Random Thoughts

I haven't done any random thoughts for a couple of weeks so here's a few :

Be Prepared
This has been on my mind a lot lately and maybe people think I'm paranoid and maybe I am but I think a BIG earthquake is headed our way. First, let me give a little background. Back when I was about five or so we had a MASSIVE earthquake hit California. I remember it very clearly. The house was shaking and my Dad put me and my sister under the kitchen table with our Barbies. I remember playing under the table all day and grabbing on to the table leg for dear life everytime the ground shook. I also remember my mom answering the phone in the MIDDLE of a shake and my Dad asking her why lol. Anyways, ever since then... I have been DEATHLY afraid of them. Anytime we have a shake... and it's at night.. I wake up RIGHT before it happens. Not even kidding you... happens EVERY time. So anyhow... I know an earthquake will hit us... it may be months or years from now but I say better to be prepared than sorry!!!


"If You Can's Say Anything Nice.... Don't Say Anything At All"
How often have you heard that phrase before?? My parents always taught us to be nice to everyone. Granted... it's hard. Sometimes there are people in life who make it really difficult for you to even like them let alone be nice to them. The fact of the matter is though, we should be nice to everyone. I get it when someone is having a bad day and they take it out on someone else... I think we've all been there and we don't mean to but when you go out of your way to not be nice...that's when I have a problem. I've thought about this thought a lot over the years and it's taken a lot of patience to bite my tongue at times but I do it. And I do it because when I'm biting my tongue.. I think... What would Jesus Do? The answer is simple... He would still love them and be nice to them no matter what. I won't go into detail (because it doesn't matter) but recently I've been in a situation(s) where someone or someones have not said kind words. Why that is... I have no idea. I mind my own business and avoid drama.

With God All Things Are Possible....
God really does work in mysterious ways. I believe He loves each and every one of us and I know that He has a plan for me. I like to take time every day and meditate. I think it's good for the soul and it's something I look forward to. Looking back on all the things that have happened in my life, I know I wouldn't be where or who I am today, without God's love and the Gospel in my life. God has a plan for me.... not sure what it is quite yet, but He has a plan. And I believe that as long as live righteously and have faith in Him, that plan will be presented. I was talking with a friend the other night about all the different things I've been dealing with. It was there that I was asked... when will something good happen for me. When will all these trials stop and you can receive true happiness and joy. I responded with, it's okay. God doesn't try us if we aren't capable or ready. And He is with us every step of the way. Apparently God must believe that I can suffer some major stuff and still come out alive.... at least He better because I'm ready for some good times :) I know God loves me and is with me every step of my journey through life. I like to think of the saying "What doesn't kill you...makes you stronger" and I like to think that through the rough times I have and am and will experience... I will be stronger in the long run and I can deal with that. I do have to say that I'm ready for my timing and God's timing to coincide with each other... but He is mysterious and a God of miracles so I truly believe my life has great meaning and purpose and I will find out soon enough what God wants me to do.

Kindness Matters....
I really don't understand why people think that they have the right to put people down or make others feel bad. That's society today though. Everyone has to be bigger and better than everyone else and it drives me crazy!! Most of the time I spend every moment taking the extra precautions to be kind to every one. What I mean is, I think before I say things and lend a hand when I see someone who needs it. I don't put people down because I think I'm better than them (which lets be real, I'm not and that's okay). I'm not just speaking from experience, I'm also speaking from observing others. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all were more caring and more kind to people? Think about it... and act upon it. Kindness matters and don't you want to be that person that people say..oh they are so kind and caring.. you bet you do, so start acting that way. It's interesting though... have you ever heard when people say that when you treat others with kindness, you receive it in return? I think that's true most of the time but to be honest, lately, I'm not feeling it. Maybe because the stress of the economy and life in general but people don't care like they used to and that makes me sad. Real sad. Kindness matters...remember that.

