My Family Visits and Out First Hockey Game

The last weekend of February was a fun one. Like I said in my last post--it was really hard coming back to reality after a week of freedom in California. Grading papers was even less exciting than it was before I left. My Julius Caesar unit was barely dragging by. Luckily, amid trying to pick myself back up, I had this weekend of fun to help me keep things optimistic!

My family--Dad, Mom, Abby, and Kate--came up just for some fun. After they arrived, we left Jon (he had a church basketball game to go to) and went on a "hike" at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Our hiking guide classified it as a hike, but really it was more of a walk along a boardwalk. It was a pretty neat place with lots of wildlife to gawk at.

See?

Whoops. Did I just call Abby part of the wildlife? I meant see:

It was a jolly good time.

When we finished-up our little walk, my family went back home and Jon and I went to our first ever hockey game. The game was in Kent, WA; with the Seattle Thunderbirds v. the Everett Silvertips. Seattle won the game, but Everett won my respect for being less violent. Seattle was violent at times for no reason, and that's why I suspect that everyone likes them, which is stupid! I know that hockey is "supposed" to be violent. I think that's also stupid. Overall, it was a great culturally enlightening experience, but I doubt I'll find myself going to another hockey game anytime soon!

Regardless of my hard feelings towards the game, it was still splendid to get to spend the evening with this amazing guy. He makes a lot of unpleasant things more fun, like paying bills and cleaning the house. I don't think being an adult would be half as much fun if I weren't doing it alongside him.

Lately...

The past month has been filled with friends and fun! Mostly, Jon and I spend our day at work and then come home to meet up with friends, the missionaries, go to a church event, or have a date night.

One of the highlights was bowling with our friends Pier, Nicole, and Pa. Once again, my utter lack of bowling skills was displayed. I'm resigned to the fact that I'm just not cut out for the sport.

Pa and me:

Nicole and Pier:

This past week, Jon and I also got in the Thanksgiving mood by making a gratitude turkey. Jon was a good sport and cut out the feathers while I made the body. It turned out pretty good!

Yesterday morning the two of us went on a hike. It was short, but super steep! Like, no switched backs...just 1500 feet up in a mile. Holy. Cow. Of course, once we got to the top we discovered that there was another way up that did have switchbacks and which is gentler, so we went down that way. I kinda' liked going up the crazy way, though! It was a great leg workout!

The mountain we climbed (more like a hill):

The two of us at the top with the sunrise shining through:

What other amazing/fun things have been going on? So many, I'm sure I'll forget some. But among the huge list...

-I met my mom in Centralia on Friday and the two of us went shopping, got a bite to eat, and just talked
-Our friend, Pa, got baptized!
-Today we have another friend getting baptized
-I got salted caramel frozen yogurt at my favorite place
-I visited with Laura, my sister-in-law, and her cute kids--Brooklyn and Evan--on Veteran's Day, a day off of school
-Also on Veteran's Day, I met up with Araceli--a girl Jon baptized on his mission--and the two of us had lunch

It's easy to count your blessings when they pour upon you unrestrained. I'm sure that with this week being Thanksgiving, many more are bound to come!

Washington State Fair

One of the perks of being a teacher is that every once and a while, you get free stuff. This past September, one of those perks presented itself in the form of two tickets for free admission to the Washington State Fair.

"Wanna go?" I asked Jon.

Seeming pretty partial, he said: "Yes," and I was in the same boat he was. The thought of going to the fair never gets me excited, but it was free to get in and I figured we could just spend a couple of dollars on food, look at the animals, and call it a fun date night.

So one lovely Thursday night we went on over, handed the guy at the gate our tickets, and walked on in.

It surprised us. It was much more fun than either of us thought it would be! Jon especially suddenly changed from partial to super excited. We looked at the vendors (got my ring cleaned for free and learned about cooking without water), ate some greasy food, went on the Extreme Scream (one of those rides where they shoot you straight up and then drop you straight down--it was terrifying!), saw a one-man band, and looked at the animals.

Several hours later, we both walked out holding hands with smiles on our faces. It was an evening well spent. The only downside about it all is that now Jon's convinced that he wants to start a farm, and I don't know quite how to convince him out of the idea of owning a pair of goats.

The one-man band guy was pretty cool!

Jon when I told him I didn't think starting a farm was a good idea:

Jon eating a greasy burger right after we'd sat through an hour-long presentation about how America is dying because we don't eat healthy (the presenter was trying to sell kitchenware). The irony was great.

Elephant Ear!

The Extreme Scream! Yes--I screamed. A lot.

I love spending time with this guy!

