This has been my favorite quote for the last few years.

"We know that on some level Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It's our faith that he experienced everything - absolutely everything. Sometimes we don't think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don't experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means Jesus knows what it felt like when your mother died of cancer - how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what it felt like to lose the student-body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked, and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism. There is nothing you have experienced as a woman that he does not also know and recognize. On a profound level, he understands about pregnancy and giving birth. He knows about PMS and cramps and menopause. He understands about rape and infertility and abortion. His last recorded words to his disciples were, 'And lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) What does that mean? It means he understands your mother-pain when your five-year-old leaves for kindergarten, when a bully picks on your fifth-grader, when your daughter calls to say that the new baby has Downs syndrome. He knows your mother-rage when a trusted babysitter sexually abuses your two-year-old, when someone gives your thirteen-year-old drugs, when someone seduces your seventeen-year-old. He knows all that. He's been there. He's been lower than that."
 -Chieko N. Okazaki
"Lighten Up!" p.175

 I love it because I always seem to think my situation is unique to me and nobody else gets it. But this reminds me that while Jesus suffered for the whole world, he also suffered for every little thing about Robin Lesa Bell. Stressing about my chemistry grade, wondering if things in life will ever come together, the emotions of dating or the heartache of a break-up, my family dynamics, personal insecurities, loneliness, my health... Even silly things that matter only to me and no one else. I don't understand how it all works, but I know Jesus is our advocate with our loving Father. And THANK GOODNESS! :)

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Lately I am especially thankful for:  
My mind - I'm taking a chemistry class right now that is intense but I'm grateful that my mind is capable of learning and understanding cool things. Even when I feel like my mind is going to explode due to overload...I'm grateful it hasn't yet! Lately I'm also just grateful for everything I know. Its easy to see that people don't function well when they don't understand important truths. I'm grateful my parents taught me I could accomplish whatever I wanted. Not because I'm anything special but because anyone that works hard and does what they should, will be blessed and it will all work out. Some people really don't believe that but I'm grateful that I do.  
Mercy - I know that most things in life I can't do by myself and I'm grateful I don't have to. I can be such a space and do DUMB things but I'm grateful that people look out for me! Or else I'd have no phone, no wallet, I'd probably be stuck somewhere with my keys locked in my car.... ha! I'm so glad the Lord is aware and watches out for my scattered-self!
 Delicious Food - It just tastes SO GOOD! Amanda made an Asian steak salad one night that cured my grumpiness so fast! Paninis, bruschetta, raspberry-chocolate greek yogurt ice-cream (new favorite Ben & Jerry's)... What would the world be like without deliciousness? And of course summer, kids, family, the 4th of July, laughing... These are a few of my favorite things.


Naturally we need pictures. Even if they're totally irrelevant.... 

I don't care who you are, that's cute. I babysat for my cousin Heather- . This is her boy Logan.

I took a quick trip to Rexburg a few weeks ago. Here I am with Heidi's little girl Cora Macey.

And just because I miss this EVERYDAY.... Oh Lake Sammamish.... Pine Lake.... any lake? Utah is not meeting my summer needs.... Road trip?

Arches National Park

 

A group of us took a weekend camping trip to Moab, UT. and hiked around Arches National Park. It was a great group of people, unreal scenery, overall: FUN.

Savage-Grillo Wedding

Jen's little Luke is my bud.

I love the Logan Temple. My parents were married there too.

 My cousin Monica Savage was married to Diego Grillo April 21 in the Logan Temple. It was a beautiful day! Perfect weather with flowers in bloom...

Naturally I waited outside with the kids and missed the whole wedding since I'm not endowed. I've perfected the role of being the wedding babysitter for all my best friend's biggest day of their lives. And I'm not bitter about it!

When I moved here in September, Monica and I started going to the single's ward in our area, which is where she met Diego. So really, I am the reason for their eternal happiness!

Purple was the color.

Oh DANG!