Patience... is something I need to learn more of.....
I posted on facebook tonight this quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can-working, hoping and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" .... I definitely need to read that tonight and it was too good not to post. Bearing hardship with fortitude... yeah... I need to do better on that. Patience is something I'm becoming quite attached to...something that has big room for improvement. I need to have Faith that things will work out ... and I do..most of the time :)

Alright... last thought for the evening...
BOOKS!!!
I love books!! I love to read and I love to imagine and create in my mind the stuff the author is telling me about. Absolutely love it. There are few fiction novels I can't find myself getting into... like the newest popular series out... can't even remember the name because I'm really not into it. I wasn't into Twilight at first either. I think I actually like the Harry Potter series better than Twilight but I like both series. Anyhow, I love good reads and don't worry I haven't forgotten about my new years list of books but right now I'm reading fiction novels :) Of course I'm reading a suspense book right now and it's divided into 3 books and of course my mom decided to read book 3 tonight so now I have to wait until she is finished!! I think tomorrow will be an all day chill out reading day for me (with of course a few hours of job applications and such lol). I encourage all to read!! It's awesome!!

So there are my random thoughts for the week. .... you you read all the way to the end... good job!! I mainly do it for journaling purposes and just writing my thoughts in the moment :)

Disneyland X2 :)

Yep, it's Spring Break so we went to Disneyland again, this time with the Moser Family. It's really nice to have passes now because we have definitely got our money's worth but let me tell you, the food is SO expensive. I like that with the passes we don't have to spend the entire day at Disneyland. Although this time with the Moser family we did and it was a blast!! Originally we were going to leave because Bret had his end of the year pizza party for basketball but it didn't take a lot of convincing to ask him if we could skip it and stay the day at Disneyland. Here are some photos of our fun day!

David, Bret and Jimmy :) 

Proof that my mom actually went on this ride!!! She NEVER goes!! :)

The whole gang in line for Pirates...minus me and Jimmy who is hiding behind everyone else!

Sisters!! 

Me and Chad....yep he is trying not to laugh but my Mom caught it all on camera!! :)

I love this!! Bret can still be smiley and he was this time around... I guess it just depended on his day... last time he didn't sleep well the night before. I'm glad he was smiley :)

Waiting in line to drive!

Scott is so serious lol

This is kind of blurry but I had to capture it. Bret was mad I wouldn't let him drive alone but he isn't tall enough to (well he might be but still I didn't feel comfortable with that) But it was hilarious watching him drive... I should've video taped it...oh well. At one point David had slowed down and I thought he was trying to let us catch up to him... then we came to a complete stop. I was laughing so hard because there we were just sitting there while David tried to get his car started again and Jimmy, Tricia and Don were all behind us. It was funny... guess you had to be there to laugh as well but  I definitely had the most laughs while driving in Autopia :)

Bret and I driving :)

The boys... Jimmy, Scott, Bret, Chad, David and Don :)

Bret was getting a little tired lol

So I'm sure you are all wondering why I have this here... well it's because Chad really wanted to watch the BYU basketball game and was a little irritated that we were at Disneyland instead of at home so he could watch it. A little crazy I think, since come on...it's Disneyland lol. So we went to the ESPN zone in Downtown Disney for dinner. We've eaten there before and it's cool but it was PACKED this time. We waited for over an HOUR for a table because of this game! No joke! There were tons of BYU fans there and all to watch Jimmer. It was an intense game but I have to say that if they would've just gone in for lay ups and twos and gotten fouls instead of having Jimmer throw threes and miss all the time... the outcome might've been different. That guy has talent... just an off night I guess. Still... we finally got a table when there were about 8 minutes left before they went into overtime. Next time.... we will be eating elsewhere but it was still fun. I also want to get Chad a Jimmer shirt for his birthday. I thought they were funny. Alright...back to Disneyland :)

We HAD to go on It's A Small World... the boys didn't like that but you can't go to Disneyland and not go on this ride. I love it! I actually like it better during Christmas but it's still good like always :)

Me and Mr. Happy:) Truth be told I think he actually likes It's a Small World but he would never admit that to the boys because that's not "cool"

End of the day and Jimmy with a sucker :)


All in all it was a GREAT day. The weather was perfect. It was a little cold but not too bad and it didn't rain once! It sprinkled a few times but nothing too bad. It wasn't even that packed and we went on all the rides we wanted to. Chad did a great photo op on Space Mountain that Drew would appreciate and love. I will try to scan it in and post it...it's funny!

