell. She was like trying to get away from him but she had like no choice. I felt so bad for her and by the way tortoises sound like cows!!!

Then that evening we went to my Uncle Justin's surprise birthday party! It was fun we went on a short hike at Usery Park again. It was really nice to see all of them again!

AZ Adventure: Day 5

2012-02-02T22:58:00.000-08:00

Monday, we drove back through the part of town I grew up in!

Welcome to Mesa High! If I didn't ever move to Idaho this is where I would have ended up going to school.

All of my older siblings actually when to this school and graduated except for Trev because he wanted to live in Idaho. I do want to add that I am super grateful to have moved to Idaho because I made good impact in my life. But I am a little sad I didn't have the opportunity to go to school here. I was a Tiger instead of a Jackrabbit!

This was the church building that I grew up going to. It was so weird going back through this area of town because it was like one big flashback. It was crazy to think that I was able to remember some of these things after so long.

I really wish I got to go to this place while I was down there. I love Bahama Buck's it has the best shaved ice and flavors. No offence to the SnoShacks up her in Idaho and Lisa you do make some pretty great snow cones! This place just brings back some happy memories that I've had in my life.

My cute, little niece, Jetta is chillin' with Nat and I at the cemetery!

I had to come visit my older brother Zachary while I was in town. I am so grateful for my brother he has been such a great influence in my life even though I didn't get to know him very well.

And I of course had to come and visit my Grandma and Grandpa Bingham! The last time I saw my Grandpa was about 5 months ago. And I am so grateful because it was the best visit I had with him. It was the first time I really felt that I had his attention and he let me know how proud and happy he was of me.

I love the back of their headstone where it has all their children's names! I am glad my grandparents are once again reunited!

This was the only picture I was able to get of my sister Natalie and of course she is picking oranges at the cemetery. I didn't know they had oranges growing there before. I was so embarrassed! I love you though!!!

And did you realize we were all wearing our Toms!

So for family night we hit up Skateland!

Trinity and Gage!

My nephews Kayden and Kyler, my sister Kara, and my niece Braelyn

It was so good to see them again! I love these guys!

I honestly couldn't ask to be apart of a better family!!!

OH YEAH!!! That's right I was jammin' out like crazy! This brought back some old memories! Good Times!!!

Scripture Sharing!

2012-01-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

So when I was attending high school at Idaho Falls High School I attended seminary. Seminary was by far my favorite class starting my Junior year partly because I decided to change my attitude and I started to soften my heart and open my mind and pay attention. As I found myself sitting in seminary and actually paying attention I was starting to feel the Spirit. Then after that one thing was happening after another like I started praying and I started reading my scriptures (specifically the Book of Mormon because that's what we were studying). Everyday we would be asked if anyone had anything they would like to share what they learned from their scripture study from the night before and nobody would really ever share and it would seem like the longest 20 seconds of my life waiting for nothing. So that's when it hit me maybe I wasn't really getting anything out of the scriptures because I wasn't looking for anything specific and I made it a goal as I studied my scriptures I would look for something new and share it in seminary. And that is the moment I lived for everyday during the rest of my high school experience. This changed my life and the way I looked at life. I was sharing the gospel everyday and no wonder I was always on a spiritual high! And the funny thing is that's what I'll be doing for the next 2 years!!!

So I have decided that since I don't have seminary to share a scripture everyday I am going to try and use my blog to help build me up again and hopefully I can help those of you that read my blog with a spiritual thought.

So I was reading in Alma 17 and it talks of Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah meet up again after several years. Then they all go there separate ways preaching to the Lamanites. And then you read an epic story about Ammon becoming a servant to King Lamoni, but I wont go into it. You'll just have to read it.

In verse 2 and 3 it talks about when Alma met up with the Sons of Mosiah and how after several years "they were still his brethren in the Lord." They were such good missionaries they studied their scriptures regularly, prayed and fasted often and because of these things they had the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of revelation, and taught with the power and authority of God.

To me that is just so cool to know that as we live our lives the way we are suppose to, we are are promised blessings in return. And as a future missionary these blessing will mean more to me. I hope the people I preach to, and the companions I have, and friends I make throughout my mission and life I can say they were still my brethren in the Lord!

