Letters

Dear Anna, Thank you so much for joining me at the gym on Friday and for running with me at Nate's run on Saturday. I love being with you because you always have the Spirit with you and because you're always striving to do what's right. Thanks for chatting and for being a good example.

Dear Nate and Jon, Thanks for coming over to make cookies, play Monopoly Deal, and watch "Frozen." I had lots of fun and feel very alright with the fact that I won that last round. You two are both super fun and really good friends. It's so comforting to know that there are people in my life that I can fall back on when things get rough.

Dear McKell, You are so awesome for organizing the 5K for Nate on Saturday! I love your proactive-ness and your willingness to put so much work into helping those around you.

Dear Lindsey, I had lots of fun at the BBQ on Saturday afternoon! The food was wonderful and it was nice to have friends to just sit under the sun and chill with. I hope that we can keep doing awesome things like this after you graduate and we go separate ways.

Dear Wardies, The Talent Show was so fun! Thanks for all your love and support and help in pulling it off.

Dear Scott, Thanks for listening to me next to the drinking fountain on Saturday night. You're a good home teacher and an even better friend.

Dear Lauren and Ethan, So. Umm. Even though I didn't realize that I was interrupting your on-a-date-walk-home-from-the-HFAC when I ran into you on my walk home from Harold until halfway through, I'm grateful that you guys were there to protect me from any groper attacks (there have been many on BYU's campus over the past month). I'm sure that you two were similarly grateful to have me there chaperoning. I'm happy to chaperon on any of your walks home any time; just let me know when I should plan on walking home from the library in order to interrupt your otherwise pleasant evening.

Dear Tyler, Natasha, Dale, TJ, and Dylan, I was so grateful when you guys let me sit around and chat with you guys on Saturday night. Originally, I had planned on going to the library to finish my reading assignment for class today. After standing in the library entrance for about two minutes--feeling super alone and like a poor soul with her priorities mixed up--I walked back out and went straight to your apartment, hoping to find a good time. I did. Thanks.

Dear Roomies, I love having waffle Sunday with you guys every week. It's one of the best roommate ideas ever and I will miss it when I leave.

Dear Ally Lake, Our talk on Sunday morning was probably the best talk I've had with anyone in months. Seriously. When I started rattling off about how I've been struggling with my relationships with those around me you just reminded me of who I am and of who I want to be: someone who people love because they know that I genuinely care, someone who people can trust will listen when they're having a hard time. Not only was this exactly what I needed reminded of, it is a testament to me that God is involved in my life, because even though you didn't know me well before yesterday, you were able to say exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for being worthy and able and willing to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

Dear Brandon, Your lesson on Sunday was so uplifting and taught me a lot that I needed to hear. I am definitely going to try and make it to your class every Sunday that you teach in my remaining weeks at CP.

Dear John Christensen, I had so much fun at the game night on Sunday. Thank you so much for inviting me and for being a good host. Hope to catch up again soon!

The Past Few Weeks in Pictures

Dear Jon, Thank you for taking me to the Summer Fest in Orem a month ago. You should not stress over planning fun dates--you're really good at it! I love how easily amused you are by the carnival games. I love that you make me want to eat goingtokillyouscones because it means I get to share something with you. I love how sick you got on the one ride we went on and that you let me laugh at you when we got off and you tried to regain a grasp on reality. It's doing the small and simple things like this with you that make me love spending time together so much.

Dear Ward Groupies, The water kickball activity in June was the best. I was so exhausted when we started from having just run 12.7 miles with Jon, but the cold water and all of your cheery, fun countenances energized me and by the time the activity ended, I was running all over the place. Thank you for being nothing but smiles and laughter and everything sunshiny!

Dear Emily, Marissa, Gabbie and Jess, Going to Stadium of Fire with you four on the Fourth made for one of the most fun Fourth of July's I've ever had! The Kelly Clarkson, Carly Ray Jepsen and Cirque du Soleil were highly entertaining, but your company was even better. I cannot tell you how good it was to be among friends that I could just let go and be goofy with. You ladies rock!

Dear Jon, I was so happy that we got to sit together and watch the fireworks on the Fourth because you were in charge of cleaning the very area I was sitting in. Best. Coincidence. Ever.

