Halloween Institute Ball

I had TONS of fun at this and thought I'd share some pics!

Friends

Jonessa and I


Tiffany and I

Tawni and I


Hillary and I

Natalie and I

Rachel, Lori, and I

Friends!


Other Disney Characters

Cruella DeVill and Belle


Sleeping Beauty and Belle

Malificent and Belle

Snow White and Belle

Cinderella and Belle


This random prince and Belle


Jack Sparrow and Belle

Belle and the Beast and Belle



I had so much fun!

Teaching Part 1

Well, it has been a wonderful two months! Today was my last day in my third grade class at Draper. It was sad, but also a celebration of what we've experienced together. There are some kids in that class that I hope to never forget--even stay in contact with. I hope my kids turn out like quite a few of them. There was one little boy in particular who really touched me.

This little boy is so cute. He is always smiling and laughing, but that is often overlooked because he is also often off task. My cooperating teacher and I decided to give him a behavior chart. The next day, he couldn't stop smiling as he told us that he completed everything. It was so fun to be able to tell him that he got to mark off one more completed task.

The last week or so, he's been home sick with the swine flu. The class called him along with the other sick kids to wish him well. His mother called back and told us how much that had really made his day.

I wrote each of the kids a note as a goodbye. His note read as follows:

I am so sad that you were so sick these last couple of weeks. I missed you in class! Every time you start talking, a grin lights up your face and brings a smile to mine. You are very funny too and can always make your classmates and I laugh.
I’ve seen a lot of your work that just came in from when you were sick and it is fantastic! You have been doing a great job of completing all your work and doing it well. I am so proud of you! Keep being a rockstar!

Love,
Ms. Denton

When I came back from a meeting, my teacher asked if I had talked to him about the note yet. He had told her that it made him almost cry because he was so happy. When he came back in from recess, he came up to me and said "thank you for the letter" and hugged me for a good 15 seconds. I think he was about to cry again--I know I was!

I hope this boy gets to partake of every opportunity that comes his way and more. It's amazing how much an 8-year-old can affect you!

My New Song!

For many years I’ve dressed up
It’s something I enjoy
I get to be somebody else
It always brings me joy.

This year I am a princess
From a favorite fairy tale
I prance ‘round in my ball gown
The happiness never fails

I went to show my neighbor
A four-year-old little girl
She loved to see my princess dress
It’s so much fun to her

I called her princess Meagan
She balked at the title
“I’m not a princess now,” she said
“I’m just a little girl.”

“Of course you are a princess
And I’m a princess too”
“I know that you’re a princess
I see the dress on you.

My dress is still upstairs
I’m not a princess now
I can go put my gown on
And then I’ll take a bow.”

“But I’m always a princess
Not just when in this dress
And you’re always a princess too”
“I am?” she asked “Oh yes!”

“You have a Heavenly Father
Who is a royal king
And you and I are daughters
It makes me want to sing.”

“In heaven we are royal
And we’re royal here as well
One day we’ll both queens
But as princesses here we dwell”

“You don’t need any dresses
Your heritage is divine”
Listen, you’re father is saying
“You’re a princess and you’re mine.”

An Awesome Comparison from an Awesome Book

I've been reading the Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox--highly recommend it. I came upon an awesome little comparison today and felt like sharing it!

"Most of us try to avoid touching a hot stove, but if it happens we recognize the problem and withdraw our hand quickly. The pain prompts swift action, which keeps us from damaging ourselves further. Who among us is going to leave his hand on the stove and try to convince himself it doesn't really hurt? Committing sin is like touching a hot stove. In normal cases, the pain of guilt leads to recognition, which leads to quick repentance (see Packer, "The Touch of the Master's Hand," 23). This is exactly what Alma taught when he said, "Let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance" (Alma 42:29)...