When I was at Disneyland my mom kept telling my brothers that it was the Happiest Place on Earth so we needed to be Happy :) Truth be told, I LOVE that place. Sometimes it can be a drag having to wait in lines and when it's super cold or super hot but it's a happy place. I love the characters and how they each bring something to life. I'm not saying we should live in fairytale land but sometimes it's nice to just be in that fairytale mode for a while and dream big :) I think life is our own fairytale, if we let it be. Alright...enough of that! Point is... Disneyland is awesome and all should come visit so we can go to Disneyland together! :)

Trying to find the next adventure in life.....

So... life lately hasn't gone exactly the way I planned when I was in high school.... which is okay... everything can't be expected...there has to be some unexpected things...that's what makes life fun :)  I have my dream career... just without a job.... YET. There are a few states that I wouldn't mind moving to and living in although California will always be my home. What state do you think I should live in next?  Yes, I'm seriously considering leaving this beautiful state that I call home but I also like adventure and new places :) Here are the options: (or others if anyone suggests others haha)

Utah
Texas
California
Arizona
Nevada
Washington

Leave a comment please! I'm curious to see what people say about which state I should live in next....that is, if I have the opportunity to get a job there ;)

Baseball Game!!

 So last Saturday we had a baseball game! There were TONS of people and it was a GREAT turnout....minus it being SO cold!! I ended up not playing.. I let Emily borrow my glove so I just took pictures instead. Still tons of fun!  Check out the pictures:

Emily and Ferni ...these two make me laugh ALL the time!

Emily and Tyler getting ready to play

Nicole and I... we did Tye-dye t-shirts and I did one for Nicole so we were twins :)

Shelby and I.... love her!

Svea and Shelby

Bishop Brice making the best hamburgers ever!! Love him! :)

Missionary Work=Fantastic!!

For those of you who don't know, I have THREE amazing people that I'm very close to out on missions right now for our church. If you want to read more about our church, click on the "I believe" button on the side and it will take you to my mormon.org profile :) Anyhow, I want to tell you about these three amazing missionaries that I know. (There are a lot of amazing missionaries out there who have served or are serving, including ALL of my other cousins and friends, I love you all! )

Jessica is currently in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) learning Spanish for her Houston, TX mission. She is amazing. I absolutely love her and whenever I needed a pick me up, she was always there with a smile and a hug. I absolutely love her and I'm so proud of her decision to serve a mission. I told her that by the time she gets back, I will speak Spanish as well so we can have little private conversations haha :) I also told her that she doesn't need to worry about me getting married while she is gone because that is definitely not happening anytime soon!!

Jeremy is called to serve in the Las Vegas, Nevada mission. I am SO excited for him and this amazing experience he is going to have! JJ lives in Canada so I really only get to see him when we have family reunions or when we are in Hawaii. We always have a good time when we are together and he always makes me laugh. I'm excited to hear all about his adventures while he is on his mission and can't wait to see him in two years!

Donnie is called to serve in the Mendoza, Argentina mission. I was there when he opened his mission call and it was an awesome experience. I remember when he was born  and we have always been close as cousins. I think of him as another little brother and I'm so proud of him and his decision to serve. I'm excited to hear about all his experiences and the people he teaches.

Here are some pictures of Donnie before he left:

Checking in 

The So Cal cousins with Elder Moser :)

Thompson Family (minus Jeri) with Elder Moser!

I already miss him :( but he is going to be a GREAT missionary!

Moser Family :)

Giving his mom a hug one last time

About to walk up the stairs.... 

Turned around and waved one last time... God Be With You Till We Meet Again... two years will go by fast!

Missionary work is amazing and I admire all those who have served missions, will or are member missionaries (aren't we all?!). I've been talking with the missionaries in my ward a lot and they have been really helpful in teaching me more about missionary work than I realized before. Everyone can be a good missionary and you don't have to go and serve somewhere else to do it. I'm grateful for all those who are willing to share the Gospel with others and stand up for what we believe in.

Disneyland!!

