27.

Well hello!

Yesterday was a great day.  It was National Talk in an Elevator Day, Olympics Opening Ceremony and much more.

First off, I went to lunch with Marisol.  We started this tradition last year.  We try to go to a new (ish)/locally owned restaurant with good food right before she leaves for school.  Last year we went to the oh so good Mona Lisa (which is now closed...boo!)  This year we went downtown and tried Merr's Family Restaurant!  MMMM.  It was delish.  We each had a turkey BLT with avocados and a side of fries.  Then we shared something called "Chocolate Overload."  Yeah...it was a good thing we shared.  That was heaven but definitely an overload.  To get to the restaurant we took an elevator so that we could celebrate National Talk in an Elevator.  It was fun!

Excuse the crappy quality of my cell phone camera.  From there I headed home and picked up my siblings.  We piled in my little car and headed to the Reel Theatre to watch....drumroll....HUNGER GAMES.  Yes, it's true I'm obsessed.  I just love that book and movie.  My siblings and I have been very un-patiently waiting for it to come to the Dollar Theatre.  It was my third time seeing it and I still loved it.  I can't wait for the release on August 18th.  Woo!

When I arrived home I had a lovely letter from my best best friend.  I've been awaiting this letter for almost 2 weeks now.  It was an exciting moment!

Yeah...do you see that adorable ring??  I know, I'm lucky.  Raschelle Goodman is the best!  Only 1 month and 8 days until I get to see her again!  It will be an exciting reunion!

Then I watched the Olympics Opening Ceremonies with the fam.  I love the Olympics.  Seriously, it is an obsession.  I just love watching how talented and dedicated these people are.  I also love how the world comes together and competes.  It's beautiful.  The ceremonies were not nearly as cool as Beijing but I did enjoy Voldemort's presence.  The Harry Potter nerd in me was thrilled.

Then I headed to a friend's house for an outdoor movie.  We watched Megamind...always a good choice.  It was a good night minus the little scare where I thought I lost my brother.  Turns out he was just waiting by my car.  Sheesh....crazy kid.

(:

Today's Holidays are:
National Dance Day
National Milk Chocolate Day
National Day of the Cowboy
Hamburger Day

Tomorrow's Holidays are:
Lasagna Day
National Lipstick Day

July 26th

Hello!

So yesterday was National Chili Dog Day, Aunt and Uncle Day, and All or Nothing Day.

First off...chili dogs.  Well that did not sound in the least bit appetizing so my brother and I made spicy chicken alfredo and bread sticks.  I think we were much better off.  (:

Second...aunts and uncles.  I know I took the lazy way but I posted on all of my aunts and uncles facebook walls.  That was super easy because I am blessed to have an incredible family.  My aunts and uncles have been extremely supportive of me all through the years.  Now that I am in college I live closer to all of them than I do my immediate family. They take good care of me while I am away.  I love my aunts and uncles for the humor they bring and the examples they set.  (:

Third...All or Nothing.  I had big plans for this day when I first started researching these holidays.  Many things came to mind.  I was going to eat something super delicious and not stress a single bit over the calories.  Marisol and I were going to bike the 20 miles around Lake Lowell.  But when the day finally arrived I went to the other side of the spectrum...I opted for doing "nothing."  This may sound lazy, but after the crazy experiences I keep having this week (refer to previous post) I decided to prevent further injury and keep my sanity intact by enjoying the comfort and safety of my own home.   I think it was a wise choice.  I can report that I am in one piece and did not witness any near death situations.  Hooray!

Today's Holidays are:
Barbie-in-a-blender Day
National Talk in an Elevator Day
Take Your House Plant for a Walk Day
National Sleepy Head Day
National Creme Brulee Day
Olympics Day

(:

I'm Back!

Well it's been a little while and I have something to admit...I have been a slacker in my celebration of obscure holidays.  But I only decided to do that to fill up my time and I have been pretty busy with other things so I guess it's all good. I do have some good adventures to share though!

Here's 3 exciting adventures I have had in the past week.

