Post-mission

Well Ya'll, I'm back! Back home here in the beautiful state of Utah! :) Although I do miss my Amarillo sky with its beautiful sunsets! Being able to see the horizon on all sides.  The millions of pump jacks in Monahans, but most of all the WONDERFUL People I met there! My heart is still there with ya'll! I hope ya'll know that! The people of Texas are people you cant beat! They are happy, friendly, live a slower paced life, and truly understand what's important in life!  Enjoyin the journey, and not takin it too fast!  We should all be a little more like them!  

   

Texas couldnt have been a better place to be sent! I've always thought I was a country girl at heart, and lo and behold im not! ha ha ha!  But i tried and succeeded for a while!  Texas is my second home now! And that's good enough for me!    But I sure did learn a lot of them Texan ways!  All them Texan words such as: Daggum (translation:that darned government) Ya'll (you all) fixin ta (about to be doing something) right quick (doing something as fast as possible) gripin (yellin, screamin, whoopin and hollerin) britches (pants) supper (dinner) camode (bathroom) and so much more! 

But what is more important is what I learned in the mission.  I learned so much about my Savior Jesus Christ.  I learned the importance of the atonement and how it is only in and through Him that we can be saved! I learned that I cant live this life on my own! I need to turn to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and put all my trust in them!  I learned that Jesus Christ is always there for me! I am never alone, and He knows EXACTLY what I was/am/and will go through! He has perfect empathy towards me!  I can turn to Him for anything!  He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Brother, my King, and my Best Friend!  He is my everything! And because of him, I can be truly happy in this life, and can be happy in the life to come!  He is the way back home! 

I learned that every single experience we have in this life is for our betterment.  It is there to strengthen us to help us grow stronger! Everything in this life is to help us to BECOME the person Heavenly Father wants us to be.  Without our trials and struggles we cant reach our fullest potential.  Everything that happens whether good or bad happens to us for a reason.  And although sometimes we feel like we cant make it through, we need to remember that Heavenly Father NEVER gives us trials we cant overcome!  If you're going through something really hard, its because Heavenly Father trusts you enough to get through it!  Sometimes I wish He wouldn't trust me so much! :) ha ha ha! 

I learned that what's truly important in this life isnt what the world makes it out to be.  Its not money, sex, fame, attractiveness, work, pleasure, big houses, cars, toys, etc.  What's truly important is: The relationship you have with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Your understanding of the gospel and how you apply it in your life and allow it to CHANGE you (because we all know this gospel is all about changing and becoming a better person). The relationships you have with your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. The service you give, and the sacrifices you make.  What this is all about is LOVE!  Our end goal is having The Pure Love of Christ, and having perfect charity.  That is whats truly important. 

I learned that there is good in every religion.  Just because someone isn't a member of our church does not mean they are not good people.  No one should ever judge someone by their religion.  I met so many wonderful people who were not of our faith who were living more faithfully than a lot of members of the our church! They are coming closer to Christ in their religion to the best of their knowledge.  The only thing that's different about us, is we have more knowledge and understanding-so we should do our best to share this with others.  Bring others closer to Christ, its the least we can do!  

Lastly I learned about myself:

-I LOVE people thrive on relationships i have with others
-I am stronger than I think and can overcome any obstacle given me with the help of my Savior
-I am not confrontational
-I lack confidence in myself but have total confidence in my Savior
-I CHOOSE to be happy, and i'm happy BECAUSE of my knowledge and truthfulness of THIS gospel
-When i get upset i get quiet
-I CAN be patient, but i still struggle with it
-I don't always have to be the center of attention
-Listening is better than talking 
-With my talents and abilities, Heavenly Father used me to help bring others to Christ
-I'm fine with people hurting me, but when they hurt my friends or family i get very defensive and want to help them to be happy in any way i can.
-I am important, and my Heavenly Father loves me, and is a part of every aspect of my life. I know he has a specific plan for me.
-The scriptures can change my life
-Prayer always works
-I have a testimony that this gospel and all it entails is true!

Joseph Smith was a Prophet and he RESTORED the EXACT SAME CHURCH Jesus Christ set up!
Jesus Christ died for my sins and I can return home because of HIM!
President Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet on the earth today, and he speaks for God!
The Book of Mormon AND the Bible are the word of God!
The Priesthood has been restored on this earth, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has that authority!

