Day 6

I am going to skip what day 6 tells me to write about. I am going to write about my Grandpa Belnap. Two years ago today my Grandpa Belnap passed away. He has been an incredible influence in my life and I thought I should take the time to write a little about how he has blessed not only my life, but others as well. Grandpa was the most amazing man! Why? Well, to me he was the epitome of happy. I rarely saw Grandpa without a smile on his face. I have always been convinced his smiles and his laughter were contagious, but looking back it might have just been that he tickled everyone, and I mean everyone! It was like Grandpa hadn’t said hello unless he had tickled you or even goosed you, yep he goosed everyone. Grandpa’s hugs were always the best because I knew that he loved me. Even with eight children, forty-six grandchildren and who knows how many great-grandchildren, Grandpa knew me. He knew Tiana, and he loved me. I think giggling was a requirement to spend time with Grandpa because I can only remember one specific time when my time with him wasn’t spent in laughter. I used to love when we would go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and Grandpa would dress up as an Indian and dance around the house! I don’t know why he had the outfit (headdress and everything) or why he even dressed up in it, but it was always so much fun and created a lot of memories for me and so many other people. Grandpa wasn’t perfect, he actually was pretty far from it, but he was a good man. He helped others, raised a good family, loved my Grandma and had a good, solid work ethic. I specifically remember one New Year’s Day, we had gathered as the Belnap family, aunts, uncles, cousins, everyone (it used to be a tradition to spend New Year’s Day together) and we were having the little program where you could show off a talent to the whole family. Well, Grandpa stood up, I must have been twelve or fourteen, and he told us all how much he loved us, how much he loved the Gospel and Heavenly Father and the Savior. He bore his testimony and he said we were pretty lucky. He said we have an incredible family, we love each other and we all have the Gospel in our lives. He said he was proud of us and that we were his family. I can remember that moment so vividly because it was touching to hear my Grandpa share his testimony. My grandpa was one of my heroes. He taught me a lot about life through his example. There was one specific time when I was thirteen years old my Grandpa had me sit on his lap. He tried to talk to me and be really serious and as a thirteen year old I was a little confused as to why Grandpa was doing this. He looked at me and said word for word, “Tiana, one day when you find that special someone, hold on tight and never let go.” I told Grandpa I would and then I went on my way. It didn’t mean much to me then but as I have gotten older it is something that I have never forgotten. Since he passed away, it has been the one memory that has helped me the most. It was important and touching advice given by my Grandpa. I love my Grandpa Belnap.
(I wrote this on Wednesday...I've been a little behind) :)

Day 5

A photo of myself two years ago.

This is a picture of me and Summer. We went ice skating two years ago and we had so much fun! Summer is on e of my best friends and we always have a blast when we are together! She is more like a sister to me than a friend, but she is both! Right now she is living in Oregon and planning her wedding. She is getting married on December 18th and I couldn’t be more excited for her and her fiancé, Hayden!

Day 4

A picture of me and my best friend. I have a lot of best friends, but I chose to put a picture of me and my three little brothers. I love them! These three boys take care of me! I can always depend on them and they are such an example to me in everything! I love them! Now, this isn't to say that I don't have other best friends, I do. I have been blessed with some amazing friends in my life. But my brothers happen to be some of my best friends AND the best brothers in the world.

