Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Collage Mania

2012-02-02T16:06:00.000-06:00

Picnik.com won't be with us for much longer. It's sad. I've been editing on that site for...as long as I knew how to do it. It was way easier than photoshop and just more fun, too. And because it's leaving, anyone can do anything on it. Premium is available for everyone. So, I've been making some cool collages on it.

Time Flying.

2012-02-02T10:54:00.000-06:00

I'm always amazed at how fast time flies. Like, last Thursday - which seems forever ago - my dear friend Casey came to visit me. She was in town from Seattle for a training of drivers [she's a big lady on campus in Skagway, Alaska during the summers for tours.] so she squeezed me in. It was so great to see her since the last time we had been together was in February of 2008. And even then, she was visiting Rexburg and I had just gotten back from South Jordan.

What else? Work is going dandy. I actually am liking church. Not that I don't like church, but I think George Albert Smith is BOMB! The curriculum this year is legit. And I'm keeping a journal! Well, at least one a week. I write in it on Sundays during church so I don't bug Jeff. Well, that's not the only reason, but it keeps me occupied and I can still listen and write down the things that I find amusing or spiritual. Stuff like: "Preparation is the mother of self-reliance." That was a member of our bishopric. And not only did it catch my attention because it said 'mother', but it's also a good quote. But yay for journal keeping.

A few weeks ago, I partied it up with my girls. [A few weeks seems like a few months.] Sara and Jodi made the trek down to Provo and we got our craft on. I found a super duper cheap - and hard to find, I might add - temple calendar at work and we antiqued some frames from the DI to put them in. All in all, a cheap project. And Sara had one for us to do to - I HEART WI shirts. Pretty awesome. We spent the whole afternoon doing that and when dinner came around, Sara and I were just going to do our own thing since Jodi was going to meet Janet for dinner, but we all ended up going to eat at Pizza Pie Cafe - more lovingly known as Craigo's - for dirt cheap as well. Thanks Janet! We Wisconsin partied it up all day.

All in all, it was a rockin' January. Bring it on, February!

Doob

2012-01-28T00:05:00.000-06:00

Way to go Doobie on making the paper.

Oh, I'm so happy.

[Think Emperor's New Groove]

For those of you who don't know, Doob was one of the nicknames we gave Andrew when he was a little tyke. And the back of him made the paper by default. Woohoo!

Pure Awesomeness.

2011-12-05T21:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know this is my third post today, but I found these today and thought they were awesome!

2011-12-05T19:59:00.001-06:00

I decided that after I posted that randomness about the music, I actually should post something real. Maybe just a collection of thoughts or something. Things are going great here in Provo. I honestly don't think our situation could be better. Despite the fact that we're away from our families, things are good. We have some pretty rockin' neighbors two floors down that we love - the De Arton's. They really are our best friends in the ward. Which is nice because we have people to sit by at church and a place to go play games, drink hot chocolate, and watch the Christmas Devotional. [That's what we did last night.]
I've been in a crazy baking mode. I have this recipe for candy cane cookies that are delicious and I've been trying a variety of ways of making them. Today, I put candy cane bits in them. It was pretty bomb. Also, I made the OBB [Our Best Bites] carmel toffee fruit dip. Yeah, it was gone pretty quick. Well, actually, it lasted longer than I thought, but only because Jeff wasn't aware that it existed the first day.
We've been in a football mode. With the Badgers going to the Rose Bowl, we've been pretty stoked about that. We enjoy our weekly visit from Jodi...even if I only get to see her after work. It's been nice to always have a familiar face to rely on.
Speaking of Jodi, we've been crafting our little hearts out. Thank goodness for pintrest! And Jodi's obsession for it. I still haven't gotten into that whole thing yet...mostly cause I don't know how and it's unfamiliar territory to me, but we still get our best ideas from it.
I miss my family. I can't believe it will be 3 years since I've spent a Christmas at home. And the sad thing is, I don't know when another one is in sight.
I'm enjoying being married more yesterday and today than I have the rest of my marriage. Not that I haven't enjoyed it the previous 3+ months, but these two days have been just heavenly. I wish it was Sunday everyday.
The future of our life is pretty uncertain, but doesn't really make me nervous anymore.
I'm so thankful for the Christmas season. Although we don't have any snow, it still is coming and I'm excited. More new adventures for us as a couple. And for me as a married person. We've had our Christmas tree up and running well before Thanksgiving, but I still love it. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we were so spoiled to have Erin here with us. It was tragic to see her go. But, she's said she's going to coming live with us one day. We're both holding her to that. =)

I also got some new jeans from Kohl's for 8 bucks. Pretty satisfied since they were supposed to be 40 or so.
And I think that's it.

Music

2011-12-05T19:48:00.001-06:00

I'm a pretty particular person when it comes to music. Rarely do I hear a song for the first time and immediately fall in love with it. It usually needs time to grow on me before I really embrace it and make it a fav.
Well, I have today off, which I love, by the way, and I'm watching/catching up on OTH and there's a new person on there who goes by the name of 'Grubs'. While I find that terribly funny, this 'Grubs' is actually a fantastic piano player and singer. And he sang this song and the stars must have aligned, because I fell in love immediately. And it makes me happy and it's just a great song. So enjoy it as much as I did.

Click here:
Dance So Good

Posting.

2011-11-20T00:17:00.002-06:00

I think I'm going to start posting pictures of my cat.

Cause that's all I seem to see on FaBo.

Just sayin'.

Sunday that one day.

2011-11-13T23:35:00.000-06:00

Jeff and I had to give talks today.
We rocked it.
Especially since the assignment was given to us on Sunday after church.
We also enjoy being in the ward choir together.

And I discovered something else.
Way #163 why Jeff is exactly like my father - he chews his popsicles.

Her name is Shannon.

2011-11-07T22:39:00.000-06:00

And I work with her. She's probably somewhere in her forties.
I was on break at work tonight, and I was talking to Mom. She and I were just chatting it up and she was telling me a story about Adam - which, if you haven't read it, go to Mom's blog and read it.
I looked at the clock and saw that it was pretty much time to get back to work and so I hung up.
As I was hanging up, Shannon walked in and sat down on the couch with me and started to drink her green gatorade.
I started to say something about getting back to work.
She commented on how she was glad there were no pull-aparts. She proceeded to tell me it was because she needed to be smarter with her money. She had spent 14 bones on a book that would help her take more risks and other little things she'd spent money on. She said she was low on bread.
I recalled her telling me a story prior to work starting about how she had tried to buy bread with a 5 dollar off coupon, but then said she wasn't able to because she had no change and had to spend at least 5 dollars.
I had the thought come to my head that I needed to give her the few dollars I have in my wallet. I never carry cash with me, but I told her I had a couple dollars in my wallet that she could have.
She told me she was okay. Then she said she would pay me back.
As I walked to my locker and got my wallet, I scoffed at the idea that she should have to pay me back the 2 dollars I was handing to her. I sifted through my change and offered her another dollar.
She refused, but I put it in her hand.
She graciously accepted and told me that she knows Heavenly Father sends people into her life that love her. It gives her hope. She said she is grateful that I always talk to her - even when she doesn't say hi back or looks upset. She started to cry and wrapped me up in a hug. She told me she has anxiety.
I empathized with her, saying that my sister, father, uncle, and cousins have it as well.
She was glad that there was someone who was patient and could understand.
I told her I loved her and she can always count on me.

I had a prompting. It came as a thought. I didn't realize the preciousness of the moment until I was telling my husband tonight. I helped a woman tonight who is dear to my heart. I will forever be grateful to a Heavenly Father who listens to me and all of His children. A Father who loves. A Father who cares. I can never deny that I have been blessed by this experience, just as much as Shannon.

For Sara, Love Jodi & Sammi

2011-10-30T12:37:00.000-06:00

Half of this will be a lament. About my Beloved Badgers. And how two completely unfair and unjust hail Mary's have destroyed their perfect record. Ahh, I blame Devyn Stott. Jodi says that everything that goes wrong can be blamed on him, so I'll blame him. Him and Devin Smith for going behind the stinkin' defense. Anyways, I still love my Badgers. Those two ridiculous, unskillful passes in both games have been erased from my memory and in my mind, the Badgers have won both games.

The second half of this is to show Sara how she inflicted Jodi and me with the Pintrest bug. And what do I mean by that? Some sort of magical craft bug has come over us and resulted in these beautiful monograms:

Next time, we're all doing an awesome craft together - courtesy of Pintrest.

Lately.

2011-10-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty busy lately.
I've started a new job, which I love, by the way. I work at Deseret Book in Orem.
And I've become quite the little cook, trying different things here and there.
I've also become a little obsessed with cookbooks. They're so fun!
I'm leaning a lot of things too. Especially about people. And how things aren't quite as they seem. We don't know people's backgrounds or situations and we have no idea what they're going through. Our job is just to love them.
I am also very excited about all the adventures that I've had with my friends. And also, the one I'm going to have today with Jodi and Sara. Love them both!
And I'm making a resolution to do the following:
1. Try to love Utah more.
2. Try to not get so angry at their stupid drivers.
3. Budget, budget, budget.
4. Try to keep my addictions under control.
5. Blog better. =)

Provo Living

2011-09-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

I think I may have finally gotten into some sort of routine? And am finally adjusting to life here in Provo. Jeff is going to school and having an affair with homework most days, so that leaves me to explore the great unknown by myself.

With the temple so close by, I've been trying to take advantage of that. Jeff and I go once a week, but I've been trying to go at least 3 times a week. It's been awesome and I'll admit, I do love that about Provo. The temple is like a 5-10 minute walk from my apartment.

I sure do love the library as well. It's beautiful and there are so many things to do. There's several levels and it's awesome! I'm sure there's like everything you could ever want in there. Yay!

And I also love that Utah is a prime vacation place for a lot of people. And I love being close to all of my mission buddies. It's pretty legit.

I am legit. So legit, that when I walk around Provo, I play my ringtones and it's like I walk to my own background music like in the movies. Makes me feel all cool. Especially when I can walk to the beat of the music.

I'm so excited for this weekend! For this week, as a matter of fact. Annie is flying in today and Amy is coming down tomorrow. And we are going to play and I'm so excited! Mission reunion on Friday evening and Mom and Dad on Thursday. Erin and Loey on Friday. General Conference on Saturday and Sunday.

I'm trying to see the glass half full.

Family Pictures.

2011-09-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

Mainly cause I just miss my family right now.

Battle Wounds

2011-09-18T20:02:00.001-05:00

This is the battle wound of marriage...and the art of learning to sleep with another person of the opposite sex that isn't your brother. The other morning I woke up and was looking at myself in the mirror while brushing my teeth and noticed a little mark on my eye. Then, clear as day, I remembered that night when Jeff sort of smacked me in his sleep. Yep, what we do for love. I, personally, thought it was sort of funny. I remember how much it hurt when it happened, but then totally forgot about it til I saw the mark. Jeff, on the other hand, feels bad. Means I picked a keeper. =)

Football season...especially college football.

2011-09-17T14:15:00.002-05:00

Well, in my 4 weeks of being married, I've learned that when football season starts - college football mainly - it's nearly impossible to talk to my husband or to get him to respond. It's a funny transition to see: studious, college man to giggle-like-a-little-school-girl-when-the-Hawkeyes-score boy. The distraction of the game consumes him and, until that last game on Saturday night - no matter who is playing - he will once again return to normal. Haha. I sure do love my husband.

Longest, fool.

2011-08-12T15:48:00.002-05:00

Er chopped her hair.
I now have the longest hair out of all the girls. Officially.
Check it, fool. This is a once in a lifetime sort of deal.
Picture laterrrrr.

Freaks!

2011-08-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Obviously, if you know my family - especially my sisters and me - you know we are kind of freaks. And Saturday proved to be no exception.

Remember this picture of Clare and I squishing Cami?

Well, the boys were no exception. We absolutely smooched their cute, little cheeks off. And I don't think either of them enjoyed it too much. But it was fun to take the pictures.

And to complete our weird family, here's Velcro, sleeping in the car as always. Freak cat.

And we just had a little hoe-down to the beginning of That Thing You Do! Gotta love the things you do at home.

Lovin' you lots and lots music video

2011-08-08T14:31:00.002-05:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

The Lord's Timing.

2011-07-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about how there's no such thing as chance. Or coincidence. That stuff doesn't exist to me. Just like soul mates. They don't exist to me either. But, I just think about all the little things that happen every single day that we don't even give a second thought about. Like, today, I was driving home from the Gourley's and as I was coming around the blind corner heading home, some idiot was in my lane, going way too fast, but yet, it didn't happen. I couldn't help but think, 'What would happen if I was going a little bit faster?' or 'What would have happened if I hadn't stopped to get gas?'. You know, stuff like that. And that's something minuscule, but it happens each and every day. And then how many of those things happen and result in being huge blessings in our life. Like, making a random trip to Nauvoo in June. That was a tiny thing, but the effects will be everlasting. I guess it comes down to - by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. What a blessed life I live.

Happiest Girl on the Block?

2011-07-07T00:04:00.001-05:00

HECK YES.
[Inspired by my layout designer]

Oh, and I get to take a much needed trip to Muscatine.
Tomorrow. Mañana.
[Well technically today. It's 12:04 a.m.]

SO excited, you have no idea.

