The Flag!

This is the Nicaraguan flag! I like the "antique" look to it!

Oh! and here is the URL to my "Called to serve in Nicaragua" pinterest board, for all of your future sister missionaries who are looking for clothing, shoes, and hair styling ideas! :)

http://pinterest.com/bean9/called-to-serve-in-nicaragua/

CALLED TO SERVE

As Some of you know, I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

"Dear Sister Bean
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Nicaragua Managua South Mission!!! You should report to the Mexico MTC on Wednesday October 2nd, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish Language."

Im going to Nicaragua!!!!!!

I can't tell you enough, of how excited I am to go forth and serve the Lord. I am looking forward to sharing the gospel with the people of Nicaragua! I originally wasnt going to go, due to financial concerns. I had been praying about it for 2 years, and never felt like I would be able to afford it. Then April 1st, 2013 rolled around... and everyone knows, that that's April Fools Day. I decided to play a prank on my dad, and called him up. Our conversation went like this...

Dad: Hello Lauren!

Me: Dad, Im going on a mission!

Dad: Great!

Me: wait, really?

Dad: Yeah! You'll make a great missionary...

Me: I thought we couldnt afford it???

Dad: You can't afford not to go, Lauren.

That day, I scheduled for my bishops interview and met with him the very next day. Between the 2 semesters of school, here at BYU-Idaho, there is a week long break. I had gone home to be with my family and friends. I was SO incredibly thankful for all the love and support I had received from everyone. I was also able to do some much needed dental work! i still have a few more cavities to get filled, unfortunately. i dont like going to the dentist very much. all the tools, and the obnoxious sounds they make hitting my teeth, and that high pitched squealing... thats the worst!

I had planned on my availability date to be November 1st, 2013. After much prayer and deliberation  I moved the date to October 1st. When I went in for my stake presidents interview on May 21st, I had wanted to just turn them in, and get it over with! but, with the avail. date being October 1st, i'd have to wait till June 1st! ANYONE who truly knows me... knows that I am NOT very patient at all! So of course I didnt hesitate when the stake president asked me if I'd consider moving up my date to September 1st! President Mendenhall (sp?) said my call should be in my mail box in 10-14 days. I then got my mission call on june 6th! I of course had to wait for everyone to watch me open my call envelope. 

Also, my good friend Jenn had told me about a dream she had about me, just a few weeks earlier! this is what she had posted on my facebook!
"I definitely had a nightmare last night where my mission call came but when I opened it it was addressed to my friend Lauren Bean instead of me ha ha. And I had to send it back and wait all over again. Ya this wait is making me a little anxious ha ha but hey Lauren according to my dream you are going to Nicaragua ha ha"
crazy, isnt it?! :D

heres the link to watch the video... i think/hope it works! ;)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151948787028056

ALSO, here is a link to my MORMON.ORG profile! :)

http://mormon.org/me/CJJK

I just would like to close, and tell you all that I KNOW without a doubt that this church is true. I know that Jesus Christ died for us, and that He atoned for our sins. I know that Heavenly Father knows each and everyone of us by name, and that He will never let us fall farther than our knees. By having faith in our Savior and Heavenly Father, we will be watched out for and taken care of. I also know that families can be together forever. I know these things to be true, and I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Provide, Preside, Protect

Paid For-----Provide (Manage the resources, the location, the supplies etc)     

Planned----- Preside (Take charge, make decisions-not the boss, but an “executive officer”)

·Paired off----- Protect (Sense of security and stability, companionship, keep each other in check morally)

These are the 3 P's of the Priesthood. When in a dating and marital relationship, its important to understand them. For instance, if a guy asks you on a date, did you discuss if he will be providing for the date? or if you will be going "dutch"? I personally dont see the point of asking someone on a date, then going dutch. THAT'S NOT A DATE! When he asked you on the date, did he plan it out, and tell you what was going to happen? this is always important, so that you know how you should dress, and what kind of shoes you should wear. you wouldn't want to be wearing a fancy dress and heels, if he had planned on a hike with a picnic. And lastly, when he asked you on the date, did he say, "date"? or "hang out"? if its a date, that's a lot easier to understand where he stands... but if you're "hanging out", then how do you know if he is interested in you or not? or if he is committed to you, or seeing several of other girls at the same time? 

