Beauty is...

Subjective. Beauty is really subjective, and it differs from person to person. For example, when watching a commercial for face balm all I could think was, "wow, that model has gorgeous eyes and great angles on her face. So unique, I wish I could be blonde, etc" At which point Travis said out loud, "Why do they always use weird looking people on these commercials?"

I feel like in my previous blog I've written about this subject before. Yet, everyone appreciates being reminded that they are beautiful! Because well...we all are. Whether you have great eyes, great curves, or fabulous hair the most important beauty is within.

I love my future job. I had a client today that I have once a week and frankly, she was the only reason I didn't call in sick. Sciatica has hit my tiny little hips pretty hard. Yesterday after school Travis had to help me anytime I went from sitting to standing...or bending over. A good husband will rub his wife's hips, a great one will walk in the bathroom and help her stand up because she got stuck. Pinched nerves suck! Back to the story, this little lady who I see every week. She is so adorable, and I love to make her face just light up when she realizes she has a great hairstyle that will last till next week. She always gets the same thing, but because she is so thankful and so sweet, I really wouldn't mind.

I will have a job that solely focuses around beauty. How great do you feel after a sweet hairdo? Exactly. I don't have to focus on the worldly aspect either. I can simply remind someone what makes them beautiful, and for that I am grateful.

Look in the mirror. Now, smile. Instead of seeing flaws focus on everything anyone has told her looks great. I know that sounds hard, but if anyone at anytime(even if you've improved or digressed in your opinion) has ever told her you're beautiful try to see it. If you can't I'm sure I could find something for you, and if you're a stranger....call your mom. Moms always think their babies are beautiful. If your mom has never complimented you, then you need a hug because that is part of mom duties.

You are awesome in some way. I promise. There is also someone who loves you. That I can promise too. Those are facts you can rely on.

Sincerely,
-Heather Rand.

P.S. I'd also like to make a shout out to four wonderful, beautiful people who graduated from school today. I will miss them soooo much, but plan on keeping in touch.(via facebook stalking)

The charming prince who on many occasions has brightened my mood simply because he is so happy and bubbly all the time. Even when his hair was a few shades too dark...so dark it's black. Who do you know that simply sighs about their hair turning out wrong? Seriously?! I would flip tables over that. Best laugh.

The mother whose only goal seems to be caring for all even the compulsive liars and mean people. More Christian than many of the Christians I know. Always so willing to give. There are like a billion things I could say about how awesome you are, but if I keep going I might cry at the thought of us not seeing each other again. So we will...this is not goodbye. This is tribute.

The sassy twin with perfect eye creases. Not to sound shallow, but if I ever need a model I will for sure call you first. You were also always good for a laugh especially when you were grumpy. To see an attitude on such a pretty person seems contradicting, and it kinda always made me smile when you got all *snap "Oh no she didn't." You are also very considerate with my feelings. Not wanting to call my belly huge because you were worried it might bother me. I like being considered.

And last, but certainly not least, the quiet one. But I know your secret....you weren't really a quiet, shy individual. You have such a sweet disposition, and you never seem to expect anything from anyone. Which makes giving you pie so awesome! You had opinions, but you were never so loud as to offend. Like me, you feel confrontation is the plague and avoid it as such. Thank goodness for that, huh? I wish I had been in class with you more because I don't feel I know you as well. I know you just enough to miss you though, and I feel like that counts.

Warm Fuzzys

Travis said my last post felt angry, and it was more of a hurt post. Either way it was kinda depressing, and yesterday turned out to become amazing. I went to the temple, and when I left I felt clean and free from all concerns. Not to mention my headache left. No need to rant about bad things when there is so much to be thankful for. Now, onto my new favorite phrase...

"How are my girls?"

Nothing sounds as wonderful as Travis saying that. It was just plain awesome the first time he said that. There are in fact going to be two favorite girls in his life now, and I love it.

I'm also already madly in love with this little girl! For the first time today I felt hiccups. I felt this weird poke from the inside, kinda like a gurgle. Every time I have felt her kick or move, it is fleeting...but I would not call it a flutter. It's very distinct, if I'm paying attention. Flutters are more like...adrenaline. Anyways, the gurgle happened about three or four times ten or so seconds in between when it hit me. That was hiccups. I was so delighted, one could even feel the bounce from the outside.

I can sense the beginning of the end...and by end I mean the point where everyone has hands on you to feel a movement of your baby. Why aren't moving babies just gushed over? I guess it's appealing if they're stuffed in a warm, tight, bag of skin that happens to be attached to someone you may or may not know. A real kicking baby might hurt you, can't have that. Fortunately for the world, I've come up with some full proof excuses if I ever feel terribly uncomfortable that won't hurt feelings. I have to use the bathroom, which would probably be true. There is also the sudden inhale and quickly walk away(that could mean anything really, and I could dismiss explaining till they forget about it). My last and final way out of strange people holding onto me...a big, slobbery sneeze. Don't worry friends, if I know you I'll probably not mind at all. So far I haven't been bothered by people rubbing and talking to my belly. These excuses are mostly for the strangers in wal-mart who speak no English.

Now I'm off to crochet more literal warm fuzzys, and dream of how to decorate her room! I have vinyl and a cricut, all I need is a theme and colors really. I'm thinking woodsy creatures. Anything, but princess. Princess will set her up to be spoiled. She is a daughter of a king, but we need not put her above others. Every girl is a princess.

General Conference Notes: The future is as bright as your faith.