Day 3

My idea of a “perfect” first date…. This is hard. I haven’t really ever liked first dates. They are always so awkward, especially if you don’t know the person. To be completely honest, I haven’t ever really liked dating at all. I know, I know, who doesn’t like dating?! Well, dating just always seems to be hard. You have to find someone that you like, and then they have to like you back and then there are always awkward moments when you are first getting to know someone. That was all until recently…. I started dating this really nice boy. Tevin. Our first date wasn’t awkward at all. I actually asked him to go to an orchestra concert with me to see a friend of mine who was playing in it. He agreed to go with me and we had so much fun! The concert was pretty quiet because we weren’t supposed to talk, but afterwards we went to Dairy Queen and we just talked. It was a lot of fun and it didn’t even seem like a first date. Maybe that was because we actually went to high school together and now we are in the same FHE group. So we did know each other a little bit, and it helped make things go great! Anyway, so I guess that I would say my idea of a “perfect” first date was the one I went on with Tevin. Now that kind of sounds like a cop out, so I’ll write just a little about my idea of a “perfect” date, just not a first date. On a “perfect” date, it would preferably be in warmer weather, but since it is sooooo cold outside right now I would start off by going ice skating. Yes, ice skating. I am a terrible ice skater, but I always have so much fun! Plus, I get an excuse to hold his hand! After ice skating, we would go back home and make hot chocolate and snuggle up on the couch and talk. We could watch a movie, but it is possible that if we did that I would fall asleep. So we could play a game, nothing in particular, just a fun game for the two of us. The date would probably end up with a good night kiss. Hehehehe

Day 2

Burnt pancakes. I decided to make pancakes for me and my little brother Landon this morning. Well, I was a little distracted by everything around me, although it was pretty quiet. Anyway, I burned the pancakes. Lame, lame, lame. We still ate them. Haha, we were hungry. Landon was kind enough to go for seconds. It was pretty funny. I forgot to take a picture of them, but here is a picture I got form the internet... enticing, eh?

Day 1

A picture of myself and how my day has been….. well it is eight o’clock in the morning so I don’t have much to say about how my day has been, but I can write about how yesterday was. Yesterday was a pretty decent day, I went to class and work and all was normal and nothing out of the ordinary. I met my older brother in the crossroads for lunch and I tried to help him study for his anatomy test. I probably didn’t help him very much because I couldn’t pronounce any of the words right! Haha. After I got home from campus I did some homework… it was a little boring. And then we went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter! Did I fall asleep? Yes, but not for a very long time, so I think I was able to get a lot from the movie still. I went with some of my roommates, fhe brothers, and my actual brothers. I also went with one of my favorite people… his name is Tevin. He is pretty fantastic and I absolutely love all the time I get to spend with him! He makes me laugh more than anyone else! I like him! His younger sister Hillary also came and at midnight it was her birthday and that was fun! Hillary is also pretty dang awesome! She is always so sweet to me and I’m glad that I’ve been able to get to know her better. Waking up this morning was a little difficult because I was so tired, but I am awake and in class right now!
As for the picture of me, this picture is of me and my mom. I love her!!


Anyway, day 1 = done!

30 days......

30 day blog challenge

I'm taking on a challenge...a 30 day blog challenge. For the next 30 days I will be blog about something everyday. Hopefully I will stick with it!
Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 - A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 - Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 - Your favorite photograph of you and your best friend.
Day 5 - A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 - A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 - Your dream wedding.
Day 8 - A song to match your mood.
Day 9 - A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 - A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 - What's in your makeup bag.
Day 12 - A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 - Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 - A TV show you're currently addicted to.
Day 15 - Something you don't leave the house without.
Day 16 - Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 - A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 - Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 - Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 - The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 - A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 - 15 facts about you.
Day 23 - A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 24 - What's in your purse?
Day 25 - A photo of somewhere you've been to.
Day 26 - A picture of you last year and now and how you changed since then?
Day 27 - Your favorite movie.
Day 28 - Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 29 – 10 things that you are thankful for
Day 30 - A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