"In the context of touching a hot stove, consider some of the most common excuses for sin:

• Just one touch won't hurt.
• I'm afraid if I take my hand off I won't be able to leave it off.
• I deserve this.
• The only reason I feel pain is because of my Mormon culture.
• But I was born with the desire to touch the stove.
• It's my parents' fault. They're the ones who bought the stove.
• I just need to adjust to the burning rather than try to overcome it.
• I want to be excommunicated so it won't hurt when I touch the stove.
• No one told me touching the hot stove was bad.
• It may hurt, but at least I am touching it with someone I love.
• It's not like it's totally wrong. It's a gray area.
• Everyone else is touching it.
• I'll touch it if I want. It's my right. Nobody is going to tell me what to do or not do.
• Stove? What stove? I don't see any stove.
• I just don't care anymore. I'm numb to it.
• I know it's wrong, but I'll move my hand tomorrow.
• You can't go without touching the stove all the time.
• I've blown it now. I might as well touch it more.
• Those who don't touch are so old-fashioned.
• At least it's just my hand and not my whole face.
• How will I know it hurts unless I touch it myself?
• At least the other stove touchers accept me and don't judge.
• There are others who touch it more than I do.
• If God iddn't want me to touch the stove, He wouldn't have given me a hand.

Obvisouly, it is easier to find excuses than it is to find God..."


Isn't that incredible? Those excuses seem SO stupid and yet we use them all the time! It was cool to see it in comparison to something we all know will hurt us and so I thought I'd share :D

Happy Sabbath!

Amazing Grace

Another song I wrote!

Amazing Grace:
a phrase I hear
and then I think
and have no fear

The Savior He
did die for me
if I repent
I am set free

He knows my pain
He knows my joy
by His free will
He is employed

Some won't accept
and others will
it's up to us
we have free will

I've made the choice,
and now will you?
you can go through life
as one...or Two

Chorus:
My Brother,
My Teacher,
My Shepherd,
My Friend
Christ is with me
'till the end

September 16, 2009

An Instrument in His Hands

A song I wrote :D

My Father has a band
He plays His songs for me
and sometimes when I can
I become an instrument in His hands

Sometimes I do not know
the part that I will play
but I will stay in Tune
so I can play for Him any day

An instrument in His hands
but what part will I play?
A strong and steady beat
or a tune that chases your tears away

An instrument in His hands
He helps me play for you
but sometimes I have noticed the songs
have helped me in my life too

Sometimes you may not get
a solo or first chair
but often a good harmony
can chase away any care

Sometimes I cannot play
so Father will take you
Together you will play a song
that will help me to get through

Then together we will play
a harmonious duet
and we will help another soul
all their trials to forget

Then they will join us too
and a trio we will form
we'll help our fellow band members
until they too can perform

And as we play in tune
our music it will swell
and if we all are worthy
then the angels will join as well

And if we all are worthy
then His Son will with us dwell.

The children brighten my life!

So imagine 11 little 3rd grade boys grooving to the Princess Pat and you'll see what I see every day :D

What a Week!

Heyo!

This has been a CRAZY week! I started at Draper Elementary with my little class of 3rd graders. I was completely overwhelmed the first day with all the teacher asked me to do. The second day I felt I was the worst teacher in the world. Wednesday was much better. I really don't think Thursday even happened. Friday was just fine, Saturday was the BYU game (GO COUGARS!) and then today---blessed Sunday!

My schedule is absolutely crazy

M
8:15-3:50--student teaching
7:00-9:00--FHE

T
8:15-3:50--student teaching
4:00-9:45--work

M
8:15-3:50--student teaching
7:00-9:00--Institute

Th
8:15-3:50--student teaching
4:00-9:45--work

F
8:15-3:50--student teaching
4:00-9:45--work

S
work at some point

S
11--ward council on 2nd and 4th
12:15--choir (I'm the new pianist...and play the organ for about 10 minutes of prelude)
1:00-4:00--church
linger longer
sometimes a fireside
7:00-8:00--temple singing

So I am excited to start having fun on Dec 10! My last day of school! haha

My 3rd graders are super cute. I'll have to share stories on here. One kid compared the scent of hand sanitizer to his dad's beer. That went over well, lol. Almost every kid whipped their heads towards him wide-eyed and slack-jawed and said, "Your dad drinks beer!?"

Another kid asked me to punch his mouth to get rid of a loose tooth--that makes two now.

The same kid was sad when he found out I'd only be there 2 months (awwww)

One of the groups of kids named their team the Cougars!