No Title.

2011-07-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

Well, once again, I've fallen way too far behind on my blogging. Life has just been crazy and I should be better so that I can remember all this stuff. Granted, this is probably more so of a personal journal for me...and I should just make it private. But I like my friends and family to know what's going on in my life. Well, those of you who read this anyways.

There's so much to tell. Mom and Dad brought me along with them to Youth Conference in Nauvoo. For starters, my first and last YC were in Nauvoo...so I felt extremely old. All the youth that this was their last YC were babies at my last one. It definitely put some perspective into my life. While I was there, I had many firsts since my mission. My first dance, my first slow dance [...with a boy. AHH!], and my first date. Jeff Fillmore came to Nauvoo and we spent all day Friday together. It was amazing and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better date. Plus, I was excited because, I'll admit, I totally liked him when I was younger and always had hoped that one day we'd be able to go on a date. So, when that actually happened, I was a little excited. But, we had a blast together. We did some touring, confused a lot of people, walked down to the Mississippi and back, and took a baby road trip to Mediapolis together.

And that's what started it all. After I got off of my mission, I told myself I wouldn't do a long distance relationship. That my boyfriend would live within an hour of me...at most an hour! But, here I am, once again, with the phone glued to my ear. [And my texting skills have gotten better.]

Heavenly Father sure has a way of showing us He's really behind all of this. It's so true. I had all these plans and Jeff wasn't a part of them. Now, that's a whole different story. He's playing the main role in my plans. But, I honestly couldn't be happier. Jeff is everything that I could have ever wanted or asked for in a man, plus more. I don't know how it's possible and I'm not sure how I got this or that I even deserve it, but he's amazing and all around perfect for me. We're different enough that it's going to always be an adventure. I'm definitely going to learn how to stretch and grow. But, that's half the fun. And if life were easy, it wouldn't be hard.

So, with a full plate, I'm ready to dive in.

Many Faces of Rocky and Mimi

2011-06-18T14:41:00.000-05:00

Clare and Clint went to a wedding yesterday. Mom and I took care of the kiddos and while Mom was busy doing something, I entertained Brock for a little bit with the webcam. So, please enjoy the Rocky & Mimi show.

"It's snowing!" [Think Hook style!]

Dripping Water.

2011-06-17T23:33:00.000-05:00

There's a hole in our kitchen floor. If you follow me, my mom, or either of my sisters, you've probably heard stories about dripping water onto Tom through the hole in the kitchen floor. If we get the couch just right and Tom lays just right, it'll drip on him or next to him. The video is this happening from the basement point of view. It's not as good as it usually is. My guess is because Tom saw me setting up the camera and has a smile on his face the whole time. But, enjoy the video. And if you listen really close, you can hear me tripping and falling up the stairs. Baha.

Global Warming.

2011-06-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

Due to recent controversies, I'd just like to share something that had Mom, Clare, and I giggling last night:

"I would like to personally thank Al Gore for the three inches of global warming that was dumped on my home town in late May!"

Thank you, Random Facebook Man for that hilarious statement.

At least the weather was lovely enough for us to take a nice little bike ride on Monday night for Family Home Evening to the Lyndhurst train wreck spot.

Have a lovely day. I know I will. I get to go see the eye doctor after 18+ months. Hooray!

I love Youtube.

2011-06-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

This was one of the first videos I was introduced to once i got home from my mission. And I'm so glad I did. It's creepy, but it makes all of us laugh like nobody's business. Please enjoy this movie as much as my family and I do.

I'll get back into it one day...

2011-06-07T22:39:00.001-05:00

I promise. One day, I will remember to blog regularly. It's just that I've been off it for so long, I forget. But, I'll get into the swing of things.

So, I haven't been doing too much since I've been home. Spending loads and loads of time with my niece and nephews. They're just adorable. And trying to catch up with my friends...well, the ones I still currently have. We made a trip to Wausau a couple weeks after I had gotten home. We stayed at the Lodge there and played at the water park. It was a lot of fun...especially since I didn't have to get up at 4 in the morning to get ready to go to Wausau and report to the high council. I had a fun play date with Sara and Jodi which included Olive Garden, Briqs, and picture taking. It was great to be with them again. I helped Sara celebrate her 23rd birthday with Olive Garden and more pictures! There were a couple trips to Bay Beach and the finding of an extraordinary blue dress. Lots of looking forward to Monday and Tuesday emails and I finally finished cleaning my room!

Now, I've got the job searching and school planning going on. Which, seemed a lot easier when I was on a mission and had my days all planned out for me, $140 deposited to my card each month, and the only worries were about my investigators.

I am excited, though. The future sure is bright.


Bay Beachin' it with the gang.

Sara and me. Fresh off the mission.


Playin' with my girls.


Happy 23 Birthday!


Best 3 dollar investment, ever.

Each Tuesday, I look for their emails.


And every Monday, his.

Welcome Back to the Real World.

2011-05-24T10:12:00.002-05:00

I've been putting off blogging for 3 weeks now. Part of it was that I didn't know where to start and the other part was that I didn't want to face reality. But, here I am, after 18 months of serving Heavenly Father. I guess we'll start off with a recap.

My first two companions in the MTC were Hna. Christensen and Hna. Pechin. We were together for 10 glorious weeks. They are amazing and we had a blast together. We had a lot of struggles, as all missionaries do, but together we worked through them together. The MTC was fantastic! I loved it and wish I didn't have to leave. I loved the people, my teachers, the food, everything. I made amazing friends and the Elders in my district were awesome. I learned so much about the Gospel and it strengthened my testimony. Spanish was more of a challange, but I do know that the gift of tongues is real! The Lord prepares and blesses His missionaries for the work which He has for them to do. I spent my first Thanksgiving and Christmas here. It was great! We got to hear from all sorts of General Authorities and other amazing leaders of the Church.

Then began my first transfer. My greenie area was Kennewick, WA, serving in the Pasco 5th branch. My trainer was Hna. Dunoskovic from Newark, Vermont and she was amazing. The best first companion anyone could ask for. She taught me a lot in our 6 short weeks together. I love my greenie area, even though it was still a challenge, trying to understand people and the culture. But, it was great! We had many adventures together including house sitting for some members. Together we fought the battle against the adversary, trying to bring souls to Christ.

My second transfer brought a new companion - Hna. Garcia from Tempe, Arizona. She stayed here for her last transfer of her mission. We had a blast together. And like always, the trials come, but we pulled through. Together we did the Collect the Elect program that our mission did and my first experience tracting was with her. We also had the challenge of losing our WML, so together, all us missionaries tried to help keep the branch afloat. It was hard to say goodbye to this amazing woman, but that's part of missionary life.

My 3rd transfer took me over to Vancouver, WA, where I served in the Vancouver 5th Branch. It also took my back to my trainer for her last six weeks of her mission. We had a baptism together and rebuilt the area. Our time there together consisted of tons of fun, especially on our 2 hikes to Punch Bowl Falls. I made my first phone call home on Mother's Day and talked to my family. It was amazing. I absolutely fell in love with the area and the people. This lovely lady was soooo hard to say goodbye to! After many tears, I sent her on her way back home.

4th transfer brought a TON of changes! I became the senior companion and greenie busted Hna. Kendell from Ogden, Utah. In our 6 weeks together, we said goodbye to a mission president, hello to a new one, a cross mission trip to the Tri-Cities, a wonderful Dance Festival, and so much more. We made one stop to the Krispy Kreme when the hot sign was on. I absolutely enjoyed every second I spent with her and it was so much fun to work with someone that was only 6 weeks younger than me. We were young, but we worked so hard.

My 5th transfer, I trained a new missionary - Hna. Rico from Draper, Utah. I'll admit, I was really intimidated by the calling of being a trainer. I didn't feel ready in the slightest, but the Lord became my source of strength. I turned to Him many a time on bended knee, asking for the strength to carry the magnitude of the calling I was given.I grew so much and my Spanish improved immensely. I also was asked to go to the Tri-Cities for a specialized training on the 8 new lessons. We also did a lot together. We had a branch camping trip and did ton of service for other people.

My 6th transfer was the first time I hadn't heard my name in a transfer call. As we started our second transfer together, miracles continued to happen. Hna. Rico and I worked really hard together. We didn't have as much success at first, but we began to see the fruits of our labors. We also helped out the City of Vancouver on September 11th. We harvested carrots with all the other missionaries in the zone. This was the transfer where I had more struggles, but I also grew the most. I now know that Heavenly Father's plan is greater than mine and I trust Him in that.

Yakima was calling my name on my 7th transfer. I was called to serve in Yakima, WA, in the Yakima Valley 2nd Branch with Hna. Salmon from Riverview, Florida. It was hard to get to know the area and we used a map all the time. The area we served in was huge, making it more difficult to learn. Hna. Salmon and I started to rebuild the area from the black hole that it was. With the help of awesome elders, we helped to improve the branch and members in that area. I spent my 22nd birthday with my district and companion at district meeting. It was hard for me to love Yakima like I loved my other areas.

My 8th transfer brought exciting things. Serving with Sister Salmon still, we got doubled in to the Terrace Heights ward as well. For me, it was the best of both worlds. I met so many amazing people in the ward and as we began to work with both, our success increased. I also spent my second Thanksgiving and second Christmas in Yakima. The snow also came and things got a little more challenging, but the Lord ALWAYS blesses us. He brought amazing people for us to teach and I started to really love the people this transfer. I fell in love with Yakima.

9th transfer brought SO many surprises. I got to be with Hna. Kendell again and together, we tore it up. I absolutely enjoyed being with her every single day! We had awesome success together and continued to build the work. We started working more with the English ward and met Heather together. Heather, our little miracle, is amazing and as we watched her grow, she would continually change our lives. As we started to follow the council of our mission president, we began to see everything falling into place. And in our own tradition, we had a training in the Tri-Cities and made a few roadtrips.

My 10th transfer was amazing. I continued to have a fabulous companion and we saw all the miracles. We had some baptisms and looked for every single little baby miracle we could. Our attitudes changed as we watched our fellow missionaries struggle with their problems. We helped them out and tried to forget ourselves and concentrate on others. Although our finding efforts weren't as good as we wanted, the members helped us out so much as they would give us referrals. This transfer ended in bliss as we learned that Hna. Kendell would be my last and longest companion.

My last transfer was amazing. It went by quicker than the blink of an eye and we saw sooo many things happen because of obedience. I learned the value of my mission and so many more things I can't even say. My mission meant everything to me. It still does. I've cherished every single moment and every single person I've met and grown to love. I'm thankful that I ended my mission in an amazing area, with awesome fellow elders, and with the best companion anyone could ask for. It was topped off by Aramis' baptism the Sunday before I left.

The last few days, I spent in the Tri-Cities with Sister Burgoyne and Sister Holmes. Leaving my beloved Washington, returning home, and being released as a missionary have been the most emotional moments of my life. I'm so grateful for all the people and the things I've learned. And to my Heavenly Father for giving me this amazing opportunity. Without it, I know that I wouldn't be who I am. I also know I would be empty.

And so ends the greatest adventure thus far.

A Return to Civilian Life

2011-03-05T08:29:00.002-06:00

May 3rd! That's the day Sister Pleshek comes back to Wisconsin and becomes Sammi once again. That's less than 2 months from now. We put her room back together after the Gourleys moved out of it. Now we just need to encourage her to finish strong. Where did the last 16 months go?

Update

2010-05-04T14:26:00.001-05:00

To see what's happening in the world of Sammi, please visit sisterpleshek.blogspot.com Her weekly letters are posted there.

Dilly Bar for Breakfast.

2009-11-14T22:54:00.003-06:00

Yes, I did have a Dilly Bar for breakfast. What of it? I also got new glasses too. You like?

Well, I didn't just have a dilly bar for breakfast. I also ate a half bag of popcorn. Afterwards, Clare and I shared sour Life Saver Gummies, Junior Mints, and a box of Mike and Ikes. Then we had a pretzel with cheese. After the movie, we got Perkins pie and I got an Oreo cheesecake. Tonight after swimming, we went to McDonald's for hot fudge sundaes and cheeseburgers. Yes, I'm a fatty.

Pool Party!

2009-11-09T19:38:00.002-06:00

Andrew, Cami, Adam, and I all had a pool party in the bathtub. It was co-ed and you could only come if you had a date. It ended abruptly when Adam 'puked' in the tub and Andrew jumped out. Funniest thing ever. Oh well, I guess we'll have to wait til Saturday when we go swimming in Wittenburg to have a real pool party. By the way, in case anyone was worried, we all have swimming suits on except for Adam.

Bagels.

2009-11-07T08:53:00.002-06:00

I love bagels. Well, I love certain kinds of bagels, but nevertheless, I still love them. I loved bagels when I lived at home, but I only ate onion bagels. Until I went to college, that is. See, we had this place in the Manwaring Center that sold smoothies and bagels. Any kind of bagel you wanted. Wheat, apple-cinnamon, onion, sun dried tomato and basil, cheese, plain, blueberry, strawberry, everything, poppy seed, egg, 8 grain, sunflower seed. You name it. And they had all sorts of cream cheese and butters you could put on it, too. And Stef and I would eat them almost every day we had class - sometimes even 2 a day. Obviously, this bagel place had a special place in my heart, so you can imagine how EXCITED I was to go back in September and get one or more of those fabulous bagels. But, much to my dismay, it's closed! It's not there. Gone. Zippo. No bagels for me. As I sit here, eating my Tuscon bagel with garden veggie cream cheese, I can't help but mourning Jolynn's smoothie and bagel place. So, if anyone knows where I can get a FANTASTIC sun dried tomato bagel with garden veggie cream cheese, let me know.