#1 I bought a car!
I definitely feel more grown up now and that is exciting.  I am the proud owner of a green (ish) 1997 Mercury Tracer.  I bought it from an old woman who had her license taken away because her reaction time was too slow.  It is in almost perfect condition.  I am very excited about this car.  It makes me super happy and allows me to have a lot of adventures!  I've saved up for my whole life to buy this thing so I'm very proud of it!  YAY!

#2 Monday
Monday was supposed to be a pretty chill day.  And it was...until about 9:30 pm.  I am the FHE coordinator for our ward.  We decided to combine with another Singles Ward and go tubing out at Indian Creek.  We met at the church around 6 pm and then carpooled out to the creek.  After everyone was there we headed into the FREEZING water.  The current quickly carried me forward.  One of my best friends got in at the same time but was having some trouble with her tube.  As time went we ended up getting separated.  I wasn't too worried since we both knew a lot of the people there.  I finished out the 2 hour run of the creek and was one of the first ones out.  I waited as everyone came out of the creek.  Eventually it seemed that everyone had arrived at the meeting place except for Marisol and another girl named Deanne.  I started to get worried.  I ran back down to the river and she was no where in sight.  Then I started asking everyone in the group if they had seen them.  No one had.  I was slightly worried at this point.  They had reportedly never made it to the first area by some cliffs where there was an option to get out early.  We decided to head back to the head of the creek and look for them.  My brother and I ran along the bank from a road above the head to the head.  She wasn't there.  Then we got back in the car and began driving along the bank and through subdivisions looking for them.  It was dusk and we were anxious to find the girls.  We met some other searchers back at the head and set off on foot on the opposite side.  We crossed a bridge and follow a trail.  Eventually we had to walk along a railroad track.  Here is the part where some of you may call me stupid.  Don't worry...I know I am.  I had called my mom to tell her the situation and why we were running late.  All the sudden my brothers who were just up ahead of me yelled to get off the tracks.  I jumped off and a few seconds later a train came past.  I'm not sure how I didn't hear it but I do know that there were angels watching over me.  I couldn't back up that far because there was a barbed wire fence.  I just sat there stunned until I found an opening in the barbed wire that I could fit through and then I just stood and prayed until the train passed.  It was intense.  After the train had passed I received a call that the girls had been found.  We headed back to the church where I immediately embraced my friend.  I wish words could give justice to the feelings I experienced.  I was completely relieved, shaken, and full of gratitude.  If this wasn't enough I watched a girl almost drown in the first set of rapids because her tube was not providing enough support.  I couldn't help though because I was being carried away.  It was a little scary.  My emotions were high that night.

#3 Saving a Life
Marisol leaves for college next week so we wanted to spend some more time together this week.  Yesterday it was hot so we decided to go to the lake before institute and take a little swim.  My little sister and brother joined us.  We drove out to Lake Lowell and got in the warm water.  My siblings stayed close to shore to swim in the shallow water.  Meanwhile Marisol and I swam out to the little ball and rope things that rope off the swimming area.  We were just floating and chatting when we notice a 14 or 15 year old girl behind us.  She was making a lot of noise.  We thought she was laughing.  We asked her if she was ok several times until we heard someone from the dock yell, "She's not ok!  Help her!"  After that I bolted off to get her.  I reached her and tried to support her.  Within a few seconds two other guys swam up.  One of them grabbed her other arm and we supported her and tried to calm her until the Sheriff boat pulled up.  We tried to help her climb up.  She was definitely in shock and she had no strength.  She was finally able to be put on the boat.  Then the sheriff took her to the boat dock.  Marisol and I went back to swimming.  Eventually 2 ambulances and a fire truck arrived.  I guess she wasn't able to stand.  I believe she was treated for shock but she wasn't transported to any emergency facilities.  It was pretty intense.  I was just glad she ended up being ok.  Talk about being in the right place at the right time....sheesh.

So I think I am done with these near death experiences.  I think I have had my fair share for one week.  Haha.  I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed to be alive and have my friends and family alive as well.  I guess I just never realized what a blessing it is to be alive each and every day.  It makes me want to live each day to the absolute fullest and make sure to tell everyone I know that I love them.  I just don't want to have not said something and then never have the chance to.  This life is a blessing and I am so glad I was granted at least one more day.  I love my life, family, and friends.

I'm a lucky girl!

