Harry Potter 7 Part 1 Premire

So last night I went to my first movie premire! It was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1! What a first premire! This one will probably be my favorite because it seems to follow the book the most.
The audiance was mostly full of James Madson University students who didn't know how to be quiet! Either they were talking or being loud shushing the others that it was obnoxious. Otherwise we all had fun!

I even dressed up! I went as Hermione Granger, the smart one with good senses. I went with Rachel and Casey Adams, Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter, Justin Bowes, Kathy Gilmer, Ashley Wilcox, a random Hufflepuff student, Mariel and Erik Kunz, Molly Weasley and Hagrid, Nathan Taylor, Remus Lupin, and Arielle Tanner, Luna Lovegood.

I dedicated my night and costume to Mrs. Susan Miller. She was a teacher I had for the Harry Potter club in middle school, becoming my dear friend. She passed away my senoir year of high school from cancer, I think it was lung cancer but I'm not sure. So, this is her Little Hermione all grown up and remembering her.

Oh November!!

This month has been like Diamondback at King's Island, crazy and everywhere.

Academically, classes are going well and you can tell the end of the semester is getting closer. Final papers, harder exams, stressed out freshman, and all that fun stuff. Classes have been going pretty well for me, not that I don't have my challenges, but they haven't been miserable.

Spiritually, things have been good. I am now the Relief Society Greeter for my ward! Yay callings! And everyday I gain a stronger testimony of the church and the Gospel.

Socially, it has been crap. I won't go into detail here because if I want you to know, I will share with you personally. But I'm getting stronger one day at a time, putting a smile on my face and a spring in my step.

But it was made better with also conversations with people who are involved and dear friends and family. Which surprised me with a visit this past friday!! It was amazing!! I definately needed them at this time!

And if any one know who this is, Charles Manuel came and talked at our school Friday. He remineced most of the time about growing up in BV. He just kept talking and talking... it took forever! Not that I don't apprecitate that he took the time to visit, he just liked to talk.

The Wind Ensemble concert on Friday went well. The music was an overall success. We played Jupiter from Holst: The Planets, and Sweringen and Susa, and other great musical bits.

I pray that you all have a good week!

Happy Halloween!! I hope everyone had a good holiday!

If you haven't seen it on Facebook or haven't heard it from anyone else, I am single again. Justin and I broke it off mutually and we are still close friends. I'm over him, mostly, but I'm getting over it a day at a time.

School has been schooly and life is life-y. Partyed this weekend with friends for Halloween and had a ball!

I also gave myself bangs!! I haven't had these since elementry school! Crazy! I like them but I still have to get use to them.

So that's all folks!

Life Goes On

Yes it has been a while since I have posted anything, I'm sorry. Life has been happening and it's been a joy ride.

As those who are members know, we had General conference 2 weeks ago. My favorite was, of course, Elder David A. Bednar. He gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost. Then the hymn "Now Let Us Rejoice" really touched me like never before. It was awesome!! I also was found worthy to hold a temporary temple recommend by my bishop so I could do work the coming Tuesday.

Monday was a typical Monday, not wanting to get out of bed and so on. Tuesday, after pulling an all-nighter, went to meet others to go to the temple at 5 in the morning. I slept like a baby the entire ride up. I woke up just in time to hear my name get called to remind me of going to do baptisms and quickly change. I had the best time! I also later helped with putting up the Christmas lights on the trees around the grounds with Justin. Afterwards, we left and decided to visit his family for a while. We got home late that night because I had misplaced my purse, but was found by a friend and given back later.

Thursday, after all my classes and my homework was finished, Justin and I went to Harrisonburg to meet with his high school friend Brittany. She is a theater major and is really random and fun! We ate at a Greek restaurant! It was SO good!