Another verse I enjoyed is verse 11:

"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

Yes, right now it seems like they are all missionary scriptures, but I find it really cool because the Lord told me that I am going to to serve a mission and that I will go forth among the people of Argentina and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that its not going to be easy but I know it's going to be worth it and as I strive to be a good example as a disciple of Christ I will be in instrument in the Lord's hands and help bring people to the knowledge of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

AZ Adventure: Day 4

2012-01-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

So Saturday night we had a late night and I was up early.... well early enough to go to church but nobody was up. So we didn't go and instead I worked on a puzzle with Natalie. Then that evening I went and visited Jeremy and Calleen and the rest of the family!!!

It was so good to see all of them! They all crack me up and I have missed them all so much! While I was there we also jammed out playing Just Dance 3! It was so much fun and I came prepared with my under armor that's why you see black under my shorts. Stop looking Sicko!!!

This is my second oldest brother, Jeremy and my nephew Thomas! Calleen's family came over for dinner and it was crazy to see how everyone was growing up because I haven't seen some of them for years! When I first got there Thomas wanted to play Mario Kart Wii with me and man he was tough competition!

This is my beautiful niece, Callie! She always makes me feel so lucky to be her uncle because every time she sees me she gives the best squeezes like she hasn't seen me for years and doesn't ever want to let go. She is such a sweet girl!

These are my twin nieces Brooklyn and Katelyn. They are so cute! Brooklyn wasn't shy at all by Katelyn was warming up to me at the end of our visit. They are so fun! We played Honey, Do You Love and Brooklyn came up to me with her big brown and asked do you love me and there was no way that I could smile.

This is my Game-a-holic sister-in-law Calleen. We get along so well! My brother married well. Calleen and Jeremy were dating back when I was a baby and she is just like one of my older sisters! She was telling me how she would ask my mom if she could take me with her to run errands and stuff in her old rusted pickup.
It was so nice to see them again and hopefully I will be able to see them again at Trev's wedding in less than two weeks!!! I love you guys!!!

AZ Adventure: Day 3

2012-01-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

So on Saturday we actually went on a family hike up at Usery Pass.

I was hoping you could read the bill board. I thought it was funny but it say "End of your search for a friendly church" to me it sounded kinda cheesy and sugesting that the Gospel Light Baptist Church was the only friendly church.

This is a mountain that we past which was pointing to Phoenix nothing too exciting but it looks official!

This is the mountain that we hiked around and up. I was a good hike nothing like spending the day with family on a hike.

Not really my favorite picture of me but this blog isn't really about me. Ha who am I kidding?! Of course it is! Gage is in the back seat.

Crew wanted me to take a picture of him. Silly kid!!!

Look at all the Swarrow cactus. It was actually really pretty but don't get me wrong the desert is quite intimidating with all the poky plants! We also saw a lot of Jumping Cacti and Prickly Pear Cacti.

It's not what it looks like, Gage WANTED to be in the picture with me! He is such crazy and funny kid!!!

This just cracked me up too! This isn't doesn't look anything close to what a National Forest looks like further up north.

Me and the Belnap Clan besides Natalie. Of couse she always has to be the one taking the pictures!

I love my family and the time we get to spend together!

I don't mean to hurt anyones feeling but these are my favorite cousins, Kortney and Ryker! Kortney is my cousin on my Schroeder side and Ryker is my cousin on my Bingham side. Did you know at one point they were actually dating! It was hard for me to get through my head that they weren't related to each other. I sure do love these guys.

So we finished our evening off with a bon fire with s'mores and hot chocolate even though it really wasn't cold I still had a blast!

AZ Adventure: Day 2

2012-01-29T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well we actually started our day off at....

We had to make sure that we got there early so we can make a mad dash when the doors opened.

We were on a secret mission to find some pretty sweet shoes for Lizzie!

We were looking for Tom's which are the most comfortable shoes in the world and I actually ended up having to grab a pair of my own.

By the way that is Giant Barbie Pez dispenser that Natalie got for my brother Trev!

By the time we finish shopping at Last Chance, we were starving! We didn't actually go to Pete's Fish & Chips but we went to Pirate's Fish & Chips which is the same. It sure was delicious too! I just had to take a picture of Pete's because this is the place we would eat a lot when I was a kid!

This is the 60 and its 6 lanes wide and sometimes even 7 and on Tuesday I drove on it. I was so much fun and it was quite a rush compared to what we normally experience up here in Eastern Idaho. Oh and The yellow lights at the intersections are are like 3 seconds longer in AZ.

