Logan Trip 2010

Because Rexburg doesn't change all that much, Whitney and I took an opportunity and jumped on it to attend the Utah State homecoming dance and see some old friends down in Logan last weekend. We had this goal set. We are both terrible at taking pictures during events and throughout our lives. Well, I am at least. We were doing so well in the first hour of the car ride down there. And we even snapped some pictures before the dance! Unfortunately, that's as far as it went. But, it was a blast and I'm here to share it.

 We are not intoxicated.

 Around Shelley area, heading south.

 I look.... special.

 I have a gorgeous roommate.

Thank you to Jessica for the invite! We had a blast with you!

We make it down into Logan and Jessica and brothers are confided at some pizza place, so Whit and I call up Huppi. We go visit the Huppi home and see his parents again and his wonderful sister. It was so great to see them all again. They are so sweet. Once Jessica got out of the restaurant, we met her on campus in the apartment we were staying in and quickly changed. Whitney and I ended up going stag, as the other 6 people were paired off. No worries.

At the dance, we met this girl who introduced us to her friends, who ended up asking me to dance. Dance #1 was very nice, and actually knew a friend of mine from up here in Rexburg. Go figure. Dance #2 happened to be one of the girls we were with's date who had ditched her... odd. So I excused myself after a couple dances and found Whitney on a bench. Jessica came to join us and a couple of brothers asked us to dance. We spent the rest of the night with these boys, who were very nice. My "date", if you could call him that, was a very talented country swing dancer. At one point, he led me to the dance floor and for something like 20 minutes, swung me around everywhere. It was so fast! I was jumping up on his leg and jumping off, twirling so fast my dress was dangerously close to coming up too far, and so much more. It was a blast. These boys walked us home and I got a hug out of it. That's right ladies and gentlemen, I am no "True Aggie".

Saturday consisted of breakfast, "How to Train Your Dragon", walking around the pre-game activities, "Inception", Wendy's, a final visit to the Huppi home, and the drive back to Rexburg.

I'm really grateful for that outgoing, and I'm grateful that we were able to make it back safely and go to church so we wouldn't miss Ward Conference. I had a great Sunday, full of social activities, spiritual lessons, and heart to hearts. And... my papers have been submitted. Only thing now is my stake president interview. It's getting close... :) And a big thanks to Marylynn Gardner for my mission photos. Here's a sneak peek!

Recommendation has been submitted.

Well, it's been a couple weeks.

By the way... he's home, and it's so great.

Birthday fun, a bird, blessings, and sweet sweet things

What an adventure these last couple of days. It just reinfirms my belief that everything happens for a reason and that God always has a plan, even when it comes to the simplest joys in our lives.

First, Henry has turned 18. Little brother is finally an adult. We are a family of adults, now. We all have different responsibilities, opportunities, and choices. I guess we've had these all along, but it just feels cool to say "adult". After hearing the ever so adorable Trinity give her first talk in Primary, I make some pit stops and end up at home for the big birthday dinner. Before I had made a 3-layer German chocolate late from scratch for him. Sadly, one of our missionaries is being transferred, so they made a stop to say goodbye right as I was pulling out the cake from the refrigerator.

It had split and was falling apart, and still slightly frozen. Apparently our refrigerator is a freezer. That's okay, no big deal. It still tasted amazing. Plus, it was fun having the Elders there to celebrate with us. When you get a couple 20-year-old boys and a camera together, you get some pretty creative shots...

Next, the neighbor calls. She found a cockatiel in her yard, as tame as can be. Where did such a beautiful bird come from? We made several calls to our surrounding "neighbors" and no to avail, no one owns a little gray and yellow bird. Well, Grandma does! And has tools necessary to care for such critters. In a cat carrier, we travel into town only to be stopped by a beautiful view. The camera was in the car, too. Lucky.

I had to share some of my first homemade cake with one of my favorite families, so I bring Marty [bird] with me. The mom of the house is apparently terrified of birds, so what do I do? Bring Marty in to meet her. Everyone grew to love him; he would bow his head to be rubbed, he'd fly right up to your shoulder, he'd even give kisses. I got cat-called at, too. Oh Marty, you're so kind!

The next morning, I receive a text and a message saying that Marty's family is looking for him; there are signs all over Old Portland road. Thank you, Will! I make the trip down the hill to get the number and call to a hysterically happy women when I say "I'm calling in regards of your lost bird". It was a happy ending, although we miss Marty.

Thinking about it, it just makes me happy. What are the chances that a cockatiel who flies the coop would fly at least a few miles to an old gravel road to find our neighbor, who knew that we have connections with birds, who then would bring said bird to visit friends who then found the "missing bird" sign to reunite bird with owner? Doesn't happen that often, if you ask me. Plus, anyone could fall in love with that bird. At least we were able to give it back.

On another note, school starts on September 9th. I'm still not registered completely for classes. Whoops. I am starting to get ready. I am proud to say I have all the kitchen things cleaned and packed, and I can feel myself gaining that confidence and independence I always find out in Idaho. There's just something about being away from home that builds a fire within you. You have such a desire to succeed, and to find it for yourself. I feel protected, safe, and warm, though. I know I am being watched over by so many people as well as my Savior. Because of this, and the choices I make, I find the most joy while out on my own, meeting new faces, and building better relationships with old.

Before I make the trip out, my best friend comes home from his mission in Provo & St. George, Utah on August 19th. I am so ready to see him, to talk to him, to laugh and to joke and to play and to just be ourselves. I am so ready to have that bond again and see where life takes us. I can't wait to show him who I've become and the direction I'm heading. I can't wait to see him grow and experience even more of life. I can't wait for him to see his family: the friends I am eternally grateful for because without them, I don't know how easily I'd find happiness. I don't know what friendships I would've made. I don't know if I would feel as whole as I do now. They are the ones that taught me how important family is, because my family is so incredible, and I've taken them for granted. By the end of this summer, I can confidently say that they aren't just my blood-relatives, but they are my friends, too. I can't wait to see him.

And so, life is really awesome. I love everyone in my life, whether they play a small or large role, and I hope you all know that you make me smile. Thanks. :)

Walking in circles

During the day and throughout events, I have so many things I want to write to you thinking "oh, he'll get a laugh out of this". But when I open a blank email and click the blank screen, my mind goes blank. Same thing with a paper and pen.

It's not that I don't want to write you, it's that I have no idea what to say without backtracking.

Rusty old man

Happy Birthday, Deej! The big 21. You really are an old man. Rusty, even. But exciting news... you come home in a little less than 3 months. Not that I'm trunky or anything, but I'm anxious to see you.

Hope it was grand!

Surprises.

Guess who I got pictures from today?

And guess who cried?