A day at the Mill

2009-11-04T08:56:00.006-06:00

I lead an exciting life

I know I'm late, but...

2009-11-02T00:10:00.002-06:00

...guess who's 21?

ME!

New Love.

2009-10-31T09:16:00.002-06:00

I have a found a new love. And it's a 3 barrell hair waver. And I'm absolutely loving every second with it. I first experiemented with one of these when I was in Utah at Sara's aunt and uncle's house over Conference weekend. And it was then that I knew I HAD to have one. And since Walmart pooped out on me and didn't have one, I relied on a most awesome Target! And they had them. It completes me.

Nick and Pumpkins

2009-10-31T08:44:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, I had to work and after work, I spent some time with Nick Hoehn. Now, I haven't hung out with Nick since the summer before my senior year of high school. So, when he asked me to hang out with him, I was more than floored. But, we met at Target and headed to eat. We ate Chinese and just had an awesome time talking. We had to go buy some pumpkins for Institute that night, so we went to IGA. It was hilarious to watch him push a cart around full of 5 pumpkins. It was so much fun. After that, we went to his house and he showed me his 'man hut'. It's really cool. He built this hut thing in a circle of trees. It's got walls made out of sticks and a canopy roof that's insulated with blankets and covered with brush. It's super awesome! Then we went and played with some dry ice and a little video games. After that, we watched his films he's made and saw how his talent has developed. It was really fun to watch. And if you know Nick, there's a ton of humor in those movies. We left for the church at 6:10. We got there and carved pumpkins, wrote letters to missionaries, and ate some good food. It was a fantastic night and I'm so glad that even though I don't have many friends here at home anymore, that I do have a couple. Thanks Nick for a great day!

How hard is it?

2009-10-28T19:29:00.002-06:00

How hard is it to get a picture of a 2 year old and an almost 4 month old baby - both smiling at the same time? Super hard. But you know what, I'll deal with it. On Sunday, I took some pictures with the kiddos because I have this book that I'm taking with me on my mission to keep with me in my backpack or whatever. And so I took this picture to to put in my book. I sure do love my Bubba and Stinky.

I thought I'd throw in there my new favorite picture of Stinky.

One year later...

2009-10-22T20:53:00.004-05:00

So, I started this project a year ago. I decided that I was going to take a majority of my Gresham shirts from sports and such that I wore or that were getting worn out and make them into a blanket. Great idea, right? Yeah, so I started it a while ago and just got so frustrated with it, that I left for Idaho with an unfinished blanket sitting in my closet in January. Well, I had the day off of work today and so I decided that I would do something productive. I made Andrew a Transformer's binder since he stole my cute one with squares all over it. And I dug the unfinished blanket and all it's many pieces out of my closet and layed it out on the table. When I told Mom that I was going to finish it, she just scoffed. But, who's scoffing now? That's right, it's finished and I'm quite enjoying it - despite the fact that some parts of it are rather sad looking. But hey! I'm no expert on blanket making. I just think it's really fun and I'm still learning. Although I'm loving the fact that I have a blanket wrapped around me that was made just by me! It hasn't left my side since I finished it this evening. :-) Next in line are my Nauvoo shirts. Maybe next year.

...

The picture is kind of blurry, but you get the idea.

I sure do love this blanket. (Excuse the fact that I look disgusting.)

Mom also got me a box of 10 knee highs. What a good Mom!

Parent's Night.

2009-10-20T23:34:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my last game as an 8th grade volleyball coach. It was our parent's night and it was a lot of fun. We didn't win, but my girls had a lot of fun and were laughing, so that's all I cared about. They are such fun, sweet girls and I had a blast for the most part. Not too much drama, which is pretty good for Jr. High girls. I wish I was going to be here next year to do it again. I love my little 8th grade ladies!

...

My team our last game. I had 2 of my girls sick, so I only had 5 to work with so the 7th graders came and played for me.

Just goofing off after the game.

My pretty flowers they got me.

Pop it Lock it Polka Dot it

2009-10-18T21:31:00.001-05:00

This weekend Clare & I learned the Hoedown Throwdown. Oh the joys of YouTube.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday Andrew!

2009-10-18T19:34:00.003-05:00

Today is Andrew's 14th birthday. Ahh, the joys of being 14. I remember when I was 14. Yeah, I'm super old, but not as old as Brother Munk. Haha. Nevermind. Anyways, since it's Andrew's birthday, that means it's two weeks til my birthday. 21. Too bad I won't be going out and getting plastered like some of my other friends on their 21st birthdays. Oh well, not sad about that at all. But anyways, yesterday I met the Gourleys in Shawano and Dad requested we pick up an ice cream cake for Andrew. Clare went in and picked out 3 possible choices: a mug with beer and foam on it, a panda bear with pink and yellow balloons, or Frankenstein. I chose Frankenstein and had them right 'Happy Birthday Chauncey Webster' on it for Andrew. He didn't get to see this until this afternoon. But it sure was funny. Because it says Chauncey on it, Tom won't even eat it. Funny stuff. Another thing I did today was go down to Point for church. It's such a cute little branch and I definitely wouldn't mind being in that branch. They're just cute people. But, I got to see one of my really good friends, Elder Wilkins, while I was there. He's serving there and it was so great to see him. It was almost like he was back in Gresham again. Anyways, it was a fantastic day today.

...

Andrew and his cake.

"Chauncey Webster?"

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Mom made S'More pizza!

Me and the kiddos.

October 11th.

2009-10-18T19:29:00.003-05:00

Today I...

...listened to Merrit give a talk. ...gave this baby boy a bath.
...almost convinced this little girl that the license plate was in fact, not the 'commandments', but decided to was too cute to tamper with.

October 5th and 6th.

2009-10-18T19:03:00.003-05:00

We woke up in Idaho Falls to SNOW on the ground. NOT a fan of that! But, we took some pictures, ate a little breakfast, and then headed to Rexburg. We dropped Erin off, wandered around campus, said goodbye to Erin, and then headed back down to Utah. We stopped in Provo to go to the bookstore, see the MTC, and just gander around. We made a stop at the Sister Missionary Mall where I got some skirts. Sweet deal for me! I'm about done with my mission clothes and stuff now! We kept going down to Springville to stay at Dean and Sharla's. We played some kickball, ate really good dinner, and watched the Packers get spanked by the Vikings. Brett came over for a little bit and then an 'early' bedtime [at least for this trip] of 11:30. Up at 4:30 a.m. on the 6th to catch our flight back to Denver. We had an hour and half layover there which was poopy, but that's okay. We got home at 5:30 and I headed off to a high school volleyball game where I watched the Lady Cats defeat Rosholt. All in all, it was an amazing trip and I couldn't have asked for a better time!

Me and Baby Aubrey

Watching the kiddos while Al takes the boys to school.Say the magic word!

October 4th

2009-10-18T18:46:00.004-05:00

Early morning, once again. We got up to get ready for our morning session of Conference. Once we ate breakfast, got ready and packed, we left. We actually woke up to a couple bolts of lightening and cracks of thunder. Rain. Oh joy! But thank goodness for umbrellas. It actually wasn't as bad to get to Conference today because we stayed in downtown Salt Lake and the parking garage where we parked was close. And we didn't have to wait in any lines. Which was super nice. Great conference, once again. It just reminds me of the living prophet and how much our Heavenly Father loves us that He sends us these inspired men to lead and guide us. What a blessed people we are. And how lucky I was to be in the presence and listen to the prophet of the world. Here's a little tidbit you might not know. After all the sessions, the SLC elders meet at the Reflection pool. And having two friends from my stake that are Salt Lake missionaries, we got to see them. It was a lot of fun seeing them, but really hard because I couldn't hug them or anything. Bummer. Oh well. Afterwards, we headed up to Idaho. A long drive, but always exciting. It was really hard not to fall asleep. But, once we got to Idaho Falls, Lo was there and so was Nichola. We played Scategories, as always! :-) It's a family favorite! But, we spent the evening together and it was sheer bliss. Minus the fact that Stefie had to work. Another late night, but so well worth it!

Sara and I under our sweet umbrella.

Chillin' at before Conference.

Amazing Salt Lake Temple!

Us and Elder Rice!

A video of the missionaries singing on Temple Square. The last part is the best because the Elder is conducting with an umbrella.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

October 3rd

2009-10-18T17:44:00.006-05:00

We woke up the next morning around 8. I made the girls some waffles since I was feeling the homemaker vibe. And not even waffles mix that you just add water too. Like, waffles from scratch. We went outside and fed the chickens some oatmeal. And it was freaking hilarious. After that, Erin and I jumped on the trampoline for a little bit. After that, we all took showers and got ready for the day. It was fun to get ready, just the three of us. We took some pictures and headed off for Conference around noon. Good thing, too. It took us forever to find our stupid parking spot. But, we finally found it and got some good seats in our section. It's a good thing we went as early as we did because the rest of the family and the Wellings were a little late and wouldn't have had seats by us. Pays off to be prepared. Conference was, as always, AMAZING! I loved every single bit of it. And I love the fact that I got to spend it with my family and best friend. After the session, we went and checked into our hotel and then the boys walked over for the Priesthood session. Us girls took the rental car back to the airport and made a pit stop at East High. After we dropped the car off, we went and got some dinner and had a girls night complete with Sweet Home Alabama, chips and salsa, subs, and some good drinks! After the boys came home, we went down to the weight room and messed around in there for a little bit before us girls went back to our room and messed around, taking a million and one pictures. Finally, we were tired and went to sleep. What a great day!

Making waffles!

Feeding the chickens.

Jumping on the tramp.

Sisters.

Sara and I sitting on a cute bench.

Standing in a window frame looking to the temple.Conference Center

Us girls and the SLC temple.

Right after Conference.

Sara, Erin, and I at our last time and Sid and Carol's.

Girl's Night!

After a good workout in the gym. :-)

Messing around in our bed.

End of our photoshoot and almost time for bed.

October 2nd

2009-10-18T17:19:00.003-05:00

We had a flight out of Milwaukee super early the next morning. 6 a.m. to be exact. And it was fun getting up, getting ready, and headed out the door. We flew from Milwaukee into Denver where we didn't have much of a layover. The only poopy part about being in Denver was we flew a little puddle jumper to Salt Lake and while we were at our ground terminal, someone had a door open and it was colder in Denver than in Wisconsin and Utah, so we didn't like Denver too much. Plus, it didn't help that I was really hungry. We flew into Salt Lake around 9:30. We got our rental cars and then headed out. We went to the Joseph Smith building so we could go to Distribution. After that, we went over to the Sharp's house [Dad's mission president]. We ate a little bit of lunch over there. Of course, we didn't want to eat too much because we were still getting ready for some Tucanos!! But, Tom, Andrew, and I all played down in their basement on the fitness orbs before we left around 2 to go eat at Tucanos, courtesy of Andy Thompson. Thanks Andy!!! Erin and Sara met us there. YAY!!! Oh boy, Tucanos sure is the place to be if you LOVE to eat some really good meat. And if you like good looking meat boys, of course! :-) After we stuffed ourselves, we went our separate ways. Mom, Dad, and the boys headed to Evanstan to spend some time with the Wellings and Sam Rex. Meanwhile, back in Utah...

Erin, Sara, and I headed to Centerville to Sara's aunt Carol and uncle Sid's house. They too let us stay there without hesitation, even though they were in Bear Lake. Thanks Carol and Sid!! I've been to their house once before last summer, and I loved it. Their house is beautiful and not to mention the company is even better! But, we let Erin shower and then we went to South Jordan. I went to go see Brett and the girls went shopping. I stayed with Brett and his parents for about 2 hours and it was really fun to spend some time with them. It was awesome to see them again after not seeing them since March. Erin and Sara came to get me and we went to Target and got the Hannah Montana movie [which I had never seen] and some good treats for our girl's night. When we got back to Carol and Sid's, Erin and I played a little ping pong, we all ate our DEATH BY CHOCOLATE cake from Tucanos, and then got in our PJ's for some Hannah Montana goodness. The exciting thing was that we had a late night vistor - Jordan's best friend - come get some video game controller. But he scared us because he just came in and we heard someone walking around. Yeah, it was nuts. All in all, a FANTASTIC day!

Dad, Andrew, and I all on the ride to Denver.

Andrew and I working out on the Fitness Orbs.

Sara, me, and Erin eating Death by Chocolate.

Our well done meat servers!

YAY! Hannah Montana!

October 1st

2009-10-18T17:06:00.004-05:00

I actually spent the whole day in a frenzy. I stayed up extra late Wednesday night, packing all my things for our trip to Salt Lake, since I'd have ZERO time on Thursday. I woke up at 6 to be at work at 8. I worked from 8-2. Immediately when I got home, I grabbed my things for my game up in Neopit. I jumped on a bus and coached my girls to a victory. That was pretty exciting for them...and me as well. I didn't take the bus home, but went with Mom and we jetted home so we could grab something to eat and then start our trek down to Milwaukee. We stayed at the Barretts home. Unfortunately, they were out of town, so we didn't get to see them, but it was so nice of them to let us stay in their awesome house. I couldn't believe really how big it is and how many stinkin' bathrooms are in that place. WOAH! But we played some ping pong there, read scriptures, and went to bed since we had to be up early to catch our flight!