Our First Time Bowling

Jon's been bothering me for the past 11 hours about blogging this post, so I figure I'd better get to it. Last night, we went bowling together as a couple for the first time. Before going, we both admitted to each other that we weren't that good. For example, I usually bowl somewhere around a 115. Him too. So we show up at Miracle Bowl in Orem at 9:30 (it's only $1.50 per game after 9!) and started. What followed was both hilarious and embarrassing.

After the first three sets, this is what the scoreboard looked like:

Those cross things under Jon's name? Those are strikes. Those round things under my name? Those are zeros.

After five sets, Jon still had all strikes. This is what he looked like:

Even our neighboring bowlers were noticing. Finally, with his 6th set he "only" got a spare. By the end of the game he had bowled 6 strikes and 3 spares. I'm not going to tell you what I bowled.

In the end, Jon had a total score of 207. I had a total score of 41.

It was the best game of his life.

It was the worst of mine.

It might have also been the best night of Jon's life. He really loves winning.

It might have also been the best night of mine, because I really love him.

Stand for the Family Conference 2014

Jon and I are going to the evening session of the Stand for the Family Conference this Friday at the Provo Convention Center. Don't have a Friday date night plan yet? Come join us! Tickets are only $5 for students!

Sundance Concert and Hiking Date with Jon

The past couple of days have been absolutely wonderful, last night in particular. After working, running, going to the temple, and talking to my sister Kate on the phone; Jon and I went on a date! For the first part of the date we went on a short hike along a trail past Vivian Park and Big Springs. I love being outside in the woods! That's what we talked about for about half the hike--about how we're excited to run off on camping adventures on the weekends when we're married and about how excited we are to take our kids camping when the time for that finally comes. We ate dinner at our destination and then jaunted back to the car. From there we went to Sundance to listen to the Utah Symphony play at the outdoor theater there. After approximately five minutes at the concert, I came to a conclusion:

ALL CONCERTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED OUTSIDE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BEAUTIFUL WOODS.

Especially if it's the Utah Symphony and they're playing "America the Beautiful" and the spacious skies and mountains majesties are literally right in front of you and the love of your life is laying down on the blanket next to you and you're just sitting there, taking it all in, and thinking about how much the Creator loves us to have made us such a beautiful earth. I usually fall asleep at symphony concerts because of the uncomfortable chairs and the dim lights, but when it's outdoors on the grass in the middle of the woods, it's the most relaxing, comforting, soothing, enjoyable thing ever.

At one point during the night, my eye caught sight of one of the huge cabins nestled among the trees on the hillside and I started thinking about how neat it would be to be a movie star or some rich person so that I could easily go visit beautiful places like that. "But I don't need a huge cabin," I thought. "I can go off and enjoy places like this with just me and my little self."

I paused for about five seconds as the play in my words struck me. I had meant that I didn't need anything else but myself to enjoy beautiful places like those woods. I realized, though, that I wouldn't be traveling through life enjoying them by myself, but with My Self--with Jon Self. This thought immediately brought a smile to my face and I felt so grateful that I won't be enjoying life's beauties and weathering life's storms through life alone. Mr. Self will be there with me through it all--to share the good and the bad, no rich person cabin necessary.

I love outdoor concerts. I love cool last names. I love awesome dates with Jon.

Utah Lake Biking Adventure

Yesterday evening Jon and I rode our bikes down to Utah Lake. It wonderful fun! When we got there, we laid out a blanket and each ate a half of a mini watermelon. Then, we decided to go out near the water’s edge so that we could walk along the shore and play in the water.

Well. Apparently Utah Lake has no such thing as a solid, sandy beach. Welcome to suddenly getting stuck in mud as the water’s edge laughs at you 10 feet away. We tried to retreat, but the mud sucked our shoes down a foot into the ground. So then we worked on ungluing our shoes. By this point, we were both barefoot, muddy shoes in hand, and stuck between the water’s edge and solid ground. Figuring that we’d make it all worth it, we left our shoes behind and braved the last 10 feet to the water’s edge. The mud was up to our knees! But it was so fun.

Knee deep in mud, stuck out near the water’s edge, holding hands with Jon—it was one of the most fun sunsets I’ve ever had. 

Letters

Dear Holly, I loved getting my daily dose of you via phone on Monday. You have such a beautiful smile! 

Dear Ryan and Shalyse, Thank you for the WONDERFUL dinner on Tuesday evening! I loved catching up with you! Good luck with getting things moving forward towards your move to St. Louis over the next several months, and thank you for the books!

Dear Kathleena, Even though it was quick, I was glad I got to see you Tuesday night. Thanks for always being a listening ear; you have been one of my saving graces this semester. I hope to see you before you leave for your trip in a week and a half, and then I'll see you when you get back and we're in the same ward!

Dear Sarah, The chat with you on Wednesday night was wonderful. I'm always amazed by how we often seem to be at the same place in life. I love you! 