From http://thernelson.blogspot.com/

On to the temple dedication! I was going to post my notes that I took, but I was informed about this letter by a friend and my dad:

First Presidency Letter, May 2004:

Any notes made when General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies, or other general Church officers speak at regional and stake conferences or other meetings should not be distributed without the consent of the speaker. Personal notes are for individual use only.

So....I'll just leave it at this--I love the opportunity I had to hear some of the brethren and sisters that lead our church speak at the dedication of this temple. I can hardly wait for general conference! The temple really is an amazing thing and I am counting down the days until I can receive my own endowments in the House of the Lord.

Until next time!

Whitney

Oh How Funny Children Can Be

So, I found out that it is pretty much certain that I will be working with my little friend and his class second block. First block (starting Monday) I'll be in 1st or 2nd grade, so there will be lots of fun stories!

Yesterday, one of the boys in my class had a loose tooth. He said, and I quote, "Ms. Denton, will you punch me in the face?" I laughed and said that I would not. He added an incentive--"I'll pay you five dollars!" Kids are so funny!

Nathan very much looks forward to lunch. I had to come back around lunchtime to talk to the teacher, so I was able to chat with him a little. He made up a cheer--something very close to "Have no fear, lunch is here!" It had a little bit more, but I asked him if he had a dance to it. He got up and did the robot. I could not stop laughing. I asked him if he knew any line dances (my specialty) and he said he didn't know what that was, so I showed him.

Apparently the other kids listen while I'm talking to Nathan. They came up and asked me if I knew line dances and what a line dance was. I asked if they had seen the Hannah Montana movie and they admitted that they had (some more reluctantly than others...this one little tough boy denied it at first and after a teacher look from me he admitted he had seen it lol). I asked if they remembered the Hoedown Throwdown and demonstrated a little. They got pretty exctied that I knew it.

Further, when I related the story to their teacher, she got so excited that I could teach the Hoedown Throwdown for PE. Wow. What have I gotten myself into? I did let them know that I also know other line dances and some square dancing. But boy--I've gotta get the Hoedown Throwdown down! haha

Get ready for some exciting blog posts this semester!

Oh....and I finished my midterm, final assignment, and final for my last real class today :D

My Friend Nathan

I have this new little friend named Nathan (name has been changed). I've been working with him for about three weeks now. He is a 4th grader with some serious anger management problems, but I absolutely adore him.

I needed to work with a child with disabilities for my last class at BYU. I was assigned to Nathan. He has an aide during the middle part of the day, so I come in the morning and afternoon. I am very sad, however, because tomorrow is my last day with him.

One of the things that breaks my heart the most is the low expectations everyone seems to have of him. Here are some things I've heard from his teachers:
-I don't even like him
-He's at the top of my list for kids that I'll be looking up in ten years to see if they have a criminal record
-I wouldn't be surprised if he were at the Point of the Mountain by the age of 25
-He won't make it through middle school
-We're just waiting for one big blow-up that will take him out of the school
-He doesn't belong in this school

It almost makes me cry just writing them. His aide is quitting. A week from tomorrow will be her last day. I found out today and was offered a job as her replacement, as apparently he responds to me better than anyone else. The only problem is that I start student teaching on Monday. While I could be assigned to their school, his class goes off track a week after I start, which would be completely counterintuitive to the student teaching experience.

I considered deferring my student teaching until next semester, but then thought of a much better solution! We pulled in the facilitator (the lady that goes between me and BYU) and found that my teachers tracking might just work for second block. They are going to try and pull some strings to get me in Nathan's classroom. Then, regardless of whether or not he gets another aide, I will be in the classroom too. I can spend more recesses swinging with him or playing four square with him. I even look forward to eating lunch with him and discussing his latest exploits on his new bike or the latest treasure he earned in resource.

Hopefully, after graduation I will be able to serve as his aide, either volunteer or paid. I just want to be with this sweet little boy and be one person in his life that loves him.

Life in General

Well, I guess it's about time for a new post, eh?

Sunday was the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication, which was fantastic. I have some amazing notes I may share later. This morning was the first day that the temple was open for ordinances. The baptistry opened at 6am, so I figured getting there at 5:30 would make me one of the first--WRONG! There were already 3 or 4 youth groups.

When I got there, the Temple President was talking to the group. It was really cool to hear him talk to us.