Dear Tyson, Adam, Mike and Jon, Hiking Timp with you four on Saturday was one of my favoritest things I've done all summer! The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Your commentary was absolutely hilarious. The view was absolutely breath-taking. I can imagine no better way to spend a Saturday than exhausting myself by trekking out into God's beautiful world to explore it with good people and the best of friends. 5 coworkers/friends, 12 hours, 13.6 miles and perfection all wrapped-up in the mountains of Utah Valley. It truly was the best.

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 Nate and Preston, Thanks for taking a break from your studies last night to play Uno with me! It was great to get to know you guys more, though we might have to play again sometime soon so that I can win a round.

Dear Jon Wilcock, Any time with you is always time well-spent. I'm glad we were FINALLY able to go get pie last night to celebrate being done with the semester (we definitely both deserve it, after booth being in the library so late on so many occasions!) Thanks for being an outstanding guy and an even more outstanding friend!

Dear Rylin, You are the best friend ever. Thank you so much for spending an hour and a half of your time yesterday evening looking at cars on KSL and Craigslist with me. I'd have no idea where to even begin without your help. I admire you for your willingness to always help a friend. You say "yes" when someone asks for help without hesitation. You put aside your own to-do lists and worries to help ease those of the people around you. You're awesome.

Dear Amelia, Yesterday was your first day in the Spain MTC. I'm sure you're rockin' it, though I sure do miss you here. Letters will be forthcoming very soon.

Dear Emily, The salad yesterday was divine! Hope you're ready for chicken pesto wraps tonight!

Dear Emily, Rachel Maxwell and Sarah, I enjoyed getting dinner with ya'll on  Tuesday evening at Zupas. I feel so much more relieved about life now that we've picked out my three husbands. Now, I just gotta figure out how to marry them all. We will have to talk about this and iron out the complications sometime in the near future.

Dear To-Do Lists, I love, love, love, love, love crossing things off on you. It gives me a slight adrenaline rush.

Dear New Ward, I'm excited to get to know all of you and to have super fun this spring and summer! Hope ya'll are ready to be havin' some super awesome fun!

Dear Kate, I like when you steal mom's phone and text me. It's awesome being able to keep in contact with you even when you're so far away. Good luck with all your crazy tests these next few weeks!

Dear Future Half-Marathon, Sometimes (as in an average of twenty-four out of twenty-four hours of the day) you freak me out. It's okay, though. I got this.

Dear Rachel Smith, Betsy, Elora and Lyndy, I really really really really really really really like living with you beautiful ladies! You are all so kind and open and happy and giving and considerate and loving and wonderful. Thanks for being who you are and for welcoming me into your home with such open arms.

Dear Jordan and Gentry, You two are such goobers. Thanks for goofing-off with me on Tuesday night at the ward opening ice cream social.

Dear Brett, I'm so excited that you're living in CP! We're going to have to do something fun really soon!

Letters

The AWESOME journal I got from Janet!

Dear Aunt Janet, I know this is a week late, but THANK YOU for the AWESOME giraffe journal and chocolate covered almonds! It helped me get though the craziness of finals week.

Dear Winter 2013 Ward Friends, It's been strange the past couple of days with all of you leaving. Thank you for the fond memories and the good times. It's been wonderful getting to know you all and I hope you will keep in touch!

This is just some of the bonfire crew. Many of the others had left by this point.

Dear Bonfire Crew, We rocked that. Period.

Dear Finals, Thank heavens you are done and that I can now breathe for a couple of months. It's been great, but I'm glad to not be seeing you for another 8 months.

Dear John Campbell, Thank you for the impromptu Subway lunch date. Good luck with "real" life, and have tons of fun in China!

Dear Amy, You betta' take tons of pictures and email me about your adventures in Europe!

Dear Alex, You also betta' take tons of pictures and be ready to tell me all about your adventures in Guatemala once you get back!

Dear New Roommates, I think that this is going to be quite the splendid experience, living with you all. Let's make it a party!

Dear Ryan and John, Thanks for chatting, and even more, for always being willing to chat. I love you two!

Dear Theobalds, Thank you for the fantastic hospitality and the AMAZING food. It made for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Dear Scott and Ryan, You two are going to be some of the best dads in the world someday. How do I know? Because this is what happened today while we were eating dinner at Amelia's house:

I counted while they were chasing you for the whole 20 minutes or so. There were at least 6 of them (little boys, I mean.) While they were tackling you, I turned to Emily and said: "It reminds me of how Joseph Smith was known for playing around with the boys in the town." Yup. You'll be pretty dang amazing fathers with pretty dang lucky kids.