Dear Teaching Lit Class, Thanks for the discussion yesterday. I'm still trying to figure out what sort of books I want to read and what kind of books to have on the shelves in my classroom. Leading everything back to having the Holy Ghost and letting him be our guide, like you guys pointed out in class, I think is a key to finding the answer.

Dear Nate, Dinner and seeing "Pride and Prejudice" performed in the HFAC with you last night was so fun! And we were so cool that we even coordinated wearing "Run Against Caner" bracelets! Thanks for the splendid evening.

Dear Today's Lesson Plan, It's the last time I'm going to be in the schools for my practicum class. Next time I'm teaching in a classroom I'll be the real teacher. Hope you go well today and that my staying up until 1am to get your gone was not in vain!

Dear Weekend, I love the idea of all you hold, waiting before me. Homework, teaching, going to the temple, watching the Women's Broadcast, break the fast, my last fast Sunday in the BYU YSA 41st ward, and who knows what else! I'm excited to get things done! 

Letters

Dear Scripture Study, Best. Thing. Ever. I'm definitely going to keep keepin' you awesome because you just make everything else awesome.

Dear Roomies, I love doing waffle Sundays with you. I also love and super appreciate the happy spirit that you each bring into our apartment. I feel grateful to live with amazing women who bring an amazing spirit into my life.

Dear Betsy, YOU SURVIVED BRAIN SURGERY!!!! Congratulations. We're happy to have you back home. :)

Dear Quincy, Thank you for your lesson today in Relief Society. It helped remind me of the importance of my family and of how much I love them. You are such a talented teacher. Thank you for the love you bring into the classroom.

Dear Kate and Abby, Thank you so much for talking with me today on the phone. I love hearing about your life and am grateful that technology makes it so easy to keep in touch. And by the way, you two are two of my four favorite sisters in the whole world!

Dear Ethan, Rachel, and Lauren, Dinner with you three was wonderful. I love that we can still be such good friends even though we've gone different ways. It's good to know that I have people like you guys in my life to fall back on when things get rough.

Dear Jamie and Garrick, Thanks for letting us invade your snazzy little abode tonight to make cookie bars (which turned out super good!) and to play Settlers. You guys are great. And I love the pillows on your couch.

Dear Chris, You company was much appreciated tonight as we braved the Gaffneys'. You were willing to make some needed trades with me while we played Settlers and you even know where both Jerome and Vancouver are, so you must not be that bad of a guy. I just hope that next time we can beat Jamie.

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe.

Letters

Dear Alex, Logan and Jon, The rooftop concert on Friday evening was very enjoyable (even though the slanted seats weren't). Thanks for the fun evening!

Dear Jason, The food you made for us on Sunday was SO GOOD!!! You are a top-notch cook! Thank you so super very much for sharing your talents and your food.

Dear Jon, Hanging out at the pool after running 9 miles has to be one of my favoritest things you and I have done yet. It was absolutely divine. Thank you for humoring me by getting in the (not very, but I'll amuse you) "cold" (*cough, cough*) water. You're kinda' the best.

Dear Sunshine, Phew--you're sure staring to get hot! Bring it on!

Dear FHE Family, The hike on Monday night to Battle Creek Falls was fun, chill, and gorgeous. Thank you for the lovely evening.

Dear Ward Soccer Team, Watching you guys play Tuesday night was SO FUN! Thanks for playing a game that was worth cheering through and that got me to hold my breath more than once!

Dear New Car That Belongs to Me, Wait--what?! I own a car?!!! Oh. Yeah. Still getting used to that thought.

Dear Karianne, It made me so happy to see you Wednesday at work! Sounds like you're having quite the crazy adventure up in North Dakota. I'm sad that you have to leave and go back today, but hope you know that I've missed you like crazy and can't wait for you to come back in the Fall!

Dear Scott, You are such and absolutely AMAZING friend for taking me to pick-up my car and then for being willing to be late to work when things went slightly crazy. You are a top-notch guy and a superb friend.

Dear Rachel Smith, I loved talk with you on Tuesday while walking to my car. Let's talk more again soon, okay?

Dear Jon and Coworkers, I had so much fun joining you guys on Wednesday for lunch! It was quite the privilege to be able to sit with ya'll in your little shed and to participate in the vital conversation about Disney movie music. I'm glad that Jon has such happy, upbeat and awesome people to work with.

Dear Emily, Eating dinner with you on Wednesday and coloring with you last night was pretty much one of the bestest things I've done in a very long time! Please, please, please say you'll do it with me again!

Dear Jon, Sometimes I wonder why on earth you still want to spend so much time with me when, after a day like yesterday, I look back and realize how dramatic I can be. I mean, I was even starting to annoy myself! Whatever it is that keeps you around though--even with all my dramatics--I'm extremely grateful for because I really like being with you.