R.A.M.

Notice how on the image, the sliders go up or down? The reason is, is because the more you know someone, the more you'll trust them. Which means, the more you'll rely, and then be able to commit to them, and touch them. If you rely on someone, MORE then you KNOW them, then your relationship becomes unbalanced.

KEEP CALM AND DATE

Once you get married, the fun shouldn't be over. Married couples can keep going on dates, WITH EACH OTHER. In fact, I recommend going on weekly dates. After a long work week, its nice to get out of the house, get your mind off the "to do list", and just enjoy each others company. Go out to dinner, or to a sporting event. In the movie, "date night" Steve Carell and Tina Fey are a married couple who go out to dinner to the same restaurant  every Friday night and order the same food. they are becoming bored with the routine, but are afraid to "spice things up a bit". You don't have to spend a ton of money on a date. the best dates are always free... or cheap, that is. go for a drive through the country side, and site see. picnics are always a great idea on those warm summer nights. you can also go for a walk through the park or go dancing. the important thing is, is that you are spending QUALITY time together, and that both are having fun. If one didn't have fun, don't do that activity again. Its also important to not get into a "routine" of date options. mix it up, try something new, and go somewhere new.

You want HOW many kids?!

While during the courtship phase of every relationship that is leading to marriage, its important to discuss how many children you want to have. Especially if one person wants 7, and the other may only want 1 child. I know for me, I personally want 4 or 6. NOT 5... The reason I want an even number is because I am 1/3 kids in my family... and I'm the youngest. Growing up, I was always ganged up on, left out, always in the way, or felt like the third wheeler in every situation. When we'd go to theme parks, someone always had to sit by them self .. ME. When w'd go on road trips, guess who got shafted with the back seat, all alone... ME. To this day, my older brother and sister still have a better relationship and I will forever feel like the black sheep of the family. They live a different life and are able to relate more to each other, so they spend more quality time together, and leave me out of it. I know that when I have kids, I don't want them to feel like they don't have anyone to climb trees with, or go jump in those giant rain puddles in the drive way. I want my children to be best friends with each other. I wish I had that relationship, today with my own siblings.

A Working Father

A father who works outside of the home, needs to remember and make an effort to spend time with his family. Not only his beautiful children, but his wife as well. Everyone needs to feel loved and BE loved, and love one another. A father who works 50 hours a week, and is rarely available on the weekends, because hes brought work home to complete before a deadline, or hes out playing golf with the guys, or even sitting on the couch playing call of duty when he should be spending QUALITY time with his family. The children need their father as a role model, and someone to teach them how to fish, play catch, help them with their homework, and to teach them how to wrestle. The wife needs her husband for not only her physically intimacy needs, but also her emotional needs as well. She needs her husband to acknowledge her existence, and to work as a team to raise their family.

Same Sex Attraction

In class we watched this video (ill post the link at the bottom), which was really inspiring because its a speech given by an 11 year old girl who asks, "Which parent do I not need? My mom or my dad?" It really touched my heart because we need both our mom AND our dad! Each parent teaches differently, and sets a wide range of examples for the child. Mothers are the nurturers who care the the child when they scrape their knee... who sew a button back onto their shirt, make their lunches for school, braid their hair into pig tails, or get those grass stains out of your football uniform. Fathers are the protectors. They provide for the home and family's needs and preside over the household. Anyways, watch the link, and listen to her speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CRhGDmdG4dk

Tithing

Some people think, "oh I cant afford to pay my tithing", but in reality, you cant afford NOT to pay your tithing! I personally know from experience, that if you pay your tithing honestly and first thing before anything else, that you will be blessed down the road. Heavenly Father knows your hearts intentions. What you may not understand is "who's money is this?" its the Lord's money. your tithing, BELONGS to the Lord, and should be paid in full. If you aren't honest in paying it, then how can expect all of the blessings? By paying your tithing, you are showing the Lord that you have faith in Him and His plan for you. Teach your children and family members the importance of paying an honest tithe  by teaching them at an early age, they will grow to understand it.