Haylee stole my camera and took a picture of her and Jetta!

This is an Arizona sunset from inside the car on a the 60!

Isn't it beautiful?

Natalie and I also took Haylee to her volleyball practice! She was doing such a good job!

And this is my nephew Crew, he is 6 years old and climbing up a pipe onto the Mesa High Building! Crazy kid. Natalie didn't even know until he was pretty much on top of the building. Boy was she freaking out. She had good reason to after all it was a tall building!

This is me in front of the house I once called home! It was sad to see it because i just didn't look like my home anymore but I love where I live now even more. If you see to the left of me is a big boulder, I use to sit on that rock a sing my little heart out with I was a wee lil' lad! Before I came to my old house I visited my best buddy's family for a little. It was sure good to see them! My best buddy is actually up here in Idaho serving his mission and I have ran into him twice already and let's just say it wasn't by accident. I will actually get to see him again on Thursday and have dinner with him because my Aunt Becky is living up in Rigby where he is serving and she invited him over for dinner. I am super excited!

These handcuffs were actually in my brother-in-law's buddy's car and a murderer was actually in these handcuffs. Isn't that scary to think that someone who thinks that they could just take another person's life was in these! To me it's crazy to even believe someone could do that!

And we finished out our night with some Little Caesar's Hot and Ready crazy crust pizza!

So good!

It sure was a great day!

I got my own pair of TOM'S!

AZ Adventure: Day 1

2012-01-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

My Trip to Arizona was one that was long over due and very much need. I need to or else I really really wanted to see my family down in the south before I left for Argentina for 2 years! I had such a great time! Thanks to Nat and Jerm for everything!

(Me and Jetta)
When I first got there Natalie took me to Paradise Bakery for lunch and it was delicious.

I know this might be a little gross but Natalie loves popping mine and Trev's backs. And once we got to her house she was getting a little anxious. It was quite painful!

This is the bed they fixed for me. Juicy Couture pillow case is how I rolled this weekend. This was Jetta's room that she was so kind to let me sleep in.

"Absolutely FABULOUS" are the first words I read every morning. Haha! Oh and did I mention that PINK is totally my favorite color. . . . NOT!!!

(Haylee my beautiful 13 yr old niece)
They are both just so pretty!
The rest of the night I just hung out with the rest of my family.But I was really enjoying the warm weather while I was down there.

A Day With Crystal!!!

2012-01-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

So I started my day with Crystal Ponce at 8:30 this morning at breakfast at Perkins. It was pretty yummy! Thanks Crystal! Then after that we went to high school to visit our favorite teacher, Mr. Clifford, and what was left of our old drama class. Afterward we went to the temple visitor center and it was so great.

I am so glad that we were able to spend the day together and go to the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor Center. It was an experience I won't ever forget. When we got there were we saw pictures of the exhibit that they had just gotten moved but it was still nice and then I was able to bear part of my testimony. Then we watched to movies in their theater and we watched a video about a mother and wife who experienced some burns that she recieved from a plane crash she was in with her husband. We watch a short video of two boys giving to a less fortunate farmer. That video touches me everytime I watch it. Then we watched a video on the restoration. I just feel there is no better way I could have spent my day!

I am so grateful to be such great friends with this wonderful girl. She has been there a lot for me through high school. She is definitely someone that I could talk to and have a good laugh with. She just puts me in a good mood.

Thank you Crystal for being my friend!

I love you!

Truely Man

2012-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty good to keep well shaved but I didn't have a reason to shave.So I didn't! And I honestly hate shaving like everyone else. I have never been a fan of facial hair and I don't think there are too many people to pull it off, including myself. I discovered I have like 3 different colors of whiskers growing out of my face light blonde, brown, and RED! Weird, right?! And I had patches where light blonde was growing and It looked like I had some bald spots.

I know it doesn't grow to fast after 5 days but it is the longest I have ever let it grow.

I don't think I will try growing that thing again! At least not til after I get home from Argentina. Maybe I should just wait till after I get married that way I don't have to worry about her changing her mind if she saw it.

Ok, maybe the red hair shouldn't be to much of a shocker. I did have some red hair as a baby!

What is going on?!

2012-01-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well my Mom just came back from visiting with the doctor and we have good new and bad news!