Alicia's Socks

If I were to write a blog about my best friends, it would a LONG, entertaining, emotional and maybe inspiring post. Mostly because I have had some crazy adventures with those closest to me. My very best friends can be counted on one hand and they include Alicia, Sum and my mom. But today I can't write forever about all three of them so I am going to write a little about Alicia. Why? Well because there is a substantial amount that I can write. You could say we have been through it all. Well, we haven't, we are both pretty young and hopefully our friendship will endure much more than it already has.
Alica and I have been friends since seventh grade. TEN whole years! That is a long time to have a best friend, right? I think so. We have had sleepovers, watched movies,gone running, attended family reunions, doubled on dates, cried to each other, carried a bed spread back from Target on a scooter, made wedding cakes, argued, taken pictures, danced like crazy people, watched each other play softball or talk in church. We have also had a BAJILLION more adventures, there are just too many to count. And now? We are roommates in good ole' Rexburg. Life is good here in #113. We all get along pretty well and we are learning from each other every day. Now, Alicia and I remain best friends. Our relationship has changed over the years. Changed? Why that can't be good! Wrong! Our friendship is only better. Whether or not we have the same last name of our family trees say we are not in the same family... we are. She is as much a part of my family to me as any of my brothers. She is always there when I need her and she drives me nuts sometimes just like my brothers do. BUT, I would NOT be the same person I am today without her influence in my life. Along with others, she has helped shape me into the person that I hope to one day become. Her love for life and desire to accomplish anything she believes in has inspired me to do a lot in my life. She is a dear friend and always will be.
Alicia is doing her student-teaching next semester and this is the last time we will ever live together. We are both growing up and we are soon going to have to TRY and be adults. That is okay because she is my best friend and I know she will ALWAYS be there for me and I hop she feels the same way in return.
Now, you may be wondering what inspired this post? Well, I asked Alicia what I should blog about today. She told me her socks.

Alright, it is no surprise that I haven't blogged in quite some time. I always think about it and then somehow I never get around to actually posting words here. Lately, I have been thinking about the numerous events and projects going on in my life and I can't help but feel overwhelmed and emotional on a regular basis. Today my Mom was talking to me on the phone and she pointed out that due to the large amount of stress I am under right now, I tend to be a little bit more dramatic (my word, not hers) and emotional. She had a point. A very valid point. Life is tugging at me from many different directions, and which one am I supposed to answer? That is a tough question and I don't think life gets any simpler. So, do I run? Heck no. I walk, no run, into the face of adversity, hmm... not quite adversity, more like adventure and a thirst for knowledge and growth.
I would like to think that I do this all on my own. That is is all my decision to go forward and my abilities that render results and accomplishments. Wrong. COMPLETELY wrong. What has been on my mind today? Tender mercies.
Oh boy, Heavenly Father sure does love each and every one of us and if we take the time to look, we can see it all around us. In just the past week I have seen such an amazing abundance of blessings from my Father in Heaven that inspire and comfort me. I am a list person. I love making lists, so I will now list the many tremendous tender mercies that I have received recently.

1. My family. In all seriousness, I have an incredible family. My parents came up to Rexburg this past week. They brought me medicine(yes I have been sick), came to see my cookie booth, took me, Stetson and Parker to dinner and made my day! In addition, Parker and Stetson randomly show up at my apartment to hang out and they always come with a smile on their faces. On Thursday they showed up with ice cream and a wild cherry pepsi for me... really?! Yes! They are great. Now, about Riley, he is AMAZING. He is such an example to me and always makes me so important to him and he will listen to any ridiculous story I tell him... Top notch family. Logan and Shalee... do they make the list of amazing family? Well of course they do! What an accomplished couple! They do so many things and are always a great example to me! I love them.

2. The Station. If you hear me talk about IBC, chances are I will tell you about the one person who drives me insane, or the crazy amount to homework, or how difficult it is to make the schedule or a million other things I think are causing the world to end. But in all reality, The Station has been a opportunity for me to grow in ways I never thought I could. It has helped me create new friendships and learn so much more about myself. IBC - I do NOT hate you.

3. Random people in the library. Today, in the library, in the bathroom of all places, this sweet freshman girl started chatting with me about the weather and walking to class. To be honest, I was having a pity party for Tiana for who knows what reasons and this sweet girl took the time to start a conversation with me and it HONESTLY turned my day around. Bless her heart for listening to the promptings of the Spirit.

4. The Holy Ghost. What more can I say? It is incredible, amazing and awesome, in the true sense of the word, that through the Spirit we can be directed from our Heavenly Father. I love it!

5. Sister Allen. You may be wondering who this is, I will tell you. She is a relief society adviser in my student ward. She hardly knows me, but the other day before stake conference started, she offered some very kinds words of advice to me that touched my heart and made me feel as though I could keep going because I really could reach the end. Thank you Sister Allen.