Me, Tom, and Andrew showing off our Fruit Roll-Up tongues.

Tom settling in to one of the many sets of bunkbeds.

Andrew and I played some ping pong. Kicked his trash.

100 thoughts for my 100th post.

2009-09-23T17:42:00.005-05:00

So, I wanted something spectacular to be on my blog for my 100th post. Maybe fireworks, some amazing pictures, and a great story. But you know, I'm okay if that doesn't happen. I was thinking the other day how this blog is like my journal and when I write in my journal, I don't sensor things or leave things out, unlike when I write in this blog. And I've thought about going private, but really, I don't know if it's that big of a deal. If you're offended by the things I write, just simply don't read it. Besides, it's your choice whether or not to be offended or hurt. So here goes my 100 thoughts.

I love music. Music is SO great. I love that it can change and effect your mood more than almost anything else in this world. Music heals. Music helps. Music advises. Music comforts. Music is AMAZING!
Sometimes it's really hard for me to be patient. I try, and I try, and I try. But sometimes, I just fall short.
Reading wikipedia is awesome. I could spend hours and hours on that site reading random information about all sorts of things I'm interested. And while that information probably won't benefit me or be useful in my life, I still think it's awesome.
My niece is so stinking funny. She's just the best. She makes my heart happy.
I love my spectrum of friends. I have friends that are absolutely saints. And I have friends that don't do so great of things. But I love them all nevertheless. I wouldn't be who I am today without those wonderful people I call my friends.
I loved driving to work this spring and seeing the beauty all around me and feeling so incredibly blessed by a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to bless us with wondeful creations. And I continue to love driving to work just looking at all the amazing things we're given. We're lucky!
The small connections between people that are discovered are the best. You're friend is friends with so and so and they know someone from a different part of your life. What a fun thing to discover.
I love Matthew Wilkins. He's such a great guy. He's such an amazing friend. I couldn't ask for a more strong example and person. He's come through so much and still manages to be incredible. He's always willing to listen to me and I have so much fun with him. He turns my day completely around. There are no words adequate enough to tell you how much I'm thankful for him and his friendship.
I love Play-doh. Even though it makes your hands stink, it's just fun to roll the dough around and make little creations.
Mom's cooking is awesome!
Yellow is my favorite color. Yellow is so happy and cheerful and bright. If I could be a color, I'd be yellow.
I feel my parents were and are inspired people. If we hadn't participated in the City of Joseph, I know that my testimony wouldn't be as strong as it is today. I wouldn't have the conviction of the truthfulness of the gospel and the undying testimony of the Prophet Joseph. And to also have my life blessed with those I know and associated with during that time of the pageant.
I miss it. A lot. Although I do feel priviledged to have ever participated in something that amazing.
I love my late night phone calls with Sara. I love staying up way too late ranting and raving about our frustrations. It is the best therapy there is. And she's the best person in the entire world. She deserves everything and more. I love that I can call her my best friend.
I'm glad I'm not married. Not only because I'm not ready, but I also don't think that I've dated enough. I still have things I need to do before I take that step in my life. And plus, I've got all eternity to be with my husband. No rush.
Seeing my nephew smile makes my heart melt.
I love EFY. EFY music, EFY people, EFY counselors. Just everything!
Swinging on swings and jumping on trampolines are things that I absolutely LOVE. Even if I get sick of it at the time, the thought never ceases to make me excited.
If I could go anywhere, I'd go to: England.
When I grow up and get married, I want to live in a city that's got just my family and friends in it. No one else. Only people I like.
Baths are the best. In the bath, you can shave your legs and freshly shaven legs feel oh so good.
I like 5 o'clock shadow on guys. Even if it hurts to kiss.
I love to make people laugh. It makes them happy and it makes me happy.
I don't like wearing pants. Especially dress pants. I'd rather live in shorts and such.
I still love to watch the Disney channel and ABCFamily and all those shows that are considered 'kids' and 'tween'.
I loved the YSA Conference I went to this last weekend. I loved swing dancing with a guy that plays on the NBA. I loved feeling like tiny girl that he could just throw around like it was no big deal. I love that he's so friendly and we had fun together.
If I had to pick one show to watch for the rest of my life, it would be The Office. And if I had to pick one band to listen to forever would be Rascal Flatts.
I feel so very lucky to be in the position I'm in. I'm young, I'm single, and I've got the whole world in my hands. I have no HUGE responsibilities and I really can do anything I want. And I love the fact that I'm using part of this opportunity to serve the Lord.
I love things that are bad for you. Well, by that I mean, I like sucking helium from a balloon. And I don't do it anymore because it's bad for you. But I would love to do it.
I don't carry cash with me.
I've never watched a VeggieTales episode in my life and don't intend to.
I love anything mint. It's so good. Andes, York Peppermint Patties, Grasshopper cookies, etc.
I love to color.
Singing is amazing. I love it. Even though I'm not fantastic at it. And my husband WILL be able to sing!
Star gazing is a fantastic choice for an activity.
I love youtube.com. I think some of the the unfunniest videos are hilarious. Just because they're that ridiculous.
DVDs are kind of my weakness. Although I've been doing great. When I shop, I use the phrase: 'If I can't use it on my mission, I can't buy it.' It's worked...for the most part.
I don't necessarily follow my home teams religiously, but I do love the Packers, the Brewers, the Badgers, and the Bucks.
I love holding my sleeping nephew.
My sisters are great. They bring a great light into my life. If I didn't have them, my life would be pretty empty. They make me laugh and I more than enjoy the time I spend with them. They're the best sisters ever!
I love my mommy too. She's so fun. And she knows what I'm thinking even though I don't say it. She gives great advice and I love her more than I can say. And even though she doesn't trust me and constantly thinks I'm going to beat her up, we still have fun.
Pictures are the best! I can look at pictures over and over and pick out each detail of the picture. I also love taking pictures too.
I love sports. I love coaching. I love playing volleyball. I love playing basketball.
Board games are great things. They're really fun. Especially Sorry. It's super fun to play that game.
I love feeling like I'm beautiful.
I don't like not finding words to describe how I feel. It kind of irritates me because then I can't tell people how I'm really feeling.
I don't understand why some people just can't take a hint.
I'm the kind of person that what you see is what you get. I don't pretend to be something I'm not because that's not who I am.
Dancing is AWESOME! I'm a freaking dancing machine! A dancing fiend! I absolutely love it even though I'm not fantastic. But I love it so much. Even if I do get sweaty and gross afterwards.
I play the piano at least once a day. Not that I necessarily get better, but I just love to play.
I love chocolate chip muffins. And I love sun-dried tomato bagels with garden veggie cream cheese on them.
I'm surprised at how my breath is taken away.
I love it when I have nice, tweezed eyebrows.
I love having short hair, although sometimes for styling purposes, I wish I had and looked better with long hair.
I love the smell of cookies baking.
I eat corn mixed into my lasagna.
Reliable cars are so nice. I love driving my Papa's hemi, though. There's just something awesome about behind the wheel of a vehicle of that caliber.
I love cardigans.
Kohls. I love Kohls and all their cute stuff. I also can get mission clothes and shoes there.
Missionaries over for dinner is always exciting.
I love getting cell phone signal in my room. And my new purple razor.
The feeling of grass in between my toes is fantastic. I love running outside when the grass has been freshly cut and is thick and full.
Campfires smell so good. And I love camping.
I love going to the temple and performing ordinances.
Where would I be in this world without my cousins? They are amazing and I love them. If I didn't have them, I would just die. They bring joy to my life and lots of new exciting adventures.
Coming home after church on Sunday is the best when there's no dishes in the sink.
I like being in my pajamas, but I feel lazy if I don't get up and dressed.
I loved making leaf houses when I was little. It gave me a chance to design my own house with all the luxeries I wanted. If only those houses were ever realities.
I love it when I find an outfit or a shirt that makes me want to dance. That's how I know it's a keeper! :-D
I'm super excited to learn Spanish. I'm excited to be fluent in it. I'm excited for it to help me in my future with a job and school.
I have an super awesome life. I'm excited to live it. I think it'll turn out awesome!
I can't wait to be a mom. I'm definitely not ready right now, but when I am, I want to have a bunch. I can't wait to teach my children the gospel of Jesus Christ and see them get excited about it.
I'm pumped about teaching the gospel to the people of Washington. I'm stoked to see their lives change and watch the Atonement work. I'm so excited to teach those people the Lord has prepared to receive me and my companion.
I love having good days. Like today. Today was a very good day.
I love having company. I like roommates. I love living with people. I don't like being alone.
Family dinners are bomb.com.
I love that my whole family has facebook.
I love it when I surprise myself at the knowledge that I have. I love to just see it when the Spirit takes over and I just say things that I would never say if I was being guided.
I can't wait to go to cosmetology school. I love hair!
I love laughing. It's such a nice experience.
I like leaving things better when I leave them.
I love to cook. And bake. I'm not necessarily good, but there's something exciting about making things and seeing how they'll turn out and learning from your mistakes.
I love my birthday. I love the month. And the date. And the year. It's just a great day.
I love to fly. I think it's so fun to take off in an airplane. If I had one super power, it would be to fly. That would be amazing!
I wish people weren't close minded. I wish that they saw things in black and white. Because really, that's how things are. Black and white. Good and evil. There is no gray area. If you're not doing good, you're doing bad. You can't justify sin.
I voted for John McCain. And not necessarily because I like him. I just liked him better than Barack Obama. You know, you vote for the lesser of two evils.
I love listening to Sister Julie Beck talk. She's incredible. She's such a sweetheart. I feel lucky to have had heard her speak. I'm glad she graced me with her presence.
Surprises and I have a love/hate relationship.
I'm a complete spazz. I go nuts and I'm random. I also love meat and the number 45.
I feel as if my skin is the only thing keeping me from going everywhere at once.
Thank goodness for belts.
I love to read. Most anything, actually.
I'm not a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies.
I love the fact that my aunt and I bonded tonight over mission talk. My aunt that I haven't talked to in so long.
I love the sound of a perfect harmony.
I loved high school and would relive those memories in a second.
Cinnamon rolls in the morning are the best! Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal and has my favorite food. There are so many options for breakfast. I love breakfast!
My ward is awesome. Even though we have crazies, it's still great. I love my RS and the YW presidencies. They're truly great women who have so much knowledge and wisdom to offer. They're such giving women and have so many blessings coming their way.
I love taking family pictures.
Everything I do is always worth it. And I make sure of it. I don't seal my heart. I let everyone see who I am. And I've fallen tons of times and have had to get back up again. My heart's been broken. But, I learn. I live and I learn.

YSA Conference.

2009-09-20T19:53:00.006-05:00

This weekend we had a YSA Conference in Minneapolis and it was super, super fun! I had a blast! On Friday, Nicole and I drove over there and got caught in the leftovers of traffic, so we were a little bit late, but it was alright because we didn't miss any of Sister Beck's fireside! She was absolutely amazing! She talked about us as YSAs and how we can share the gospel in easy, simple ways. And also how we're the Lord's secret weapons. It was simply amazing! She brings the Spirit with her in addition to her amazing self. After her fireside, we had a little theatrical snack. Some of the members of the Uptown Ward put on a variety of songs from musicals like Wicked, The Secret Garden, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Little Shop of Horrors. For the most part, it was really cute! After that, we went over to the house we were staying at. We stayed with Megan at her and her fiance's house. They bought a cute little house and she's living there until they get married. Anyways, we stayed up way too late and got up way too early.

On Saturday, we started the day off with seminars. The first one I went to was given by Sister Beck just for the ladies! :-) She just answered questions that we asked. We mainly talked about our roles as women, how important we are to God's plan, and how we need to learn to listen to the Spirit. It was such a good lesson! The next seminar I went to was on the Glory of Intelligent Dating. It was so good! Our teacher Sister Mason was so funny. And she made excellent points. I wish that I could have like recorded that seminar so I'd always have it. The last one I went to was on cooking. We learned how important it is to take the time to cook and how yummy it really is. We also got a cookbook on a whole bunch of 15 minute meals split into categories.

After all the seminars were done, we ate lunch and had a service project. We made games for little kids, so that equalled coloring and cutting! And I'm a big fan of both. After the service project, we went to a park in St. Paul. It was so pretty. We played games, ate food, and enjoyed good company. It was really lots of fun. At 5:30, we boarded the riverboat that was going to take us on a cruise down the Mississippi River. We left at 6 and it was amazing to see the scenery as we went down the river. It was fun to make new friends and get to spend time with my old ones. I actually got to meet and become friends with Mark Madsen. He's a basketball player in the NBA. It was really funny though because he told me that he played for the Lakers and the Timberwolves and I was dumbfounded. But, he's such a cool guy and we're good friends. We're going to get together some day soon and bake some bread. But for real, he's so awesome. Just the nicest, funniest guy. Actually, we did some swing dancing together. And I've never really done any swing dancing because I'm too tall and I'm usually bigger than all the guys that I've danced with, so with him being 6'9", it really worked out in my favor! :-D But, minus the whole Lacy thing and her fainting, it was such a fantastic night!