Good New: The two tests that they gave her came back negative so they say she has no cancer!

Bad News: The doctor couldn't tell us what is wrong so now she has to make a visit to see a neurologist. And she is getting a lumbar puncture on Thursday. Radiation could have done this to you.

Nothing seems more frustrating than to have the doctors tell you that they don't know that is going on and tell you have to go somewhere else or take different tests! I wish we new something!

I pray that they will be able to help my poor mother. It really makes me sad to see her go though these trials. I know that she is an amazing woman. If you would just please keep her in your prayers. I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm such a MAN!

2012-01-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know me I am actually quite a sensitive guy who cries during chick flicks and sacrament meetings but for over a month I really haven't felt like myself! I have felt like I was emotionally detached from the world around me as if I was numb and lifeless. And I had so many moments that I just was wanting to cry but I just couldn't. I know this sounds stupid but honestly I love crying!

I am not sure if you have ever seen any episodes of "The District" that are on missionary work and Preach my Gospel, but it was really testimony building and encouraging. I definitely was feeling the spirit tears were just flooding out. Then that night when everyone was in bed I watch the "Karate Kid" and I had at least three moments that I was losing it!

Now I can say that I am feeling better now that I can cry AGAIN because I sure was miserable!

My Poor Throat!!!

2012-01-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

I was really debating whether or not to post this just because the pictures are somewhat disturbing and disgusting! That just might be an understatement. So Thursday I was having a small sore throat and thought if I took a bunch of vitamin C I would clear up and go away and I did this for two day. Saturday morning I did not sleep well and I felt like maybe I had the stomach flu so I called in work sick. Then later that afternoon I took a nap and I woke up and my throat was feeling ten times worse, so I found a flashlight to look at my throat. It looked horrible! I was so grossed out I have no idea how this could have happened. It is so painful, especially when I swallow. I didn't really realize how much I swallow throughout the day because each time it is unbearably painful!

Saturday night, at 8 my Dad takes me to Redicare and we are waiting in the waiting room for 2 hours and once we got called back to a room we didn't leave for another hour and a half. Got to love spending your Saturday nights like this. And while we were waiting in the room my Dad started getting restless, impatient, and moody and this did not help my headache. I do appreciate him taking me though. The doctor did end up talking to us he said that the swab test came back negative and he said that the test isn't always accurate. So de prescibed me antibiotic and some stuff for me to gargle. I hope the meds work!

WARNING: You are about to witness some disturbing pictures of my tonsils.

Ready to see some NASTY pictures of my throat?!

Prepare yourself!

Trust me they might make you sick!

That's how it makes me feel realizing that was really coming for my tonsils.

This first one was taken on Saturday.

These were taken this morning.

Eww, right?

Hopefully with the antibiotics the doctor prescribed it will help clear it up!

I leave for Arizona in 11 days!

Immunizations and Frustrations!

2012-01-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was an interesting day, it started off by me going to get my IMMUNIZATIONS!!! That's one less stress out of the way.

This was my nurse, Pat Fletcher, she was such a sweet lady! She gave me that cool Spider man sticker for doing so good when she gave me my shots.

She gave me some cool band aids too! A bright orange one and two Tazz band aids!

Then that afternoon, my mom pasted out in the bathroom and hit her head on the tub, bruised her knee and hurt her shoulder. I don't know what I'm going to do with that lady. She worries me so much. I hope when it's my time to leave for the MTC she will be alright.

Thursday, my mom got an CAT scan and an MRI because she has been so shaky, her hearing is getting worse and worse, she passes out, and she's not very stable when she's trying to get around. We are suppose to hear back from the doctor on Monday. And this morning as I was waiting for the sauna to heat up I walked into my parents room because I thought I heard my Dad and I thought he had work today, I guess I didn't have work today but anyways he told me to come sit on the edge of the bed, so we could talk. And he told me, "Whatever we hear on Monday from the doctor, don't change your plans." It breaks my heart to hear these words, especially coming from my Dad because to me it sound like he is preparing for the worst. Sometimes I ask myself, why does this have to happen to me and my family and why now! I might even be jumping to conclusions. I just feel numb sometimes with all the worry and stress that I have experienced over the last 10 months.

