I graduated!

I graduated college last week! I now have a bachelor's degree in public relations and I can't wait to put it to use :) I also can't wait for my actual diploma to arrive in the mail :) The last three years have been the most trying, difficult and yet rewarding years ever. I have learned so much about life and about myself. I pushed my limits and learned what I am capable of. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to get a college education and I know that my life will be better for it.

It was so windy that my hat kept flying off! 

I felt such a sense of accomplishment as I walked across that stage. I'm so proud of myself.

This girls are so amazing. I couldn't have survived the program without them. 

I'm so grateful for my family's love and encouragement. 

I'm especially grateful for my parents and their support.

College graduate.

I did it!

My best friend. I miss her tons already.

xoxo,

sam

Prom

I never went to prom. And at times I am a little bitter because of that because what girl doesn't dream of going to prom and feeling like a princess if only for one night.

Then my sister got asked to prom and I'm pretty sure I was more excited that her.

Her prom was this last weekend and she really did look like a princess.

Princess Belle to be exact.

She also asked me to do her hair. I was excited and it was fun to help her get ready for the dance. I absolutely love how her hair turned out.

This girl is darling and I'm glad she had such a fun time at the dance.

Love you Maddi!

(Sorry for the blurry iPhone picture.)

xoxo,

sam

Why I struggle with gay marriage

There are a lot of hot topics in politics right now. Gun safety. National finances. Marriage equality.

I generally don't post my views on such things on Facebook and Twitter because of their public nature. I don't want to force my views on things on other people. But I feel as though my blog is my space. It's my turf and I can say whatever I want. I ask only that you respect that. The following is my opinion. Debates are healthy but bashing on someone's beliefs is low. Please, just don't.

I have yet to figure out how I feel about legalizing gay marriage. I am conflicted between my own beliefs and the desire not to force them on others.

I do not believe that gay marriage is right. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that marriage is something that should be respected and revered. It is a commitment between man and woman to live life together and rear to a family.

But at the same time, I don't want to force my beliefs on others. I believe that everyone should have the choice as to who they want to marry. We should be free to use our agency. Just as I believe it to be wrong, there are others that strongly feel it is okay. It is their right to feel that way. I can live my life the way I want and they have the same right.

But how much do you tolerate something you don't believe in?

It is similar to drinking. I don't drink and that is a personal decision. But I know many people who do. I don't think any less of those individuals. I would never try to force my standards on them in an attempt to stop them from drinking. I try to avoid putting myself in a situation that that has a lot of drinking. I avoid parties that I know will have a lot of alcohol.

Gay marriage is similar to this. I know several people who are gay and I don't think any less of them. They are people just like anyone else. I just don't agree with some of their decisions. But gay marriage aside, I don't agree with a lot of decisions people make.

If the legalization of gay marriage came down to a citizen vote, I don't know side I would choose. I wouldn't want to vote for it because I don't want to support it. On the other hand, I would be tempted to vote for it because no one should have their agency taken away.

It's something I struggle with. I know what I believe and how I have chosen to live. Everyone should have that right. Am I contradicting my own beliefs by saying that?

xoxo,

sam

Florida

I just got back from an awesome family vacation in Orlando!

There were 10 crazy people anxious for a break from the snow and ice. My whole family went plus two cousins plus grandma and grandpa. With that many people, it was definitely a party!

The Orlando temple is so beautiful.

I even got to {kinda} meet Taylor Swift!

 We spent a day at Universal Studios riding rides and making memories.

Hogwarts and Hogsmeade were very cool. The ride through Hogwarts was definitely my favorite ride. I highly recommend it.

We drove to the beach where it was super windy...

...and where we were attacked by seagulls...

... and where we saw a beautiful sunset!

xoxo,

sam

Wednesday's Words 2

Today's topic: Family

I was able to spend this past weekend with my family. It was a crazy, full weekend filled with packing, moving and unpacking. Needless to say, we all got really tired and there were times when we tried each other's patience. But we are family and we all love each other. I am so grateful for my family and how much they do for me. Even though I don't get to see them as much now, I know that I will we will always love each other and be there for one another.

“Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue.” 
― Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing Something Cd: Ten Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts And Homes

My family.

xoxo

Samantha

Zuppa Tuscana

Simply amazing! This recipe is for Olive Garden's famous Zuppa Tuscana soup. Me and my roommates first made this a couple months ago and then I made it for my mom's birthday. It was a big hit both times. I'm sure you will enjoy this one as much as I did. Especially if you love Olive Garden.

Ingredients

1 lb ground Italian sausage (Jimmy Dean Sausage)

1 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers

1 large diced white onion

4 tbsp bacon pieces

2 tsp garlic puree

10 cups water

5 cubes of chicken bouillon

1 cup heavy cream

1 lb sliced russet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)

1/4 of a bunch of kale

Directions

Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat and refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic over lot to med heat for approximately 15 minutes, or until the onions are soft.

Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.

Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half and hour.

Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.

Stir in the sausage and the chopped kale. Let it all heat through and serve.

Delicious!

xoxo

sam

I'm Tall and My Life is Awkward

My life.

The end.