Dear Carson, I'm thoroughly enjoyed talking to you on the car ride home from Amelia's farewell. It was so good to really talk to someone who really listens. You're an awesome friend.

Dear Ems, Thanks for running and talking and cleaning and walking and chilling and laughing and understanding with me. You're an amazing sister, and I'm glad we can be neighbors!

Dear Summer, I'm totally ready to rock this. Let's get this awesome, goal-setting/achieving, hard-working, super-partying, fun and amazing summer started!

More pictures from the bonfire:

The lovely Emma Pister and I!

Stephen, Amy and I

Drew, Gentry and Audrey

Sultry faces, anyone?

A Weekend in Verse

Friday after the gym I's at S106

Stephen doin' a Russian to English poem fix.

Made me think to myself: "Poem writtin' could be fun!"

So now I's gonna tell you what with my weekend I've done.

So like I said, Friday night I chilled with the boys

Sat doin' my homework; Rylin making bracket noise.

Told him to try talking 'bout somethin' besides Madness.

He didn't. I tried to hide amused gladness. 

Sat mornin' woke-up and said: "What the heck! Is this snow?!"

Turned to Ems askin': "Rex Lee Run...should we go?"

She didn't care so I said: "How 'bout we stay."

Gave it more thought, moaned and we got on our way.

At the race we saw boys from N104

Alex, McKelle, Scott and many, many more!

Our toes:cold. Hands: numb. But all made it through

When we went across the finish line I gave a "Woo-hoo!"

Walked home. Cleaned clothes. Lazed around for a bit. 

Looked at my homework and figured I'd do it.

So I went on a date with 'ol Harold B. Lee

Stayed there for hours then went home with some glee.

Forgot about homework the rest of the night

Watched ward talent and ate an ice cream delight.

Started "Aladin" but too tired to stay

I went off to bed, then woke-up to new day.

And then, Sunday came and was filled with lots of meetings and an awesome church service and delicious FHE dinner and making cinnamon rolls with friends. It was too busy and tired to rhyme, but that's okay. Sometimes, ya' just gotta forget about the rules and take a day to do things your way. That's how my Sunday went, and it was awesome.

I love my life.

Letters

Photo taken by the one and only lovely Scott

Dear World, Guess what? I gots a new haircut! (It's secretly my way of rebelling against the world and regaining control of my life.)

Dear Alicia and Sarah, I had fun chilling and talking about life this morning. Even though it left me tired, the conversation alone was worth it. We should chill and talk about life again sometime soon (though maybe not so early next time)!

Dear Bethany, Thank you so super much for going to get ice cream with me tonight and for letting me dump all my crazy thoughts out on you. The conversation helped me to feel like I wasn't alone and that someone else understands me. I've always thought you were pretty fantastic; tonight proved it.

Dear Sweet Sauce (aka: ward boy's intramural football team), I enjoyed going and watching your game last night. I know I'm not much of a cheerleader, but I hope you know I was rooting for you the whole time. Way to be awesome.

Dear Rylin, We totally rocked our study session in the library last night. Way to be champs.

Dearest Christopher, Don't get any ideas.

Dear S106, You have no idea how much I have appreciated the warm way in which you have welcomed me into your apartment over the past week. You are all find men. And I mean fine men!

Dear Kent and Marina, I'm so super glad I got to see you tonight, even though it was just for a little bit. You never fail to make me smile.

Dear Scott, Thanks for talking this afternoon for a couple of minutes about life. Talking to you always makes things seem brighter, even when they're already shinning.

Dear Professor Hutchins, You are definitely one of my favoritest teachers I have ever had ever. You make dusty, dry literature seem like Harry Potter book 8. Thank you for your amazing example, easy-going attitude, enthusiasm, knowledge, teaching and all-around awesomeness. I hope I can be a teacher as cool as you someday.

Dear Taralyn, I'm so glad we have gotten to know one another, sitting together every Tuesday and Thursday for Adolescent Lit and Teaching Writing. Know that all your encouragement, kind offers and words of friendship mean a lot to me. A lot. Thank you for being there.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for slapping me in the face various times over the past couple of days so that I can now start living a happier, more meaningful and fulfilling life. You weren't just talking to the Saints in Kirtland on June 1st, 1833, were you?

Letters

Dear Alex, I really did enjoy chatting on Thursday night in the library about the randoms things of life. Let's do it again soon!