And for those who don't know my mom was diagnose with Burkitt's lymphoma on March 14, 2011. She had to have chemotherapy for just over 4 months with 7 treatments and each treatment lasted a week long. She would sometimes be in the hospital 1 1/2-2 weeks and the first treatment she had she was there for 3 weeks. These were definitely trying times for me and my family trying to be optimistic and have hope that everything would be alright.

Then on August 21, 2011 we receive some great news, my mother's cancer was in remission! In September, she started radiation to make sure the cancer would be gone for good. Radiation went well but we knew it would take time for my mom to get back her strength, energy, and hair. haha. The truth is when people ask me how my mother is doing I tell them she is doing pretty good but most of the time it's a lie. I am just sick of telling people bad news all the time and it wares on me.

Everyday is a challenge, but I try to do my best to keep my chin up and try to go forward with faith. But whatever we hear from the doctor, I am not going to change my plans, I am going to go on this mission no matter what because this is what I am suppose to do. My mom and I have actually talked about this countless times and they were all "eye full of tear" moments. Sometimes I denied that I would leave her if she was sick but I know it's one of the best things I can do. The Lord will take care of my mom and my family as serve Him! I know I shouldn't talk this way but if something happens to her while I'm gone. I know she will be watching over me and be with me encouraging me along the way! :)

I love you, Mom!

BYE BYE CHEROKEE!!!

2012-01-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

This is what I happen to wake up to this Friday morning! One of my best buds missing!!! Well I guess I should say he has new owners now.

Oh Blue, I know we have had our differences from the leaky power steering, to the cracked windshield, to the flat tire on Taylor Mountain, to the bumper getting riping off in the school parking lot, and to the MPG but these last 3 years together have been great. I also have to mention Trev because Cherokee really wasn't mine but he kinda was because while Trev was go on his mission he left the jeep in my posession. And when Trev returned home, not too long after her bought Lizzie's old Honda Civic. So Cherokee has been pretty much my ride for the last 3 years!

I know we have had our times but he was always so good to me and always got me to where I need to go. I didn't really realize how hard it is to write this and not cry!

I just keep having all these memories flooding back that I had with this trusty vehicle that I have come to know so well.

I also remember a time that Cherokee was actually a part of a student film that we had to make for and English project and it was one experience that I won't forget with Shaleen, Caitlin, and Greg. We had used the inside of the jeep to be the inside of a rocket and we were using a Barbie and Greg beat it to death. You just had to be there!

Then the times I would be parked in the school parking lot or parked outside Crystal's house having a serious, sad, or outrageously funny conversation and we were either crying or laughing or talking with british accents. Good Times!

I also had these "moments" when I always did something stupid when I had a friend in the car for the first time with me. I think it was because I would be so nervous having someone new in the car with me and I would be so self-conscious of everything.

The times I did a little bit of off roading or took pictures with friends as we were driving. Or even pulled over to have a little dance party around the car or he would get to hear my friends' deep dark secrets. Oh and to remind everyone, what has been said in Cherokee stays in Cherokee!

Then there were times I would sit in the jeep and just think or meditate. Cherokee has really been one of my good friends that always knew what was going on in my life and my deepest darkest secrets. Some people have there dogs but I had my Jeep! Whenever I was driving, to whereever I was driving I was always saying my prayers but only when I was alone, of course. My Jeep has been one of my best buds!!! It is sad to see you go but I know that your new owners need you now. Be good to them. Don't forget me because I will never forget you, especially because of the constant mark in the street you made that will never go away! Make sure those that are with you are wearing protection. . . . Their seat belt!!!! You sickos!

I LOVE YOU, MAN!

I will miss you a ton!

And thanks again, Trev! You're the best!

Almost 2 years later

2012-01-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Well it's been too long since I've last blogged. I was on facebook and I saw my future sister-in-law's blog and it inspired me to blog again or at least try with what time I have left before I report to the Provo MTC. Honestly I have no idea what I want to say or am going to say.

I kinda feel like venting because I have been so stressed lately. I just feel like I don't know what to do with myself because there is so much to do and I don't know where to begin. Well I report to the MTC in exactly 10 weeks from today! And I'm scared to death! I don't have much time to get everyting done and that scares me. I am still trying to get my immunizations and visa all figured out and done. I'm going to stay at my sister, Nat's in AZ for a week from Jan 19- 26 and Lizzie is due to have Matix Jan 23rd. Then Trev and Amanda are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple Feb 11th and I wll be down there probably from Thurs-Sun. And some time between Trev's wedding and me reporting I would like to go down to Provo to visit some friends. Then I have a lot of shopping to do between all of this MADNESS!