Nicole and I didn't stay for Sunday. We actually drove home and got to Gresham about 3:45 a.m. this morning. It was nuts and we immediately fell asleep in my bed. But all in all, a fantastic weekend! I haven't done anything since I've gotten back from out west besides work and such, so it was fun to hang out with people my age and in my area and just have so much FUN!
...

Me, Nicole, Lacy, and Joanna at the park right before we ate dinner. Amy refused to be in the picture with us.

Me, Mark, and Tyler after we each did 5 chin-ups on the ledge of the first floor of the riverboat. That's why we're friends!

Nicole, Lacy, and me with our shades on. We had just boarded the boat and were waiting to push off from the shore.

Me, Lacy, Amy, and Nicole all dancing in the downstairs part of our boat. It was so much fun just to dance again. I'm a dancing machine, what can I say?

Mark and I swing dancing. I still can't believe that I got to do that. It was so fun and exciting and I'm always up for new experiences and things!

UP to.

2009-09-20T19:46:00.003-05:00

Up to said like on Sleeping Beauty. Lately I've been filling my life with this:

and this:

and these two:

9/9/2009

2009-09-10T20:39:00.003-05:00

My day today was filled with flights! Oh yeah, and more than that, airports! I flew out of SLC at 7:15 a.m. I almost missed that flight, so that was exciting. I flew from SLC to Denver, and sat in Denver for about 2 1/2 hours. I flew from Denver to Milwaukee. I sat there for another 2 hours just to catch a 20 minutes flight to Green Bay. Our flight was early, so I waited in Green Bay for an extra half hour. Mom picked me up and we went to Shiocton for a Coaches and A.D.'s banquet. Finally, at 9:30, we were home. Let me just say, there's no place like home!

9/8/2009

2009-09-10T19:42:00.003-05:00

Today was an exciting day! I woke up bright and early and got ready for the day. Lo and I went to the bank and then went to the Bookstore with Erin to get all of Lo's books. We only ended up getting about half of them, but I got some shirts for the boys and a book for the plane ride home. The new Jack Weyland, actually. But after that, we went back to Lo's apartment to eat lunch all together before I left for Provo. Stef, Korey, and Addi came to get me and Erin in Rexburg. We all went back to IF and dropped Korey off, changed the oil in Stef's car and we headed down to Provo at 3:30-ish. We got down to campus at about 7:30 and picked up Danielle. Then we headed to Red Robin! Brett met us there and it was just such a fun dinner. I loved having my friends there. It made it all the more enjoyable. After that, we went over by J and visited him. Oh man, I missed him. He's such a great guy. Later we went back to Lehi to spend the night at Hannah and Karter's house. We talked to Hannah for a while and then we all went to bed, since we had to wake up early in the morning.

Emily and me right before I left.
Hello, Provo.
Hugging the Marriott Center.
Danielle and me right after we left Red Robin.

Joseph and I at his apartment.

9/7/2009

2009-09-10T19:18:00.003-05:00

Amy came to visit me today! It was awesome! After she and I talked for a real long time, Sara came over and we went to eat at Fongs. We were then joined by Janna, Emily, and their friend Marcus. We all got snowcones then and headed over to Eric and Ashlyn's to watch a disc of THE OFFICE. It was super fun! After that, we got ready for bed. Lo got her stirrup pants from Jan and Em. We also reunited our 'Fart Band' from years and years ago. It was really funny and us girls were just off the wall. We fell asleep to the Wedding Singer.

My Amy Marie and me.
Eating in the cafeteria on campus.

Showing off our Snapples for Ry.

My girls and I with some yummy snowcones.

Marcus and I are a BOM apart since we're both missionaries.

9/6/2009

2009-09-10T18:19:00.004-05:00

Sunday was really exciting. We all got up and got beautiful for church. After we went to church, we came back and watched part of the first season of Gossip Girl. We also ate Tuna helper, brownie batter, and chips. It was really yummy. Jan, Lo, Erin and I went back to Rexburg after Stefie went to work and Nichola went to Bear Lake. I went over to see Sara and to help her unpack a little bit. Then we went down to Birch to eat pot pies and PB&J for dinner. We spent time that evening talking and writing missionaries. We watched movies that night and just enjoyed being with each other! What a great day!

Writing to our missionaries!

Watching a movie right before bed.

All ready for church.

My beautiful cousins.

9/5/2009

2009-09-10T18:04:00.005-05:00

We woke up, got ready, and ate breakfast right before we left Bismark at 7:30-ish a.m. It was nice to have the break halfway through. It makes the drive go faster, I think. Anyways, we stopped in Billings for lunch and gas and again in Idaho. We got into Rexburg at about 6 that evening and surprised Jan at the apartment. We went to Idaho Falls to stay at Al and Jack's with Nichola and Stefanie. We went swimming at the Hampton while Stefie was working. Afterwards, we went to Walmart and got pizzas to eat. That night, we watched My Father the Hero. I recommend this movie. It's so funny and those girls loved it! We went to bed when Stef started Made of Honor after she got back from work. All in all, a FANTASTIC day. I love to be in Idaho.

The best clip from My Father the Hero:

Janna and her really yummy cupcake!

Our pizzas!

9/4/2009

2009-09-10T17:52:00.005-05:00

Erin, Lo, and I started out our journey at 9-ish this morning. It was pretty uneventful until we got to Minnesota. Right past the Twin Cities, there was an accident and we were in a traffic jam for about a half an hour to an hour. It wasn't fun. But we had fun in the car, singing Disney songs. We ate lunch in Minnesota, as well. We drove and drove until the sun went down. By then, we stopped in Bismark, North Dakota and stopped at a Fairfield there. We ordered pizza, showered, and watched TV. We also took lots of pictures to document. It was nice to relax and get out of the car. We watched the Suite Life of Zach and Cody and this documentary on the Amish. Both were good. We went to bed at about 10:30, although I didn't sleep good at all. It's alright though, it just felt good to sleep in a bed.

Taking pictures in our hotel room.

Our stop for lunch and gas.

9/3/2009

2009-09-10T17:46:00.002-05:00

Mom, Erin, and I made a trip to Green Bay today. We went and found lots of good stuff. I got some shoes and an outfit for the mission. Mom got some shoes. And we just had a good time. It was a fun day prior to Erin and I leaving to drive out to Idaho with Lo.

Family.

2009-09-01T11:45:00.004-05:00

I love my crazy, wonderful, silly, amazing family!

Visting Dani

2009-09-01T11:41:00.002-05:00

A week ago on August 25th, Jenni and I made the trek down to Lyndon Station to see our friend Dani that we haven't seen in going on 4 years. It was quite an adventure. We didn't really do a whole lot. A lot of talking took place and we went out to eat at Subway, but other than that, we just enjoyed one another's company. What a joy it is to have amazing friends!

Funny Thoughts...

2009-08-31T16:59:00.003-05:00

So, I was driving to work today and I was listening to some CD's that Erin had made a really long time ago. And it's funny because the stuff Erin has on her CDs is the music that I had put on the computer. Anyways, while I was listening to one particular CD, I heard the song 'Rock the Boat' by the Hues Corporation. I just started laughing because I started thinking about the M&M commercial where they sing that song. That got me thinking about all the movies and clips that just make me bust out laughing and I thought I'd share some of them with you.

1. First off, the commercial that started it all: the M&Ms 'Rock The Boat' commercial

2. I couldn't find just the clip, so you'll have to watch 0:50 to 1:18. Erin and I were watching this the other night wayyy too late and I just had myself. That's what you get for being over tired and watching ridiculous movies. The Big Green: Personal Favor clip.

3. This was watched over and over at our house last Christmas. I'm sad that I'm going to miss those reruns of iCarly this year. iCarly: Neville Christmas

4. He's just such a funny guy. How can you not think this is just simply hilarious?

5. Erin and I discovered this commercial in April of 2008 while we were at the Rexs' watching TV while the boys were at the Priesthood session. We about died laughing.

6. Another late night laughter session came from this cute La Quinta commercial. Why it's so funny is beyond me. Nevertheless, I think it's hilarious.

7. My friend Jeff showed this to me after an EFY and we both sat and watched it forever and ever, just laughing our heads off.

Mission Call!

2009-08-21T12:52:00.005-05:00

I opened my mission call on Sunday and I'm going to the KENNEWICK WASHINGTON mission. I report Wednesday, November 18th, at 12:30 p.m. I'll also be learning the Spanish language while in the MTC.

For more info and updates on my mission, check out my mission blog : http://www.sisterpleshek.blogspot.com/

Nauvoo Time!

2009-08-21T12:22:00.007-05:00

My friend Tamara was getting married on the 14th and I told her that I was going to be at her wedding. Especially since I took my endowments out on the 12th. So, my family and I packed up and left home at 5 a.m. What a trip. We took it in Papa's hemi and can you say crammed? I don't know if the satellite radio was worth it. Haha. Anyways, about 4-5-ish hours into the trip, Clare called and said that my mission call came in the mail and was waiting for me on the table. UGH! If I wasn't going to Nauvoo, I would have wanted to turn right around and go back home. So, I decided that I was going to open it on Sunday. We got into Nauvoo and immediately went and did things. We ran to Keokuck and got some food and planned out a lot of the things we were going to do. That night, we went to Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo. Mom, Dad, and I also did a session in the temple. It was such a fantastic time!

The next morning, I went to Tamara's wedding. It was a long session, but it was good. It went a lot faster with Wendy and Andrew there. I'm so glad that they were there. It made it more FUN! Thanks Wendy and Andrew!!!! After the wedding, my family and I went to the Joseph Smith movie. It was, as always, so good. I've always teared up during the movie, but this was the first time I actually came out of the movie with tears running down my face. It was all I had to do not to sob. But, after that, we went out on the town. It was fun just to wander around Nauvoo once again. I love Nauvoo! Mom, Erin, and I went to the Quarry and walked down the Trail of Hope down to the Mississippi River. We had High Hopes and River Boats in the early evening. After that, Jeff came over and we all went to Sunset by the Mississippi and then VOCAL POINT! They were simply amazing! It was my first time seeing them in person and oh man, I can't say enough good things about them! That night, Jeff and I stayed up wayyy too late talking and watching movies.

Saturday morning, we went to Carthage and were going to leave to go home, but the parental units forgot their pillows. So we had to go back to Nauvoo. It was the longest trip home because I knew what was sitting at home. MY MISSION CALL! But all in all, it was a great trip. I couldn't have asked for a better one...especially since this was my last one before my mission. And next summer will be the first summer in 10+ years that I won't be going to Nauvoo. Sad. But I love Nauvoo and always will!

Trip to St. Paul

2009-08-15T21:52:00.003-05:00

Another crazy week for me! On Wednesday, August 12, my parents, the Gourleys, Susie & Lo, and Erin all made the trek with me to the temple in St. Paul. I took out my endowments not only for my mission, but also so I could go to my friend Tamara's wedding on Friday the 14th. It was quite the adventure. The workers were awesome and took really good care of me, despite the fact that I was nervous beyond all belief and so overwhelmed. All in all, it was a fantastic day that I won't forget. Despite all my nervousness, I felt the Spirit the whole time and it gave me a whole new appreciation for what temples are for and what goes on in them. I'm so blessed to be a member of the Church and be able to not only perform my own ordinances, but help redeem the dead. What can I say? I love the temple! It was such a perfect day outside for such an occassion.

My precious little nephew.

2009-08-10T23:16:00.001-05:00

How can you resist this face?

2009-08-10T17:08:00.003-05:00

Family is the best. And I was blessed to spend some of this weekend with family. All of Kurt and Tina's kids were home. So, we had a big get together at our house yesterday. It was so much fun to talk and just have fun, enjoying each other's company. Of course, the stories that get told are always hilarious! I love my family!

YSA Campout

2009-08-10T13:26:00.004-05:00

August 7-8th

I was co-in charge of a state wide YSA campout that took place in Black Creek over the weekend. It was a lot of fun and despite the fact that we got rained on forever, it was just a blast. There were about 40 people there and it was just a fun group thing. It gave us a chance to get to know one another a lot better. We played games, had really good devotionals, and just had fun with each other.

The only thing that really just drove me nuts was on Friday night. A handful of us stayed up real late just sitting outside by the fire and that was fantastic. We went to bed at 1:30 a.m. Well, some of us went to bed. It started getting worse with the weather and big thunder and lightening storms came, too. For some reason, I just was hyper off my butt and could NOT get to sleep. I tried my hardest, but I just couldn't do it. I was up walking around my cabin, pacing around, sitting on the tables, and walking around outside. There were a couple times during the night where there was such a big thunder and we'd all just get up and start laughing. But, man. I'm so glad Lacy was there. She couldn't sleep after the thunder that clapped at 4:30 that basically shook the whole cabin. She and I just wandered around outside in the rain, playing frisbee, catching frogs, and just having fun. We were soaked by the time everyone else got up, but it was worth it.

Like I said, a FANTASTIC weekend and just so much fun! I'm never objected to a good campout.

Adventures in Green Bay

2009-08-10T13:02:00.006-05:00

August 4th

I spent the day with Meggo and Lo. We did all sorts of things and have great adventures. Here are some of the things we did today:

We went and ate at Old Country Buffet. It was so, so yummy. We also saw a lady there that had purple hair. Meggo and I died laughing. Anyways, we had lots in store for the day.