Dear Thursday Temple Visits, You're one of the best decisions I've made all summer. Thank you for the peace and clarity and calm which you bring into my life. I plan on keeping you up.

Dear General Conference Talks, Sometimes you hit it right on the spot. I love how easy you are to access and how wonderfully inspired you make me feel.

Dear Half-Marathon Training, You have not been the best of friends lately. Let's change that, yeah?

Dear Amelia, I really need to write you a letter. I promise, I'm working on it!

Dear Landan, WELCOME BACK HOME!!! I can't wait to hear your homecoming talk this coming Sunday!

Dear Wonderful and Amazing Coworkers, I'm so grateful and blessed to work with people as amazing as you guys. Thank you for providing me with a workplace where I know my needs are just as important as the needs of the office. Thank you for your kindness and for lifting me up when I feel down. I'm so lucky to get to work at such an amazing place.

Dear Heavenly Father, Only two more days until Father's Day! I hope that the way I live my life over those two days can be, in the smallest way, a gift to You. Thank you for giving me the most wonderfully blessed life in the whole world. I love you so very much.

Dear Friday, I'm so super very extremely much excited to make you the best day that I've lived of my life so far! Here's to productivity, living with purpose, looking out for and lifting-up others, feeling the Spirit, choosing to be happy, using my agency wisely and responsibly, keeping a prayer in my heart, loving unconditionally and being just plain all-around awesome!

Letters

Dear Bed, I really do very sincerely miss you. We have not been spending enough quality time together lately! As much as I miss you, however, I do have to admit that the things taking your place have been quite worth it. Maybe in a couple of years (or probably in the next life) I'll actually have enough time for you. For now though, hope you enjoy the little time that you do have with me!

Dear Hook (the movie), I haven't seen you in FOREVER! I forgot how fun/silly/good of a movie you are! I'm glad that I got to watch you on Saturday night with my friends.

Dear Lori, Thank you so much for letting us come over to your place to plant flowers! I miss having a yard and being able to work outside in the dirt. The black beneath my fingernails was a happy sight. Thank you even more for taking us out to eat afterwards at the Trolley Cafe. That salad was so good!

Dear Latino Ward Members (and their white friends/roommates), Sunday's break the fast was one of the best break the fasts I've ever been to! Thank you so, so much for spending all of Saturday evening and Sunday morning slaving over delicious enchiladas, rice, beans and horchata. My stomach and taste buds were quite appreciative!

Dear Kate, I'm sorry it took me so long to call you back! I'm super glad that we FINALLY got to talk on Sunday and that you got to tell me all about the awesome girls camp and school and life stuff you have going on and that I got to tell you all about the crazy stuff going on in my life. I love you super tons!!!

Dear Half-Marathon Training, I'm surprised--besides the waking up super early to go running (which sometimes makes me feel like I'm gonna DIE) you're actually not that bad! After running 9 miles on Thursday evening, running 13.1 isn't feeling quite as intimidating. I might actually be able to do this!

Dear Activities Committee, I love being part of a group of people as amazing as you. Every single one of you is so kind, loving, serving, outgoing and all-around stupendous! Thank you for being who you are--it inspires me to be a better person and to love and serve those around me more perfectly.

Dear Ems, I'm glad that we FINALLY decided on a time to hang out. It's been forever! Tomorrow evening is going to be the best.

Dear Day of Rest, You really are my favorite day of the week. Thanks for always getting me ready for the other six.

Dear Tale of Two Cities, Lets see if I can get you read in two weeks. That's the goal, at least!

Dear Jon, Water coloring and coloring outside the lines and endless french toast at Kneaders and planting flowers at Lori's and going to Jamie's wedding reception and running and shopping and making yummy pesto-based food and painting my nails and watching Hook and making banana bread and reading general conference talks and talking and talking and talking all with you at my side are, I think, some of my most favorite things ever. Thank you for being so good and for always leaving me with a desire to be a better person. You're quite the top-notch best friend, and we make quite the fantastic team.

Dear Heavenly Father, I would be selfish if I didn't acknowledge and thank you for all the good that is in my life right now. Thank you for answering my prayers and for knowing exactly what I need and when I need it, and then for giving it all to me even though I don't deserve more than (maybe) 0.9% of it. You are the best part of my life.

My Life the Past Several Weeks in Pictures

Ems and I have been having dinner together twice a week. This was a DELICIOUS dish she made--pasta, sauce, tomatoes, spinach....pretty much amazing!

Eric, Jared and I drove down to Pocatello, Idaho the weekend of May 18th&19th for Ellen Lewis' farewell talk. She's headed off to North Carolina! We drove through a crazy storm on our way up, but even that was fun! Besides hanging out with Eric and Jared I got to spend the night at Aunt Christy's place! Ethan, Clancy and I watched "The Gods Must Be Crazy." It was so good to see them. I'm so grateful that Eric and Jared were kind enough to let me join them in this wonderful adventure.