I NEED HELP!

There is no way I can do this on my own. I wish someone could just get on my back about things just to keep me in check that I'm getting things done. Sometimes I wish you we weren't so busy with so many things and that my mom was feeling better and that I wasn't feeling like I was doing this all on my own!

March 14, 2012

Wish me luck!

Happy New Years!

2010-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

I had one of the best Christmas presents and New Years this year. Shaylee and her family came and visited us over New years weekend. Every time I'm with the Hatch family I feel like nothing could ever be better. I was really glad they got to come. We go to do a lot of fun things I hope to see them soon! Hopefully next month.

This is me and Shaylee on the snowmoble at the Blatter Farm. It was a lot of fun and I hope that you got that I was on the front and shaylee was on the back.

Me and Shaylee getting out pictures taken.

Me and Shaylee being our normal selves. Shaylee's little brother went with us and we let him jump in ome of them. We always to the mall every time we see each other to get out pictures taken in those box thingies. Oh man gotta love tradition.

This is a picture of Shaylee's family (my in-laws) and me standing in someone else front yeard next to their snowman. haha. Just kidding I wish they were. I really love this family. They are a lot of fun to be around and they know how to make me feel like I am belong.

Asking and Answering

2009-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

ASKING:

On Friday last week I asked Shaleen Richardson to Homecoming! It was so hilarious of course because I was given the idea from my sister Lizzie. Okay so I was walking up to her front door with my grocery bag on one arm. I knocked on the door and her sisters boyfriend answered the door and I asked for Shaleen and he says, "Yeah let me get her." So he yells for her and he says. "Shaleen there is a boy here for you and about a minute and half or two minutes past with me still standing just outside the doorway. And she finally comes to the door. Then I start off by saying, "Shaleen I know this sounds CORNY," and I had her a ear of corn from my grocery bag, " But I SODA want to go to the dance with you!" So i pulled out a can of soda (root beer). Then I told her her, " I know we will make a great PEAR. So LETTUCE go to the dance!" And as you could probably guess I pulled out a pear and a head of lettuce. My final words to her were, " ORANGE you glad I asked ya?" Then I ran away. She was laughing hysterically the whole time.

ANSWERING:

A few hours ago Shaleen finally answered me back and it felt like the longest time. I heard a the door bell so I went to go answer it so and guess what? They were dig dong door bell ditchers. Then all of a sudden I say a trail of candy.

Then it this wonderful trail of Almond Joys, Snickers, Reeses Fast Breaks and Baby Ruths led me to these to little posters.

The first one says, "BABY you made me SNICKER when you asked me to the dance it brought me great JOY. So I'll say this FAST. I'm a SMARTIE. SO..."

Then the other little poster was:

Then then it told me to turn it over so....I DID! And the back of it said....

"Y-E-S"

I am now OFFICIALLY going to 2009 Homecoming!

Woot!Woot!

Shaylee I Have A Secret to Tell YOU!

2009-04-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

SHAYLEE I MISS YOU SO MUCH THAT I'M POSTING IT ON MY BLOG! And because you keep bugging me about Updating so you can't bug no longer! HA HA HA!

My NEW CAR, A JEEP CHEROKEE!!!

2008-12-18T16:06:00.001-08:00

Okay i got the jeep because it was Trevor's. Now he is on his mission and I don't think it wants to feel lonely. Trevor was a nice older brother to allow me to drive it while he is gone.

The Girl

2008-11-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

It was early on
In my elementary.
We were somewhere around
the age of eight.
The girl I like told me
She was moving out of state.
I knew one day I wanted
To take her on that date.
Now we are grown up
And live in the same state.
We talk on the phone
Even though it maybe late.
I'm still trying to take
Her on that Golden date.
I hope someday that
She will be my soul mate.

My License, Finally

2008-10-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry Guys I was thinking about taking a picture of my license but that's a little risky to do. But anyways getting to the point. I GOT MY LICENSE!Testing for it I had to take a written and a driving test. First I took the written and boy that was not easy at all. You had to answer 34 questions correct and you then the test ended once you did, but you couldn't miss more than 6 questions. I missed 5 and I still had 9 to go man it was so nerve wrecking, but I persevered and handled it like a man. Then I had to take my driving test and that wasn't as bad. I took it with a guy named Randy and he was pretty cool. I think I did only 2 things wrong because my eyes wandered to the test sheet he had and the score was -2. He didn't tell me what I did wrong but I don't really care I was just so happy to get my license. WOOHOO!