So I took the boys to Disneyland this week. It's nice to have passes so that way we do not feel obligated to stay the ENTIRE day. Yesterday was GREAT not to stay the whole day because it was BUSY!! We got there around 1045 and spent most of our time in California Adventure. (We also took Lizzy, Bret's friend with us)

I actually really enjoy California Adventure. There is so much to do there and it's all interesting. I REALLY wanted to go talk with Crush but the kids wanted to do rides... I might drag them to it next week... what can I say, I'm a kid at heart :) Here are a few photos of our great day! :)

Lizzy and Bret... can you tell Bret is so Happy to be taking a picture lol

Bret has decided to become like Chad and hardly smiles in photos :( 

Lizzy and Bret waiting in line for the Grizzly Rapid ride! Look he is smiling! :)

Lizzy's first time on the ride... she got SOAKED! It was so much fun and she had a great time!

What can I say, California Adventure is awesome!! We love it! :)

Mickey Mouse!!! :)

Mickey marshmallow.... SO GOOD!! 

Chad with HOPPER

Ready for the Bugs life show... it was awesome!! 

Chad sporting his new shades ;)

Bret went on Tower of Terror for the 2nd time... it took a lot of convincing and I was nervous because we were in the FRONT but he handled it like a champ and loved it :)


Overall it was a great, fun day!! :)

Quick Update

So I just wanted to let you all know to check back soon for lot's of fun pictures and great things to post about!! It's been a very busy week and lot's of fun and I can't wait for some more fun the rest of this weekend so stay tuned!!

Also, it looks like I have some more readers so follow me on my blog or at least let me know you read it!! It makes blogging more worth while knowing people read it!!

Yep that's Pirates of the Caribbean.. my FAVORITE ride of all rides at Disneyland. Stay tuned!! And Have a great weekend!! :)

Electronics on Spring Break....maybe not a good thing!!

See these two boys right here:

Yeah they love each other... but not at the moment. It's spring break for them and they are off for two weeks!! I'm thinking that we are going to have to plan more outings besides a few days at Disneyland because they are driving me crazy and it's only day 2!!!! See all morning I've been dealing with a headache so the last thing I want to deal with is fighting. I think a schedule is going to have to be made because the electronics in this household are causing ALOT of issues. Bret wants to watch show while Chad wants to play a game then they both play together but then Bret gets upset because he doesn't win and wants the TV for a show again.... it's this cycle that repeats and I don't think I can handle 8 more days of this!!! It's a good thing we are going to Disneyland on Thursday or I might literally scream if I have to deal with this all week. The joys of being the Big Sister and watching them. Crazy!! I'll keep you posted on our happenings. We were thinking about a trip to Utah but with gas prices the way they are... that's probably not going to happen :( We'll see though. At least we have Disneyland passes so that will be fun to go down a few times. 

Anyhow, I will keep you posted on our Thompson Family Fun outings for Spring Break! I think I'm going to go make more cookies (not for me...for sisters in my ward!!) and maybe have Bret help me! Hope you all have a lovely day!! 

Chocolate Chip Cookies & Ritz Chicken

So I finally have a kitchen back and have been making some good stuff!!! I want to share some recipes with you that I absolutely LOVE!!
(Carissa if you read this... yes not the healthiest recipes but in moderation...definitely worth it! love you! xoxo)


Ritz Chicken

6 Chicken Breast halves
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs ( I use egg whites)
2 rolls of Ritz crackers crushed (maybe three... I've only used this recipe for 4 chicken but there is plenty of the Ritz so I would stick with two!)
1/2 cup Butter (melted)
paprika to taste

Wash and pat dry chicken. Mix the milk and eggs until smooth. Put the Ritz crackers in a shallow bowl. Dip the chicken in the milk/egg mixture and then in the crackers. Place in a baking pan (that is greased--- I use olive oil spray). Drizzle butter over the top and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

**I use only about 1/4 of the butter. The crackers already have enough butter in them so you really don't need a lot extra. I also would season your chicken before you use it. We have some pre-packaged already seasoned chicken so I skip that step but you definitely want some seasoning for the chicken besides the paprika so use whatever your family likes best! Definitely one of my favorites now and it's not even that unhealthy (I don't use a ton of Ritz crackers so I think that's I say it's healthy haha). Pair with some vegetables and voila... you have a main course! Enjoy! ***


Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 sticks of softened butter
4 eggs
3 cups Brown Sugar
1 cup White Sugar
1 T. Vanilla

Blend together until well mixed and smooth. Then add:

5 cups White Flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes

**First of all, I know all of you are like WOW three sticks of butter.... crazy I know but this recipe is AMAZING! Also, I divided the cookie dough in half and half was all chocolate chips and then the other half I mixed in peanut butter chocolate chips. Do whatever suits you best though! I also like to stick my dough in the fridge for a couple of hours before using. I find that makes it better, why I have no idea but that's how I do it. Maybe because it's easier to roll it into balls or just makes me think it's like the prepackaged...whatever the case, these cookies are awesome! Enjoy!! ***

Things I'm Looking Forward To :

I had the most amazing/spiritual weekend ever! I was uplifted and a lot of things that had been on my mind, were answered. Elder Holland came to visit the Yucaipa Stake and that man is amazing. Words don't do justice for what the meetings were like. Very spiritual and very uplifting. I'm hoping that I have an amazing week to follow this amazing weekend I had.

 After my last post I felt that maybe I need to back off and not write so much because then maybe my readers won't read it?? So in a nutshell for the week this is what I'm looking forward to:


*Going to the Temple
* Hanging out with friends
* Making Cookies (I haven't actually made cookies in a LONG time)
*Watching the Biggest Loser... can't wait to see what this next episode is like!
*Going to a Wedding :)
*Cooking in General (for those who don't know.... I LOVE to cook!)

I probably won't post again for a few days unless something is really pressing on my mind... I feel that you all have had a enough personal thoughts for the moment.

And just as a little side note, in my last post I just want to mention that guys probably feel that girls are a mystery as well. It goes both ways....just remember that :) 

Dating versus Hanging Out

So this won't really apply to any of my readers because well the majority of you are either married or dating someone so just read my rant about this and bear with me :) By the way.. I was going to add pictures with this post BUT... I feel like this is more of just a writing one...so no pictures today....


Dating in this society, I feel is almost non-existent. People are always "hanging out" and then by some miraculous discovery some find their one true love. I think that is wonderful for them but they are the exception to the rule (haha that line reminds me of the move "He's Just Not That Into You") ... anyways... I find myself these days more in the "hanging out" zone with everyone else than the "dating" zone which is where everyone SHOULD want to be. What happened to going on dates for fun?? I feel like now a guy (and sometimes girls) feel that if a guy asks you out, he likes you and its serious. That's what the social media has ingrained into our minds and made us think. Why can't a guy ask you out just for fun and to get to know you a little better? That's the way it should be. And I believe that you should also date a few people to weed out all the frogs before you find your prince. I've had people tell friends before that they are players because they were dating a few people at the same time. Hello, in my book, as long as there is no PDA with ALL of them, it's totally fine. When you are getting to know people, it's okay to date a few people. It's NOT okay however to lead someone on.

I'm old fashioned. I admit it honestly and openly. I HATE asking guys out on dates. I feel like it should be their duty and respectful if they are the ones asking. I know some guys are shy and that's okay, most girls are nice about turning down a date or even saying yes :) I think I'm so old fashioned because EVERY (I'm emphasizing that) time I have asked a guy out, it has been bad.  Not like, oh sad... he said no... no.. its been more of that I've had guys ignore me, say rude things about me, you name it, it has probably happened, when I have asked a guy out. SO.... my wall goes up and I don't like asking guys on dates. I think that's probably why I have a hard time asking guys in general for anything. I'm getting better though (asking for help I mean... still no on the dating part lol) One of my biggest things that bothers me is when friends tell you "Oh he likes you!".... How many times have you heard that line before? My friends in high school used to tell me that ALL the time and I would believe them and then be crushed when I found out that he liked someone else or was dating someone else. I know my friends didn't mean to do it on purpose...that was just one of the joys of high school I guess. That doesn't happen anymore and I like it that way. I don't want to get my hopes up for something that there isn't even a remote possibility of "liking" or whatever the case may be. The point is, is that you date people, to get to know them more... and then see if something is there. I actually joined a dating site to see if that would help at all with dating and nope... not really. I won't even say what website it was because some of it was helpful, and some not so much. I've been reading tips on dating and so forth but I feel like every guy is different so you can't apply a list of things to ALL guys.