We surprised Meggo and took her to Lambeau Field! While we were there we tried on Packer jerseys, walked around the Pro Shop, and tried on cheeseheads, and just played around.

Leaving Lambeau Field, we went to the mall and wandered around for a while. We went into Claire's and found these stunna shades! Haha. Needless to say, we didn't get them.

After we left Green Bay, we came back to Shawano to get Pizza Hut to take back to my family for dinner. After dinner, we went swimming at Weed Dam and at Grandpa's. It was really fun, despite the cold water. Relieving ourselves of frustrations was really good.

To end our night, we made some silly videos for our friends that we miss and love so much! It was a fantastic day and night and I loved every single second of it! I just wish Meggo could live here all year round! =)

My papers are IN!

2009-08-02T23:27:00.001-05:00

My mission papers are in Salt Lake at Church Headquarters. All we've got left to do is wait and see where I go. You can also check out my mission blog at www.sisterpleshek.blogspot.com

Sisters.

2009-08-02T23:20:00.002-05:00

Of course we can't get together without going nuts with the camera.

I looooove my sisters!

Brew Crew, born and bred.

2009-08-02T23:15:00.002-05:00

Being born and raised in Wisconsin, of course, I'm a big fan of my hometeams - the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wisconsin Badgers, etc. Not that I watch a lot of these teams play (a few games here and there), but I'm definitely a full supporter of them. And I always want to represent my great state of Wisconsin, so buying a Brewers shirt on Friday or not wasn't an option. Here's a picture of Erin and I wearing our Brewers shirts with great Wisconsin pride!

Bored.

2009-08-02T23:04:00.004-05:00

July 28

Erin and I got bored, so we decided that we were going to take some random pictures outside. Here's the ridiculousness that happened.

Karate kick.

Hiding from the kids on the road.

Eh, just whatever.

Photo shoot in the corn. Erin doesn't have the prop.

Creeper in the corn.

Sprinkler picture.

Playing on the fence.

Best Friends.

2009-07-22T21:46:00.020-05:00

I got to opportunity the other day to spend the WHOLE day with two of my best friends. They are absolutely amazing and I just want to you to have a little taste of what we all did. And even though you will never understand the amazing day I had and how much I loved it. I wish all days could be like this!

We started off the day in Marathon park with a wonderful lunch! Our picnic consisted of homemade lunchables, green grapes, sour cream and onion Pringles, and grape Koolaid. We laid on that blanket for a really long time just talking about everything. It was fun!

Next we went to the mall. We went to this shoe store and I can’t for the life of me remember what it’s called. But, we found ugly shoes, like the ones on Sara. And we proceeded through the store finding all the high heels Jodi would wear.

We made our way into Vanity. We both tried on shirts and Sara ended up getting some. But meanwhile, we tried on all sorts of glasses they had in the store.

Sara and I found these ugly dresses in Maurices. I have no idea what would possess someone to actually wear one of these to a dance, let alone in public. Luckily no one could see us.

After we were done at the mall, we headed over to the Eastbay outlet. We looked all sorts of shoes. Even cute little baby ones. And ugly adult ones. Like these bad boys Sara's got on her feet...again! Rocket dog boots. It's like snow pants for your feet! I also found these shoes that were bigger than my head.

Some of our time was spent at TJ Maxx. Our purpose for going there was to find a cardigan for a dress that Sara got at the Gap. We didn't find one, but instead, we found awesome smelling candles, cute friend things, and a book with an S on it.

We spent a hecka lot of time at Kohl's. We tried on really cute shirts with vests. We tried on a ton of hats. We found an adorable bed in a bag. We put shirts on us and took pictures with them. We continued to walk around the shoe section and pick out more Jodi heels.

We wanted to go see Jodi, so we decided to eat dinner at Sam's Pizza. It was really yummy. We got a Canadian bacon pizza. And lots and lots of water. Jodi was a great waitress. I love me some pizza!

After eating our dinner, we went to Target to let our stomachs digest. In there we found more great hats, $1 Crayola markers, and some good movies! I love Target!

Coldstone was definitely calling our name! So, of course, we went and got some good ice cream. I got Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip or something like that. And Sara got Birthday Cake Remix! Which is the best. Yum.

Jodi's mom requested that we take Maverick for a walk. We ended up walking down to this school and played at the park til it was dark. I love the park!

Another ice cream stop. This time, it's just at Briq's where Sara and Jodi enjoyed 1 pound of ice cream. With crunch. Yum!

And here we end our day, right outside Jodi's house. It was one of thee best days ever!

18th of July.

2009-07-22T21:24:00.006-05:00

On the 18th, we had our 4th celebration because of road construction. It was a cloudy day and rather chilly. But, all is well because it made it tolerable instead of blistering hot. Anyways, the parade was good. I helped Cami collect the loot of candy. She had a good deal. Although I'll admit I felt a little ridiculous and somewhat ashamed because I was this huge kid collecting candy. To add on top of it, I was standing next to a bunch of other little kids, so I almost felt like I was stealing from them. But, it was for my niece, so that's okay...right? :-D Anyways, afterwards we had our annual picnic, which was really good, as always. Just a few families there and it was fun. I played with the little girls all day, minus a ladder ball game with Matt. But, I spent my time entertaining them and trying to get Isabelle to be my friend. Don't worry, by the end of the night, she told me that I could be her friend. Haha. She's so stinkin' funny. I followed her and Cami around that night, feeding them yogurt and playing with them at the park. Quite an adventure and I'm not sad in the slightest that I don't have a 2 and 3 year old to cart around and look after.

But while all this celebration is good and fun, it really does make me proud to be an American. Not only do I feel such pride and joy for living in a country where I can do as I please, I still get the chills when I sing America the Beautiful or the Star Spangled Banner. I am truly a blessed person to live where I do and I do pity those that don't get to have the same opportunities I do. I'm grateful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives and work to give us the freedoms we enjoy and to keep it that way. They're really brave and have all of my respect. I'm so glad that I get to celebrate my freedoms in any way I please. God Bless America!

...maybe we SHOULDN'T.

2009-07-22T09:30:00.001-05:00

I fully intend on posting real things today. And I will. But I was blog reading and saw this on my friends blog.

Just some thoughts...

2009-07-15T08:43:00.011-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I've been...exposed isn't the right word, but it's the only one I can think of right now. I've been exposed to people and their ideas, thoughts, etc. on homosexuality. It's just got me thinking about some of the things people have said and questions they've asked. And the one thing that keeps popping back into my head is The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I took a class last summer at BYU-Idaho on this proclamation and that has given me a full new understanding of that proclamation.

I had a friend recently ask the question why church members were asked to vote against Prop 8, denying gays and lesbians the right to get married. She just didn't understand why. And the answer to that is simple, really. Because the family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and a woman is ESSENTIAL to God's plan.

It really just bothers me that this question was asked. Being a members of the church, both she and I do follow the same living prophet. And this proclamation did come from the prophet of God. I can't help but mention Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. Whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. So, if you're asking a question such as this one, isn't that questioning God? It seems that way to me. And that's a pretty bold move.

In the words of President Barrett: "Do what is right, let the consequence follow." If you follow the counsel of the Lord, you will never go wrong. So, if He wants me to vote no on Prop 8, I will go and do. No questions asked. No hesitation. You can never go wrong by choosing the right. I know that some of you will say I'm discriminating. Go right ahead. I'm standing on the Lord's side, and even if I'm standing alone, at least I'm standing for what's right. Sin is sin, and that is something you really can't justify.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Green Bay Adventures

2009-07-10T12:24:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a really crazy day for me. I was up at 7 a.m. to get ready for the day. The Barretts came over and ate breakfast with us. It was really fun. They're amazing people. President Barrett and I went outside so I could 'show' him the duck pond. We had a really good talk and I felt fantastic afterwards. After the Barretts left, Tom, Andrew, and I went to Shawano so I could go to the bank and do other things there. When we got back, Jodi was waiting for me so we could start our adventure to Green Bay. Andrew came along with us so he could meet up with the Gourleys since they were going to see Transformers. We all met at Bay Beach and swapped kids. Jodi and I took Cami since we were going to the zoo. We ended up going to the Wildlife Sanctuary which was a lot of fun. Afterwards, we went to eat at Olive Garden. And despite our pokey, slower than poop waitress, the food was oh so good. Cami was a good girl and ate all her salad and pasta. After that, we drove to Suamico to go to the N.E.W. Zoo. It was fun. They had some baby lion cubs that weren't so small anymore. But they were playing and tumbling around the cage. It was just really cute. We got to see a baby monkey too. Cami loved that. We left the zoo and Cami fell asleep until we got home. Later that night, Jodi, Erin and I all went to Shawano to get pie from Perkins. All in all, it was just a great, great day. Even though I was completely wore out. But it's fun to have days like that. They're the best!

Bye, Bye Wes!

2009-07-07T21:53:00.006-05:00

FINALLY! He's gone! Wes the Snake is gone. Jillian finally made the best decision she's made on the show and gotten rid of Wes. He was such a jerk. Lying to Jillian about having a girlfriend and being there for the right reasons really did catch up with him. And even though he went on the show for publicity for his band, I don't know if it'll do him any good since everyone hates him now. So, maybe his efforts were all in vain...? I guess we'll see.

So today, I had my first YSA phone conference. It was quite interesting and really can't wait for this upcoming camping trip in Black Creek in August. It's camping for starters. And with all the YSAs from Wisconsin. What's not to be excited about? Needless to say, I really hope that I can change this program around for my stake, making it something people want to go to instead of something they avoid.

One Sunday Evening.

2009-07-05T19:35:00.005-05:00

Sibling loving.

(He's yawning, not crying.)

Our sister Dell computer lab.
(Aren't we very patriotic?)
My perfect niece and nephew.

A night with Jodi

2009-07-05T18:35:00.006-05:00

Friday night/Saturday morning, Jodi and I had a little adventure. It was quite ridiculous. Probably because we were really tired and didn't really care what we did. We did some jazzercise from youtube. That itself was hilarious! We took stupid pictures and just laughed our heads off. We also went shopping for her swimsuit, just in case we decide that we're going to the ocean when we're in Oregon. Yes, by the way, I'M GOING TO OREGON. For my friend Whitney's wedding. I got everything worked out and I'm beyond excited. I'm driving out to Rexburg with Erin, Lo, Jodi and Sara and from there, I'm hooking up with Cortney in Rigby. From Rigby, we're driving to Portland, where we'll be there for Whitney's wedding. Anyways, we had some really good pizza at Sam's, went to WalMart, and then ate ice cream back at her house. All in all, it was just a fantastic night. I love spending good girls nights with amazing friends!

Baby Adam: Day 2

2009-07-02T22:43:00.005-05:00

Erin, Tom, and I all had institute tonight, so we took Cami over by her parents and brother. We spent some time with them holding and loving up baby Adam. He's just oh so perfect and absolutely adorable. You can't help but love him! And even though Tom's the ever so proud uncle, he won't hold him. Although he did tell us on several occasions that Adam was 'so smart' and he loved him.

Adam was getting hungry while I was holding him and his chin started to quiver. It was absolutely the cutest thing ever. But, Erin taped a little bit of his wimpering. I'm so blessed to have a perfect nephew.

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Adam LaMar Gourley.

2009-07-01T22:58:00.003-05:00

Today my nephew Adam was born. He came out of the oven at 10:55 a.m. He's 22 inches long and 8 lbs., 5 oz. We got to visit, hold, and love him all up. He's absolutely perfect!

The cute Gourley family.

Berry Pickin'

2009-07-01T22:37:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we decided that we were going to go berry picking. We met up with the Gourleys and Clint picked a flat since Clare was having the baby the next day. Cami was really excited about the berries and would get really happy when she'd find a big strawberry. We only had one incident where we had to leave the patch. Camille had to go potty and she had her first experience with going to the bathroom in the tall grass. We hopped on a tractor to go back up to the building so I could wash her up. And all the way there and back, she continually told people that. What a goof. She was really excited because as soon as we were done, we got to go feed the goats and the rabbits. Afterwards, Clare and Clint came back to our house to can freezer jam. And to drop off Cami. It was just a really fun day.

Why Monday Night Is Special.

2009-06-29T22:16:00.007-05:00

We all know what happens on Monday night. And yes, Family Home Evening happens on Monday too, but I was more talking about what happens on ABC on Monday Nights. First, we start off with The Bachelorette and continue the night with Here Come the Newlyweds.

I've watched the Bachelor/Bachelorette on and off since it started. I haven't caught all the seasons mostly just because I didn't really care. But this season, I've been a faithful watcher of Jillian Harris and her men. But the last couple weeks have been a HUGE let down for me. First of all, she gets rid of the most perfect specimen she had. Jake. Need I say more? Honestly. He's a pilot, a gentleman, has a perfect smile, great dancer, romantic, real and all around perfect. And he's even from Texas. I can look beyond that fact because he is just all around an amazing package. And the fact that she's STILL got that snake Wes around is absolutely discusting to me. Ick. If she gets burned, she deserves all that's coming to her.