6. Cell phones = link to Mar and Par. Mar and Par? Oh yeah, that is what I call my mom and dad, just for fun. Being to be so close with my whole family when I don't live with any of them is definitely a tender mercy.

7. Ev. I work with Evelyn at the library on campus and without fail EVERY day she will listen to me tell a dramatic story, a joke, whine about IBC, whine about boys or tell her my many opinions about everything. She ALWAYS listens and she gives fantastic advice. She is a tremendous blessing in my life! I look up to her in so many ways.

8. Prayer. This is my life line. Literally. I would NOT be able to do anything that I do without prayer. Knowing that my Heavenly Father is listening to me and he loves me and he will guide me through the Spirit is the most incredible gift.

So, my list seems pretty short right now, but I am SO grateful for all the tender mercies around me everyday!

"Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15)." - David A. Bednar

“This is what it is all about”

I was at home for Mother’s Day and I was so blessed to be able to spend a day where we get to celebrate our wonderful mothers and all they have done for us with my own incredible mother! We spent the day as a family having dinner, talking and then we started a movie. We didn’t make it through the whole movie because we were falling asleep and because 6:00 ice cream came around pretty quick! 6:00 ice cream is a big deal at my house. Every Sunday night at 6:00 we have ice cream for dinner. Anyone is invited. We usually have visitors-we love them!- and we have made so many friends throughout this wonderful tradition! Anyway, my Dad’s nephew Tate showed up with most of kids (Janet and Josie were out of town) to visit the family. I was getting all my my things together because I was about ready to head back to Rexburg when I stopped in the living room to say something to one of my parents. The curtains were open in the living room and we could see everyone in the back yard playing. That is when my mom said to my dad and Tate, “This is what it is all about.” She was referring to all the kids (my brothers and Tate’s children) playing a fun game of baseball in the backyard. They were laughing and having a good time. I was touched when I recognized that it really is about that. But a few days later I learned something else….

Parker is Senior Class President this year and he is graduating from high school next week! He is(was) in charge of the Commencement Dance (prom) and a number of other things for the end of the year. It would be an understatement if I said Parker had been a little bit stressed lately. Well last Saturday was the Commencement Dance. Friday night Parker and other student council members set up all the lights on the pier at Snake River Landing for the dance and on Saturday afternoon they were going to set up the “Eiffel Tower”, it was a cardboard version of the amazing landmark in Paris, France. The dance theme was “A Night in Paris” so the Eiffel Tower was a central part of their decorations. Parker and his friends were all in a group together (16 kids total) and they had decided to have dinner at our house. My mom is always incredible for things like this and as usual she had the living room looking excellent for the dinner! Well, it all started on Saturday when 2 of the 12 volunteers Parker had committed to come help set up showed up to help. Stetson ended up going over to help set up this “Eiffel Tower.” Logan and I both made trips to the pier to over assistance. Landon also offered to go help, but my mom told him to stay home and get ready for his own date(It was Landon’s first date… He was so handsome!). My mom and I worked on the dinner and the house, then my dad came home and started working like crazy as well! Alicia and Kylee also showed up and pretty soon we had a crew at our house getting the house and dinner ready for Parker and his friends. Meanwhile, at the pier the Eiffel Tower turned out to be a disaster and took hours for Parker, Stetson and the two others to set up! In addition the pier didn’t have power for some reason and none of the lights would go one. Parker had confirmed that they were going to be at the pier and that there was going to be power. He was going a little bit frantic trying to fix the situation! Back at the house, Parker’s friends and their dates were starting to show up for dinner- these friends were also the ones who didn’t show up to help set up the Eiffel Tower so Parker was ticked they were all ready for the dance and he was still setting up- we tried our very best to entertain these high school kids before Parker came home. Parker eventually got home and dressed fairly quickly then ran out the door to pick up his date (an hour late!). When Parker and Randi(his date) finally showed up we served dinner and then PICTURES! Haha, I went crazy with the pictures of all of them in the front yard! Then my mom went crazy as well… those poor kids! Haha. Then Alicia, my dad and I jumped into the car to drive over to the dance to drop off the refreshments and everything for the Senior Toast (which Parker had to give! haha) To end the long story… The Commencement Dance turned out well and Parker had a blast! The Eiffel Tower even stayed standing the whole night! The part I didn’t mention is that Stetson stayed at the pier after Parker left to make sure the DJ had power and that all the lights went on.