Several weeks ago, Jon got to go to his boss' place and killed a chicken! On Sunday night, after I got back from Pocatello, we grilled it on the BBQ. It was tough meat, but super duper yummy! Scott and Stephen joined us too.

This past Tuesday, May 21st, my friend Steve and I went hiking. After driving around for a while, finding a place, we settled on hiking Stewart Falls. We got there at twilight and made it back to the car just as the darkness was settling in. It was beautiful!

Today, Jon and I woke-up super early to go hiking. We got on the trail around 7:30am and made it back to the truck around 3:30 (that's eight hours!!!) It was a pretty intense hike--steep trails and lots of snow (sometimes deeper than our knees)--but it was SO beautiful. Now, we're both extremely tired, though. We'll definitely have no problem falling asleep tonight.

When we got home, Jon and I quickly pulled out some hamburgers and hot dogs and hosted a Memorial Day BBQ! It was wonderful to spend time with ward members and friends and to eat yummy food.

In a nutshell: my life is crazily blessed right now. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is looking out for and taking care of my every need. Just when things seemed to be getting pretty bleak, He sent amazing, supportive, loving, good people into my life, and they have made all the difference. To them, and to Him, I am forever grateful.

Letters

Dear FHE Family, Though I was tired and it might have appeared otherwise, I really did have fun with you guys last night. It's so good to be a part of an FHE group who participates and has fun when they're together, rather than one where it's a struggle to get people to even show-up. I look forward to the Mondays ahead!

Dear Emily, The dinner on Sunday night was quite wonderful. As are you. I'm so glad that we've figured out a schedule where we can cook and eat together twice a week. Time with you is always time well-spent.

Dear Eric and Jared, I had so very much fun going up to Idaho with you two this past weekend! It was so fun talking with you guy on the ride up and so refreshing knowing that I was with people who were comfortable with silence on the way home. I hope to be seeing you guys again soon (and we WILL manage to fit in a hike sometime!!!)

Dear Ellen, You enter the MTC tomorrow! I'm so glad that I went up to Pocatello with Eric and Jared so that we could attend your farewell and see you off. The talk you gave on happiness was sincerely one of the best sacrament talks I have heard in a very long time. Thank you so much for preparing--both for the talk and for the upcoming months you have as a missionary in North Carolina. You are going to be a wonderful missionary!

Dear Ethan, Clancy and Christy, I'm so very glad that I got to see you three during my short time in Idaho. Even though it wasn't very long, it was just a joy to get to see you. Thank you for being family that I know I can always rely on and whom I know would do anything for me. I love you!!!

Dear Ryan, Thank you for letting the ward join you in your efforts to create a healing garden at the hospital. I haven't played around in the dirt for such a long time, and it was (surprisingly) super refreshing! I just might head over with you again sometime to play around in the dirt some more!

Dear Jon, The run on Saturday morning, though slightly more uphill than we were expecting, was absolutely beautiful! I'm so glad that you served your mission in Washington so that you can understand my love for the green and the rain--both of which made our run so enjoyable. Thanks also for the fun last Friday night. I had a very good time!

Dear Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun--please shine down on me!!! And please stay! I love it when you're around!

Dear Custodian, Thank you for coming and cleaning out our recycling today. It was super appreciated.

Dear Kate, I'm so glad that we got to talk on the phone last night. Hearing about all the awesome art you're working on, you're crazy school day and everything else going on in your life is always a pleasure. Can we pretty super please keep in touch?!!

Dear Abby, I like it when you steal Mom's phone and text me. Thanks for keeping me company on my car ride home from Idaho. Thanks also for talking to me on the phone on my walk home from the temple last week. You are so easy to talk to!

Dear Jessica, You so got all this crazy girlscamp/school/band/sleep/eating/seminary/homework/doinghairforweddings/busyallthetime/alwaysbeingawesome stuff. I'm so grateful that you took the time in the middle of it all to sit and chat to me about all my crazy/exciting/lifeness stuff last Saturday. I hope you know that I'm always just as open and free to talk to you, even when my life is crazy/busy/stressful/alwaysbeingbusy. Family is definitely always a priority.

Dear Rachel, Betsy and Lyndy, I'm so glad that we could have our girls night last Thursday and watch "What a Girl Wants." It was super nice to be able to just sit and chill with friends and a good (and cheesy) chick flick. Good luck with all your school work and tests this week! You can do it!!!

Dear Institute-Going Friends, I'm so grateful that I have you guys to motivate me to get to institute every week. Last week it was exactly what I needed and gave me some of the direction I've been seeking in my life. Let's keep this up!

Dear Softball Buddies, It was fun to watch your game last Tuesday (nice win!) and I'm looking forward to watching your game tonight! Go team!