Blended families and divorce

To start off, I come from a family of divorced parents. I am the youngest of 3 kids. When I was 13 years old, my parents after a long and bump marriage of 18 years, divorced. I was heartbroken. It was the worst time of my life. I was so mad at my parents, and became very distant. I also became inactive for a period of 3 years. My freshman year of high school, my dad started dating again and met a woman. They dated for a year, which seemed like a long enough time to get to know someone. They were married my sophmore year, and then everything changed. She had been married 3 previous times, and had 7 kids from those marriages. ages ranging from 24 to 12, I was right smack dab in the middle. The day they had came home from their honey moon, my step mom was a completely different woman. She wasn't at all who she had portrayed to be. She treated my siblings, and I like the outcast. Her children seemed like they could do nothing wrong. Even though it was very obvious as to what their decisions were, they were the perfect little angels. I on the other hand, was doing my best to keep my grades at least a B average, did more than my fair share around the house with cleaning and yard work... but was still neglected from my step mom. 3 years went by, and my dad did all he could to work it out. I guess there is a breaking point for everyone, and when someone belittles you to such an extent, then there may be nothing else for you to do then to just call it quits.

Yeah, those were some very rough times for me and my family, but we became closer because of those experiences. we are also stronger today, then we were before. I know that everything happens for a reason, and that He has a plan for all of us.

Sexual Intimacy

"Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that sexual intimacy be reserved for marriage." -For the Strength of Youth

Intimacy should be reserved for marriage. The youth of the world need to know that such an expression should only be given to one person, being your spouse. Once you give yourself to someone, you can never get that gift back. And before marriage, its not special, or ordained of God. Sexual intimacy is sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect. it is creating a bond between husband and wife. Having that experience outside of marriage, is of Satan. Satan doesn't care about you or your life. He is so miserable, and wants you to be as miserable as he is. 

Family Stress

Everyone has their weak moments. some, more often then others. When we feel over loaded with all the work that we have to do, things we need to accomplish within a deadline, and adding on the lack of family communication, things tend to boil over sooner or later. I know for me, when I am super stressed, its difficult because I feel like I have to do ALL of the work all by myself, and that nobody can help me. I guess that just my own pride, and self dependency taking over. I have learned from experience that what helps the most is if you just take a step back, and breath. take a break, and treat yourself to a pedicure, or some ice cream and a movie. To me, it always seems that you take most of your frustrations out on your family, or room mates. Finals week is always hectic. We need to become more considerate of other peoples feelings, and understand that we dont know what they may be going through. Do something nice for them, out of the kindness of your heart. They will see that action and realize that maybe they need to slow down and be thankful for the little things in life.

Diminishing birthrate

"From the perspective of the plan of salvation, one of the most serious abuses of children is to deny them birth. This is a worldwide trend. The national birthrate in the United States is the lowest in 25 years,² and the birthrates in most European and Asian countries have been below replacement levels for many years. This is not just a religious issue. As rising generations diminish in numbers, cultures and even nations are hollowed out and eventually disappear.

One cause of the diminishing birthrate is the practice of abortion. Worldwide, there are estimated to be more than 40 million abortions per year.³ Many laws permit or even promote abortion, but to us this is a great evil. Other abuses of children that occur during pregnancy are the fetal impairments that result from the mother’s inadequate nutrition or drug use."   -ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

Marriage is a covenant between you, your spouse and the Lord. pregnancy within that marriage is ordained of God. having that baby boy or girl will bless you throughout the eternities, so long as you follow the commandments. When an adult makes a choice to have relations with a member of the opposite sex, and with that, resulting in a pregnancy... that unborn child has no say in whether they live or die. what ever happened to agency? shouldn't the child be able to make that decision for themselves? for someone to decide to abort their baby, is very selfish, and taking the agency away from their child. I feel that abortion is murder. the baby is STILL a human being, and should be treated like one. for laws to promote abortion, disgusts me. if the roles were reversed, wouldn't you want to live? Some mothers are even smoking, drinking, and using illegal drugs while pregnant. Babies are being born with birth defects and having to live with those defects for the rest of their lives. Don't the mothers care, about the well-being of the child? 