Monica and I have been close since we were young. Her Dad (Mylan) and my mom are siblings. With my family always in Washington and hers in Utah, we were great pen pals through the school year and cherished our summers together! I'm so glad I got to live with her for a few months after her mission.

Paul and Diego :)

 

Congratulations Monica and Diego!

My cousin Monica is getting married April 21st so we had to partay.

Cheesecake-filled strawberries, Cucumber Sandwiches, Chocolate covered Strawberries, Cadbury Eggs, Veggie Tray
DELISH

Monica & Diego sugar cookie panties! Rachael and I had fun making those! :)

Lots of presents... gees I can't wait to get married!

Rachael's mom made her a beautiful quilt. I am jealous.

We Bought a Zoo

I loved the movie We Bought A Zoo! It was the first movie I've seen in a while where I walked away feeling awesome! I swear every movie has a "if only there wasn't that one part..." But not this one! It's not a total chick-flick, I went with 2 other guys who enjoyed it as much as I did. I just saw it in the cheap theater so it should be out on DVD now? Great soundtrack too! Watch it.

WHAT A WEEK! FIRST: VALENTINE'S DAY: I've always been a fan of the LOVE holiday. Exchanging treats in elementary school, excessive amounts of flowers and chocolate (my 2 favorite things), even if it is "Singles Awareness Day," I still like it! (and I've been single for pretty much all 24 years of life)

But this Valentine's Day I actually had a date! Vance and I doubled with Monica and Diego. We rode the gondola up the mountain at SnowBasin and had a 5 course meal at Needles Lodge. The view was unreal.

My meal included an "amuse-bouche" which was an asian-style shredded duck as featured in the photo. I liked that so well I ordered duck for my starter as well. Champagne-infused sorbet was the palette cleanser, halibut on quinoa in a citrus sauce with roasted veggies as the entree, and a rich chocolate tart with fresh raspberries for dessert! Of course I had to taste everyone else's dishes so by the end of the night I had enjoyed ceviche, lamb in a red-wine/coffee sauce,prime rib, gourmet chicken in polenta, a killer mushroom-brie bisque, passion fruit cheesecake, and peanut butter truffles that were more of a PB mousse covered in dark chocolate. OH BABY.

Monica and Diego:

Even Honey was excited for me:

Shortly following Valentine's Day is my birthday. And I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY! My mom flew into town Friday and when Jana Bell is in town, I am a happy camper. You know those people that don't want anyone to know its their birthday? I'm the opposite. I announced my upcoming birthday at the staff meeting at work a month in advance, when the random grocery cashier gives a courteous " Hi, How are you?" I say "I'm great, my birthday is on Sunday." So Sunday came and I was greeted with our tradition of breakfast in bed.

We had a big dinner at Aunt Lesa's with lots of relatives from the Savage side. I LOVE MY EXTENDED FAMILY.

Logan modeling Jana Bell's new Alaska hat

Mum n Uncle Todd

Aunt Renee put together an Alaska survival kit for my mom so here she is sporting her new attire/tools/animal poops.

Nathan is a good sport :)

Uncle Corey giving me my birthday shoulder-rub that I convinced him he owed me:

Vance made me a chocolate tart with raspberries to duplicate the one I loved so much from the Valentine's dinner. OH YUM. And My Mom's overbaked brownies... almost as good as Vance's creation :) My mom is staying for a few more days and I have loved having her here. Also, thanks for all the birthday love from everyone not mentioned in this post. :) THE END. For now.

GO ADELE.

VEGAS

My parents stayed the weekend in Las Vegas after my Dad had a conference in St George, so I drove down with some girls from work for the weekend. We decided to go on Thursday and left Friday! It was a spontaneous, quick trip that was well worth it. It was great to see my parents! Most people my age don't go to Vegas to hang out with their Mom and Dad but apparently I love my parents. Who knew?

I must say, they are quite the attractive couple. Oh dang!