And onto happier things. HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS. My mom, sisters, and I discovered this show on Memorial Day. Even despite the virus that Mom and I both had, we all thought the show was hilarious. It's a glorified Newlywed Game. You have challanges to see how much you know each other and that puts money in the pot for the winning couple. There's competitions and immunity. It's just such a funny show because they do some hilarious stuff. There's a member couple and of course, I was rooting for them. They got voted off tonight, but that's okay. Because some other couples I like are still on. And it was really funny to see the people's comments after the votes were read. They just kept saying the Hinkins were such good people with good spirits and how they continued to be positive, despite being voted off. That just made me happy. It's a show where there aren't really bad feelings and it's fun just to be there, getting closer as a couple and building your relationship.

I highly recommend both shows. Although you may experience some anger with the first one. :)

The Apple Of My Eye.

2009-06-29T21:49:00.004-05:00

I love my niece. And she and I just had a grand ole time yesterday. We played and napped together and it was just a great day. We went outside yesterday to swing and we saw Velcro killing a mouse. She thought it was really interesting and tried to feed the cat some grass in addition to the baby mouse she was devouring.

And now I get to brag up my Cami. I just love my niece. She's such a smarty pants. She knew her alphabet before she was 2 years old. She remembers everything and is such a little sponge. She's so funny. And even though we have to watch what we say around her because she'll repeat everything, she's just hilarious. She's so full of love. She's always giving kisses and hugs. My favorite thing she's done lately is she's walking around our pew yesterday at church and she hugged Clare's belly and said 'Come out baby Adam. I love you.' Then she proceeded to kiss it multiple times. She's just so beautiful and has got the most amazing blue eyes. Listening to her laugh is such a joy. She's got the cutest laugh and even if it's fake, it's still cute. I love that she is such a snuggler. I love it when she sleeps with me. I love that she'll run up to me, screaming my name and hugging my legs.

She's just the best little girl.

Beating Up Sadness.

2009-06-29T21:29:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of me and my two of my best friends. We met in my first semester psychology class. The one in the jacket is Whitney and the one stylin' the green pants and blue shirt is Cortney. On Friday, Whitney texted me and told me that she was engaged. And I couldn't be more excited for her. But then that triggered a sadness. It's so many mixed emotions because I'm thrilled and tickled pink that Whitney has found happiness and she's so in love and has found the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. But it made me feel at a stand still in my life. Once again, I feel like I'm stuck in my rut while people around me are moving on with their lives. So, Jodi and I decided to beat the sadness out of me. I spent the night with her and after I got back to her house after work, we went out to eat at Perkins for some therapy breakfast at 11 p.m. It was just so dang good.

I really just have amazing friends. I really have a blessed life. Honestly, I know I complain about things sometimes...okay a lot of the time, but I have it pretty good. My family is amazing. My friends are the best. And I have the cutest, smartest niece ever and an absolutely perfect nephew coming any day. I'm going out to Utah for Conference in October. Life could not be better.

Yogi Bear Camping.

2009-06-24T16:13:00.005-05:00

Mom told us that we were going to go camping this week sometime in the weekend. We all gave our input on when we should go. Ultimately, they chose to go on Monday through Wednesday. I was pretty bummed because I had to work Monday night and so I wouldn't have the chance to go down to Fremont with everyone. I was going to spend the night in Marion on Monday night, so Clare and I could head down on Tuesday morning, but Mom wanted me to go home so I wouldn't hit any of our deer friends with the Avalon. Erin and I played a little at home before hitting the hay.

Tuesday, I got woken up at 4:30 in the a.m. because Erin had the TV on and was watching One Tree Hill. It was an episode where it was thunderstorming and so I was worried that it was real and my day camping would be spoiled by thunder and lightening. Not that I don't love thunderstorms, I do. But, when I want to spend the day swimming and playing out in the sun, it kind of would ruin that. Luckily, it wasn't so. And later in the morning, I went to Marion to pick Clare up. Clint was meeting us in Fremont after his meeting in Manawa. Clare and I made the drive to Fremont behind a milk truck and a waste management truck. Yipee. Not. But, we made it and got out of the car and into the blistering heat. We spent the rest of the day going in and out of the pool, mixing dinner in here and there. Tom, Clint, Clare and I also went mini-golfing. Not necessarily the best idea, as all of us were sweating ridiculously. After we ate dinner and swam, we watched the Yogi Bear cartoons that the campground plays. Bed time by 10.

Going to bed early, we woke up between 7:30 and 8. I slept with Camille and she must have had a bad dream because she yelled for me and her mom in the night. Oh yes, and her dolls. I love that she knows which one she's missing, without even looking at them. But we ate a yummy breakfast and went swimming. After swimming, we ate lunch and packed up to go home.

I love camping! Whether it's in a camper or a tent. Whether I have a bathroom, or I have to bring my own toilet paper and dig a hole. It's so much fun! Definitely one of my favorite activities. I guess I can attribute that fact to all the times we went camping growing up. I also love that it gives me a chance to get out into the sun. I didn't get real sunburned this time and that was fantastic. Not compared to last summer where I was sunburned everywhere and I hurt all the time! Playing with my family is the best. Even minus the internet and phones, it's pretty great.

Oh yes, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!

Youth Conference.

2009-06-22T11:20:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's been a couple years since I've been to Youth Conference. And that's probably since I'm too old to go. On Saturday, Mom and Dad were coming home from Minnesota and said they needed the van to bring home kids. I went over to the UWMC campus after work and found my parents. The youth had already started their dance. I found them, we traded keys, and then I found Sara. She was a chaperone and so I figured I could stay a little and talk to her. My cousin Matt asked me to dance to escape his stalker, and that was the start of it. Mom asked me if I just wanted to stay and take home the girls. I agreed since I'd have Sara there. And right after my parents left, Sara and I just went crazy dancing. We danced and danced and danced. And, of course, in our own Sara and Sammi fashion, we rarely stopped. Only for the occasional water break and stuff. Even when the youth went to go eat supper and the whole room was cleared out, Sara and I just kept on dancing. After dinner, we even combined both stakes into one circle, bringing together everyone and showing them how to really dance. It was so much fun! And I haven't had that good of a work out in a really long time. And so I'm really sore. That night and even still now, my legs and butt just kill me. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I wouldn't trade the chance I had to go back to my past and remember all the amazing times I had. I love making new friends and playing with old ones.

Chains and Kittens.

2009-06-15T10:20:00.004-05:00

On the 2nd, Jodi came over because she wanted to take a picture by the Gresham sign. So she came over and since I had to go to Shawano to get some pictures, we got some construction paper to make . . . Missionary Countdown Chains! Fortunately for me, I only had to make mine 350-ish links long compared to her 730! We spent 11+ hours making these suckers. And even though it took forever, it was really fun. Who are they for? Just our friends.

On Wednesday, Clare and Cami came out becuase Clare had Activity Days. Since Sunday, we promised Cami that we could go over the the Daniels' house and see the 12 kittens they have. And the last time I held a baby kitten was when Velcro was a baby. It was just so funny to watch Cami with them. But we definitely had a lot of fun. Especially since they have their kittens in some really random places. Like...a little wooden house, a garbage can, and a filing cabinet! Funniest thing I ever saw!

This week has been fun. Jodi's birthday was on Thursday, so before Institute, Nicole and I went over to their house and ate some good food with their family and friends. Friday and Saturday were filled with long work hours. Oh, fun. The only poopy thing was that I missed Erin's grad party on Friday. But, that's okay. Still got some Tina Fuller cake. :-) And Indian tacos!

On Thursday too, I got to go with Clare and Cami to her doctor appointment. Clare's doctor, Dr. Stoffel, is so cool. I really like her a lot. But I can't wait for my baby Adam to come out. He can come out any day he wants to now since Clare's past her 37 week mark. YAY!

Yesterday at church, I got to teach primary. And it was so fun. I really like to teach primary mainly because I love to sing the songs. But I got to teach Jack, Val, Ireland, and Faith's class. Not too bad. Jack sat on my lap and I felt special. And today we have a play date after he gets back from Summer School. I'm excited!

Graduation.

2009-05-30T10:37:00.003-05:00

Last night was Gresham graduation. Of course, it was long...and hot...and personal. But it's all worth it. Yesterday was just such a busy day. Erin had Sectionals in Marathon yesterday and I wasn't planning on going. I was in the middle of making a veggie pizza because I was starving and hadn't eaten all day. Well, Dad told me that he wanted me to go because he was going to pick Erin up some form of ipod thing and he wanted to surprise her and have it all loaded with music, pictures, etc. Apparently that was my job, so I had about 20 minutes to get dressed, do my hair, put all the music from the desktop onto my jump drive, grab my laptop, and finish my pizza. And surprisingly enough, I made it all in time. Even though I forgot my cell phone, it was still pretty impressive hauling butt on my part. Anyways, at the track meet, Erin, Nick, and Tom all made it to the state track meet the first weekend in June. We left Marathon almost just in time to make it back to graduation on time, but since Erin had to go home and shower, change, etc. we were a little late. But it's okay. We didn't miss anything good. Allyssa's speech was cute and fun. It was my favorite one of the night. Zobeck's was a little on the longer side. That's when I took Cami into the back gym to run around and play because she was getting antsy and so was I. She also spotted Whit and baby Jordan so we had to go see them. After that, finally, it was time for them all to get their diplomas and graduate. And then you get to go stand in the back and hug/shake hands with everyone. I'm so glad that I was at this graduation. In high school, other than my own class, this was probably the class where I had the most friends. And maybe because it was my sister's class is why they were my friends, but they just had a bunch of cool kids. So congrats to the GHS Class of 2009 and most importantly my baby sister!

Nothing But Sick.

2009-05-28T21:22:00.005-05:00

Since Monday, I have been sick. Sick and miserable. And it's not like it was an on-coming thing. Mom went home from church on Sunday sick, but after mine and Cami's nap on Monday after everyone left, I woke up with a sore throat. Now sometimes it randomly will happen to me, but it'll go away after a little bit. This wasn't the case. And to add onto that, I was dizzy and achy. Not very fun. Tuesday morning, I called into work because I felt like poop. I couldn't move for the life of me and I felt worse than before. And I had the worst night in the entire world trying to sleep. That morning, Mom and I went into Dr. Hiltgen's office, hoping we'd both just be diagnosed with strep throat, get some anti-biotics and go home. We got our throats swabbed and the nurse said she'd be back to tell us what it was. No such luck. After she took our temperatures, she told me that my 102.3 temp was way to high, especially for an adult, so I got the lucky priviledge of getting sent into a room and being tested for influenza and other fun sicknesses. After getting my body checked out and a Q-tip shoved up my nose, they only came to the conclusion that it was just a virus and I'd have to wait it out. I was once again immobilized by lack of strength or ambition to do anything. Tuesday night after I got my blessing from Dad, I finally was starting to feel better. Wednesday, I woke up and was feeling great, minus being clogged up in my face and throat. I was even going to go into work, too, but Mom said that I should still call in. But it was all in all a good day. Natually, I was expecting to wake up this morning almost ready to be done being sick. And for the most day, it was like that. Except when I out of the shower this evening. I got the worst pain in my ear. Now, I can tolerate a good deal amount of pain. But this brought me to tears. And through my tears, I got another blessing. I thought I was going to die. But after two hours, it finally started going away. And because of all the influence from the movies I've watched this week, mainly Bride Wars, I decided that I was just going to cut my bangs. Just because I felt like it. I figured no big deal, since hair grows. And after all this, at least I'm still alive.

Playing Catch-up!

2009-05-25T09:13:00.007-05:00

Oh man. Once again, it has been extremely too long since I've blogged. Yes, yes, I know. I'm bad at this. A week or so ago, I had an interview with Mary at Old Navy. It turns out, I got the job. WOOHOO! I'm really excited. And even though I had to work at Arby's that day, I managed to get off early enough to go home, shower so I wouldn't smell like fast food, and headed off to Wausau. Luckily, my interview was on a Thursday so afterwards, I met up with Sara. We sat at Joanne's for a while, looking at dress patterns and just talking. It was so good and I loved every minute of it. Afterwards, we met Jodi and went to IHOP to eat some good food. Even institute was good. I love playing with my friends.

That Saturday was my last day at Arby's and I can't tell you how excited I was! Clare, Erin and I went to Shawano and bought celebration food. And it was just really fun to hang out with my sisters. The next Monday, I started at Old Navy. And lo and behold, when I went in for training, Jeff Maki was there. He and I are apparently work together. It's been a whole lot of fun. The training hasn't been bad, and the people I work with are fun and really nice. So, I'm definitely okay with this higher paying job and not smelling like fast food when I come home. Although the hour drive does suck sometimes, it's okay.

This week has just been full of work. Whether it's Old Navy or the Fiber, it's been crazy. On Friday, I didn't have to work, so I did go grocery shopping with Mom, Clare, Cami and Tom. Cami and I got drinks from the Country Store [Cami's favorite] and later that night we made brownies. Of course, you have to lick the bowl when you're done, but I think Cami got more on her face then in her mouth. Dollar flip flop sale on Saturday. Yikes. And yesterday at church, Mom got sick, so we went home and visited her and made sure she was okay. And since Clint wasn't there during Sunday School, that's when we went home and after we came back, we took fun sister pictures in our classroom. So, it was a long night yesterday and today should be interesting. Memorial Day is always fun. And I'm just really excited to be with my family and friends.