Monday I begin student teaching at Draper Elementary. I'm excited because contract time ends at 3:25, so I can get to work by 4! Woot!

Also, recently I've been having lots of fun adventures with friends! This Friday we are watching the Wizards of Waverly Place premiere :D Rachel and I are planning on doing institute together. We just found out about an opportunity to teach special needs institute, so we're trying to get into that, but if not, I'll be in choir, teaching of the living prophets, and then go to forums they have with prominent LDS people :D I'm SO excited!

Well, that's all for now! Really, the best way to keep up with things, if you care, is facebook.

I'm in the Church News!

So, it was Jason Swenson, not Jacob, that interviewed me and Whitney at the Oquirrh Temple Open House. Here's the article :D

Illuminating

Grandeur and peace of Oquirrh Mountain temple opens to public

By Jason Swensen
Church News staff writer

Published: Saturday, June 13, 2009

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SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Illuminating the sky at dusk, the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple will be a source of spiritual light to those in the south Salt Lake Valley. It is being received with reverence and respect.

Five-year-old Morgan King issued his grandmother, Michelle Brimhall, a reverent challenge as they began their tour of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple on the first day of the temple open house.

"Grandma," Morgan said, "see if you can walk so quietly that your feet don't make a sound."

Such respect and reverence seemed to define the day June 1 as visitors of all ages and backgrounds began touring the stately granite edifice that looks over the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley.

Walking through the placid halls and ordinance rooms of what will soon be the Church's 130th temple "was very peaceful and very sweet," said Sister Brimhall of Holladay, Utah. "The volunteers were so nice."

Clear skies welcomed visitors to the temple for its opening to the public. Ample parking within easy walking distance to the temple grounds meant folks could complete the tour about an hour after arriving. Those wandering out of the building said their visit met all their expectations.

"I absolutely loved it," said Shad Stevens of Payson, Utah, who enjoyed the tour with his wife, Kati, and daughters, Summer, 4, and Shaylee, 2.

A school teacher, Brother Stevens said he felt blessed to dedicate one of his first days of his summer vacation to be inside the temple with his family.

"We wanted to spend time in the Celestial Room with the children — that's something they don't typically have a chance to do," he said.

The Stevens family recently participated in the open house for the Draper Utah Temple, which can be seen in the distance on the east end of the valley. Witnessing this vigorous period of temple building has given the family strength during challenging times in the world.

"Everything can't be wrong if [the Church] is building two new temples within a few months of one another and within sight of one another," he said.

Most of the open house visitors who spoke with the Church News commented on the friendly volunteers who greeted them both inside and outside the temple.

Jeff Nielsen of the Magna Utah East Stake was assigned to parking duty. He spent the first morning of the open house clad in a fluorescent yellow vest as he directed cars in and out of the temple's south-end lot. For Brother Nielsen, volunteering meant burning a vacation day from work. It was time well spent.

"This is my temple, and it's not every day that you get to help out for something like this," he said.

Whitney Denton toured the temple with her roommate from BYU, Whitney Kluber. The two Whitneys said the open house prompted in them a new commitment to prepare for temple worship.

"I loved the temple's celestial room," said Whitney Denton. "I just imagined people dressed in white filling that room."

Whitney Kluber said her thoughts inside the temple drifted to her family.

"I had a feeling of togetherness and wanting to be there in the temple with my family. Not only with my future family but also with my parents and siblings."

Tens of thousands of more visitors are now expected to tour the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple prior to the dedication in late August. The open house continues, Mondays through Saturdays, until Aug. 1, excluding July 4 and July 24. Reservations can be made at lds.org/reservations or by calling 1-800-521-5105.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/57455/Illuminating.html

Whitney and Whitney Back Together!

So, I need to be better at posting on here. I post my albums on facebook and figure that's good enough lol.

Whit K came up to go to the Oquirrh Temple Open House with me on June 1, the first day! We got there at 11am. Here are a couple of pictures as we were driving closer and closer.





We decided to only bring our cameras in. We got out, locked the doors, and Whit realized that she had locked the keys in the car. Since it was already 11, we decided to deal with it afterward.

