Love to Love & Smile When You Can

My past three months have been nothing but an up and down roller coaster. And one I can't really seem to get off of. Now your probably saying in your head  "life is what you make of it", and I will be the first to agree with you. However, times will be rough and tough so that's why I say "Love to Love and Smile when you can."

When I think of where to begin updating, I should first acknowledge my lack of progress on my goal to post once a day. That flew out the window pretty fast. But I'm trying to get back on track and this time how bout I make a goal to post once every two weeks?  I think I'll have a little more success that way.

Ok, now for the fun stuff..
My first semester of college is coming to a close.. finally. This means that finals are right around the corner(sigh) and then I get to go home! YES! Living in Provo has been fun and a great growing period for me. But who can argue that Arizona is the best place to call home?  Not me! So after next semester I'm planning on going back home where I will apply for Dental Hygiene school. I couldn't be more excited!
Being away from home, I'll admit, has been good for me. I've learned things I otherwise might not have learned staying home. The first thing that comes to mind is how much I love my family. I'm not quite sure what I did to deserve them, but their mine now and I'm not giving them back. They are a HUGE blessing in my life and my best friends. I couldn't ask for anything more!
The second thing that comes to mind is that I am proud to be a Mormon. Every scripture, prayer, meeting, and experience teaches me something  new and shapes me into the person I want and need to be. The true joy that comes from living the gospel is a feeling that simply can not be put into words.
My third thought..  Utah is f-f-freezing! I miss the 100 degree weather and the non-slippery roads because ice just doesn't exist in Arizona. Driving in snow absolutely terrifies me, to the point where I call my parents panicked and crying.. {it's ok to laugh}. But in all seriousness, I'm a true Az gal.

And now, the moment I've been waiting for..  The update on my missionary(:
My handsome missionary, Elder Sorenson, is serving in Durban, South Africa 7000 miles away from home.  He's been out for almost a month now; which in my book is a success that I've made it thus far. He reported to the Johannesburg MTC on November 13th. He is speaking English and also a little bit of Zulu(or what I like to call click). As I expected, Elder Sorenson is doing great, loving the work, and enjoying every second of it.
Alex and I met our senior year of high school and when I saw him I had to find out who he was and get him to take me out.. that is exactly what I did.  In what may be the most typical search for "that cute boy", I turned to social media: Instagram.  Romantic, I know(:  But hey, I'm happy with where it took us.  2 months later I kissed him first and 11 months later I'm writing this about him, my missionary. But as a quick side note, I am honestly so grateful for him. He has been my best friend through thick and thin and every day he continues to amaze me. I'm one lucky gal.

I think that about covers it.. But I'll wrap everything up with some pictures because everyone loves pictures, right?

Food for thought: Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Love you all,
First daughter of Five,
Lo

Elder Sorenson Building A Garden

Elder Sorenson With The Kids

My Wonderful Family Just Being Silly

My Last Photo With My Elder Before He Left

Tuesday's Thoughts and Thanks

Packing for school has definitely brought a lot of feelings to the surface. The obvious ones: nervousness, hesitation, but then excitement. The more subtle ones: hopefulness and a little disappointment. So these emotions got me thinking, what am I gonna miss most about Gilbert, Arizona.. more importantly, HOME?

1st- My sweet family. You've all heard the expression, "you don't realize what you have till they're gone" and although I'm not away from them yet, I can more than agree to that statement. Tuesday night, I was able to take my little sissy Londyn to her soccer practice and watch her giggle with her teammates, get knocked around, and at the same time work her little booty off. It was so fun to see what she had been working on from the previous practices but it made me teary-eyed to think that I won't be able to be a part of all my talented sisters' experiences, hobbies, and successes for the next three years. Then, I'm gonna miss my wonderful parents. My parents have always been my best friends, the first people I go to for help, my number one supporters, and the best parents I could ever ask for. My parents are the reason I am who I am today. Words could never truly express my appreciation and love for them. It's going to be hard to be so far apart. Thank goodness for Skype, right?

2nd- My best friends. I have been more than blessed to have the wonderful friends I do now.  Life would never have been the same without you guys and I am so grateful to you for the memories we share and the fun/embarrassing/perfect moments I will never forget.

3rd- My Bed. It sounds quite pathetic I know, but I'm not too excited to sleep in a different bed for three years. But hey, it's all part of the experience right?

4th- My Home Ward. Anyone can argue that they have the best ward but it's doesn't mean you'll win. Hands down, Cornerstone Ward has it all. You can bet that in three years i'll be back.

5th- My Job. This Wednesday is the last day I work at Bahama Bucks. Over the 10 months I've been there I've met so many great people and had so much fun mastering the perfect shaved ice and smoothies. But not to worry, it'll be the dessert in Heaven.

Living in Gilbert, Arizona has been the perfect place to call home for more than the few reasons up top. But I'm positive that someday ill be able to call it home, once again(:

My Formal Introduction

When I decided to start a blog, I never imagined how hard and time consuming it would be to create my titles, blog names, or even my first couple sentences.. that's probably why I'm complaining to you right now. But as I am getting ready to leave for college and experience truly being on my own, I wanted to start something where I could keep track of all the good, bad, happy, sad, fun, boring and exciting times and also be able to share them with my close family, friends, and people I meet along the way. So my goal for this new blog is to post once a day(no matter how short). But now, for the greeting..

My name is Lauren Lovell, yes, no middle name, and I am 18 years old. I am the oldest of five daughters, hence the blog address, and I have the most wonderful hardworking parents in the whole world. I have moved states three times in my early childhood but the place I now love to call home is Gilbert, Arizona. I graduated from Highland High School in May 2013 and unfortunately missed my graduation night because I fell asleep on the couch. Talk about wild child, right?

Some of my hobbies are singing, playing the piano, playing soccer, running, getting manicures/pedicures with my mom, and most of all going SHOPPING. If there is one thing that I would want anyone to know and remember about me is that I am a Mormon. I love the gospel and everyday I live it, I grow to appreciate and love it more and more.

This Friday, August 23rd, I am starting my new journey in the College Life. I am going to Utah Valley University, home of the Wolverines, to become a Dental Hygienist. Hopefully, someday I'll be the perfect fit for my dad's office.

Well, I think that about sums up my formal introduction. Hopefully I'll get a little more creative as the time goes on but for now, bear with me.

First Daughter of Five,
Lo.