MARRIAGE

"In India a concerned Hindu mother said, “All I want is to be a bigger influence on my children than the media and the peer group.” And a Buddhist mother in Malaysia said, “I’d like my boys to be able to operate in the world, but I don’t want them to be of the world.” Parents from all different cultures and faiths are saying and feeling the same things we are as parents in the Church."
-M. RUSSELL BALLARD

Parents need to be setting a good example to their children and their families because THE FAMILY is essential to His eternal plan of happiness.
Some ways we can influence our loved ones are:

• • 
  “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.”
• • 
  “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”
• • 
  “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.”
• • 
  “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”
• • 
  “The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.”

Marriage between a man and a woman is crucial because thats the only way that families can be formed. Children need a mother and a father who are married as husband and wife. Heavenly Father made us the way we are as sons and daughters, for a reason. I believe that families in the community set the tone for the enviroment. If people are forming same sex relationships with one another, then that becomes a very selfish community. You have to take into consideration of the future generations, and how the political decisions of this country will affect others. 

Hello Readers!

I am new to trying to figure out how to work this blog, so please be patient with me!

Here is a list of my class members URL addresses, so that you can view their pages as well! Feel free to comment on their posts as well.

HAPPY READING!

Thank you,
Lauren

FAML 160 LIST:

Kenna Adams http://theadventuresofkennaandmike.blogspot.com/

Sarah Allison http://sarahs1st.blogspot.com/ 

Abby Andersen http://familyrelations160byui.blogspot.com/

Kimberly Nicole Anderson http://and12045.blogspot.com

Samantha Anderson http://mostimportantunit.blogspot.com/

Sariah Andrews http://sariahandrews.blogspot.com

Kimberly Ann Barker http://94kimfamily.wordpress.com

Lauren Bean http://bean9.blogspot.com

Jessi Bessert http://jessisfamilyrelations.blogspot.com

Danielle Bingham http://makemeagoodone.blogspot.com

Rachel Bloom http://familyinsights.weebly.com

Diana Cludleigh http://dianalynnechudleigh.blogspot.com

Kiley Crump http://kileycrump.weebly.com

Brichelle Cummings http://brichelle013.blogspot.com

Kayla Dale http://kaylanicoledale.blogspot.com

Sidney Davis http://familyrelationsandme.blogspot.com

Andrea Deschler http://andreadeschler.weebly.com

Monica Diaz http://monicafamily160blog.weebly.com

Britt Dickson http://pearlsofwisdom-britt.blogspot.com

Lauren Dunn http://thelifelongquest.blogspot.com

Whitney Dupaix http://weresodifferent.weebly.com

Samantha Gile http://samanthafamily160.blogspot.com