We walked up the path, greeted by many happy volunteers. After watching a 12-minute video (introduced by two cute sister missionaries), we got to enter the temple. I haven't been to an open house since I was 10 at the Spokane Temple. I didn't take any of the opportunities to go to the Draper Temple, unfortunately. Every time I was invited, I had to work. I didn't realize how easy it would've been to request tickets online!

This temple is beautiful. The main thing I have to compare it to is Jordan River and Provo, the only temples I've really been in for that last few years. It is very small compared to them! The baptistry only has room for about 1/4 as many people. There is only one confirmation room. There is a gorgeous picture as you exit the baptismal font.

The instruction rooms were beautiful. The walls were covered with a giant mural of mountains and trees. The Celestial room was phenomenal. I could just imagine it filled with friends and family dressed in white.

The sealing room was cool. I love the mirror in there. We went during a slow time, so we were able to hear two volunteers bear their testimony of sealings. I also got to watch a family teach their children the significance of the mirrors--very cool. I just kept thinking how cool it was that I was sealed to my parents when I was 3 or 4. I wish I could remember it!


On our way back to the locked car, we were stopped by Jacob Swenson of the Church News. He interviewed us! I'll post a link if we get printed :D

Once back at the car, we asked one of the traffic directors for help getting into the car. While they were going to fetch the supplies, I got to direct a car into a spot :D



For lunch, we went to Panda Express to get chopsticks to eat at Cafe Rio.



It didn't last long! After that delicious lunch, we got 4 cookies from Over the Top Cookies and split them so we each got 4 halves. That was WAY too much cookie, but it was delicious!

After recording the following movie, we headed for home. It was a fabulous day!

Oh How I Love Elder Holland

A Return to Virtue

One of my favorite Mormon Messages so far

Another Mormon Message

Write in My Journal

I found this new site that gave me a great idea! This guy goes around and finds cool people. He then talks for awhile and asks them to write in his journal--whatever they want. He takes their picture and posts it to his website. I thought it would be a fun thing to try on my cruise this summer!

Cool Quote From President Kimball

"Now, we find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored and no restoration seems to come from repeated prayer circles. But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, agency, would be ended.
"If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no would would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil--all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no Satanic controls.
"Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood."

AMAZING song

An amazing song.

I have a fabulous life

There are only 2 days left of school! I am SO excited! Then I only have one more class and student teaching and I can GRADUATE!

This past week and a half has been fabulous.

Friday
Mandy came into town...my favorite cousin in the world. I went with her, Tally, and Lori to go dress shopping. It was really fun!

Saturday
General Conference! During the first session, I had the opportunity to help clean the conference center. It was different to be restocking toilet paper while listening, but still a unique opportunity! I got a backstage pass :D


During the second session, I got tickets because my brother, Kyle, was in the choir! Amanda and Talya sat with me. We were FIVE rows from the front! I could see the expressions on Elder Cook's face as he talked! I could see the First Presidency walk in and really see their faces! The only sad thing was that it was the very far left, so once they sat down, they were out of view. It was a great view though!

During the Priesthood session of conference is Ladies' Night at Deseret Book. It is SO fun to work during that time!

Sunday
More conference with Mandy and Tally. We just watched it at my house.

Monday
I stayed in Provo all day! While Becca was cooking dinner, this random guy came over. He'd been playing basketball. He had long hair, gangster clothes and earrings. He used our sink to wash his hands. Here's the convo--
"Are you guys Mormon?"
"Yup!"
"So do you go to church each week?"
"Of course!"
"Are those brownies?"
"Yup. They're for FHE."
"What's that?"
"Family home evening. You can come if you want! It's here at 7:00 tonight."
"Ok."
He came! It was fun. We all shared a favorite part of conference and then played ultimate spoons. I participated AND didn't lose! After FHE, I went up to Apt 20 and talked to Brian (one of the few left), RJ, and Keith.

Saturday
Skip a few days :D . After a fabulous morning at work, I read a little and did some much needed homework. Then i headed to Provo for a pizza party! My roomie Candy brought a cowboy for me, lol. That was awkward. While sitting around, I suggested we go see the Hannah Montana movie that just came out...we did :D. I was in hot pink pajamas and pigtails. Oh my it was fun to pretend to be an obsessed fan! Pictures to come.

After the movie, I went up to Brian's again and talked with him and Keith until curfew.