Dear Ward, Some of you are horrible at roller skating. Just saying. (Don't take it personally)

Dear Ward Groupies, I absolutely loved chillin' outside by the grill late Friday night. It got me super excited for the upcoming summer. Only 5(ish) more weeks!

Dear John Campbell, Thanks for goofing off with me whilst watching "Skyfall" in the lounge super late on Friday night. You made my first James Bond movie watching experience a wonderful success.

Dear Stake Relief Society Presidency, The activity on Saturday morning was a wonderfully huge success. I felt the Spirit and more at peace than I have felt in weeks. I also learned lots of neat tricks and was reminded of lots of super important things. Thanks for making a difference.

Dear Relief Society Sisters, Going to the temple with some of you Saturday afternoon after the activity was the peak of my day. I felt so happy to be there with you beautiful girls. Thank you for motivating me to be where I needed to be that day.

Dear Amelia, I'll make faces at you from across the library any day. Just let me know when you're game.

Dear Amelia, Sarah and Emily, I'm glad we went to get free ice cream on Saturday evening. Roommate bonding time is always the best.

Dear Rylin, I'm super glad times a whole lot that we decided to be friends. It's good to have someone I know I can talk to and be silly/have fun with. We have to keep up this streak of awesome friendship-ness that we've got going here!

Dear Audrey, It makes me happy to see you around our apartment more often this semester than we did last semester. I don't much like living with strangers.

Letters

Dear Joseph, Thanks for dinner at the Japanese steakhouse on Friday night. The food was delicious, and your company was fantastic. Good luck with your finals this week!

Dear Girls Leaving CP, I will miss each of you so very much. Having the opportunity to serve with you has literally changed my life. Wherever you go in life, you will do amazing things. The angels watch over you. Heavenly Father loves you. Thank you for all you have done for me. I love you!

Dear FHE Brothers, I'm so glad you guys joined us for dinner tonight. I'm even gladder that when we all left to go to the Relief Society fireside that you boys stayed in our apartment and filled our stocking with random stuff from the apartment and then fell asleep on the couches (and floor--Scott!). You are fantastic family. Thank you so much for being so wonderful, worthy, fun, and uplifting priesthood holders. I love you guys!

Dear Lexi, Sarah, Alicia, and Leslie, Thank you for the testimonies you shared tonight at the missionary fireside. I know that you touched many hearts tonight, including mine. I will use what you shared tonight for years to come with those I come in contact with. You girls are amazing.

Dear RS Additional Meetings Committee, The time and effort you put into planning the fireside tonight was time well spent. Thank you.

Dear Katt, Thank you for your months of service and fun! I have loved having the opportunity to serve with you in Relief Society, and am so grateful for all you did to serve the ward as the second counselor. The girls you associated with know that you truly love them, which is what serving is all about. I will miss you, and hope that you stop by often to say hi! I love you!

Dear Sarah Armknecht, I am so excited to have you as our Relief Society's new second counselor! We are going to have so much fun together struggling and trying and thriving and serving and being plain awesome. Thanks for the example you have already set for me of how to be a righteous women, and for the example I know you will continue to set. You are amazing.

Dear Bishopric, I know you already know this, but I just wanted to remind you that you have stewardship over one of the best wards in Provo. Also wanted to remind you that they have one of the best bishoprics in Provo; their bishopric is awesome.

Letters

This man is the awesomest Dad I have ever had. He is my superhero, and I love him!

Dear Dad and Mom, You take time to come all the way down here to drop Emily off for school and then you treat me by buying me all this super awesome stuff that I've been dying to buy for my apartment for such a very long time and then you go and take us out for yummy treats multiple times and on top of that all you guys are just two of the most awesome people I know in the world. Conclusion: I love you two so stinkin' much! Thanks for being the best parent Heavenly Father could have ever given me.

Dear Lydia, I'm so happy that you could come down with my parents and Emily to spend the weekend with us so that you could check-out BYU. First off, let me say that I'm super impressed that you made it to the age of 17 without having ever set foot into Utah. Sorry we helped you break your record. Secondly, I apologize that we're so boring. Hopefully, you had SOME fun. Thirdly, let me just say that you are really, really awesome. Last night before bed you spent a significant time reading your scriptures and praying and writing in your journal. You are an amazing example of a righteous women who knows that she's a daughter of God. Thank you for being who you are. Keep it up.