Brittany Green http://tommy-and-brittany.blogspot.com

Melisse Hagman http://melisseann.blogspot.com

Hilaree Hampton http://hilareehampton.blogspot.com

Vanessa Hannan http://vanessa.hannanhaven.com

Julie Harrison http://thatonecontagioussmile.blogspot.com

Joanna Harvey http://alwayshappyjoanna.blogspot.com

Sydney Holt http://www.byuifamilyrelations.blogspot.com

Jessica Huff http://jessicasfouryears.blogspot.com

Karissa Hughes http://karissam1992.blogspot.com

Emily Hung http://emilyhunghung.blogspot.com

Jolinda Jackman http://jolindalea.wordpress.com

Aaron Jencks http://jencksmarriageandfamily.blogspot.com

Arianna Jenkins http://gagirlsthoughts.blogspot.com

Ashley Jonson http://asheejo.blogspot.com

Andrea Jorgensen http://familyrelationsandrea.blogspot.com

Jennifer Kendall http://jensaysohanameansfamily.blogspot.com

Chandra Khan http://chandrafamily160.blogspot.com

Kiah Kidd http://kiahsfamilyrelations.blogspot.com

Sean Kiewra http://kiewra.wordpress.com

Aubrey Krogh http://aubreykrogh.blogspot.com

Erin Leavitt http://loveerinleav.blogspot.com

Bria Lebeau http://briasbestblog.blogspot.com

Vincent Lionetti http://vincentfamily160.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Lyles http://elyles1.blogspot.com

Christie Mabry http://christinasherree.blogspot.com

Jessica Mahler http://jessicamahler.blogspot.com

Megan Maine http://megsfirstbloggy.blogspot.com

Cassie Maughan http://cassmaughan.blogspot.com

Jennifer McClellan http://jennifermcclellan.blogspot.com

Andrew Mossman http://andrewsfam160blog.blogspot.com

Shae Muns http://blakeandshae12.blogspot.com

Jackie Murphy http://jaclynnmarie.blogspot.com/

Kevin Murphy http://kevinmurphyfamilyrelations.blogspot.com

Isaac Nelson http://isaacjn.blogspot.com

Ashley Nichols http://anick93.blogspot.com

Tori Patterson http://toripatterson.blogspot.com

Nicki Perez http://nickiperez.blogspot.com

Brittanee Peterson http://somethingwittyandbrilliant.blogspot.com

Katie Pettingill http://demandingjourney.blogspot.com

Alannah Purdie http://alannahllama62.blogspot.com

Derek Rawson http://www.derekrawson.blogspot.com

Alyssa Reed http://byuifaml.blogspot.com

Sarah Roy http://sarahroyfamily106.blogspot.com

Cassandra Scalzi http://marriageandthefam.blogspot.com

Carla Selfridge http://cpearlblog.blogspot.com

Alema Seu http://almaleeseu.blogspot.com

Sherrie Short http://whenlifetivesyoulemons.blogspot.com

McKenzie Shuman http://ballroomshus.blogspot.com

Kylie Simpson http://kyliesimpsonfaml160.blogspot.com

Hannah Smith http://hrsmithfamily.blogspot.com

Pomaika’ilan Stanfield http://celestial--hawaiian.blogspot.com

Stephanie Tello http://stephtello.blogspot.com

Alysa Thatcher http://alysathatcher.blogspot.com

Joelle Vance http://joellevance.weebly.com

Allison Von Gunten http://allisonvongunten.blogspot.com

Sam Walton http://samsoninskoo.blogspot.com

Aubrey Wood http://happytobetime.blogspot.com

"i can SMELL the green!!!"