Sunday
Today :D It's Easter and has been fabulous. I spent the night last night at Apt 10, so I went to Sacrament and part of Sunday School in my old ward. The talks were absolutely fabulous. Especially Rebecca's and Rodney's. Then we went to Lizzle's farewell. I can't believe she's leaving! It really struck me, too, that Kyle is going to be gone for 2 years. I won't see him until I'm 23!

Near the end of her talk, I remembered that she has both Austin Collie and Max Hall in her ward (BYU Football players). In fact, her little bro has one as a quorum advisor and the other as a sunday school teacher! Anyway, after church I tried looking around the chapel for them to no avail. While gathering together after, though, I saw Max Hall! He came out, like 5 feet from me, shook someone's hand, talked for like 30 seconds, and then went back in the gym. I was so excited!

Max Hall

I loved the luncheon after. So many great people were there! It was like a Cinnamon Tree reunion. I've really missed Apt 10 and 15/16.

I came home and chilled with my family for a little before hitting the end of sunday school and Relief Society in my ward. Relief Society was awesome. I love it when Heidi teaches!

My mom made these awesome Easter rolls. The way you cook them leaves a hole in the middle, representing the empty tomb. Here is the recipe.

Easter Rolls

(The Empty Tomb)

1 pkg frozen bread/dinner rolls dough-thawed
1 pkg large marshmellows
margarine or butter melted
cinnamon-sugar

On baking sheet
Flatten each roll and place 1 marshmellow inside then form dough around it and pinch closed.
Place closed side down on pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Cool for a short time then remove or they may stick to the pan.
Brush with melted margarine or butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over them.
These are very sweet rolls for Easter morning. Best if served hot.
The marshmellow melts out of the rolls leaving the rolls hollow inside.

From this website.

Anyway, it's been a fabulous Easter. We got scuba gear for our cruise, candy, and some movies and music.

Happy Easter

The Wonderful World of Whitney

So, I've started measuring my life by events. As my next-door neighbor so kindly pointed out, so did his children. I thought I'd give ya'll a rundown of the fabulous things I get to do this summer!

April--Cody turns 18, I turn 21!!!!, Kyle turns 19
May--I'm going on a Western Caribbean cruise! My grandma is paying for all of us to go.
June--Kyle goes into the MTC, my best friend and my favorite cousin in the world get married, I get to be a bridesmaid for the first time ever!
July--My cousin's Seattle reception--since I'm a bridesmaid, I get to go!
August--Trek! I've never gone before, so I am SO excited!

So when people say "September 10" I think it's really far away because of everything! When they say beginning of June I think post-cruise, pre-marriage. I can hardly wait for this summer! Maybe I can throw in a few rodeos too :D

Poll for a friend

Hey all! Please take the poll at the bottom of this page. It's only one question and it will help one of my friends out! Thanks :D

I promise to post more soon! Times are kind of busy now :D

Great minds can't prove it

I had this wonderful blog post written up in my head for tonight. I planned it while vacuuming after work. And now it has vanished and no one will never know the insightful and genius thoughts I was having (funny side note--I couldn't spell genius just now). Alas. How will the world continue (or the 2 people who read this, haha)

I suppose I'll just tell you my workventures for the day.

This man came in and seemed to be in a hurry--not just seemed--he told me he was in a hurry. We started talking about the artwork we sell at Deseret Book, however, and he talked to me for like 45 minutes as I showed him different pieces of artwork. He's lived a long life, and it was interesting to hear his views on that. He shared with me a story about his quest for a picture that represents a voice he heard in a dream. He was one of those customers that you feel bad leaving, but I was enjoying it.

While vacuuming, I saw a guy parked right outside the store eating Taco Bell. It was kind of freaky because the whole wall is a window...awkward.

I remembered my insightful story! Now that I talked it up so much, though, it's not going to seem nearly as cool.

Gone Too Soon
A couple came in today looking for a picture for a young woman whose mother died last night in an accident. I asked if it was the one that happened right by our store (yesterday there was a huge accident involving 3 fire trucks and life flight). It was in Wyoming, but it brought that accident to life for me. How would you feel to receive a call telling you your mother was dead. It's so final--so cruel. I know I would see her again, I have no doubt of that, but I would be in a state of absolute shock. How do you deal with that?

