Hallelujah

I am going to just save all the apologies, and just say... READ this. 

What a life we have to live. My heart is so full of gratitude, love, and excitement. I am beyond grateful for the memories, and the people I have come to know while here at school. I have learned so much about myself, about others, and most importantly about my Savior.

Guess what? I am almost done with my first year of college. CRAZY. I think it has been THE hardest semester of my life, but I honestly would not have had it any other way. So let me fill you in on the last few months of this wild life...

First, my life has been consumed with studying anatomy, and actually anatomy not just cute boys anatomy ;) Who knew you had so many muscles in your body, and how many little functions they each had. What I find even more crazy is how perfectly our bodies and its functions work together just right so they stay alive. Our bodies are some incredible miracles, and if that doesn't prove to you that God exists, I don't know what could.
Second, I spend almost every other minute doing chemistry. But luckily this is my favorite chemistry class that I have ever taken.
Third, finally after hours of chemistry, anatomy, and class, I practice piano. I decided to take piano lessons this semester, and I think it was either the worst or the best decision I made. I am learning more than I have in years of lessons, but it is HARD. Also, you find yourself practicing a heck of a lot more when its for a grade.
Fourth, in between all the school I get to spend my time with some of my most favorite people on this planet. And it never fails to disappoint.

> KB came to visit!! It was the biggest, and greatest surprise. It was only for a day, but any minute spent with KB is a minute well spent.

> For Valentine's Day, my family drove over, and we got to party at the cabin. Best Valentine's Day spent with THE best family. 

> The following weekend was Balloons and Tunes down in Kanab. Torri, Abby, Isabella, Keaton and I got to spend the weekend learning more about hot air balloons than I ever thought I would know. We got to join a crew, and help them set up their balloon. It was one heck of an experience, and a beautiful sight. And Torri is still the coolest person I know and I am so grateful she is my sister.

> 2 of my favorite things in this life are sunrises, and hiking. One day, I got the best of both worlds and hiked Angels Landing at sunrise. This earth and this life is so beautiful.

> Lindsay turned 19!! Birthday's are my favorite holidays. And Lindsay is one of my most favorite people. The whole day was spent celebrating with good breakfast, tacos, and ice cream. I am so grateful Linds was born, and even more grateful that I know her. She is THE best of the best.

>  SPRING BREAK. I would probably need 5 blog posts alone to give my Spring Break enough credit. But listen, first I wish everyone had a Kim Cherry in their life, and then when they move away, they can go spend their week in a place like Astoria and in the heart in Kim Cherry and get a little taste of heaven. A week near the ocean, and a week of Kim Cherry was very much needed for MY soul. I am so SO grateful for the testimony, example and love that Kim has for me, for this life and for our Savior. So yes you can enjoy the pictures, but I can assure you, your time would be far better spent finding your own Kim Cherry. And try for one that lives in a dreamy place, because that also has its perks. 

Left-Me and the sea; Middle-the dreamy walk to the beach; Right-Ben & Ky were cute matching

Left- view of Astoria and the bridge from the top of the column (you see seals and whales as you drive across every single day); Middle-Kim & I at the top of the column; Right- the column

Left- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse; Middle- Northhead Lighthouse; Right- just breathe in that ocean view

Left- Seagulls literally ate the bread off of Joe's hat; Middle- Jamie and Kim and Hunters; Right- THE Cannon Beach

Left- Is that not a dreamy sight?; Middle- Tillamook Factory had really good cheese and great photo opts; Right- pretty sure I ate grilled cheese and soup every day for lunch and it never got old.

Left- Cathedral Park; Middle- BEST ice cream I have ever tasted (Salt & Straw is a must if you go to Portland); Right- St. Johns Bridge and my favorite Kim Cherry

Left- Leadbetter Beach; Middle-hike to Leadbetter beach aka the enchanted forest; Right- found a whole sand dollar

These pictures barely skim the surface of this trip. I wish I had all the words, and time to share everything. But again, doing it for yourself is probably better anyways. 

> JELLIES. Remember when you were 5 and wore these? Probably in lots of fun colors and they were probably only a dollar? Well, its time to bring them back ;)

> Home Sweet Home. Ever since I have moved away from home I often find myself wanting and yearning to just be in the presence of my parents, even if it just means sitting on the couch. There is something about just being WITH them, and I wish I had a whole lot more time of that. But I will gladly take any second that I can get. I got a weekend with my parents, a road trip and tour of Denver with Lindsay, AND Deb's farewell. I don't think it could get any better. 