Juuuust enjoying my king size bed in the Marriott

We watched a cute little 3D film at the 4-floor M&M store.

and I danced with the Red M&M.

Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. I LOVED the Aerosmith memorabilia!

And the highlight of the trip..... Riding the New York, New York with Jana Bell. She screamed the ENTIRE ride. And I laughed at her while screaming, the entire ride! She lost her voice and it made me laugh even more :)

This year for Thanksgiving, Amanda and I went to Nalani and Jed's house (cousins on my Dad's side). Some more cousins were there, along with aunts and uncles and Nalani's friends. As a teenager, I dreaded family gatherings where strange old people hugged me and said "You're huge!" ("SO ARE YOU!" was my response) But I have come to really enjoy family events. Its fun to see similarities between my parents and their siblings. Its cool how so many people automatically love you just cuz you're related. Its nice to be a part of something so loving. If you know my mother Jana Bell, you know she loves decorating and entertaining, and she's good at it! One year, a conversation between my mom and I went as follows:

Mom: "What should we do to decorate the table for Thanksgiving this year?" Me:"Well last year's set up was beautiful. Why don't we just do the same thing this year?" Mom: "Robin I cant just do the same thing. That's like wearing last year's prom dress!"

I know not everyone cares about the display of Thanksgiving dinner but I sure like it. That being said, I really appreciated how beautiful everything was at Nalani's. The table was set using her Grandma's China, napkin holders, tall stemmed glasses... everything to make it feel like a special occasion.

Yesterday I had a friend run the Santa Clause 5k here. Every runner got the same Santa suit/beard, so there were herd's of Santa's running up and down the streets of Ogden. Afterward was a little Holiday parade and the lighting of the Christmas village "downtown." We didn't stay for all the festivities (we were frozen!) but it was great to start the holidays.

I was Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch for Halloween. I had to think of a costume for work that would still be obvious with my lab coat covering me from shoulders to knees. I have a mini water bottle inside my hair and wires in my pig tails. I had to drive with my head sideways so my hair could clear the Jeep's ceiling. The End. Merry Christmas!

Catherine and Liz drove up from Southern California, picked me up in Ogden and we spent the weekend in Rexburg. Catherine just left on her mission so we had one last hoorah with our Idaho friends before she entered the MTC. She will be serving in Argentina - Buenos Aires West Mission.

We visited Bishop Sevy and his wife in their home that Sunday afternoon. Bishop Sevy is the Rexburg Temple Recorder- that is his full time occupation so he spends all day everyday in the temple. He has such unique, profound insights and wisdom regarding the Savior and the temple. After a round of hugs and laughter, Bishop shared some special experiences he has had and how it applies to each of us individually. Sister Sevy passed around the tissues. Several hours later, we left the Sevy's home filled with the spirit, ecstatic about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and full of hope for the future. I have so much respect and admiration for the Sevys!

Please no more deaths. 7 in 1 year is too much. I don't want to have to attend another funeral for a LONG time.

Its really happened. The house sold, David and the parents are living in Palmer Alaska and I moved to Ogden Utah. I never pictured this actually happening but here we are! Amanda and I are living in the basement of a cute little house with our cousin Monica Savage while my Uncle Mylan lives upstairs. The dog Honey made her way to Ogden as well.
I drove my favorite white jeep from Seattle to Utah. Its almost as old as me, but with the help of many prayers it made it with out any problems. It was the beginning of September when it was so HOT and the jeep does not have AC. All the windows were down, the wind was loud, and I was sweating. Those who know me are not surprised that I found no use for much clothing while driving. However, when I pulled up to get gas in Oregon, I forgot that they pump your gas and I pulled up to the pump with only a tank top and underwear on. I was reaching for my shorts when the man was walking toward me! I got so scared and pulled away as he was about to talk to me. I shimmied my clothes back on and pulled back up to the pump. It was an awkward but funny encounter!