It was heartbreaking helping this couple. The girl is 16, so I showed them a very tender picture of Christ, which they bought. I also showed them the Willow Tree statues. Many older women don't like those, but young women love them. There is one called "Chrysalis" of a woman holding another woman. She purchased that as well. I felt bad, but that was about the extent of it.

The husband asked if they should get something for one of the sons of this lady who died. He held up a statue of a mother with a son. I looked over at him and it broke my heart as I watched his eyes well up. Throughout the transaction, the wife began crying a few times as well. The family has 5 children--and now they have no mother.

Just this morning, I found out that the mother of one of my professors passed away. She's been ailing for awhile, so it wasn't unexpected. When announced, everyone in the class went "awww" (our class is all girls except for one). As a student came in late, she was informed and her brow creased as she said "Oh, that's terrible." An inquiring colleague came in later and when she was told she said, "That's awful. I'll have to give her a call." I never respond like that because it feels so fake to me. In fact, responding to someone's admission of a tragedy often makes me feel uncomfortable. After this experience, I think I will react differently. I will at least feel more sorrow as I come closer to understanding what it would be like to lose a family member. I still am not sure what I will say, but my sympathy level will be much more sincere.

Wow...

19-year-old Florida man was arrested on Saturday and charged with stealing a laptop from a patron at a Starbucks so that he could check his Facebook account.

According to police the Bradenton man had asked the patron if he could use the computer to check his account and after the patron refused the man grabbed the computer and ran. He was then tackled by two people in the parking lot who held him down until a mall security guard arrived.

Police have charged the man with felony robbery.

http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=77752&cat=14



The first time I saw this article, the title was "Current status: I'm being arrested." I realized that if I were arrested (by a misunderstanding of course :D) and I could update my Facebook from my phone like everyone else in the world (T-mobile won't let you) I would change it to say "Whitney Nicole Denton is chillin' in a cop car" or something like that. I really think that would be one of my first thoughts. That is really sad.

I wonder if I would ever be that desperate for Facebook. Sad that I even wonder. I know I wouldn't steal anyone's laptop, but I could see myself going on vacation and trying desperately to find an available computer. I haven't gone a day without it in probably months. I used to avoid it on Sundays, but now it is part of my calling (though I use it for more than that on Sundays). It is amazing how truly addicting Facebook can be. It's also amazing that blogger doesn't recognized it as a word...lol

Sad story

I feel like such a jerk right now. I’m too caught up in my own worries of catching a bus to help a near-blind man make it across the street. At the intersection just East of 10600 S and Redwood, there was a man trying to cross 106th. He asked if he could cross and it was on the blinking hand, so I told him it said he couldn’t cross yet. He said “my eyes aren’t very good.” Mine turned to a man, so I started walking—I needed to catch the bus after all. As I was crossing, I thought about turning around to wait another cycle, but didn’t (the cycles are really long). I totally would’ve made it to the bus stop in time—it was only another 60 seconds or so. When I got to my stop, I said a prayer for him. I saw him at the next cycle trying to cross and trying to see if it was a hand or a man. He walked into the street and then stopped, unsure of himself. Then he started going again and saw a car coming (turning left into where he was), so he stepped back again. I kept saying under my breath “go sir, you can go.” He finally did, and made it across the street. I felt awful—I could’ve helped this man and it wouldn’t have made me miss the bus at all. Heck, if I needed to I could’ve run to the bus stop. Even if I missed it, it would’ve been better than not helping this man. I keep playing over in my head “my eyes aren’t very good” and seeing this nice man asking me indirectly for help. I totally blew him off. I keep crying as I hear that sentence again and again. What would Jesus have done? He would’ve stayed and helped if he missed the last bus of the night. I keep trying to see how I can feel better. I can’t fix it. I’ll probably never see this man again. I CAN help the next person I see in need, but that still won’t restore leaving this man. I haven’t felt this bad about something I’ve done (or not done) in longer than I can remember. I don’t make big mistakes, so I don’t often feel this Godly sorrow. This was a sin of omission, however. I wasn’t rude to him, in fact I even told him that he couldn’t cross yet. The problem is what I didn’t do. I didn’t act as my Savior would have me do—and of that I am very ashamed.