-I LOVE THE GOSPEL and it has shaped me into who I am!  I am so grateful it has!

Lover of the muscle...

When I was about 6 years old I remember playing with hotwheels cars with my older brother Cameron. My favorite car back then was a sparkly maroon, beige interiored Miata- or the "fish scale" purple car.  And ever since Cameron gave me that purple and yellow striped '65 Impala I have been hooked!

About 8 years ago my dad, Tamara, Cameron, Aaron and i started this tradition we called "Car Tradege".  Let me explain what this is.  This is a process where all of us gently get out and set up our collection of hot wheels cars on our dining room table.  Then we start the process of trading.  This begins by simply looking at each others cars and seeing which cars we would like out of each others collection.  Then we take turns asking each other if we can take a look at  They would then roll the car out to the middle to see how the car rides-the straighter and smoother the car rides the more value it holds.  Then the person wanting to trade for that car would then check out the car looking for dings, scratches or any other imperfections.  After looking that over, the trader will offer the owner one or many cars from their lot to trade that car with!  We usually end up trading for at least 2 hours each time! Its an amazing family tradition!  Tamara has since given up her cars, but Tony and Shawn have taken interest in the matter! 



What car tradege looks like!



I used to be a huge fan of the Jeepsters, Sazookas, the showstoppers, and always have liked the hotwheels version of the Dodge Charger RT, the Impala's, and the Phaetons...BUT Lately I have especially taken a liking to the MUSCLE CARS!!!! YUM!! Such as the 1970 Chevelle, Shelby GT 500, Olds 442, '67 and '69 Pontiac Firebird, '63 Cougar, and the '65 Mustang!!! 

I think i've always been a fan of cars, and being in between two boys in the family has helped that out a lot! I dont know half as much as my brothers do about it, but cars are DEFINATELY something to get excited about! I LOVE going to car shows, seeing fancy cars on the road, and even just cruisin in the mother CLEAVE (my car: 1990 Crown Victoria) Love it! :) But now you know a little bit more about me...and CARS!

Artsy smartsy!

I dont know if a lot of you know this, but i absolutely positively love doing art! So here are a few of my compositions! :) Enjoy them Dang it! :)

 :) I hope you liked them!

Words

So, I dont know if you know me well enough to know this, but I am a list maker!  A big one! I write the most random stuff down everywhere. SO...i'm going to start putting them randomly on here! Enjoy them though! :) I sure do!  Here is a list of some awesome words! :)

chunky

fresh

chandelier

legit

stellar

kiss

lace

panties

 concentrate

vault

passion

abyss

affirmative

burlesque

charming

premonition

lethargic

neuron

kiwi

efficient

social

rigorous

wish

decathalon

shimmer

massage 

ecstatic

conspicuous

zigzag

pearl

yesterday

lingerie

intrinsic

 cycle

 thorn

sonic

ultra

gorgeous

trinket

kryptonite

zamboanga

subliminal

Those are just a few of them!

Mission call…HOORAH!

Katherine Marie Crane has been hereby called to serve in the Lubbock Texas mission, English speaking, departing September 14th, 2011!  Can you believe it?!? I am going to serve a mission in Texas Ya'll! :)  I am so excited I cant even describe how I feel about it! I'll tell you one thing, I just want to be out there serving right now! I dont want to wait!When I opened my mission call, I was neither disappointed nor excited.  The only thing I could think of was, "Hey, my friend just got back from his mission from there."  And that's it!  I was really emotional, and just kept looking at my call, not even able to read it!  My whole family was there just watching as I stared at this piece of paper I couldnt read!  Tamara came up to me later and read it to me because I was so in shock that I actually had my call! I am actually going on a mission! And I will be going to TEXAS! THAT IS MY MISSION! What an overwhelming feeling that is!I spent the rest of the night calling friends and family members telling them the huge news!  And the more I talked about it, the more excited I got to go!! I know that Lubbock is where I am supposed to go! I am excited to start this new journey in bringing others to know the truth of this gospel! Wish me luck!