I have spent YEARS trying to understand guys and the way they think and act and while I understand them a little bit better now.... they are STILL a mystery. I think it's meant to be that way though. I was having a good conversation with a friend last night about dating and how it's hard when the person you are dating isn't on the same level as you. Dating in general is hard and these days, it's even harder. I've been thinking about this topic for quite some time actually. Probably since the beginning of January when I realized that I'm getting to be up there in age (haha I feel so old!) and the dating prospects are very, very slim.

I was reading an article by Dallin H. Oaks about this subject and it made me feel A LOT better. I just wish everyone would remember this talk and apply it to their lives. If you would like you read it click here. It's a great talk and he gives a lot of great advice.

I think part of the problem with dating too is intimidation. Remember when I posted about that? Click here if you want to re-read that post :) I will admit it, I have been intimidated by guys. One in particular as of recent but only because for the first time in a long time, I have no idea what to say. I feel like my words would be inadequate or not up to par. Sounds kind of lame I know and I'm actually kind of over the intimidation... it doesn't need to be like that. I can be bold and say what's on my mind. I had a friend tell me once that wow, that's impressive you just spoke your mind on the matter. Yep, that's how I roll these days haha ... I don't mind telling you what I think or how I feel about the situation because really, it's better to be honest right?

I do have to add the one glitch about dating for fun. And that is.... when you date, you are getting to know the person and finding out if you are interested or not. The glitch is when you find out you ARE interested and the other person is not. That's the hard part. And this applies to both men and women. I don't have any ideas on what to say here because I honestly don't know what would help that. You can't help who you fall for, but you are strong enough to move on to someone who is better and right for you instead of waiting around to see what happens next. It's hard when you find out the feeling isn't mutual but move on.... there is something better for you out there :)

Anyways, dating is kind of non-existent for me right now. Dating is a SERIOUS business here... hanging out is more like it haha...Kind of sad in a way but that's the way people roll here... I wish I could change that. I'm only one person and can only do so much but maybe this post will help. No... it probably won't...  but it's just good to write what's on my mind :) Any suggestions from you readers would be helpful though :) Love you all!! And thanks for reading my real, intense thoughts. :)

Fun Times :)

So I haven't posted any real pictures lately and it's not because I haven't been doing anything fun, it's just that I haven't had my camera with me or if I did, I haven't taken a lot of pictures. So here are a few from the last couple of weeks :)

This from our FHE ping pong tournament.... no I didn't play... I'm brutal when it comes to ping pong... seriously, just ask my friend Denise she can attest to that. I don't think anyone is patient enough to teach me how to hit the ping pong ball nicely across the table lol
This is Denise and I with JJ in the background... probably one of my favorite pictures ever :)

Some of our table at Karla's wedding :) I wish I had gotten pictures of the table and the decorations, it was SO pretty! It was a fun night and after Amber and Chelsea started the dancing, I joined in, it was super fun :)

Amber, Karla and I
Love them! 

Me and Natalie at the BYU Young Ambassadors Performance of Harmony


Those performers are SO talented! It was an amazing show and I loved it! They even did a dance to "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble and it was awesome!! My favorite scene of the night! I was hoping they would be touring down here for a while longer but sadly they aren't. My next chance of seeing them will probably be if I went to Utah....which is  not a bad idea :) Maybe someday I will take a trip up there haha :)

I've got a super busy day ahead but it's going to be AMAZING! Missionary Breakfast this morning and then a basketball game and THEN I get to go hear Elder Holland speak for the adult session of Stake Conference. I am SO excited!!! Going to be an AWESOME day! I hope all of you have a GREAT weekend as well!

And Happy Birthday Waddie!! Nothing is better than getting to hear Elder Holland speak so it will be a GREAT day :)