Letters

Dear Eric, Thank you for coming over on Monday and helping me figure out half-marathon stuff. Knowing that I have a friend to back me up on it all helps a whole lot.

Dear N106, I had fun using my cricut with you guys last Monday at FHE. Our Mother's Day Cards turned out pretty spiffy. 

Dear Poci (aka: Jessica), You are so kind and thoughtful and amazing for bringing me flowers last week! Not that you weren't all those things before. It was just a good reminder. Thank you for being such an amazing example of selfless service and of always thinking of those around you. I love having you for a friend. 

Dear Steve, Sorry the weather was bad on Tuesday and that we weren't able to go hiking! I had fun baking cookies and watching 17 Again with you anyways. We'll have to go hiking sometime soon!

Dear Institute Friends, Wednesday night was fun. Let's do it again this week!

Dear Trevor, The Mexican food and games was SO much fun! Thank you for the wonderful date Friday evening, and I hope that I'll be able to join you guys in eating fish sometime soon!

Dear Five Mile Run With Many, Many Hills, I felt super after you on Saturday morning! What a wonderful way to start the day.

Sarah and I in our new shirts! We both wore them on Sunday to church.

Dear Sarah, I'm SO EXTREMELY VERY MUCH GLAD that you and I were FINALLY able to go cardigan/shirt shopping on Saturday at Cozy! After two months of wanting to go, we finally made it happen! And we look pretty snazzy in our new clothes, if I many say. Thanks for being a fantastic shopping buddy and an even more fantastic friend. You are wonderful.

Dear Jon, When I mentioned to my mom that Sarah and I got a boy to take us clothes shopping she asked if he waited outside or came in the store with us. When I affirmed that it was the later, she labeled "him" an angel/saint (because what boy would be willing to take two girls shopping for clothes?!) I quite agreed with her. Thanks for being "him."

Dear Sarah, Jon, Emily, Jacob, and Poci, I had so much fun going to the baseball game with ya'll on Saturday. Thanks for laughing with me when I asked what "2:55" meant on the scoreboard ("That's the time," Jon replied. "As in the time of day. 2:55pm." Oh.) and for helping me be more American (first baseball game ever!) Hope we can make the fun adventures continue (and that maybe I won't have to embarrass myself quite as much on the next one!)

Dear Brett, Jacob, Sam, and Ems, Washington groupies + Idaho Falls roommate get together on Saturday night was the best. It's nice to see familiar faces among the crowd of BYUites. And I hope you're all on time to work today.

Dear Peaceful, Beautiful Sunday Morning, I have not felt so much peace and calm in such a very long time. I love the beautiful weather. I love reading General Conference talks. I love visiting with friends. I love walking and sitting on the path south of campus. I love writing letters to Amelia. I love the gospel. I love the Lord. And I love having all these things come together in a beautiful span of three hours.

Dear Kyle and Emily Bashaw, Thanks for letting me steal your soy sauce and mustard. I ACTUALLY LIKED THE FISH I COOKED IT ON!!!!!!!!

Dear Everyone, You do not realize how big of a deal the above letter to Kyle and Emily is. I HATE fish. But yesterday, I actually liked it!

Dear Jarod, Nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to grabbing drinks with you later tonight!

Dear New Activities Committee, I'm super excited to join the club! I love being a part of a group with as much focus, energy, care, love, and motivation as you all have. We are going to work magic in the ward over the next few months and the thought gives me drive and purpose. And each of you inspire me to be better.

Dear Gentry and Scott, Noticed that you hacked my facebook account. Thanks for restraining yourselves from doing anything too horrific.

Dear Mom, Thanks so much for talking yesterday and for being more concerned about talking about my life when it was your day. You are an amazing mom and I'm so grateful to have you in my life.

Dear Life, After a soul-searching trip to the temple last Thursday, things have been looking really up. I'm so glad to be where I am, to get to learn from the mistakes I've made over the past few months, and to come out better because of the experience in the end.

Dear Heavenly Father, You know where I'm at better than I even do. Thank you for second chances, for giving me opportunities to learn, and for sending examples and friends and help in my life so that I can do it all.

Letters

Dear Drew, The dance party on Friday night was AWESOME! Super fun, and I hope you do it again in the future!

Dear Brett, It was so fun to see you at the dance party on Friday night! I think it's fantastic that we live in the same apartment complex and hope that last night was just the first of many fun nights to come!

Dear BYU Rugby Team, Way to pull through there at the end in overtime when we were tied! Thanks for a great game and a lot of fun.

Dear Emily, I had so much fun going to the rugby game yesterday with you! You and I make a pretty awesome cheering team.