Thank you all so much for supporting me, and being such great examples to me! I cant wait to share my testimony to those in Texas! Watch out Texans!! HERE I COME!!! 

My Better Half

Most of you know that Tony Butterfield and I have been dating for almost two whole years! HOLY COW right? On June first, Tony, my better half, left me to serve the Lord in Tacoma Washington! I was so excited when he first told me in October that he was planning on serving a mission.  And although he is 22 years old he decided to go because the Lord told him that he needed to! The Lord knows what is best for each and every one of us!  I am glad that he followed that promting! 
Although it has been pretty difficult not having him here with me 24/7 I know it is the right thing for him to be doing!  I know he is safe, and that he is in the Lord's hands now! 
I am so grateful to have him in my life! He is an example to me, and he makes me want to be a better person!  I Love you Tony! :) I'll wait for you!

New favorite book...What???

I never knew I could get so into books...but this last one just kept me flippin the pages till all hours of the night...every night! No wonder i'm exhausted and tired all the time!  I have been this way with a lot of books; Harry Potter 1-7, Twilight, The Host...and then I realized, that once I start to read any book, Im all in. I Love every single book I read, It doesnt matter what book it is.  I connect with the characters, and cant leet them go.  How come I always choose books in series? Dang it! I always get hooked!  Crazy it's taken me this long to figure it out!  So, here's another book to add to my favorite book (of every book i read) collection... The Hunger Games! :) Cant wait to read the next one!! READ ON!

Pet Peeves

Pet Peeves:

1-Toilets that flush automatically: “Hey I’m not done yet!”


2- Guys with long fingernails: seriously, you’re a guy, cut those nasty things off!


3- People who text you, “hey” or “hi” or “ok” or “” and that’s it


4- Stupid ladies who tell me I can’t cheer for my little brother playing lacrosse…just the team…My BUTT I CANT!!!


5-Movies that look really good in the previews, but when you see them you find out they showed all the good parts, and the rest of the movie is totally LAME!


6- When you’re waiting all day to eat the left over pizza from last night, and you get home, and see the box in the trash can…why I oughtta!


7- Guys who wear sandles or flip flops, (unless you’re on the beach) I’m sorry, and no offense guys, but your feet are ugly…the end.


8- Dirty dishes that aren’t yours in the sink: just wash them okay? It’s not that hard


9- Kids who keep playing too roughly (like jumping on you, and hitting you, and pulling your hair) when they’ve definitely over-played their welcome


10- Sweating: it’s a Crane gene

11-People waking me up in the middle of my nap

12-When people use my stuff without asking

My Hero's

Today while I was walking to school with my art supplies, (including a yard stick, my drawing pad, and drawing board, and my lunch pail looking materials holder, with my backpack) to say the least, I was having a hard time of it. And...of course, my 'lunch pail' decided to burst open leaving my kneaded eraser bouncing away, my art pencils rolling in all different directions, and me a little frustrated and embarrassed. But I was surprised that only a few seconds after the ordeal had happened, two boys (whom I dont even know their names) were down on their knees with me picking up my supplies...and it got me thinking, there are some great people out there who really make a difference in peoples lives. These two boys for example! And it made me want to write about the every day hero's in my life! Here they are:


#1-My Grandma Shirley Rice- Ever since I was a little girl I have loved my Grandma Rice. She has always been there for me, and is such a wonderful example of love, kindness, patience, and caring. One of my fondest memories was her taking me out to lunch for my birthday! I loved being able to spend time with her and talk with her, and have her all to myself for those few hours. We would laugh and talk about life and it was GREAT! She would take care of us when my parents went on vacations and it was always fun sleeping over at her house! But the thing that has made the biggest difference in my life is her constantly wanting to know about me and my life! She would ask me about my friends, boyfriends, my hobbies, remembering their names and everything about them. She makes me feel special no matter what every time I talk to her! Thank you Grandma!

#2-Tony Butterfield- Where do I even start? Tony has been there for me ever since I met him. He has helped me realize that it is okay to be who I am and not to worry what the world thinks. He loves me for who I am, and its great that I can be myself around him. He helps me want to be a better person, and to reach for the stars because he believes that I can reach my highest potential. He helps me see what's important in life. He encourages me, compliments me, and supports me every day in everything I do. That's just a little bit about him, but the list could go on and on.