(:

Playing Catch Up

Hello again!  It's been a couple days!

My holiday celebrating hasn't been as exciting as of lately.  As I mentioned, Sunday was National Ice Cream Day, Gummi Worm Day, Be a Dork Day, and Cow Appreciation Day.  Well I had a shake from Sonic on Saturday night so I am counting that as my early celebration of National Ice Cream Day.  I was going to buy Gummi Worms for our trip to McCall on Monday and celebrate late but seeing as I am a college student I didn't really want to waste the money (or calories for that sake).  I think I am a dork everyday so that was certainly accomplished.  And...I didn't necessarily know how to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day.  I can tell you all the reasons I love cows though!  #1 They are delicious.  I mean who doesn't enjoy a juicy steak or a Sunday roast.  #2 They make milk and I love milk!  I really do.  #3 Their milk makes cheese.  I also love cheese.  #5 And most importantly their milk makes ice cream and I REALLY love ice cream.  mmmmm.  Haha.

Monday was Global Hug Your Child Day and International Juggling Day.  I didn't celebrate either...how sad.  I can't really juggle at all so that was a hopeless case to begin with.  I most definitely can hug my parents however...I just wasn't able to.  I woke up at 6 a.m. Monday and packed up my siblings and drove the 2 1/2 hours up to McCall.  It was a beautiful drive.  I love me some Idaho mountains.  We dropped off Parker at a scout camp and then roamed around the town for a little while.

Then we drove all the way back home.  I taught two awesome piano lessons and then hurried off to F.H.E.  I barely saw my parents at all.  So I will make sure to give each of them a proper hug today (:  F.H.E. turned out wonderful though.  Air Hockey, Volleyball, Human Slingshot, and a movie under the stars.  We also enjoyed Smore Burritos.  I LOVE them.  Most people are too hesitant to try them for some reason...maybe its the calories, but I promise that they are really not that bad.  Anyways, well we didn't buy very many supplies for them because we always have left overs.  Well last night they were a HUGE hit. We were out of supplies in a matter of minutes.  It was wonderful!  So let me share this scrumptious summer treat.  Please try it.

You need:
Chocolate
Marshmallows
Peanut Butter
Flour Tortillas
Knife
Foil
Fire! (in a pit or in a grill)

Instructions:  
Take a tortilla and spread it with the desired amount of peanut butter.  Then place marshmallows and chocolate on top of that.  Note:  if you use large marshmallows you will need to rip them into smaller pieces so they melt. Some people added crushed graham crackers to theirs and said it was good...you'll have to take their word for it. Roll it up like a burrito and wrap in foil.  Cook in a fire pit or on a grill for approx. 2 minutes per side.  Then open and enjoy.  It is a melted peanut butter fantasy in your mouth.  Mmm mmm good. Go try it!

Today's holiday is:
Peach Ice Cream Day

Tomorrow's holidays are:
Caviar Day
National Sidewalk Frying Day

(:

July 14th - Crepes and Craziness

Hello again!

Today has been another good day!

I woke up this morning and got right to work.  My little brother and sister helped me make some crepes to celebrate Bastille Day of French Independence Day!  Mmm.  I learned to make crepes from my father who learned from his mother who learned from her parents in France...so they are pretty legit!  The best part of the meal was when my dad told me that my crepes tasted "really good."  Yeah, that felt good.  I've accomplished at least one thing this summer!  Ha.  Check out our spread:

After enjoying the crepes we cleaned up the house.  Then I headed out to lunch with my friend Lexi!  We hadn't seen each other for over 7 months until today!  We enjoyed catching up at Texas Roadhouse.  Nom Nom Nom.  It was delicious.  We devoured our rolls, steak, potatoes, and corn on the cob!  Oh man.  It was very very tasty.  

We experienced our craziness associated with Pandemonium Day as we packed up my brother for his scout camp on Monday.  There was a lot of things that seemed to have disappeared as soon as we went to look for them.  I'm sure everyone knows how that goes.  Overall it was a pretty normal day with good food, family, and friends.  It ended with a 1/2 price Sonic shake with my brother Nathan.  I love those.  