BYU Dancers.

2009-05-06T20:58:00.005-05:00

Yesterday the dancers from BYU came and did a performance in Wausau. On Sunday, they gave a fireside to the young single adults. Not only was that filled with amazing talks, but they sang songs and sounded so fantastic. We headed to Wausau to the Grand Theatre to get seats. But first, Clare and I had to go to the mall and scored on some good stuff at Vanity. They gave a really good show and what was even better was being able to see my girls there. After the show, Jodi and I went out to eat at Sam's Pizza. It was so yummy! And then, of course, we went movie shopping. It's what we do best! :) This week has just been great. On Monday, I got to babysit Cami and play Mom. I ran to Bowler twice with each of the boys. Andrew for track practice and Tom for Bocce practice. Cami and I even went and watched the softball game. And I got my new phone! My new lime green Razr. It's pretty and it's my baby. I also have a job interview in Wausau tomorrow at Old Navy. And, another job at UWMC doing janitorial work. So it looks like it's no more fast food for me. That's the best news ever. And Institute is tomorrow, too. It's been a great first half of the week and the rest of the week is looking up as well, even if I have to put up with more Arby's. The movie is of the dancers singing a primary song. They sang it for us on Sunday and since we were in the chapel, I couldn't really tape it, but I got the last half of the song and it is incredible. They sure are a talented group of people.

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My Angels.

2009-04-21T22:25:00.003-05:00

So, I love these girls. They are fantastic and they make me really happy. This is Thursday after Institute. We went to eat at Texas Roadhouse and it was way yummy. I loved that the night was filled with laughter and tons of talking. They each are there for me to listen to me and give me advice whenever I need it. We go on so many great adventures and no matter what we do, we're always having a blast! No matter if we're driving cross country together or sitting in a room together, painting nails and listening to music. They are beautiful, smart, and so talented. And each of them has no idea how great they are. They are amazing ladies who deserve everything in the world, plus more. I love them with all my heart and more!

I'm a BAD blogger.

2009-04-20T10:32:00.005-05:00

There are just so many things that have been going on and since sometimes I'm a lazy, I just don't take the time to blog about them. Let's start with Easter. Easter weekend was great! The Gourleys came for the weekend and Saturday afternoon, we had our annual 'find whatever we're getting' hunt. Sometimes it's in eggs, but for the last couples years, it's just been in ziploc bags. Which sometimes can result in the hunt taking longer because there aren't any bright colors to find. We also had Stake Conference that weekend and Saturday, we had the adult session in Wausau. It was great, as always. I always enjoy listening to the speakers, even though if you'd look at my family's pew, you wouldn't think so. And after that, we had Briqs! YUM!

Sunday was great. We had our Regional Conference and what a great time that was. I'm not quite sure how I stayed awake for that though. My friend Scott was driving from Rexburg to Indiana and he was calling me periodically through the night so he would stay awake. I didn't mind, but it was quite funny because Scott never calls. He only texts. But, after church, we went over to Grandpa and Grandma Pleshek's house for some good lunch, complete with the Easter egg Jell-0 Jigglers. The rest of the night was spent just winding down and playing with each other.

Monday was fantastic! At least in the western part of the United States. My cousin Alison had her baby. Her and Jack now have a little girl named Aubrey Mae. And she is adorable. I'm jealous that I'm not going back out to Idaho so I can see her.

Thursday was so fun. I went to Institute for the first time in a while. And it was interesting to say the least. Sara and I were the only two girls there with David, John, and Sam. It was educational as well as hilarious. With David though, can you expect anything else? Afterwards, Jodi met up with Sara and me and we all went to Texas Roadhouse. First time there, and it was SO good. After eating and talking there for an hour or so, Sara headed back home, but Jodi and I made a Target and WalMart run. It was super fun, even though we probably bought more DVDs than any one person needs.

On Saturday I decided that I was going to paint my room. So, Erin and I went to WalMart to get paint and we picked out a really bright yellow. Two of my walls are going to be that color and the other two walls are going to be...? Not quite sure yet. But, it'll be cool none the less.

So, now we'll fast forward to today. And I think Mother Nature thinks she's funny with the snow that we have on the ground and the stuff that's still falling. She's cruel.

Oh, and I do have some pictures from all this. But I don't quite have them yet.

A Trip Down Memory Lane.

2009-04-07T22:31:00.003-05:00

So, today has just been a crazy day. I've just had a hard time being an adult today. All day long, I would have given anything to go back to those oh so carefree days of high school. The days where all weekend was dedicated to the girls and all the fun we'd been planning for weeks and weeks. When we'd roast starbursts with forks over smelly candles. When we'd make stupid music videos and other random ones on our cameras. When hundreds and hundreds of pictures were taken on 2-3 digital cameras. When we'd stay up all night long because any sleep would interfere with the precious time we had to spend together. When we'd watch chick flicks all night long. When the little dramas would come up and we'd have to turn to one another otherwise our worlds would be shattering. When we'd swap each others clothes and pick our favorites. When we'd try on formals in the wee hours of the morning simply because they were there. When we'd dye hair because of stupid boys. When we'd go out to eat together and just sit and talk. When painting our toe nails black was considered corruption. When we'd go into the mall and go to all the different stores and try on all sorts of ridiculous things. When we'd sit on our computers, chatting and figuring out some plans so that we could see each other, even if it was just for a minute. When we were genuinely happy. I loved those days and even though I can't get them back, they're memories that are precious to me and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

No title.

2009-03-31T20:15:00.002-06:00

I love being home. I love being with my family. I love seeing Wisconsin go from brown to green. I love having my niece run to my legs and hug them when she sees me. I love having my own room. I love not having to pay rent. I love having a car to drive. I love not being in a Singles Ward. I love having food in the fridge. I love being able to experiment without worrying about costs. I love having a job. I love having money. I love sitting at home. I love not having weird roommates. I love being able to laugh with my Mom and Erin. I love being able to feel my nephew kick. I love being able to light a candle. I love having cousins come visit. I love praying as a family. I love seeing missionaries at church. I love having a TV and DVD player. I love having parental help that's a phone call away. I love being in a ward that I don't have to feel awkward in. I love that my family has the same taste in TV shows as me. I love being in the ward choir. I love being able to take my brother to work. I love that I will have all my things. I love seeing some of my old friends sometimes. I love knowing how to get places. I love the privacy. I love that my life is so up in the air. I love that I don't have a ton of responsibilities. I love that I have friends I can depend on. I love life.

My Cami Lou is now 2!

2009-03-21T22:25:00.007-06:00

Yes, you heard it correctly. My niece is now officially two. And according to her mommy, the terrible two's have begun! I was the first one besides Clare and Clint to find out that Cami was a girl. It was my birthday present and while I was on lunch, they called home and told me I was going to have a niece. I was so excited and then I got to tell Erin when I went back to school. I was even more thrilled when she was born and I could actually hold her. They all came to Wisconsin when she was a few weeks old, so it was fun to see her while she was still little. And I didn't think things could get better when Clare and Clint moved in with us. Then I got to see my niece everyday, all day. But now that they've moved out, it's so much sweeter of an experience to see Cami and watch her come running up to you and give you hugs and kisses.

Today around 5:30, Clint, Clare, and Cami came over and while the rest of us were playing with Cami, Erin and Clare finished making Cami's Pooh Bear cake. Which, by the way, was so delicious. And after the cake was decorated, we got everyone together and watched Cami open her presents. After playing for a little bit, Mom put in pizzas and we ate those and then the yummy cake. The Gourleys are spending the night tonight, too, so Clare, Erin, Cami and I got to play in my room while we looked up clothes from DownEast. Well, this was after Clint, Andrew, and I watched Twilight. Oh yeah! I finally got to feel my nephew Adam move around in Clare's belly. I'm so stoked for him to come out in July!

It's been such a fun day and night. Families are the best.

The Process of Leaving.

2009-03-15T14:14:00.010-06:00

It has been a long week, full of moving, friends, sleep deprivation, and plane rides. It all started on Monday. My roommate Kelsey dropped out of school, too, so she was leaving on Tuesday to go to SLC and fly home on Wednesday morning. So, Monday night, I spent my night with her, playing cards and starting to pack myself. It was the start of a long process. And I guess it didn't help either that we didn't go to bed til 4 a.m. and it was even worse waking up at 6 and 9 to help her move all of her stuff from our apartment down to the Hart so she could catch the shuttle. But, of course, I couldn't let her do that by herself. It wasn't too bad though.

Tuesday I spent my time with Jodi. We played for a little bit and went over to Sara's to play catch up. She left go to play her volleyball game and I met up with her again at night to go to $2 Tuesdays at the Premiere. We went and saw Bride Wars and even though I've seen it already, it's definitely one of my favorites. Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. What's not to love? After the movie, we went back to her apartment and made barbeque chicken quesadillas and watched She's the Man, falling asleep somewhere around 2 a.m.

Wednesday, I had to finish packing all my stuff before Stefanie and Korey came up. Janna, Em, Meg, Korey, Ryan, Stef, and I all went bowling. Well, first we got into some killer sweet outfits and just had a blast bowling and being loud. It was such a fantastic night. After that, we watched Wild America with the boys. We stayed up til about 4:30 a.m. being crazy.

Thursday, I woke up at 6:45 a.m. because Stef and Korey were leaving at 7:30-ish and I had to give stuff to Stefie so she could take it to I.F. and store it until my parents and Erin come out in August to get it. It's actually stuff that Erin will use when she moves to Rexburg. I checked out of my apartment at 9 and went back to Lo's and took a nap. I played all day with those girls and around 11:30 p.m., Brett arrived in Rexburg.

Brett and I drove down to South Jordan Friday. It was such a long drive and I was tired. But that night after Brett got back from work, we went to eat where Brandi works. And after we watched Moulin Rouge. At 1:30 a.m. Brandi needed her car jumped, so we went and did that. We stayed up til 3, but ended up falling asleep to take a 'nap' until 4, when we had to wake up so Brett could take me to the airport.

My flight left at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. I had a layover in Minnesota, but getting through that airport is always nuts, so in reality, I'm in a race against the clock so I can make it to board my plane. I got into Green Bay about 11:30. Papa drove me back to Shawano and since my family was grocery shopping there, we just met at his house. And then I got to see my niece after months and months. After we left Shawano, we went back to Marion to help move Clare and Clint in. Well, Erin and my mom did. Cami and I took a lovely 3 hour nap.

So, I've been home a little over a day and it's been lovely. I really do love being with my family once again. So, we'll see what being home brings.

I have been blessed.

2009-03-09T14:13:00.005-06:00

I loved this past weekend. It was just a lot of fun. Brett came up for just a little bit, but most of it was spent with my girls. Janna, Emily, Meg, and Lo got me all dolled up on Friday night. It was a whole ton of fun. I went and saw Jodi that night too, and we had a ton of fun taking pink and green pictures. Saturday, Lo and I went bowling with Eric and Brett. We played so loser payed for ice cream. And since the boys payed for bowling, we couldn't let them pay for ice cream, too. So we lost. On purpose. Is that bad to say? If we would have tried our hardest, we would have spanked them, but we're nice girls. :) Sunday was Sunday. Brett and Eric left at 6, so I had all night to spend with my girls. I just love them so much. They're so precious and each one deserves better than the best. They are beautiful, caring, loving individuals who are so dependable. The boys who get them better count their blessings because they won't know how lucky they really are.

And I guess just an update on my life in general. I'm leaving to go back to Wisconsin on Saturday. Since I dropped out of school, I'm not technically supposed to live where I do, so, I'm going home. My roommate Kelsey and I both are leaving this week. So, we're having fun packing. Whoopie! But, I'll be in Wisconsin, working and either going to cosmetology school or preparing to go on a mission. That decision is still up in the air. But other than having a TON of fun my last week here, I am excited to go back home and see all my babies. And Clare fat. And just to see my family.

I have a great life and I'm truly blessed. I couldn't ask for a better family. I live in a great place where I'm able to do what I want. I can pursue a career or serve a mission for my church, sharing the truth with the world. I really do take a lot of things for granted. But, my life is such a blessing.

Bowling with the Homies.

2009-03-04T14:32:00.009-06:00

It's been so long since I've blogged. I'm such a slacker. Anyways, so much has just been happening. A couple weeks ago while Lo was in California, I went to Idaho Falls and spent the week with Al, Jack, Stefie, and the kids. It was fun just to help and play with them. After I got back, Lo and I spent a whole ton of time together. We just scrapbooked and played, making up for the week we had lost.

This past Sunday, we had stake conference and it was just so great. Our stake was so spiritually fed and we were taught by such inspired men. Elder Maynes and his wife spoke to us along with the temple president, President Christensen and his wife. And then the CES fireside that night was so fantastic. It was aobut staying on higher ground and about marriage. Go figure. But it was still so great.

Last night, Stefie came up and Ryan, Lo, Meg, Jan, Stefie, and I all went bowling. It was so much fun and even though I'm not very good at it, it was just fun to be with friends and play. We goofed around and did stupid things, but that's what is great about my friends. They're all so amazing and have just been a life saver these past few days.

The first picture are Megan, me, and Ryan with our 10 lb. ball. The next one is me and my beautiful cousins. And the last one is all the girls. I love my girls. They are the best people in the world and are just so dang cute. I love them each to pieces!