It's Cool...

... To have a kid while in school. :) haha. 
For my media class, a group of us girls put together THIS video promoting having children while in school. As a soon-to-be mother myself, I often wonder what it would be like to be going to school while having a baby. Thank goodness I'll be done with school in December and having our girl in January, so I won't have to experience it, but I wonder if I did have to go through with that if I'd have the strength and necessary attitude to finish. Because so often students with their babies are felt sorry for, this video was made in hopes to accentuate the positive aspects of having a baby while in school. Hopefully it changes the perspectives of some people. :) 

Taking the Time to Listen

The other day, as I was walking to my car, I couldn't help but notice the song playing from the bell tower. At first I didn't know the name of the song, but definitely knew it was a well-known church song. I stopped to listen and the words to "I am a Child of God" went through my mind as the bells chimed. It was beautiful and to know that such a strong message was being rung throughout all of campus made my heart jump for joy. I had never really stopped to listen to the bells prior to this, but as I took the time to listen that day I learned the importance of stopping, listening, and remembering my importance as a "child of God." no matter how busy life is. This is definitely something I could do more often and I know that when I do, I will be happier, and I will be filled with God's love.

Doing Something Extra-ordinary

Couldn't help but think of the sweet orphans I served in Ecuador while watching this.  I wish I had the courage to do something like this amazing lady. Maybe someday...

-What a wonderful example of how to live like Jesus Christ. <---(Click this link to watch this Mormon Message).

"You Are Beautiful... No Matter What They Say"

 So after watching Miss Representation in my media class, my heart was full of love for every single person out there. I just wanted to run out in the crowd and yell to the world- "YOU MATTER! You are a child of GOD, not an object to be degraded or looked down upon! NEVER let anyone trick you into thinking you need to be something else. You are wonderful! You are beautiful! JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!" My heart ached for all the people out there who have let the media influence them into believing they need to be something different, whether it's being skinnier, more beautiful (according to the world's standards), more vulnerable, or even more masculine (for men). It just makes me sick to the stomach. The media's influence is everywhere! If we're not careful, we can run the risk of acquiring the belief that we are "not good enough." If so, we will live very unhappy and sad lives. My prayer for all the women and men out there is to find your value within, and treasure it up. You matter, no matter what the world tells you.
-Christina wants us to believe it too :). I added the "images" part. Read the lyrics as though you are singing them to the world. 
Everyday is so wonderful
Then suddenly
It's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words [& images] can't bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words [& images] can't bring me down
Oh no
So don't you bring me down today

Heckedy Peg!

From talking to my mom, I know I loved books as a little girl. I’m sure I had many favorites during different phases of my childhood, but there is one book in particular that I remember loving. The tone of my mother’s voice, the detailed pictures, and intense story line will forever remain in my mind. The name of the book is Heckedy Peg. This story is about a conniving and ragged witch with only one leg who tricks seven siblings, named Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday into lighting her pipe, which then causes them to turn into food. Long story short, the mother gets her children back by guessing which child is which food, matching each food with corresponding items the children wanted from the market.  

            When I was young, I didn’t quite understand why I enjoyed this book so much, but now as I’m older I can see why. The art in the book is absolutely amazing and its intricate details set the tone for the story. For instance, wherever the witch is, the art is dark and intimidating whereas the art involves light and warm colors wherever there is safety. In addition, each paint stroke is so detailed you feel as though you can touch and feel the objects in the paintings. Apart from the fabulous art, I thoroughly enjoyed the way my mother read this book to me. She would change her tone of voice when necessary and had the absolute best witch voice. It was creepy but kept my interest. As I write this assignment, I long to travel back in time and have her read it to me again. The bonding felt between us as we dove into the story with our imaginations is something I cherish.

After the Crowd Goes Home

You were probably thinking this post was going to be about an athletic game, huh? I guess you can consider a garage sell a game. There is some strategy to it-lowering prices with customers to an agreed upon amount. Anyways, I must get to the point. KSL is amazing! This weekend my husband and I had the opportunity to help out with a garage sell at his grandparents' home. After it was over and no one else showed, we posted pictures of the "valuable stuff" on KSL. Within no time, the items had multiple views. It will be interesting to see how quickly these things sell. What a great way to earn a little extra cash if your too lazy to put up a sell in your yard. And if you're too lazy to do that, I guess you can take a trip to D.I. and leave with no cash in hand... just sayin'. KSL is just one of those great things that makes life a little easier. What amazing resources we have through technology!

Positive Mood Management :)

Since we've learned recently about the uses and gratifications of music I think it would be appropriate to share an experience I had with music that assisted me in managing a positive mood. In no means did I begin with a positive mood, but after realizing music might help, I turned on some happy music in hopes it would help. And it did! So here's the story... I came home the other day to a stressed husband making dinner in an incredibly messy kitchen. Dishes were overflowing and counter space was near non-existent. I had a busy, rough day and just really wanted to come home and relax. Being at school all day with a pregnant body is no fun some days! Anyways, I jumped in to help with dinner and the interaction between us was not at all upbeat and positive. Our stress kept rubbing off on each other and we just about had it. Steven, my husband, was able to clear some of the dishes out of the way while I finished up details on dinner and by the end we felt a little better, but things were still not all the way better. He soon after left for a lab at school and I was left at home with all these question marks as to why that experience was so horrible. Dwelling on the negative didn't help the situation any better so I decided to turn on some music. Listening to the happy music put me in a positive mood and I was able to get the kitchen cleaned and write little love notes that I hid around the house for my husband. When my husband returned, my positive mood helped him be positive, and we both were able to talk about and solve our little predicament. The rest of the night went great! I'm grateful for music and it's ability to influence our mood positively when it seems like we can't do it on our own.