Don't you wish you were there too?!

Yes--it's GONE! His hair is GONE!!!

Markie and I! This amazing girl drew awesome pictures while we were at the concert. She is such an amazing artist, and an even more amazing friend!

Heather, Kim, and I at the concert! These two girls are AWE. SOME.

Dear Rooftop Concert Friends, Thanks for sharing blankets and otter pops and for playing games and talking. It was fun.

Dear Jeremy, I'm so glad that you walked home with Emily, Lydia, and I after the rooftop concert. Even though you shaved your head bald, I still really enjoyed having the time to talk with you. I miss you. Lots. Thanks for being an amazing friend and example. You really are one of the brothers I never had. Thanks for filling that hole.

Dear Riley, Thanks for talking on Saturday night. It's so good to know that there are people who love and support me and are willing to listen to me ramble on about my life for an hour and still stay interested and offer words of advice. You are a very good man, and I'm glad to have you in my life. Let's stay friends, okay?

The ward at break the fast!

Dear Ward Activities Committee, You guys are so super awesome for putting together everything for today's break the fast. The food was amazing, but you guys are amazinger. Thanks for dedicating so much time and effort towards your calling. Keep being amazinger.

I can't wait to get to know these two amazing people more!

Dear Bro. and Sis. Anderson, We are so happy and excited and glad to have you be a part of our ward as Bro. Anderson serves as the second counselor in the bishopric. You two are so sweet and I already love both of you!

Dear Bishop, I cannot tell you how much I love, respect, appreciate, and look up to you. Thank you for all you do to serve the members of our ward. I'm so glad that I know you. You make me smile.

Dear Relief Society Sisters, Having the opportunity to serve you is one of the best blessings in my life. I'm humbled beyond description because of the opportunity I have to work with such amazing, spiritual, wise, strong, awesome women. You all inspire me with your testimonies and examples. I love you girls.

Dear Women Who Have Gone Before, Thank you for your faith and strength and testimonies and sacrifices. I aspire to be as great as all of you one day. I'm so blessed and grateful to be a part of the heritage you have left behind for us. I will not let you down.

Dear Emily, I am the luckiest sister in the world to get to live with you for this next year while we're at college. I love how normal and right it feels to have you here with me. You are one of the most amazing people I know. Keep being the amazing, righteous, beautiful, strong, smart, loving, kind daughter of God that you are, and I will try my best to keep away the boys!

Dear Heavenly Father, You know it all already, but thank you.

Letters

Dear Kevin Astle, Thanks so much for taking me to get a bite at Chipotle the other day! It was so fun to finally meet you and to have fun talking about your mission and college and life. You're a pretty cool kid.

Dear Me, Really? Several years of preschool, thirteen years of public education, two years of college, you want to become an English Teacher--all of that, and you misspell the word 'college'? And it takes you ten minutes to catch onto the fact? Fall semester's going to be just fantastic.

Isn't the cake GOREGEOUS!? Amelia baked it and Rachel decorated it!

Dear Rachel, Thanks for being born so that we could celebrate your birthday yesterday. It was a pretty awesome party for a pretty awesomer girl. I love you so super amazingly more than a good book on a cold day much!

Chanda and her sister Annie at the Pioneer Day Celebration (Look at their AWESOME outfits!)

Rachel and I making ice cream at the Pioneer Day Party. Isn't she awesome?

Dear Jarrett and Chanda, Putting on a Pioneer Day party was the bestest idea ever! Thanks so much for all your time and effort. You guys are amazing.

Dear Riley, I was so super surprised when I went outside to go running today and you were up as well. It made me happier than I think you realize. Thanks for being an superb friend, and good luck with your 10K in Idaho! You can do it under 50! (And if you don't, you're still just as amazingly super awesome.)

Dear Amelia, You just wanted to be friends? Ha! That's funny.

Dear Hannah Nielson, Thanks so much for setting up Visiting Teaching for today, even though it fell through. Hopefully I'll see you again on Saturday at Bridget's jujitsu competition!

Dear Kessa, Get better ASAP, okay?

Paula's Letter!

Dear Paula, I wrote you a letter today. Hopefully it will get sent off tomorrow and you will get it soon! 

Dear Pister, Thanks for making me smile.

Letters

Serene and I at the party. Not only did she help me plan the amazing event, but she let me borrow her totally legit Harry Potter gear! Needless to say, she's AWESOME!