#3-Mom and Dad- Mom and Dad have supported me through everything I have ever done. They love me and care for me, and still do the little things to this day even though I'm away at school! Mom still calls me every week so we can talk, and so she can check on me. It's great to have someone concerned for your well being. She makes dinner for me and lunch sometimes whenever I come home for the weekend. It's the little things that count. Dad is great to talk to and do fun activities with. He is such a great example of Christ-like behaviors. He is always lifting people up and making them feel good about themselves. Pretty sure I have the most amazing parents in the world!

Those are just three of the "Hero's" that make the biggest difference in my life. Some others I look up to are: Stephanie Petersen, Tamara, Mel Labrum, Trisa Christensen, Aaron, Bishop Spafford, Amie Anderson, and so much more! Thank you so much for being there for me! Thank you everyone for being such good examples in my life! You're all amazing!

Fammer :)

My Family!

Daddy!

 hard working, loving, funny, strong, gregarious, outgoing, friendly, ambitious, thoughtful, thrifty, wise, successful, determined, jovial, efficient, reliable, supportive, fun, handy, innovative, encouraging

Mother :)

 selfless, classy, diligent, caring, loving, lovely, persistent, poised, pleasing, Christ-like, clean, dependable, earnest, savvy, instinctive, experienced, patient, courageous, delightful, homemaker, volunteer, orderly, beautiful, intelligent, fit

Phlegm! (Emily)

sociable, independent, vivacious, spirited, energetic, artful, agreeable, nice, creative, healthy, personable, expressive, rambunctious, fun, fashionable, spontaneous

Pea :) (Annelisa)

peace maker, humorous, charming, clever, fair, glamorous, sincere, mature, harmonious, calm, mature, loyal, nice, sweet, exuberant, friendly

Yam! (Tamara)

optimistic, charismatic, Christ-like, talented, opinionated, impactful, leader, generous, faithful, competitive, encouraging, kind, helpful, example, loud, giving, caring

Cam :) (Cameron)

adventurous, passionate, protective, innovative, sensitive, fearless, ambitious, skilled, helpful, hearty, strong, young at heart, knowledgeable, sarcastic, loving, mature, exemplar

Aar-head! (Aaron)

gentleman, athletic, aggressive, adorable, cool, eager, witty, trustworthy, daring, youthful, action driven, confident, positive, bold, enthusiastic, ecstatic, witty, intelligent, light-hearted, happy, tough

All of my family is: Hard working, Competitive, Honest, Important, Truthful, Loving, much more…and ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I love you guys!

My Best Friend Steph!

Well everyone…I have failed miserably to talk about a very important part of my life.  I haven’t told you anything about the other part of me…the part that has been by my side for many years now.  That something is my best friend Stephanie Janell Petersen!   



Us and our matching dolls! We loved them!




Playing Dress ups in Steph's basement



Our Ward Luau





Stephanie and I have been friends for eighteen years! I know it sounds unrealistic, but its true! Just ask our moms! We are still just as close as we were back then! We still have only had one fight, and it was over one of my dolls that I gave her when we were about six or seven years old!