It End of the semester was last week... what a relief that was! We had the last of our finals on Friday, and I also moved out of Brooklyn and into my new apartment complex at Tuscany. It just so happens that it also decided to snow randomly after 3 beautiful sunshine days. I’m excited because I enjoy making a life change. I enjoy meeting new people, mixing it up, and experiencing new things. I think it’s important because people become "too adapted" to their surroundings, and become lazy and/or bored. Saturday, I finished my clean checks, loaded up the car, and headed home to Oregon with a friend from the singles ward back home. It wasn’t a bad drive at all.... seemed like it went by quickly. I LOVE Oregon, so incredibly much. I’ll be sad to leave on Sunday morning, but I know that right now, I belong in Rexburg. While being home, I’ve been able to spend time with family, and friends. Sunday; was Easter, and I went to my ward here in Gladstone. I had to leave before RS though, because we had a family dinner with my sister’s boyfriend at 3pm. I was thankful to be able to go because I was able to spend time with some future family members, and got to play with some adorable 7 month old twin baby boys! They were so cute with how they interacted with you as you’d make silly faces at them. Monday; after FHE (Easter egg hunt), some friends took me out to voodoo donuts, downtown Portland. It’s always interesting to see people who live different lifestyles, act the way they do. Such as, the multiple homeless people we saw. A few of them had signs that said "homeless, hungry, and jobless... God bless"... while others were blatantly honest and said, "Not going to lie, I just want a beer". I was thankful to have our guy friends with us, because it’s never a good idea to go downtown Portland, with just girls, and no guys to watch your backs. One of my friends even brought out her pepper spray, after almost peeing her pants from being scared half to death by a bunch of crazy people yelling through the streets. Tuesday; I went shopping with Mandy, at the mall and ROSS... I got a couple of clothes for school, and some space bags! That’ll help me with packing for trips, and for when I move around as much as I do... and then later that day I went out to visit my mom in Molalla. Of course, I always without fail... leave her house with several bags of goodies. This time, I was excited because she gave me some of her paints that I can use for my class for the upcoming semester. I’m all for saving money! That night, my dad had made a birthday dinner for my brother, me, and a friend of my dad’s. Wednesday was kind of boring, except when I finished my taxes and found that my tax return was more than I was expecting! A lot more! :) Thursday (today), was great because I got to tinker with my sisters sewing machine, and then go play with her and her dog Achilles (poopy) for a couple of hours. As I was sitting out on the lawn with my sister and her pup... she called me "albino" as I leaned back in my chair with my pant legs and sleeves rolled up. Ha! Not going to lie, I was kind of blinded myself. She then proceeded to tell me that, "you need all the help you can get! I swear your body PRODUCES sun block!" haha she’s such a punk! My plans for tomorrow (Friday) are VERY busy... I have plans with my brother for lunch in the morning, and then will hopefully be able to meet up with my mom in Oregon city, because it’s my last chance to see her before I go back to Rexburg... and then later, I have plans with a friend from the singles ward... before I go to the temple with my other friend Emily. And then Saturday is left for packing, cleaning, and some last minute socializing with family and friends before I leave early Sunday morning. This coming Monday, I have to schedule for a physical, at the health center because I am trying out for a fitness program on campus called, “biggest winner”. Kind of like “biggest loser” but I don’t think contestants get voted off, and I doubt we win a cash prize. I’m excited for this, because it’ll motivate me to get into shape, eat healthy, make new friends, and get my butt off the couch! J My goal is to lose 50 lbs. total, to put me at the weight that I’d be considered “healthy” at. Of course, I’d be ecstatic if I lost 30… but it wouldn’t be enough to satisfy me. The program starts April 30^th, and runs until July 5^th. Of course, I’m not so sure, loosing 50lbs in 3 months is healthy or possible, but if I can get myself started down the right track, and then I can create those supportive relationships with friends who can continue to work out with me. The downside is that I have to work out 5 days a week, some Saturdays, and pay at least $100.00 for it. But hey, if I lose the weight, and get healthy then it’ll be worth it, right? I sure hope so!

Got Milk?

So as you all I'm sure are aware of... Ive been sick with a cold/cough... well, on top of that, last Tuesday morning I got very sick with food poisoning. I think my milk had expired early, and that what made me sick. Thankfully, I haven't thrown up since Tuesday, but I still am sick in other ways. Its not very fun, trust me. But its weird though, because I finished off that bad jug of milk and moved on to my next jug, and am still sick! I think that I'm becoming "lactose intolerant". I haven't gotten much better, these last few days. My parents keep telling me to "wait it out... your body is trying to flush out all of those bad toxins"... but I'm not so sure anymore. Seriously though, If I AM lactose intolerant... I am going to cry! i LOVE dairy! I love ice cream, yogurt, cheese, butter, milk, cottage cheese... i love it ALL! :( I even stayed home from school for 3 days this last week because I was so sick! Today, I had to make an emergency trip to the grocery store for some pepto-bismo, to help me feel better. I found this on a website, and I know that the symptoms DEFINITELY fit what Ive been going through this last week ~If you notice that you have stomach issues whenever you eat foods that contain milk, well then it's probably safe to say that you're lactose intolerant. It can also run in families, so if your parents or siblings have a hard time digesting milk and cheese and such, then there's a good chance that you'll follow in their footsteps.