Monica and I have been best buds since we were kids. She's always lived in Kaysville and I always lived in Seattle but we have been pen-pals since we first learned to write. Growing up, I would spend at least a week at her house each summer, usually after the 4th of July. We'd spend the days at Lagoon, Cherry Hill, watching Goonies, playing Yahtzee, Phase 10, Mankala, and GIGGLING the entire time. Her Dad (Mylan), and my Mom are siblings. She came home from her mission to Toronto Canada 2 months ago and is going to school at Weber. She's planning to do the radiology program, and working at Ogden Beauty Supply. While Monica was gone, her parents moved from Kaysville to Ogden, her sister got married, and Monica's mom passed away after a bad car accident. Obviously, her world is upside down. My life isn't upside down like hers but its shifted quite a bit now that I'm graduated and my family moved to Alaska. So I think we've been good for each other in dealing/laughing through life's uncomfortable or painful changes.

Unexpectedly, I love Ogden. The singles ward is small, but we are in a whole stake of Young Single Adult wards so there are plenty of people to meet. I love having so many relatives nearby. I don't have many friends yet but I haven't felt lonely because so many cousins and their cute kids are nearby. However, my Seattle friend Sara Batt lives here and she does hair so I do have one friend, and a hairdresser! I love my relatives! There's never a shortage of love around here! I like that I will get to be here for things like the Savage Family Christmas Party and visiting my Grandma.

The Bell side has monthly themed cousin dinners which will be great. I love all the small adorable houses and how simple directions are in Utah. I like that there are definite seasons. Up until this week it was 80 degrees and now the cold front moved in and it officially looks/feels like fall. Amanda and I hiked up the mountains one day and it was BEAUTIFUL! Not like Seattle, but still beautiful in its own way. I like that people always seem to pass through Utah. My old roommate Heidi came home to Sandy for conference weekend and we met up so I could meet her newborn girl, Cora. She is precious.

We live just on the other side of Snow Basin which will be fun for Snowboarding this winter. My mom was in town for ANOTHER funeral... we'll talk about that another day :( and she was able to go to the Relief Society General Mtg at the Conference Center with us. Our ward had tons of tickets and a bus for transportation. How cool is that?

In the picture of us at the temple I forgot I had a tattoo on my arm from a 5k I did that morning. Jadeyn Glauser asked me to volunteer with her and then we could participate for free. It was called the 5k Foam Fest and it was a huge obstacle course, crossing little rivers by crawling on inner-tubes that were linked together, a slip n slide, army crawling under barbed wire, running over mini mud mountains, balancing on 2x4s, crawling through big logs, making your way through what felt like a human carwash, being sprayed with foam/bubbles and so forth. IT. WAS. SO. FUN. Next family reunion we need to do one of these! It would be so fun to do in a big group, regardless of skill level. (If you're not comfortable doing the obstacle you can just go around.) There were 2 unhygenic girls in horrible homemade mermaid costumes. I had to document.

Jadeyn's sisters and Aunts participated as well. Afterward we all had our picture taken in the bubble bath. This could have been awkward since I was bathing with people I barely knew, but I was having too much fun to care.

And the greatest news of all is.... I HAVE A JOB! I interviewed with Baxter BioLife Sciences Plasma Center in Layton on Friday and they told me they would let me know by Tuesday. However, I received a call only 2 hours after my interview, offering me the position above what I applied for! And I will receive a dollar more an hour than I expected. Its a pretty good starting pay for Utah. Its full time, with benefits. I feel so relieved and thankful and blessed to have a job! I was worried I would move here, wonder what on earth I had done, wasting time and money being unemployed. I received the job the last day of my phlebotomy class. Perfect timing. I'm shocked there hasn't been more hoops to jump through. It will be nice that coworkers and plasma donors will generally be around my age. I was afraid I would have to move to Salt Lake where there are more jobs. But for the first time my plan and Heavenly Father's seemed to be the same. Hallelujah.