We have gone through making thousands of music videos, played the scare game in her basement, drawing pretty girls on our church programs during sacrament, playing hot lava in my basement, her exclaiming to the whole congregation that I was wearing a bra, bullying two girls in our neighborhood, riding our bikes everywhere, our Britney Spears club in my shed, having picnics at the Jordan Ridge Park, playing catch with Riley, making our own concoctions of food, having sleep overs, going to the West Jordan Pool, listening to Aaron Carter and Britney Spears, making up dances, messing around in middle school choir, 9^th grade Lagoon Day, hanging out at Zach Tuttles house, eating together at lunch, having crushes on Josh Best and Zach Patch, having lockers right by each other, walking home from school- “Crisanthamum”, prank calling guys, “Roofus!! Hoo hoo hoo!” both of our first car accidents within the same month, hanging out in the cafeteria before school started, Spanish class and Spanish club, Mrs. Urquhart, Mr. Ercenbrack, Mr. Whitney, Biology class together and Logan Ludwick, Lovers Lane, wanting to sit in the Senior section so bad, PLT (Peer Leadership Team), working at Papa Murphy’s together…in a sense, going to group dances together, assemblies-“paydirt”, going to Minerette competitions at UVU, football games and going to Wendy’s afterwards, chalk the walk and our amazing drawing (at least we got out of class J ), the ugly miner statues on the wall, tripping in the halls, rooming together at USU, crazy basketball games, becoming true Aggies, dance parties every night, April fools moving Stephanie Bratt’s room, screaming out our windows, crazy night by the window with the candle, taking pictures in the snow in dresses, First Dam, pulling the prank on those girls we didn’t knows car…awkward, watching people slip on that icy spot after Economics class, loving every single one of our roommates lol, the shuttle, dumb Snow Dorms people, playing steal the flag at night, going with Jen to get her belly button pierced, doing laundry at my aunt and uncles, hanging out with Monica and Lindsey-Mardis Gra, meeting Ciera, our first real boyfriends, John Locke, coming up to visit you at school, Leadership weekend at SUU and feeling inspired, finding a new place to live…or not, Woody Woodbury, Sand Hallow, Wingers and Chiles, the rotunda, tortilla pizza, and here we are today. 

 Wow…and we’re still friends! Believe it! Anyways, she is my best friend in the whole world and I don’t know what I would do without her! I love her like a sister, and she has shaped me into who I am today! I know we will be best friends forever because, come on…we would’ve parted a long time ago if that was going to happen! I just hope she knows how much I love her and how much she means to me, because really, she is a HUGE part of my life! Thanks for everything Steph! 



Middle School



In the Auditorium for PLT




Chile's for dinner...again!

  


SUU Football game!



Hanging out one random day









Wow! I cannot tell you how crazy it is that this semester is already over!! This semester has been great! Filled with realization, and understanding which has brought me so much happiness, joy and love!!!  I have gained such a great relationship with my Heavenly Father and have learned that trials really are for our own good! I have learned to Trust in Him in all I do, and have learned that if I do that, my life will work out!  I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ who lived and died for me! I know that through him I can have hope to get through my trials, and i can become stronger through trusting in him and knowing that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me! I am so grateful for wonderful friends and family who have supported me, and helped me along the way.  I am grateful for wonderful teachers and church leaders who have helped me gain this knowledge and learn the truthfulness of it.  I love this gospel, and I know that it is true through the experiences that I have had! I know God lives!

SUU! Yeah baby!

Hey ya'll! College number THREE here I am!  I am now a part of Cedar City at Southern Utah University (SUU)!! And all I can say is that I love it here more than anything in the world.  The classes are small, I get hands on experience, the teachers ACTUALLY care about you, and the work you do, EVERYONE is super nice, and I have made TONS of new friends!  It's crazy how much your attitude affects the joy you have in life.  I have found that the gospel, family, friendships, relationships, and a good education are what brings me happiness and joy in my life.  School is going Fantastic! I love every one of my classes!  The classes I enjoy most are Business (which i actually love and am getting into), Theater (where i am actually acting in front of the whole class-which i also love), Pre-school Curriculum (i get to volunteer at a pre-school for fifteen hours, and i ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY LOVE every single child in there! They are so sweet!)  And of course My Institute Choir Class, and Atonement and the Book of Mormon Class!  I am loving life so much right now, and i actually feel like im where im supposed to be! Life is great! LIVE IT with no regrets! Stay true to what you most believe in and remember that our Savior Jesus Christ is ALWAYS THERE! I love you all!



Jumpin into Sand Hollow with my girls!! :)



SUU football game!

 





Tony came down to visit! What a sweetheart!



Sand Hollow...Gangsta Style!



Tony Balogny! :) What a Gem! :)

I've had this blog for about a year and i've got a good, lets see...four posts on here! Man i'm rockin it! :) I just wanted to put a big part of my life on here! :)  So...i'm gonna put some pictures of someone I really care about because he's a HUGE part of my life! Here are some wonderful pictures of me and Tony Butterfield through it all! :) Enjoy! (I just love pictures!) If you couldnt tell already!

                                                                                                                                                                            

This kid is AMAZING! I love him to death! :)