Rockin' Ward Activities--Now with pictures!

So, can I just say how much I love ward stuff? I wish we had it every day, quite honestly! It's one of the few things that gets me off of facebook lol. So tonight we played missionary tag. For those of you not familiar with it, yet familiar with me, the only word you need to remember is tag!

When I heard that's what we were doing, I was SERIOUSLY tempted to leave. Yet I stayed. Last time I did this with a ward, some guy I was chasing thought it would be funny to make me chase him for like 2-3 full minutes! Not cool. You're supposed to switch it up throughout and give a poor girl a chance! The guys tonight were SO much better! They didn't worry about their pride getting hurt by being caught by a girl. I got to run, yet still have fun! Now THAT takes something special. lol. Anyway, kudos to the guys in my ward for running hard with each other and the really fast girls, but letting those of us who are more disabled in the running area still have fun.

This is how it works--if someone were to grab onto the arm of the kid in the bright blue shirt, I would have to run from the person who's it until I grab onto someone else's arm.

Here's a bigger picture. The tall blurry kid is being chased, I think. The two in the middle (gray/maroon jacket and white shirt) are doing a little dance around the room while waiting for someone to grab on.

We had root-bear floats after. That's Lori, me, and Tawni.

After the activity, some of the guys did hands-up stands-up.



I can not tell you how excited I am for next week--square dancing! It sounds hokey, but is some of the most fun I ever have!

Funny story from today--I got a call from a number I didn't recognize that I had missed twice before. It was some man named Paul who I had given my number to in a parking lot in exchange for candy. To clarify--he was doing a survey--but the candy was a reason I participated :D. Anyway, he was a really good sales person! I didn't fall for it (it was real estate...who wants to get invovled with that right now?) But he started by asking what I would do with $20,000/month. Anyway...it was an interesting conversation and reminded me to teach my children not to take candy from strangers!

My Future Wedding Videographer and Photographer!

So, what with my best friend getting married and all, I've been looking at LOTS of wedding stuff lately. Though she doesn't want a videographer, I most DEFINITELY do! I first saw a video done at a friend's wedding, and it was amazing. I spent a few hours looking for videos like it, and there is really nothing that compares. Their work is fantastic. My friends who used them recommended Davey. You should check out their blog! Their videos are breathtaking. It is http://pointedigital.blogspot.com.

Here is an example of a video by Davey

Penny & Steve's SDE Video from Davey Orgill on Vimeo.

This post gives you an idea in the first 5 seconds of what I love about these guys!

Here is a link to the original video I saw.

And following are some examples of the beautiful photography they do.





Amazing...I could look at their site all day!

An attempt at blogging

For how much I love reading others' blogs, it amazes me how hard it is for ME to keep up with one. I can handle websites for other people (My brother's blog is http://elderdenton.blogspot.com), but one that involves me seems to be nearly impossible. I think a main reason is that I keep a really good journal. I feel that if I'm blogging on here, I'm wasting my time because it's already in my journal. Hmm....well I can add pictures on here. Maybe I'll print it off some day and put it in a binder to supplement my journal.

Let's see--what's going on in my life...

• I'm almost 21 :)
• I'm an elementary education major at BYU, but I don't want to be a teacher, which makes classes torture.
• I live at home with my whole family
• I have an awesome dog named Dakota
• I work at Deseret Book (3.5 years now!) and am currently at the store in Sandy
• I haven't been able to do much with music lately
• My calling is Public Affairs co-chair. I've never had a non-music calling since Young Women, so it's really different, but I absolutely love it!
• My best friend is getting married this summer! Woot!
• My favorite cousin in the whole wide world is also getting married this year.
• My brother just got his call 2 days ago to the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission

Well, I think that's about it for now! Oh...a book I recommend getting is We Believe. It is an encyclopedia of Mormon beliefs basically. Whereas Mormon Doctrine is all by Elder McConkie, this is a collection of quotes from the Prophets and scriptures on over 300 doctrines. For instance, under "Affliction" there are like 10 concept statements. With each concept statement, there are around 10-15 quotes. It is an INCREDIBLE reference. I've been reading it almost every night and it just blows me away. I want to give a talk, just so I can use it! lol.

Well, we'll see how this goes. Hopefully I can keep this site updated!