Friday was the beginning of a great weekend. Mom and Brandon came to visit for Parent's Weekend. Justin got to visit with Brandon, roommates their freshman year, and we all ate at Applebee's. Later, Justin and I performed in the Homecoming concert. It was amazing! Many people enjoyed my cymbal and bass drum "solos" in Dance of the Comedians and The Firebird Suit. We then had ice cream at Alexander's, owned by our own Nate Pence.

Saturday, Welchs went shopping at Walmart and bought plenty of food! We then went to the football game, which we won! Justin and I played in the Pep Band and had fun cheering on the team. We then got ready for Stake conference and the Homecoming dance. Yes, we attended both. I got a whole lot out of the session. 2 investigators spoke!! That is amazing itself! The dance was fun and there was much smiling and laughing as there was dancing.

Sunday was the general session of Stake Conference. It was a great session as well. Mom and Brandon left that afternoon and life has been pretty normal since.

That's what is up with me and SVU. I can't wait to hear from you all! I love and miss you!

Counting My Blessings

I know I'm not going through anything rough now but I feel like I've been blessed more since last Saturday.

Before I started dating, it seemed like I had a testimony of things in the church, but also kinda going through the motions, just doing something to do it. Afterwards, I've changed my attitude about reading scriptures, praying, journal entries, and everything church related. I even bore my testimony about that one youth conference that the 4 oldest Ohio Welch youth went to a few years ago. After I was done, a priesthood holder stood up and said that I gave him the confidence to share his with the congregation! I wonder if the missionaries feel as excited as I did when they go teach people.

Thursday, I was in a group that presented information on A Midsummer Night's Dream for an Intro to Theater History class. The professor was excited that we got people in class to participate the way audiances did in his time! He was happy and talkitive on the positive of the presentation, I believe that we got a really good grade!

Friday, Justin and I double dated with our friends Tim Knouker (pronounced no-ker) and a girl named Jo. We ate at Lee-hi's, watched Toy Story 3, and his high school James Bond movie. It was good for a high school production.

Saturday, we had breakfast together, did homework, had a photoshoot with his dad, and played in the Pep Band. It was his first time ever to play Quads and he did an excellent job! He also helped in getting things to and from the stadium, even was helpful to our baritone sax player who had an allergy attack and had to go home. It was fun!

Katrina James, a friend from last year, and I watched the Relief Society broadcast at my mod because we got finished with band things 5 minutes before the broadcast started and we knew we couldn't make it to the stake center on time. President Monson was our favorite! He talked on not judging others in a comical and serious way that really makes you pay attention.

That's all I really got to say. I hope to hear from you all soon!

What's new...

So some of you may know that I have a boyfriend now. His name is Justin Bowes, a wonderful, active return missionary from Northern VA. He is friends with Daniel and Brandon from when they attended SVU and is a music major. No, we are not engaged and we won't know until the Lord tells us otherwise. We will get pictures soon so if you don't have a Facebook account don't worry.

School is going well. I'm doing fine in all my classes and no job, no calling. Umm... so yeah... I love you all and I hope to see or hear from you soon!!

labor day weekend

So classes here have been great!! Introduction of Theater History we went outside to experience a Greek-like theater setting, learning how to use my ears to identify music, how to use resources wisely, about the Enlightenment, and all that other fun stuff.

This past Friday, our school football team won against Radford University 44-6! It was amazing to watch a game that we actually "slaughter" the opposing team and not be in the Pep Band! (First game of the season and we didn't get time before to rehearse properly).

Saturday, a day to complete homework and have movie marathons. So much fun!! Sunday was very spiritual with testimonies, learning about Hosea, and talking about unity with each other. Later that day, I got together with other people who live in the mods and we played Band Hero!! So much fun playing the drums!!

Monday, I slept in, took care of some business around campus, and then more movie marathons!!! That night I went to Family Home Evening and learned how to Salsa dance! Then, attended the local fireworks display! SO MANY BRIGHT COLORS!! AND SO LOUD!!!

Class this week has been good and easy. I love you all and can't wait to hear from you all soon! If you want my mailing address, email me or call me!