Dear Eric and Jared, It was such an awesomely pleasant surprise to be sitting next to you at the game on Saturday! I'm so glad that we got to share in the amazing victory with you two. Plus, catching-up with old friends is always awesome. In fact, seeing you two was just as good as watching the game. Thanks for being awesome.

Dear Mr. BYU Library Old Spice Commercial Guy, It was...interesting (?) sitting next to you at the rugby game. You had quite a few interesting comments to throw out at the other team.

Dear Scott, Thanks for chatting for a few yesterday. You're a pretty awesome guy.

Dear Ryan, As always, thanks for listening.

Dear Rylin, "Hiking the Y to watch the sunset" date planning? Success. Hope you had as much fun as I did.

Dear Jon, I had so super very extremely much fun last night hiking the Y and chatting with you last night. I appreciate the spirit I can feel when I'm with you. I appreciate the open-mindedness and conviction you have when we discuss things. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person and for helping me have a fun time last night.

Dear Gentry, Making faces at me through your window when I'm finishing up a date? Really?! You did make me laugh really hard, though, I'll give you that.

Letters

Dear Steve, Thanks for going to the men's volleyball game and for getting ice cream with me on Friday! I'm glad your semester is going well so far and hope that it continues that way!

Dear Quaelii, Oh my goodness! It was such a fantastic surprise to see you when I came home on Friday night! I'm so happy that you were able to come with your dad up to Provo so that we could see you for a little bit! Keep being awesome, good luck at work, and we hope to see you again soon!

Dear John, Ryan, Amelia, Sarah, Rachel, Morgan, and Emily, Having breakfast with all you guys on Saturday morning was wonderful. It was good to take a break from the craziness of life and to just be surrounded by good friends. Great start to a great Saturday.

Dear Abby, Thanks for talking to me for forever via phone on Saturday. You're such a good listener and I feel like you really understand me when no one else does. Please get feeling better soon, and keep up on the scripture reading (we're already 140 pages through!)

Dear Will, The food and games on Saturday night were lovely, but getting to just talk about life with you for a long time was by far the highlight of my weekend. Thanks for knowing what questions to ask and for being such a good listener. You're a pretty alright guy.

Dear Charles, Thanks for coming with Emily and I to our Aunt and Uncle's place for dinner on Sunday night. You're so easy-going and friendly which revealed me of the burden of having to help you feel included (which is awesome!) Good luck with classes this week, and try to not have too much fun!

Dear Martha and David, Thank you for being awesome relatives by inviting Ems and I over for dinner every once and a while. It's so good to have an escape from Provo and to be in a real house every once and a while. Plus, the food is absolutely delicious!

Dear Scott, Your company at the table in the library yesterday was greatly appreciated. It's good to know that I have friends to sit through the long hours of being with Harold with.

Dear FHE Family, I love you guys. Thanks for being awesome and for making me laugh.

Dear Amelia, You are crazy amazing at making desserts. I'm surprised I haven't gained 20 lbs over my past year and a half at college living with you! Thanks for sharing your talents.

Dear Rachel, Thanks for being willing to drive so many of us to WinCo yesterday to get food. My cupboards and tummy really appreciate it!

Dear Today, You are going to be fabulous, I just know it! Why? Because that's what I've decided.

Letters

Dear Cleaning Checks, To quote what the lady who came to do cleaning checks today wrote on our paper, "Wonderful job! Thank you so much for all of your hard work. Your place was perfect! Keep up the good work--we appreciate you! :) Merry Christmas!" In other words, WE OWNED YOU!

Dear S106, You no longer hold the title for having the cleanest apartment. Sorry.

Dear Random Christmas Carolers on Campus, Your music brightened my day and made me feel so happy and loved by my Heavenly Father. It was a tender mercy. Thank you for sharing your talents.

Dear Steve, I thoroughly enjoyed going to dinner at Zuppas with you. You are such an amazing person and so fun to talk to and be around. Good luck with your last final, enjoy your Christmas break, and I'll see you next semester!

Dear World Religions Final, Well, that went interesting, didn't it?

Dear Shakespeare Paper, After putting you down for almost five full days, you aren't as bad as I remember you being. This is very good! I'm actually excited to get around to writing you now!

Dear All-Time Favorite Not-Church Song in the Whole World, You rock the top of my iTunes charts with 633 plays and make me happy every single time I listen to you. So when Pandora played you today, of course I couldn't help but feel happy.

Dear Anna, I can't believe that today was the last time I am going to see you in a whole year and a half! Thanks for taking time out of your busy finals schedule so that we could grab lunch at the MOA and say goodbye. Thank you even more fore being one of my bestest friends ever. I'm so glad that we had ASL together last winter and then got to be Visiting Teaching companions in the Spring and Temple-going companions this semester. I admire and look up to you so much and feel so genuinely cared about and loved by you. You have already worked miracles for the Lord in my life; I'm excited to see the miracles you work in the lives of those in the Dominican Republic. Expect lots of letters! I love you SOOOO much!!!!!  P.S. I'm seriously getting the "I miss Anna" feeling in my gut right now.