Asked to the DANCE

2008-10-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah this stud up above got asked to his first dance. Its a girl's choice dance and I'm pretty psyched to go. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun. The way she asked me was, "Don't be a silly mess, Come to the dance with Jess!" And then she sprayed silly string all over my room. Silly string isn't the easiest to scrape off the walls and now I have a pink spot on my ceiling but that doesn't bother me. Most of all my poor Nemo got it bad and it was hard to scrape off. Asking her back I wasn't sure what to do so I went to my older sisters first(Natalie & Lizzie). Natalie actually came up with a pretty good way and on the poster it said, " Jess, Jess, of course I'll say yes, but first you need to clean up your silly mess and Natalie, Liz and me sprayed her room 2x as much. It was pretty fun.

Elder Trevor John Schroeder

2008-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Trev this one is for you, Big Bro. Man I am so proud of you. Your a great kid, I love you, look up to you and want to be just like you. I remember you had me take this picture of you because you needed one so you can send your papers. Trevor, I really know you'll do great serving in Jacksonville, Florida. It was Saturday 20th that we got his papers and found out where he was going. I remember it was about 11:30 that morning when the doorbell rang and I was thinking to myself who could that be, but it didn't hit me that it was the mail lady with Trevor's papers. I answered the door and sure enough it was her. It was cool to have the mail lady come to our house and hand deliver it herself and say, " I think that you will want this." I think that it was cool that she when out of her way to bring it to us as soon as she saw it and knowing that we have been waiting for Trev's papers. I felt special to be the one who answered the door and got to be the first one to really hold it and say, "Hey mom his papers are here!" Trevor again I'm proud of you and you will be a great missionary. Oh yeah I forgot to mention he is leaving December 3rd to the MTC.

Cowboy Colt

2008-09-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

I first got this idea of dressin' up like a cowboy when Shaylee had to go and sing Rylee to sleep and she told me she would call me back in 2 minutes. And in that 2 minutes I was pretty bored and the idea just hit me. I know, I admit I'm a dork. Do you think that I look good enough to be a cowboy as a career? My mom say that its just not like me.

My Baby, My Talenator!

2008-09-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

Hey, didn't you hear? I have a baby! His name is Talen. Ha ha yeah I have been taking a child development class. I'm not quite sure I really know what I'm getting myself into with this class but we'll sure find out. Oh man he sure is a handful and he cried so much, but he was growing on me.

I had to give him up today. It has been a rough day, I don't really think people understand except for Meghan S. we never really talked to each other until we both in the class together. We both had it this weekend and think we are suffering from postpartum depression. It is kind of sad.

This is the one of the last pictures I took of him before I had to take him back.

This is the very first day we got our crying machines. My baby is on the Left and Meghan's is on the Right. Good Times.

Now you can't say you don't love this face.
Taking care of this baby was kind of hard when it started screaming you had to figure out if you need to feed it, burp it, rock it, or change it. I was pro at rocking it and we didn't have a rocking chair so I got quite the ab workout.

My Mom and Haylee needed to run into Target so I decided to stay hidden in the car and save the humiliation.

This is me at 3:27 in the morning, and yes I had to wake up in the middle of the night and take care of my little Talenator. I know its not my favorite picture. But I knew that if I took a picture I would be able to post it.

Starting at IFHS

2008-08-21T14:07:00.001-07:00

Hey guys guess what? It's time! School is starting on the 25th which is Monday. To be truly honest I'm not excited. I'll be starting at a new school because I'm finally be starting high school. You hear people say all the time that high school is ten thousand times better than junior high and I sure hope they are right. It is still hard to get that through my head that I'm going to be a sophomore this year. When people say time goes faster as you get older its so true. Oh, and like the saying, " Life is like a roll of toilet paper the cl0ser you get to the last few squares, the faster you get to the end." It is pretty nerve wrecking just to thinking that I'm going to be in high school at IF. All I can say is, "Wish me luck on Monday."