Tomorrows's holidays are:

National Ice Cream Day

Gummi Worm Day

Be a Dork Day

Cow Appreciation Day

(: 

July 13th - My name is Melissa Fitzen and I'm a geek

My oh my!  What a day!

Today's holidays were much more fun that I had expected.  As I was beginning my day my dear friend Marisol texted me and asked me what holidays I would be celebrating today.  I told her (Barbershop Music Appreciation Day, Embrace Your Geekness Day, and National French Fries Day)  and she asked what my specific plans were.  I didn't have any yet so she suggested doing a lightsaber fight.  I thought that was brilliant but I was sad to find out that our family does not currently own any lightsabers that are in working condition.  So...I came up with a better idea!  I head to Walmart.  I bought some wooden dowels and brown acrylic paint.  Then I came home and gathered the troops (siblings).  We followed this wonderful tutorial I found and made our very own wands. As we made wands we enjoyed some delicious french fries!

 If you know me very well you will know that I am OBSESSED with Harry Potter.  I'm not even quite sure why, but I love it.  So this was the perfect way for me to "Embrace My Geekness."  We made some SICK wands.  Oh man.  Then we decided to dress up and have some pictures and a wand fight.   I found this insanely perfect black wig in our Halloween costume stash.  It only seemed toooo perfect.  I just couldn't resist.  After some massive amounts of black eye shadow and eyeliner I was ready.  Here are some of my favorites!

Ah.  This was so fun!  I forgot to mention!  As we made the wands we also listened to the Pandora Barbershop station.  It was all good fun!  (: So now you know...I am a geek.  Hopefully you found a way to embrace the inner geek in you!

Tomorrow's holidays are:
Bastille Day (French holiday...but I'm 1/4 French!)
Pandemonium Day
National Nude Day (I won't be celebrating this but if you want to...haha)

(:

July 12th - Ode to Simplicity

No one will probably know how excited I was when I saw two of the holidays that lined up today:  Different Colored Eyes Day and Simplicity Day.  It seemed too crazy to be true and let me tell you why...

This is my very best friend Jay Valle

As you can see in this photo, He has two different colored eyes.  It is pretty sweet.  He has a million stories that he tells people as to why they are that way and they are each incredibly hilarious.  Jay is also the person that has taught me the most about finding joy in the simple things of life.  He taught me about the things that are most important in life and he has influenced a lot of who I am today.

He loves brown paper packages.  His idea of a good time is red box and frozen pizza.  He also loves just going to the farmer's market and walking around.  He loves taking pictures and spending time with family.  He loves music and happens to be extremely talented at composing and playing piano.  He is also a brilliant percussionist.  He is passionate about what he does.  He is simply dedicated and obedient.  He loves to keep things simple and personal.  He loves to make people laugh and see them happy.  He is always himself.  It is inspiring.  I have a pretty cool best friend.

It is also Pecan Pie Day.  First off, I am not a fan of pecan pie.  So i began to search for another alternative.  Pinterest offered a solution....these little babies.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup bourbon

1 teaspoon vanilla

7 ounces dark chocolate


Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, stir together pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and salt until well combined. Add maple syrup, bourbon and vanilla, stirring thoroughly. Use your hands to make sure the mixture becomes fully incorporated.

2. Form mixture into walnut-sized balls, then place on a cookie sheet and freeze for 2 hours.

3. In the top of a double boiler or in a medium stainless steel bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water, melt chocolate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip the frozen balls into the melted chocolate, then place onto prepared baking sheet. Let sit for 15 minutes or until firm.

Yield: 24 truffles. 
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/08/health/20101108_thanksgiving.html#Pecan_Pie_Truffles

But, it was simplicity day as well.  I didn't think it would be wise to slave over this rather expensive dish since only one person in my family would actually eat it.  Ha.  So I went the lazy route and didn't even make anything with pecans.  Maybe that was just a pathetic excuse but it works for me!  I did get to enjoy some simple pleasures of life though.  I went for a run in the morning.  Then I was able to just relax and watch TV (I don't do this very often, especially at school).  I also took a walk with my dog and spent over an hour playing the piano.  I read an amazing talk from General Conference.  Pure Brilliance.  It is a top 5 for me.  David A. Bednar - The Tender Mercies of the Lord
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng

Today's (since I am yet again publishing this late) holidays are:
Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
Embrace Your Geekness Day
National French Fry Day

Enjoy (:

July 11th - Slurpees, Smiles, and the World

A day late again, sorry.