The family playing baseball together in the backyard? Is that what it is all about? Yes. The family that came together to help Parker in crisis? Is that what it is all about? Yes. It is ALL what it is about. Family. 

Landon and I right before his first date!!

Parker and his group right before the dance!

 

 

<3

The Crazy Busy Blessings of Life!

I will admit that I have been a bit lazy about updating my blog lately. I will make an effort to fix this problem. Anyway, in that effort I will post now! Haha.

SO very much seems to have been happening lately! I love it! The biggest event is probably Kylee’s baptism. Kylee, Stetson’s best friend, was baptized on Friday April 2nd, 2010. I couldn’t be more excited for her! This has been a long time coming and she has definitely developed a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Savior. She is such a wonderful girl and I think this is only the beginning of great things for her! I love her!

The day after Kylee’s baptism, Parker, Landon and I hopped in the car and headed down to Utah. I dropped Landon and Parker off at the Bateman’s house and they stayed with them. Of course they had a BLAST! They love getting to spend time with the Bateman’s! Too bad they don’t live in Idaho anymore! The boys decorated Easter Eggs and I’m sure they flirted all night long with those beautiful Bateman girls! :) When we arrived at the Bateman house to drop the boys off, we discovered that Parker had left his church clothes at home in Idaho! HAHA! Landon and I couldn’t stop laughing! Parker didn’t think it was as funny. He ended up having to go buy some more clothes to go to the Priesthood session of conference that night with Landon and Brennan. I still think it is funny!

I headed down to Provo! Summer and Hayden were also visiting Provo, so Summer and I both stayed with Sara. I had such a fun time! Sara, Summer and I went to American Fork during the Priesthood session and kidnapped Megan for awhile! We went to dinner at Zuppa’s and it was so yummy! The four of us being together again was great! I have missed those girls! We had to take Megan back to her husband after Priesthood got over (because he loves Megan!) and Summer went with Hayden and his family to go dye Easter Eggs! Sara and I were left to entertain each other, but then I ended up going out to ice cream for awhile with a complete stranger! But when I came back Sara and I enjoyed the rest of the night like the good ole’ days by watching ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days'.  Back to this stranger I went to ice cream with…. he is actually Candace’s cousin. I work with Candace and she is a doll, I just love her! She wanted to set me up with her cousin but he lives in Provo and since I was in Provo we met each other. It was so random and I kind of instigated it by sending him a message telling him I was in Provo even though we had never met or each talked, typed, chatted or anything. It was so forward of me and I am never like that with boys- I’m such a baby! Anyway, he was so nice! I was surprised how un-awkward it was. We had a nice talk getting to know each other and there was ice cream…. I love ice cream. He was very attractive *bonus* and fun! He seems to be very smart and he was also a gentleman. There were of course a couple of problems. The first being that he lives in Provo. That I could and probably would deal with, so many not so much a problem :) Second, I aced like a crazy girl! I don’t know what I was thinking! Haha, well I was probably acting like normal, but sometimes I need to tone it down because I can be a little out of control. So he might think that I am a nutcase and I’ll never hear from him again. Haha! Oh well, it was fun!

On Sunday morning, I drove back to pick up Parker and Landon and we drove to Salt Lake City. Why? To go to General Conference! It was so much fun! We had amazing seats, probably only 150 feet from the Prophet! The boys LOVED it! They were both a little giddy, like little girls! Haha! What was even more exciting than actually being there was the amazing spirit that we felt just being there. The talks were so wonderful and we gained so much! The coolest part of it for me was when the whole congregation stood up to sing the rest hymn. It was “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”. The conference center was filled with voices of faithful church members and I couldn’t hold back the tears as I sang, “Oh what joy this sentece gives, I know that my Redeemer lives!” Not only that, I was singing a song bearing testimony of the Savior in the same room as our living Prophet. It was a memorable experience and I loved being able to share that with my two youngest brothers. Summer and Hayden also came to conference with us and I always love having them around! Those two are just wonderful friends! The kind of friends that you hope you always have!

me.