I admit these are a tad vague. In some parts I left open ended questions, and I didn't take notes with some speakers. The Saturday morning session I didn't take notes until President Uchdorf began speaking, partly because I was still half asleep and partly because I love him so much! He has a wonderful accent, and as all who spoke in conference plenty important to say. He's in my favorites though, because I feel like he truly cares for all of us even though he doesn't know us. Just like Christ. It's a wonderful trait all prophets and apostles have. I also put in quotations direct quotes.

Saturday Morning (Oct. 6, 2012)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd counselor in the first presidency)

Do you have any regrets? Basic gospel principles can prevent further regrets. Do not fail to give meaningful time to loves ones. The entire ladder of worldly success does not even compare to a step on the spiritual ladder to eternal life, or the ladder that leads back to our Heavenly Father. "We are capable of so much more. Good intentions are not enough." We must be living examples of Christ.

The more we rely on the Savior's grace the more we will feel we are on the right path. External circumstances do no matter nor determine our happiness. We determine our own level of happiness. "It's not a race, it's a journey. Enjoy the moment." It is foolish to anticipate and focus on the end. "Do we say our prayers with only the Amen in mind?" "Life is not meant to only be appreciated in retrospect."

Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. Let us resolve to spend more time with those we love.

Saturday Afternoon (Oct. 6, 2012)

Elder L. Tom Perry (quorum of the twelve apostles)

Marriage and raising children should be our highest priority. Set the righteous example for our children. Teaching in the home is the most sacred responsibility. You are responsible to teach by example as well as principle.

Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the twelve apostles)

Burdens are lighter with the efforts of many. In our morning prayers, ask for Heavenly Father to guide you to the opportunity to serve others. He likened our efforts until the efforts of a single honey bee. A single honey bee makes approx. 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey, but with thousands of bees the efforts of many can be of great value. 

Elder Larry Echo Hawk (first quorum of the seventy)

He basically bore his testimony about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Elder Robert C. Gay (first quorum of the seventy)

Would you sell your soul for a nickel? We must go straight away to heed the promptings of the Lord. God forsakes no one. "My testimony is my most prized possession."

Elder Scott D. Whiting (first quorum of the seventy)

We are each made of the finest materials. Strive for perfection. Do our best to live our lives worthy of the temple.

Elder Neil L. Anderson (of the twelve apostles)

Did we not come to Earth to accept the challenges God has laid before us? So we can receive the blessings God has promised us. True principles are taught frequently. They are not hard to find. Our trials need not be spiritually fatal. A witness follows the trial of your faith. "Fear not, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (of the twelve apostles)

It is our responsibility to protect the well being of children. We are all under Heavenly Father's commandment to protect those who need protecting. It is a serious sin to deny a child birth. Children are role models of humility and teachability. We should become humble as little children, and reach out to protect them.

Sunday Morning (Oct. 7th, 2012)

Elder Jeffery R. Holland (of the twelve apostles)

"Do you love me more than you love all this?" Why are you here? Did not my life and my love matter more than all this? Did we at least understand the first and greatest commandment, that thou shalt love the Lord. If ye love me, keep my commandments. Love God and remain clean and free from the sins of the world. We will not look back until the work is finished.

President Thomas S. Monson (prophet, seer, and president of the church)

Rather than dwell on the negative, look back on all the blessings even seemingly small and insignificant. Take an inventory of your life, and look at the blessings large and small that you have received. Never postpone the inspiration of a prompting. Pray to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. Missions are essential. The Lord is in the details of our lives.

Sunday Afternoon (Oct. 7th, 2012)

Elder Robert D. Hales (of the twelve apostles)

What does it mean to be a Christian? Take upon us the name of Christ. Faithful Christians will always be blessed with trials and challenges. Do not be afraid or feel inadequate to do the work of the Lord. Value everyone. Have compassion for all. Bless those that curse us.

Elder Richard G. Scott (of the twelve apostles)

Be better about family history work. A sure way to eliminate the influence of Satan is to complete family history work. Follow up in the temple. Work that we can do on Earth, and will remain in Heaven. Set aside things that don't matter for work of eternal value.

Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe (Sunday School General Presidency)

Conversion is not an event, but a lifelong quest to become like our Savior. Knowing, doing, becoming. Like Alma we can become new. The Atonement (John 3:16) should not be an abstract concept. Like the Nephites, return home, and ponder the things said and pray what we can do.

Elder Marcus B. Nash (first quorum of the seventy)

Do not discard faith for reason. Faith and reason are like wings of a place. Both are essential to fly. Seek learning by study, and by faith. Doubt not, fear not. The god of miracles, who changes not, will help us through our trials. The future is as bright as your faith.

Elder Daniel L. Johnson (first quorum of the seventy)

Why serve after great trials, why use scarce and precious resources to help another? The path is not easy, but as we strive to help others and become more like Christ we can grow closer to him. Be in the world, not of the world. Not to endure storms, but succeed through them. Being a disciple of Christ is setting an example. Discipleship is about doing and becoming. Actions speak louder than words.

Elder Don R. Clarke (first quorum of the seventy)

Express gratitude for the sacrament. We can feel forgiven after the sacrament by pondering our sins and mistakes. We can feel clean.

Elder David A. Bednar (of the twelve apostles)

Jesus Christ is our Savior. Any honest seeker of truth can be converted. Ask with a sincere heart and contrite spirit if these things are true. Ask and ye shall receive. Have a firm determination to improve. Testimony is a point of departure, not a destination.

President Thomas S. Monson (president of the church, and prophet to the world)

Watch to help others in their time of need. Do not judge others. Be of good cheer. The Lord loves us and is always mindful of us. The purpose of mortality is to learn and grow; to become more like the Savior. Be of good cheer. (he said that twice so I figured it was important)