Huntsman's cabin

2008-08-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Oh man this is pretty cool I think. It might sound dumb but at the huntsman's cabin they have a hummingbird feeder. And if you hold really still and put your finger next to the feeder they would just sit on your finger and drink the sugar water. That's it for the feeder but its just neat to have a little bird sit there on you finger. It's like the fairy tales.
Palisades Lake is just on the other side of the rode from Huntsman's cabin and we went to the lake on Saturday, it was awesome. The sad thing is that I hadn't been to the lake for about 3 years now. We wanted to swim before we actually got on the boat so we swam and the water felt great. To think we have a lake so close and have the lake water being a lot cleaner then some of the lakes I swam in before. Tubing was the funnest thing we have done at the lake.

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

August 15th was my mom's birthday. I'm not going to say how old she is but I can say that you could guess how old she is with counting all the candles on her cake or that she is one year older and one year wiser too. We went to the Huntsman's cabin or Trevor's girlfriend Hailey's family cabin. I was pretty fun I couldn't lie. Oh and know what's funny is that all the candles were pretty much melted before we had the chance to sing. I guess would have to say something ha ha. Michele(Hailey's mom) said, "That was the biggest homemade cheesecake she has ever made."

The Duck Race

2008-08-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Yep its a race for the ducks to be the first one down the falls. And each duck has a number on the bottom of it. People buy these ducks to win a prize. But this year I didn't really get into the duck racing spirit so I just kinda wondered around. I was pretty cool. Unfortunately we didn't but whats the odds of that. I guess in the end its wasn't all that bad and there isn't too much to say about it.

4th of July

2008-08-04T13:33:00.001-07:00

Hey guys sorry that i haven't been keeping up my blog. i think that it that i didn't really know what to add. I finally found something. Haha. This 4th of July was one of the greatest 4th of July I have ever had. Shaylee and I had an opportunity to see each other again. And we were like "What the hay?" and we did. We were able to spend about 5 days together and those were probably some of the best days of my life. We had a really good time seeing each other. Shaylee and I watched a lot of movies and hung out with the family and and we went on about 3 or 4 walks. But my favorite walk was when we had gone to the the Blatter's Farm (Liz's husband Tyler's families' farm). But in conclusion it was a blast it was sad to see her leave. I hope and try to get her back over here so we can see each other and hang out again. I miss you Shaylee!!!! This is Blatter's dry farm.

2007-11-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

LOOK IT HERE! Can you read what it says? Well its my permit and I just had to post it on her because I'm just proud of myself. I think driving is pretty fun. HAHA

Arco, Idaho

2007-10-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today, my Mom and Dad and I all when for a Sunday drive this afternoon to Arco. Arco is a lil' tiny town by the Idaho National Laboratory. It was awesome to see Mother Nature's beautiful Idaho. On the way we say some amazing wildlife. This picture is part of a submarine. It was called 666 or "The Devil Boat". On 3/15/2000 it was shipped to the Idaho Science Center in Arco. This is the actual top part of the "666" submarine!

Haha. This is me on a torpedo. Can you guess how much this weights? It weighted approximately 3300 lbs., it also was 21" in diameter. So, that was just a little something I had to share with you about our Sunday drive!

Grandpa and Gracee

2007-10-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Awww isn't that too cute Grandpa and Gracee fell asleep in Grandpa's bed about 7:40 pm last night after watching the television set. But look at Gracee, Grandpa is her favorite person in the whole wide world besides her parents and her big sisters.

Shaylee

2007-10-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is my very close and dearest friend, Shaylee. She means alot to me and she is one of the most awsome people you would ever met. I'll tell you the story of how I started getting to know her. It took place at my cousin hiedi's reception when it was time to get your groove on. She kept asking my other cousin if he wanted to dance with her. Ryker kept rejecting her, so I told her, " I'll dance with you." We danced and I don't know what it was but I liked her so much after that. I think it was that she made me feel special that night? So today we are best friends.

The Spud Fest

2007-10-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hey this is me at the spud fest down in shelley. I was jumping on a bounce toy that was velcro and the point of it was to get stuck to the wall.

Oh, and yes that did hurt. Haha.

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was such a blast and I would relive this weekend just because it was an awesome time to be in Island Park. Haha this is a picture of me in the little lake they had and the reason i was pulling this fasce is because I was grossed out by the seaweed stuff touching my feet.