My name is Tiana Jo Belnap. I am 5’ 10”, blond hair and blue eyes. I am not fat, but I’m not skinny either. I am the only sister with four brothers in my family. I like to go running and I love to bake. I am sometimes way too loud and other times curiously quiet. Often times I am out of control and like to dance or sing in public. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket and my dance skills are severely lacking any actual skill. I want people to be happy and to feel important. I am a people pleaser and will go to great lengths to help people that I care about. I drive too fast and I look ridiculous when I run. Sometimes I don’t think before I talk and I say mean things or unnecessary comments. I cry at the most random times and not when you would expect a person to cry. I am not some sort of a prodigy genius but I am not stupid. I get bad grades in college, but I still learn. I manage well under pressure but soon after I fall apart. I make wedding cakes. I’m not a professional and I don’t know that I ever will be, but I’d like to and I will try to. I have lots of friends, but only let a few people really in to know the real me. I am intimidated by short people and I don’t know why. I like to read, but I don’t read books very often. I love to watch movies and to cuddle on the couch in my pajamas. I like to put on my eye makeup and it usually takes me ten minutes just to do that, which is a bit too much time. I seem to always have a crush on a boy, no matter what. Yet, I seem to always have this nagging fear that no man is going to want to marry me. I want to have six kids and be a crazy, fun mom. I have amazing brothers who never cease to amaze me with their abilities. They are gentlemen and are always there when I need them, no matter what. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have a testimony of the Gospel and I know that it is true. I know my Savior loves me. I know that I am a Daughter of God and he also loves me. I love my Mom and my Dad, who are both incredible people. They have taught me wonderful, unforgettable lessons. I have a sister-in-law who is so incredibly smart. She loves my brother so much and the two of them will make excellent parents someday. I  like to be crafty sometimes. Right now I am a Sunday School teacher and that calling terrifies me no matter what anyone says to me. I like to spend time in Rexburg and I have been blessed with amazing roommates. I work at Jamba Juice and I make smoothies all day. Sometimes I dress up as a banana and dance on the side of the road (for work of course). I’m not artistic but I admire those who are able to express themselves through art. I am a hopeless romantic, but I pretend that I don’t need a relationship in my life. I am very protective of those close to me. I want everyone’s life to be easy and still have to learn to let others make their own mistakes. I talk. Alot. I have a car and a scooter, they both have names. I hate asking people for help because I don’t want to seem incapable of doing anything.

I am Tiana.

This is me. I am not perfect, not at all. But I try to be a good person. Take it or leave it.

Unrequited Love?

Unrequited Love. Seems silly, pathetic, and self inflicted because it is a choice. The dictionary defines unrequited as unanswered or not returned in kind. So unrequited love would be love that is not answered or not returned in kind. Having given this much thought, it would be difficult to have love that is not returned in kind unless at some point there was love that was returned in kind. Of course I guess that parents could sometimes feel unrequited love when their children are straying or are at that age were parents seem to know nothing. At that point parents could have such an incredible amount of love for their children that is not returned. Hopefully at some point, they are able to work through it. But in a romantic sense, when people say they have unrequited love, I’m not sure that I believe it. Unless there was a relationship there before that has ended on at least one persons part. Yet, despite my feelings, stories, tv shows, books and major motion pictures are centered around “Unrequited Love.” I think a more appropriate term would be “unrequited care.”  Because you can learn to care about someone and have feelings for them, but love… love is a two-sided emotion, better yet. It is a two-sided action. Love is an action, and a feeling. It cannot be developed without the other person. But you can care. So…unrequited love, probably not. Unrequited care, I’m a professional.

7 Day Cruise

My three little brothers left for a 7 day cruise on Friday afternoon. Our house is quiet and boring.

Dear Cruise Ship,
Please return my brothers, I miss them. Thank you.

Sincerly,
Tiana