On Orson Scott Card, Self-Defense, Running with the Sister, FHE Brothers, and High School Friends

Dear Ethan, Thank you so much for taking me bowling and to Barnes and Nobles on Friday night for our date! I loved the surprise of having Orson Scott Card there, listening to his speak, and then waiting in line to get our books signed. Even though I haven’t read any of his works, I have wanted to for a long time. Besides that, I always love listening to authors and being in books stores. Definitely a success!

Dear Jenna, Jessica, and Katie, Kelly and I had so much fun rolling around on top of each other at Saturday’s self-defense lesson. Thanks for being awesome teachers and for sharing your knowledge with the Relief Society!

Dear Emily, Running up the hill towards the mountain with you is the best, especially when there’s pretty fall leaves everywhere. Let’s do it again next Saturday, okay?

Dear Gentry, Sitting across from you while we study in the library always makes me feel smarter, and hanging out with you and Emily on Saturday night—making cake, playing games, and making cards—was super fun. We’re glad to call you part of the family.

Dearest Scotty, Thy presence for the last hour on Saturday evening was more magnificent than all the world’s sunsets, roses, and pretty sounds combined. I cannot wait to be reunited with thee again this evening for FHE. Thou art a wonderful and wise father.

Best homecoming night EVER!

Dear Stephanie and Paige, Talking to you last night for an hour and forty-five minutes was literally the highest highlight of my semester. I have not felt so silly and happy and like myself in such a long time. Hearing about your lives made me happy, talking about my life helped me feel like everything was okay, and reminiscing about the past made me feel like my honest, normal, silly self. I'm so glad I got to grow up with you talking on Paige's shed roof at night, going to Stephanie's house during lunch, spending homecoming with Ken dolls, talking and eating 'till 3am, squealing about silly books, watching ridiculous TV shows, having frog-eye salad food fights, and so many other wonderful things. I’m also so excited to see you over Christmas break and I’m so glad that we can still be such good friends even though we rarely see each other anymore. I can’t wait to have crazy old lady parties with you two fifty years from now.

Letters

The group at the end of our rock climbing adventure

Dear Jarrett and Friends, Rock climbing on Friday night was super much fun. I'm so glad I got to meet so many new, AWESOME people and spend time with AWESOME people that I already knew!

Dear Relief Society Sisters, You are such AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC girls! I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved eating and talking and driving and playing and laughing and joking and being with you at the Relief Society Social on Saturday. Thank you for being so spiritually strong and uplifting. Being around you girls makes me happy.

Dear Richard, You better be ready to report on how awesome your Monday went later tonight!

Dear Morgan, I'm glad you found your can opener.

Dear Campus Plaza Roommates (past and present), Goofing off with you guys is better than any book, workout, or bowl of ice cream. Having you in my life is proof that Heavenly Father loves me.

Dear Ryan, If I could have a best man at my wedding, you'd be it. Goes to show that you don't need the blood to be family.

Letters

Jarrett, me, Kendrick, and Meka at the top of Little Rock Canyon!

Dear Jarrett, Going hiking with you in Little Rock Canyon this morning was stupendous fun! From climbing up rocks to strategically picking up trash to cleaning cuts to talking about things that matter--all of it was pretty much the best. I can't wait for our next adventure!

Dear Kendrick and Meka Bradshaw, Thanks for being Jarrett and my hiking companions. You two are awesome!

Dear Jordan Liau, I can't believe that you were over at my apartment to claim some cookies near seconds after I offered them on the ward facebook page. Gold star for making me laugh.

Dear Joseph Scoville, Your message meant a lot to me. Thanks for being so superly fantastic.


Dear Eric Johnson, Yea for you moving into our ward!!! I never thought that when I did early morning custodial with you for 3 semesters that I would one day be lucky enough to be in the same ward as you! This spring and summer are going to be 10 times more amazing because I'll get to share them with you!


Dear Rachel Munyan, I'm so glad that you came over to watch Neverland (well, at least the first half...we kinda drew the line when we found out that Captain Hook was Peter's dad and made up our own happy ending) and to color with me tonight! Next time we hang out, we will have to do something even more epic!

Dear Aunt Janet, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU!!! Your email absolutely made my day, week, month, and life. I can't wait for our next  "rocking" movie, late night campfires, marathon shopping spree and giggles too. Having your for an aunt is better than . . . pretty much any and every thing. It lets me know that Heavenly Father watches out for and cares for me. Thanks for being your awesome self.


Dear Heavenly Father, Nothing feels better than knowing that you used me to help someone else out in their time of need. Thank you for using me. Thank you for trusting me.