There are two tests you can take though, just to make sure.

Lactose Intolerance Test: You fast before the test and then drink a liquid that contains lactose. Several blood samples are taken over a two-hour period to measure your blood sugar levels. Normally, when a person eats a dairy product, the lactase enzyme breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose, which raises the person's blood-sugar levels. If the lactase enzyme isn't there to do its job, then a blood sample would show no rise in the blood-sugar level, and the doctor would then confirm lactose intolerance.

Hydrogen Breath Test: You drink a liquid loaded with lactose, and your breath is analyzed. Normally the breath contains little hydrogen, but when there is undigested lactose in the colon, it's fermented by bacteria, which produces several gases including hydrogen. If your doctor sees raised levels of hydrogen in your breath, then you're lactose intolerant.

So now what? Unfortunately there is no cure for lactose intolerance, but there are two options. You can avoid all foods that contain milk or you can take lactase supplements (Lactaid pills). These allow you to pop a pill with your first bite of dairy, so you can enjoy the foods you love without the horrible symptoms.

Yesterday, my grandma BeaIna's brother Devar called me and invited me over for their Sunday family dinners! I was SO thrilled, because Ive been so homesick lately that I'll take all the family time that I can get! So today, after church... Devar came and picked me up from my apartment and took me back to his house... and i spent most of the day there. I had taken an hour long nap after church before they picked me up... and then took a 2 hour long nap at their house, in the guest bedroom! I think I was tired! :P  It was nice spending time with my 2nd cousins, and their families. I hope to keep going over for dinners so that I can build a relationship with them. Family is so important to me, and the longer I'm away from home, the more I miss those times we'd all gather around the kitchen table and play board games all evening.
I'm SO excited though, because I found a ride home for my semester break! So, ill be going home april 7th, and returning the 14th! Going home will be great, because I miss my family so much, and oregons beautiful green-ness... and my friends of course. It'll be weird, because Charlotte wont be there so I'll be missing her a lot, when I wanna go and do fun things with friends. Char and I would stick together in group activities not only because were best friends, but because were the same age, and a lot of the other people we hung out with are always older than us... I also sense that we can read each others minds and understand if one or the other is uncomfortable, or wants to leave to go elsewhere or just go home. I actually got an email from her last week, saying that she can email her friends, so I'm pretty stoked about that because i don't know how many stamps to put on a letter, and I'm sure it'd take about 2 weeks to even get to Ukraine!
The end of the semester is getting close! finals are the first week of April, and then I'm moving into my new apartment early Saturday morning, and then hitting the road for Oregon, that same day! its going to be pretty crazy, but its gotta be done! There's no way around it, so I guess ill just have to suck it up! This week is also white glove clean checks! So ill start cleaning Monday night/Tuesday afternoon, just to make sure that I do everything required of me, and that its done right. I feel like a lot of people don't do their assigned cleaning jobs, and so things never get cleaned up like they should. the result is to either live in filth... repeatedly ask your room mates to clean up their mess... or to clean it yourself. Ive tried them all... and none have worked. Last week, I registered for my spring classes! I'm pretty excited though, because new semester means, new classes, new teachers, new classmates, new ward, new apartment, and new FRIENDS!!!! i love CHANGE (not the obama kinda change). After some rearranging, this is my spring class schedule:

	Child Development	3.00		Eagar, Kimberly_A.	MWF  11:30AM - 12:30 PM
	Introduction to Family History	2.00		Baggett, Boyd_L.	WF  10:15 - 11:15 AM
	Essentials of Human Nutrition	3.00		Cook, Kathleen	TR  11:30AM - 1:00 PM
	Practical Homemaking	2.00		Blakely, Teresa_Blaser	TR  3:15 - 4:45 PM
	Children’s Clothing	2.00		Miller, Linda	TR  9:45 - 11:15 AM