Dear Utah Weather, I don't know why you insist on making things so difficult. Our relationship could be so much better if you'd just cooperate. Last week, I thought that you might have been finally getting to that point, but then you traded the rain with super hot weather. And muggy-ness. And smoke.

Dear To-Do Lists, I like you. A lot. You make me feel like I have goals and a purpose. Let's make you a daily thing, okay?

Dear Water Bottle, Thanks for helping me through the work day. I feel like I've lost a vital body organ when I misplace you.

Dear Letter Writing, I enjoy you super much. You make me feel witty, entertaining, and clever. Whomever has read any of my letters before might disagree, but that's okay. I'll just go on thinking that I'm pretty great. At letter writing, I mean.

Dear Ward Girls Football Team, I had lots of fun watching you guys play the other night. Have fun tonight at your next game (and Sarah Porter--be careful with those knees of yours!)

Dear Ward Harry Potter Party Going Friends, Thanks for coming and supporting and having fun Wednesday night at our party. Let's do it again, okay? Deal!

Letters

Dear Sean, Natalie, and Alex, Going to the concert for the Avett Brothers with you three last Thursday was one of the bestest things I've done in the longest of times. I'm so grateful to get to call you family.

Merrick and Kim (along with some friendly strangers) at the pageant!

Chanda and Jared waiting for the pageant to start!

Dear Ward Groupies, Even though the performance itself was a little cheesy, going to the Manti Pagent with you all on Friday night made me super happy. Thanks for all being awesome friends.

Dear Megan Sterns, Thanks for setting up the temple trip on Saturday morning. It made the rest of the day ten times brighter and better!

Dear Pister, Kat, Spencer, Christopher Pister, Weston, and Merick, I almost died Saturday when we all went running at 2pm. Seriously. Dead, shriveled-up Lindsey on the side of the road. But not quite. So it was worth it. Especially because we jumped right into the swimming pool--running clothes and all--right afterwards. It was the best, but only because you guys are the best. You rock.

Dear Kathleena, You are an amazing example. Don't stop.

Dear Kim and Kelly, I always know that when I ask you to do something that you'll do it plus extra. I've gotten teary-eyed over it before. For reals. Thanks for being amazing.

Dear Christopher Hagman, Thanks for having a birthday so that we could get the old FHE gang together again to celebrate with cake and ice cream, games, and the movie The Artist. Also, congrats on your exciting news! You are AWESOME!

Dear MinhYaht, I like reading at night with you. Let's keep it up!

Dear Relief Society Sisters, I hope you're as extremely super excited to read Daughters in My Kingdom together as I am. I know that it is what Heavenly Father wants us to be doing and that it will help strengthen your testimony of Relief Society and give you the power to live a righteous life. You are all already super amazing; let's read this book and all become super amazinger. I love you!

Dear Amazing Elders Quorm in My Ward, I have had more than one girl say to me that what has encouraged them to read Daughters in My Kingdom more than anything else is your love and support for doing so. You guys are more amazing that chocolate on bad days.

Dear Pister, I've tried five times to type something to say to you, but it's not working. Maybe it's because you're just so awesome? Or the opposite? (Just kidding. About the opposite part, I mean.) Thanks for being the best used-to be-home teacher in the world!

Letters

Dear Ward, It would be hard to find another student ward with members as loving and charitable as you are. From sitting next to people who were alone in church to helping Leslie at 9pm on a Saturday night with her project to just being all-around awesome/amazing people--you guys are the best.

Dear Brad/Spencer/Eric/Kristin, Happy birthday! Thanks for being awesome friends. Each and every one of you have lifted me when I was having a low day. Each and every one of you have made me smile. Each and every one of you make me very grateful to be your friend. I love you guys!

AWESOME (and very wet) ward activity!

Dear Ward (Again), The kickball/water balloon fight activity on Saturday was a BLAST! Thanks for being so much fun to be with.

Bishop and the boys of S106 at Treat Night. Bishop posted this picture on facebook. I think he's on there more than any of us are.

Dear Bishop, Thanks for being an amazing Bishop and for being willing to be goofy and awesome. I appreciate all you do for our ward and for me.


Dear Sarah Porter, You give awesome Relief Society lessons. The End.

Dear Hannah, Thanks for putting together the picnic at Provo Lake yesterday afternoon. It was so much fun to eat super good food, practice super awesome ASL, and be with super awesome people. I like you!