Yesterday was a good day.  It wasn't as productive as I had hoped it would be since I was not feeling so well.  But!  I did the best I could.  So I started out the day with some inspiring quotes and scripture study that lifted my spirits.  Then I got to talk to my dear roommate Madi Jeanfreau.

Just so you know.  I love this girl!  She is one amazing woman.  We got to talk for a good 40 minutes and it made me VERY happy.  Good times.  Then I made some delicious pasta for lunch - whole grain penne with a homemade cheese sauce with lots of pepper.  mmmm.  That also made me happy.  Then I ran some errands which included splitting a frozen yogurt from costco with my mom.  Frozen yogurt makes me happy.  So does my mom.  Then for dinner we had rotisserie chicken, salad, green beans, and rolls.  That also made me happy.  Then the real celebration began.  Marisol and I decided we should go to institute at least once this summer.  They were going to go bowling afterwards which sounded appealing so we headed out.  On the way we had to stop and get a "slurpee" from Chevron.  They had this new flavor!  Pomegranate Lemonade.  Holy deliciousness.  It was wonderful.  Slurpees are always too sweet for me, but this was brilliant!  Ah.

Yeah...check out those red teeth.  Gross. Haha.  Anyways, then we found out that bowling was canceled so we just got to chat with a few people we hadn't seen for awhile.  That was good fun!
So obscure holidays celebrated:
Slurpees- Check
World Population Day - well, how are you really supposed to celebrate that??  Well I found out that the current population of the world is 7,025,808,653.  That is one large number.  Anyways, you can just store that in the section of your brain reserved for random facts that you can't ever remember when you want to.  Ha. For some reason the first thing I thought of when I saw "World Population Day"  was the song below.  It  is a whole bunch of popular artists from many genres coming together to help the people of Haiti.  Isn't it a beautiful thing when people come together like this?   I especially like Celine Dion's part.  Brilliant.

Cheer Up the Lonely - well, I would like to say that I cheered up someone but I'm not really sure if I did.  I tried to be friendly if that counts for anything.  I tried to have extra patience with my siblings when it came to chores.  I guess it is just a goal of mine to try to live this day everyday from now one.  Sounds SUPER cheesy but I think it is a good idea.  Yeah?  You should join me.  I'm sure it would make a difference.  Actually, I know it would.

Today's Holidays:
Pecan Pie Day
Different Colored Eyes Day
Simplicity Day

(:

July 10th - Teddy Bears and Pina Coladas

Happy July 10th!

Can I just tell you how stoked I was when I found out that I would get to celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic day??  So when I was younger my mom would always sing us the song "Teddy Bear Picnic."

Sounds cheesy now but I l.o.v.e.d. that song and ever since I have wanted to have a picnic with my own teddy bear.  Well it's never too late right?? So we packed up little lunches and headed to a nearby park.  We had a quiet picnic in the shade.  It was splendid.

Our family is full of Harry Potter fanatics so when we found some sticks it could only mean one thing...WIZARDING DUEL.  Logan and I had some good fun!

After the park we headed home for some relaxing.  Then dinner time came around.  It is Taco Tuesday which complimented our celebration of Pina Colada Day.  I am not a big fan of Pina Coladas because I am not a huge coconut fan.  If you are you can look up a good recipe to enjoy a normal version.  Here is the recipe I used for a coconut free Pina Colada.  It was very yummy!

1 cup ice
1 1/4 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp. white sugar
(http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070816181633AAkDyEg)

Throw it all in the blender and voila!  It makes about 2 servings and takes just over a minute. My family thoroughly enjoyed it!