Take a hike in Colorado, have a really cool dad, and have a rocking best friend. It will never disappoint.

Things to do in Downtown Denver, ride cute red bikes, take a good stop at Little Man Ice Cream, and smile.

Okay, my heart. I have never met a more lovely, talented, exciting, caring, and spiritual woman in my life. I am grateful to know such a soul and to call her my best friend. Budapest is about to get one heck of missionary.

> Spring Break Round 3! Easter weekend was held in Page, Arizona. Lindsay took me to her side of town, and it was so lovely. Saturday, we watched her sister beat school records at her track meet, ate delicious calzones, saw Horseshoe Bend which was absolutely surreal, spent hours on the docks of Lake Powell, and of course nail party. Sunday, we woke up bright and early and searched for easter eggs, got all your easter treats and goods, enjoyed a lovely sacrament meeting, and then ate our hearts out with so much good and home cooked meals. 

I never realized how much a home could mean until I left mine. Its the little things you miss the very most. Home cooked meals, clean dishes, a clean home will never go unthanked again. Also, I just about cried my eyes out as Lindsay's mom even made me an Easter basket.

Guys, let me just tell you how much I love Lindsay... A LOT. Everyone needs a friend like her, but obviously not her, because she's mine.

> DUCKS. Here's a little secret... Keaton and I bought baby ducks. Yes, they are the cutest things in the world, and yes we have no idea what we are going to do with them. Most days, I still don't how on earth I convinced Keaton to let us buy them. But we have them, and we love them. We take them on walks, and taught them to swim. However, we are still working on the potty training ;)

> The Denver Duncans in Cedar City. You guys, I think... actually I know that I am the luckiest. I am so grateful that I have parents who love me, who know me, and who want me. Most of all, I am grateful for parents who would do absolutely anything for me, even when I'm 598 miles away. This time, I needed them with me. And guess what, they came. That meant, I got to spend an entire weekend with my most favorite people on this planet, and it was DREAMY. So listen, always love your parents, and be sure to always thank them. I am so grateful I get mine for an eternity. 

Bonus: we got to play lots of racquetball, wallyball, and spent hours on the rock wall and outside. 

Phew. I just about got it all. Just kidding, but for now this will do. Stay tuned, because the next post will be up shortly, and its going to be a good one. More duck updates, more tears, and more laughs. 

You know how you always hear people say "that life never goes like you planned"? Well I think I wanted to believe that would never be me... for some reason I thought I could dodge the bullet and life would be just the way I had planned it to be, or at least pretty dang close. But, unfortunately its not. NOT at all. Turns out everyone who says that, is exactly right. I am learning that more and more every single day. But I am also learning that it is OKAY. In fact I believe that it is more than okay, it is far far better. 

I have come to realize, and gain a testimony of our Savior's plan for us. His plan might not be our favorite plan, or most convenient, but it is always ALWAYS better. He knows us better than we will ever know ourselves. I have become overwhelmed with gratitude for the plan that my Savior has for ME. I am so grateful to know that as I put my trust in Him and align my will with His, I can be truly happy. I am so grateful to know that I don't have to suffer through this life alone. I am so grateful that He gave me such loving parents, and friends that will love me regardless. I am grateful for the trials that I face that test my faith, and allow me to grow closer to Him. 

As I have sat, cried, and prayed, my heart has been truly filled with love and gratitude. I found myself speechless, and in awe at the love my Savior has for me and for this life that I get to live. I found myself being able to only simply cry out a hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I get to have eternal life. Hallelujah.

Because of Him, my family is forever. Hallelujah.

Because of Him, I can find true peace. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I never have to be alone. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I will always be enough. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I know who I am, and whose I am. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I have a purpose, a divine purpose. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I have a perfect plan to follow. Hallelujah. 

Because of Him, I can be happy. Always. Hallelujah. 

I hope and pray that we can all find the tender mercies of our Savior. Continue to put your trust in Him, and submit your will to His. And at the end of everyday, cry out a hallelujah because He lives, and He loves us. 

xoxo, 

ellie d.