Dear Emily, I love you and am so super excited that you're coming to live with me in a few weeks. We're going to have super awesome fun!

Dear Family, Excited to go backpacking with you guys in a few weeks? Affirmative.

Dear Heavenly Father, I don't even know what to type, but I suppose that's okay. You get it.

Letters

Dear Ward, You ALL are fantastic! I'm so blessed to be able to have fun with and to serve such a wonderfully amazing group of people. Keep being awesome.

Dear Sarah Porter, Your "nice note delivered in person" was so meaningful and thoughtful. Thank you for all your support and love. I look up to you. Really. And for some time, too. Good luck with the music for Arabian Nights! I'm so excited to hear it's amazingness when I go see the play in a month!

Dear Agent Altair, Sorry for spelling your name wrong last time. Won't happen again.

Dear Morgan and Lauren, Thank you for all your lovely visits. Seeing you guys always brightens my day (like sunbeams--the light kind and the kid kind). Please continue.

Dear Jarrett, Thanks for the pictures and the walk and the bread and the talking and the optimism and the amazingness and, above all, for your example. Being around you makes me want to be a better person. Good luck getting done all your homework tomorrow! You can do it!

Dear Amelia, I am amazed that Heavenly Father loves me enough to let me live with someone as strong, brave, understanding, down to earth, intelligent, beautiful, and wonderful as you. Please keep being your amazing self. (And thanks so super much for all your AMAZING bread! You are so talented!!!)

Letters

It's the first time I've ever caught something on fire in the kitchen. An accomplishment...?

Dear Amelia, You're really good at rescuing people. I would know. Yesterday afternoon you saved me when I was making kettle corn and the towel I was using caught on fire and the oil in the pot starting attacking me and the popcorn started burning and the burner was still on and I was freaking out. You're pretty great.

Dear Tiana Cole and Elise Meiners, I'm so excited to have you guys as my new roommates! Remember our goal: to be super sad when you guys have to leave for the summer. Good luck with classes today!

Dear People Who Came to our AWESOME Tuesday Movie Night, Watching Pirates of the Caribbean with you was better than watching five armadillos speed race the backstroke. Not that I've ever seen armadillos speed race the back stroke. But still! Let's keep it up!

Dear Kendrick Shepherd, Jarrett Lever, and Ben Johnson, Going to Macy's for our adventure on Monday night was super much fun! Thanks for letting me tag along so that I have enough food to make it though the week.

PS World--Today let's all be SUPER AWESOME! Okay? Deal!

Letters

Some of the Ward before heading off to the activity!

Dear Ward, Thanks for the awesome closing social last night! Good food + good company ALWAYS = a good time!

Dear AnnaLisa, You are one of the sweetest, most thoughtful and loyal friends I have ever had. Good luck on your finals this week--you can do it!

Dear Finals, You are going to be AWESOME! I can't wait to show off my stuff to you!

Dear Ryan Porritt, Thanks for always asking and listening and talking. I feel like I can talk to you about anything. Thanks for being there.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all the blessings you poor into my life. I'm sorry for not being as diligent lately as I should be. Starting tonight, that's going to change!

Letters

Watching General Conference with the fam!

Dear FHE Family, Having yummy German apple pancakes together on Saturday morning and delicious curry Sunday evening all while watching conference in-between was the best!  You guys really are my family away from home. Thanks for being so super awesome.

Tara (Audrey's roommate), Audrey (Pister's sister), Pister, Emily, and I around the fire

Dear Ward Friends, Bonfire Saturday night + talking 'till 2am + sleeping on gimongous bean bags + waking up to the smell of Piste's wonderful cinnamon rolls on Sunday Morning + watching Sunday morning conference together = the break from life that I needed. Eliza--thanks for letting us all bombard your house for the evening/morning. It was the best.

Dear General Conference, Thanks for the uplift, promptings, reassurances, love, and all-around awesomeness. You're just as good as Christmas.


Dear Sabrina Sears, Thanks so extremely super much for calling me when your ward was on campus yesterday. Hugs were just what I needed at the moment, and I got a million of them from you guys. You totally turned my disheartening day into an happy one.

Dear Daniel, Thanks for inviting us over to play mafia last night. I really needed a break from homework.

Dear Heavenly Father, The best part about yesterday wasn't that it went from bad to good, but knowing that it went from bad to good because you answered my prayers and care. Thank you.