Tomorrow is:
Cheer Up the Lonely Day
Slurpee Day
World Population Day

enjoy (:

July 9th - National Sugar Cookie Day

Who doesn't love a good sugar cookie?  I like mine soft and chewy with a light but super yummy frosting.  I had all these great plans.  #1 I was going to call up my roommate Courtney.  Her mom has a BOMB! recipe for sugar cookies, but the dough has to be refrigerated so I would have needed a little more time for that option.  So then Plan B was to turn to good ol' Pinterest.  I had previously pinned a scrumptious looking recipe for sugar cookies (that did not require refrigeration) and I thought I would just try that out.  An unexpected trip to the doctor's took up all of my baking time.  Stupid.  So we had to resort to Plan C (for cookies! ha)  I sent my wonderful father to Wally World to pick up some Granny B's Sugar Cookies - you know?  The ones that are circle shaped with perfect bubblegum pink frosting and in almost every vending machine for $1.  Yup...those ones!  haha.  As we waited we decided to have a photo shoot.  If you know my family you know that my brother Nathan and I don't necessarily look like we belong.  As the two brunette children we seem a little too abnormal (ironically) in the midst of the 4 flaming red headed siblings.  Just a few weeks ago I went on a trip with my mother and sister to Utah for my roommate's wedding.  Everywhere, and I'm not exaggerating, we went (including gas station restrooms) people would stop and stare at my gorgeous sister.  They would ask my mom if she was proud to have such a beautiful red headed daughter.  They would comment that if they could have anything in the world they would have red hair.  They admitted that they would pay all the money in the world to get hair like that.  Oh geez.  In the midst of these comments they would shoot a pitiful glance in my direction.  It was a big self esteem boost!  Let me tell you.  But that was a big side note.  So back to the real story.  My brother Nathan and I decided to have our own little "black head"  (probably not the most flattering term) photo shoot.  We got our dog Molly and starting just goofing off.  Well at 10 o'clock at night with two crazy kids and a tired dog this is what you get.

My most flattering photos?  Nope.  Do I care?  Not at all.  This was SO  fun.  We especially got a kick out of Molly's face in the second photo.  HAHA.  oh man.  It was just one of those hilarious yet VERY quirky family moments.  We were laughing SO hard.  What else is worth living for?  Ah man.  Good times.  Then,  we finally got our sugar cookies.

MMM.  Well, I might have to redeem myself and make some homemade ones later this week.  Stay tuned for some more good holidays.  Today (since I am writing this post a day late)  is Teddy Bear Picnic Day and Pina Colada day!  Enjoy!

(:

July 7th

What a day!

4 obscure holidays all in one!  Today was a blast.  Let me give you the low down.

The day started with a trip to the Farmer's Market.  Ah.  I love that place.  I made it out with only a small bag of carrots from some family friends although I was tempted by a lot of other scrumptious looking produce.  Then my mom, sister, and I went and got haircuts!  Woo.  I've been needing one of those for a little while.  Just a trim and some fresh layers but it was definitely needed.

Of course Logan is in the background (: He is pretty darn cute though!

After haircuts we had to come home and play with our new hair. My brother Jonathon took us all to the library where I scored some brilliant CDs.  Frank Sinatra, Gershwin, Cecilia Bartoli, Manhatten Transfer, and the opera Carmen.  I love good music.  This week will be full of good listening.

 
The library trip was followed by some chillaxin'.  Then some Saturday grocery shopping.  When we arrived home we started a fire in the backyard and made some good ol' fashioned tin foil dinners.  Nom nom nom.  Marinated chicken, potatoes, and corn.  It was delightful.  And this picture is priceless.  Ha. Gotta love the siblings.  

After enjoying dinner we decided we should begin the true celebration.  We pulled out some butcher paper and put it on the lawn.  Then we got some of our cherries we purchased at the orchard and had our own International Cherry Pit Spitting contest.  It took awhile to get good, but we had a blast!  

 Finally we went back to our trusty dusty fire pit and pulled out all the traditional Smore making supplies to celebrate CHOCOLATE DAY.  I mean could any day be better?  Really? A whole day dedicated to chocolate...it doesn't get better than that.  It was the perfect ending to a truly wonderful day.

 We had to postpone Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day because Dad spent the whole day working on the backyard and he was quite worn out.  We decided to give him a break.

And the last holiday...Tell the Truth Day.  Well here is the first truth that comes to mind:  God lives!  It is true.  I know it with all my heart.  And most importantly He loves each of us more than we can comprehend.  He is always there for us and He hears and answers prayers.  Don't doubt that!

(: