Erin Page

Leaving...

2010-04-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hello one and all for the last time! This is the last post that I, Erin Page, will post since I leave for the MTC tomorrow. Its crazy how fast that went! I can't believe its here. It certainly doesn't feel real. But, as today goes on I am more and more excited to go! I honestly can't wait! I'm not saying the last 5 days hasn't been hard...they have been WAY hard. But I have so much support around me that its made it easier just knowing that those I love are supporting me! I was able to see "The Last Song" on Saturday with some friends and go to Conference on Sunday morning with Matt...so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Its been a great last week!!! My mom will continue to update my blog while I'm gone (at least I've told her to...I hope she remembers...I'll continue to remind her) so you won't be completely out of the loop for 18 months! I hope you all have a wonderful 18 months...I know I will!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!

Time flies......WAY TOO FAST!!

2010-03-14T15:59:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that my last post I had 72 days left!!!!! Turn that around and minus a few and that's all I have left now...NUTS! I honestly try not to think too much about it cause then I just get a teary eyed and emotional. Don't get me wrong I am WAY excited...Vacouver isn't going to know what hit them! But the anxiety about leaving for 18 months is definitely starting to hit! I am trying my darndest to spend time with family, friends, Matt, and everyone else that I care about and its starting to get harder and harder the more that, my family especially, demands my time. We are DONE with shopping, which is a HUGE releif. I never thought that day would come...I thought we'd be busy, busy, busy right up until the last moment. But now I get and entire 3 1/2 week break! And more time to spend with those I love. I know the 18 months will go by faster than I can even imagine and that when it ends I'll be thinking "didn't I just get out here???!!!" I really am so grateful for all that I have and all the blessings that I have received since deciding to go on a mission. I look back over the last 3 1/2 months and I can see the Lord's hand in everything. I wouldn't change a thing right now...other than more time. But I can't be too picky and I am on the Lord's errand, not my own. I can't wait to start serving and being immersed in the Gospel...its going to ROCK! I do have pictures to post too from the last little bit but that is going to have to wait for when I can get internet on my laptop...But SOON I promise! Thank you all for being there for me and being great friends! I couldn't ask for more!!!

Seventy-Two Days

2010-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

That's how much time I have to get everything ready to go on my mission. A friend of mine asked me yesterday "Are you feeling a little overwhelmed?" and I replied back "A LITTLE???????? Try... A lot." Its all so much to take in! Don't get me wrong I am SO excited! But I have to keep reminding myself: one week at a time. That's all I have to do. Once this week is over I'll worry about next week. And so on, and so on. This whole process is going to teach me even more patience. Especially when it comes to my parents and answering questions from them. "Have you done this? When are you taking care of this? Are you reading this? What needs to be done next?" And so on, and so on. I guess the questions don't really bug all that much...its the fact that they never seem to be able to coordinate WHEN they are asking questions so I always feel like I'm answering them a billion times over...No worries though, I still haven't ruled out setting up a weekly press conference so that they can get all their questions out at once :) There is so much that needs to be done that I hadn't thought about before. Passport, clothing, going through the temple, pictures (family AND mission), luggage, shoes, coats, and so on, and so on. Thats not even half the list! One week at a time...One week at a time. I thought it would be LESS stressful once I got my call...HA! It'll be less stressful once I'm actually IN Canada :) 14 weeks until then though...patience is DEFINITELY a virtue!

Eh?

2010-01-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

So I got my mission call this week and I know you all have been dying to know :) I had the call for 24 hours before I opened it and to be honest...it wasn't that hard. I just kept myself busy today and made sure I had no down time. Worked perfect. As people started showing up to my house, I got REALLY nervous and by the time 7:30 rolled around I was shaking so bad! I could barely even open up the envelope. Everyone kept yelling "don't read ahead" so I didn't. I was a good girl and covered up what I wasn't reading and as I got to the part where it reads where I get to serve I read it...and busted up laughing! I just could not believe it! NOT what I was expecting AT ALL! But I'm way excited anyway! So without further ado...Here it is. Not only will the Olympics be there in a couple weeks...but in 11 weeks (April 7 to be exact) I will be headed to the.......
CANADA VANCOUVER MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm SO excited I can hardly stand it!!!!!! So Vancouver 2010 is right! I can't wait! My bishop AND his wife both served there so they are super excited! Like I said, not what I was expecting...its EVEN better!

Life is good with bad moments, not bad with good moments...

2010-01-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

I got this quote from a friend and I really liked it. Although the bad moments tend to stick out more than the good ones sometimes, in 20 years I hope I'm able to look back and see the good ones instead of the bad ones. Life has not been nice to me lately. I've tried so hard to put on a brave face and move forward but its so hard. I don't understand. I talked to a friend of mine yesterday who has been through almost the same crap lately and she and I came to the conclusion that we may never understand and that it takes a really cold person to just stop caring. There is tiny part of me that wonders what I would do if I got the opportunity again...but I promised myself I wouldn't go there again. I hate free agency. All it took was a decision that I had no control over. And my world felt like it was shattered forever. I don't know if I'll be able to put my heart out there again. It doesn't seem worth it to me. The next guy is really going to have to prove himself if he's even going to think about seeing the other side of a first date. Moving on hasn't always been easy for me...but its never been especially difficult. This one was so different. We talked about forever...how can you say those things and then take them all back. I know its over, but even I'm having a hard time taking it all back. I only say things if I mean them...so does that make it wrong if I don't have the heart to take them all back even after he broke my heart? I meant every word...and I still do. I know I shouldn't but I do. Maybe one day it'll change. I do have a lot to be grateful for. I'm going on a mission and that will be the best experience of my life. I have a wonderful family who love me. I have some of the greatest friends in the world. And I have the Gospel. With out these three things I don't know how I would have made it through the last 2 months. It would have been impossible. I'm still trucking through and wondering if life will ever go as planned. Cat-lady-dom is looking very nice right now...too bad I'm allergic. Maybe I'll be the first dog lady...

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

THE PAPERS ARE IN! STAKE PRESIDENT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON TODAY AND NOW ALL I GET TO DO IS WAIT!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!! IT'S ABOUT DANG TIME! IT'S BEEN NOTHING BUT DELAYS FOR 2 MONTHS! I SERIOUSLY AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The call...

2010-01-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't going to come this week as planned. There has been yet ANOTHER delay due to some missing medical information and I am just barely finding out about it. I just want this over with...

Women of Faith

2010-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

There are so many people in my life that I look up to, that without, I wouldn't be in the place I am now. Most of them are the women in my life.

My Mom: Has amazing strenth that I draw on a lot in my life. She is my best friend. Sam Page is an amazing women. She is always trying to be better and she teaches by example more than she realizes. I would not be the woman I am today without her

My Grandma Shirley: What a wise woman. Whenever I need advice I go staight to her. She has been through a lot in life and always has something to give. She is the most giving person I know and doesn't think twice about giving what she doesn't have to others. She'll cook a gormet meal and get no thanks for it other than it was devoured by everyone in the room and that's all she needs. And she makes the best dinner rolls hands down :)

My best Friend Sara Hansen: Man have we been through a lot but no matter what she has always been there for me. She is the kindest person I know and always has a smile on her face and knows what to say to help me feel better. She'll call just to say hi and its always an answer to prayers. No one has a bigger heart than her.

Melissa Henrie: What an incredible woman. She is strong and faithful no matter what comes her way and is always trying harder to be better. She faces the music with a smile on her face and a bring-it-on attitude that I admire tons. She lights up a room and has a sense of humor that can make any Scrooge crack a grin. No matter what's going on in life she is happy and loving and always willing to give.

Teigan Benson: What a woman. She's beautiful. She's loving. She's talented. She has a good fashion sense. She's letting me use her wedding dress (sometime VERY far in the future). And she's the cutest little mom I've ever seen! I look up to her SO much and wish very much that her and her cute family lived here in Utah. She's always willing to lend a listening ear no matter what and always knows what to say to help you feel better about life. She is a Scoffield to the T and I hope when I grow up I can be more like her.

Heidi Madsen: One of my first roommates at Oakcrest LDS girl's camp and I must say I was VERY intimidated by her when I first met her. But what an incredible woman. She has by far the kindest heart of anyone I know. I was also very priviledged to teach a class with her our second year and loved every minute! She is amazing and whenever I think about how I what I want my husband and family to be like, her little family always comes to mind. She is giving, loving and the most Christ-like person I know.

Emily Pugh: We didn't get along at first but after spending a summer together as Crafties at Oakcrest we realized we are WAY more alike than we thought and our lives followed very similar patterns. We liked the same shows growing up (most of which NO ONE else could remember but us...including Alex Mack), we like the same foods, and our dating lives have been way similar. One day I will find my Zack Pugh after getting over my Bret West. I was very sad to have that summer end and not have Liberty there at my side 24/7. I definitly went through withdrawals. I look up to her a lot and she is always there for me. Especially when she knew I needed ice cream and a good talk. I love her tons!

Hailey Jones: Otherwise known as the infamous Goosey. What an incredible woman! She has a smile on her face no matter what! Her attitude about life is one that I have tried hard to adopt! She is such a strong woman no matter what life throws her way. She truly is amazing! I remember her ALWAYS being there for me through the tough times at Oakcrest. What a great friend!

Katie Hansen: Probably my most favorite cousin ever. Even though there is an almost 8 year age difference between us we are way close. She lets me come play with her kids, knows when I need to talk and when I don't, knows when I need a night out, or just a place to crash. And she is a phenomenal cook! I look up to her so much and she is an incredible example to me! She is an amazing mom and I hope one day when I have kids that I will be half the mom that she is!

These are just a few of the women in my life that I look up to. What amazing examples I have in my life and I hope that I can be half the woman that they are. I am so grateful for all the examples that I have in my life and I want each and every one of you to know that I love you. Even if you aren't specifically named either...know that I love you and look up to you! Thank you all for being there for me and for being the strong Women of Faith that you are!

The Call...

2010-01-01T11:51:00.001-08:00

should come next week. I'm starting to get really anxious the closer it gets and I just want the day to be here already! AHHHHH!!!!!

6 Months...

2009-12-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

So, I was thinking yesterday how CRAZY the last 6 months of my life have been and thought "Hey! I should write this all down so that I don't forget!" Haha! So this post is just me thinking out loud...

~I started dating Jared again...thought it was it and I'd never have to date again.
~Was told for the first time "I love you"
~Began the juggle of school, boyfriend, and working full time.
~Quit my lifeguard job to be a CNA, didn't feel good about it so I never started the job and went jobless for a month cause I didn't want to go back to the pool.
~In the meantime I was kicked out of school because I didn't get financial aid...still jobless too. ~Couldn't have made it through the struggle without the boy
~Since I desperately needed money and something to do I swallowed my pride and went back to lifeguarding...ugh...
~Things started to get rocky with the boy...but I figured we'd work through it. We loved each other...everything would be ok.
~I decided to go on a mission...and I felt REALLY good about it so I started the process. ~Things started to get REALLY rocky...
~Didn't feel quite so good about a mission but I kept on going.
~Things with roommates a little rocky due to me selling my contract without telling them. Not much I could do about this though...
~Started working at the Kearns pool teaching swim lessons. Though the commute was a bugger, I wasn't going to be doing it for long so I thought what the heck I might as well.
~Was told "I don't love you anymore" by the boy. The most devastating words I have ever had to hear...EVER.
~Due to the last point...I moved home the day after the breakup. I wanted my mommy.
~Kept moving forward with mission plans and living at home and working. Not easy, But I did it :)
~Mission papers IN! Best feeling in the whole world!

And now here I am writing this post. The last six months have had their ups and downs but such is life right? As I was thinking about all of this I thought "Would I change anything? Do I have any regrets?" And the answer...I don't know. What I do know is I'm in the right place in life and I wouldn't change where I'm at for anything. I don't know if I'd be in the same place if I had done things differently. I'll never know. But I'm happy and enjoying my job and spending time with my family :)

WAY cute FONTS!

2009-12-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

So, I LOVE the fonts on this website http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/ but HOLY! It took forever to get it all worked out so I could use it on my blog but it was WAY worth it and they are WAY cute!!!

I Just Haven't Met You Yet

2009-12-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

So with all the recent events...this song has meant a lot to me! I love the lyrics and every time I get down on myself all I have to do is listen to this song and I feel so much better!!! Enjoy!

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in
I talk myself out
I get all worked up
Then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to loose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought I thought of every possibility

And I know some day that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait
I’ll never give up
I guess it's half timin', and the other half's luck
Wherever you are
Whenever it's right
You'll come outta nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazin'
And baby your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

Somehow I know that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid, I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all’s fair
In love and war
But I won’t need to fight it
We'll get it right and
We'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazin'
And bein' in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you kid I’ll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get

Oh, you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid to give so much more than I get, yeah
I just haven't met you yet

I just haven't met you yet
Oh, promise you kid
To give so much more than I get

I just haven't met you yet
I just haven't met you yet!

To those of you who read my blog:

2009-12-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

You all know that I am going on a MISSION so its time to take guesses to where YOU think I will go! Just comment with your guess and I will put it on the map! A treat for whoever guesses the closest!
P.S. My call should come second or third week in JANUARY so you better guess right!

Saddest Day of my LIFE!

2009-12-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

So with the recent events of going on a mission, I have decided to sell my car. It kind of makes me want to cry. I have loved my car and bonded with it and I will be so sad to see it go. Granted, we could keep it and just keep paying the payment while I'm gone and I see the pros about that...but I also think its kind of a waste of money for a car that will just sit there for 18 months. It is kind of exciting cause when I get back I can get a new car (well, new to me) and get to have the opportunity of bonding with another car all over again...but I HATE car shopping...its so stressful! But, its the smartest thing to do to sell it and save the money for the next 18 months. I'll cry, I'll be honest. I love my car.The day I brought her home

This car has gotten me through (almost) two winters and it does FANTASTIC in the snow! Two trips to California...one for Spring Break, one for a friend's wedding. Its a phenomenal road trip car. Plenty of room in the trunk, back seat is roomy even with the front seats all the way back, and the ride is so smooth you barely feel anything.Spring Break 2009...Southern California

And the gas mileage...talk about amazing! Its a V6 engine and it gets an average of 32 miles to the gallon just with regular driving. On the long drive to California, it gets an average of about 40! LOVE IT! I have never had a single problem or a single complaint about my car. I have loved it and would recommend a G6 to anyone! Fabulous car! I'll miss it so much!!!

Confession...

2009-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

So, my wonderful cousin Katie, knowing I needed a night out, invited me to go see New Moon with her last night. I was the only single girl there...everyone else was married with 2+ kids. Thats ok though, I really needed it and I am forever grateful that Katie and I are close enough that she knew that. And I am going to be honest...I was impressed! Not only was Jacob yummylishess but the movie was better than I expected. Yes, I have read the books, yes I saw Twilight and I was NOT impressed to say the least. And I think that the actor/actress that they chose for Bella and Edward are awkward and emotionless. Not to mention...Robert Pattinson is U-G-L-Y!!! But New Moon was a surprise. I thought Kristen Stewart did a better job in New Moon than in Twilight...but then again she is supposed to be depressed the majority of the movie so she has that down pat. All except for the end...could you show just a LITTLE happiness that the love of your life is back in town and you two are together? And Robert...ENOUGH with the stressed-out-I-have-to-protect-you-all-the-time act...SMILE for pete's sake! You are supposed to LOVE Bella! By the end of the movie...I had officially switched over to Team Jacob. Who could resist those brooding eyes or washboard abs? NOT me...and I don't know how Bella did either. If I had the choice...it wouldn't be Edward...especially when you put the two next to each other with their shirts off. JACOB! JACOB! JACOB!

Tis the Season for Joy

2009-12-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

At least its supposed to be. The last week has been really rough and I really wish that there were something to look forward to. Usually this time of year is happy and fun with time to spend with family and friends. Right now I want to crawl in a hole and cry. Or just not get out of bed. I know that life isn't supposed to be fair...but let me just add a 10-year-old-esque whine in here: This is TOTALLY unfair.

I am once again let down without any answers other than "I don't know what else to say." And sorry just didn't cut it. As I sat there on the phone and bawled my eyes out, knowing things were officially over, I didn't feel like 'sorry' was really heartfelt. There was only callousness on the other end. There wasn't even the decency to be in private. Just once I wish I held at least a couple of the cards. But when it comes to this, I never have. Its never been up to me.

I really could use something to look forward to...something to keep me going. Right now all I have is halted mission plans and moving home. I'm to the point where I don't want to hold things together anymore. I don't want to put on a brave front and act like everything will be ok. Because right now...everything is NOT ok. So if I don't smile, if I don't reply to you with some cheerful remark, if you feel like I've been especially rude to you, or if I completely ignore you I apologize in advance. I really don't mean it. I know that I shouldn't, but I'm going to just take the time I need to sulk and be alone.

I really am grateful for the friends and family I have right now though...its times like these that you learn who really cares about you and who means the most. I love all of you who have been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on or just some time to vent. Thank you for being there for me. One thing I am sure of: As we move into yet another holiday season, I am truly gratful for my Savior and for the sacrifice he made for me. I would not be able to survive life right now if I did not have that knowledge. I don't want to do the big gatherings and parties and presents and bows this year...Just some quiet time to be with family is all I need right now. Where I don't have to put on a front and I can be surrounded by people who truly care.

Sad day indeed

2009-11-23T04:28:00.000-08:00

I hate that I can't sleep and that my tummy hurts and its 5:30 am... The end of my update.

Princess Time

2009-11-22T19:05:00.001-08:00

On Thursday I got to spend time with these two cuties, Mia and Andie, and I loved every minute of it! They are so cute! Mia was energetic and fun as usual and I loved being able to snuggle Andie for most of the morning! Here are a few pictures I was able to take on my phone...I really need to get a new camera...but these are great quality anyway :)

SILENCE!..... I have an announcemet!!!!!

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

I thought maybe since I have started the process I should start telling people...only a handful know and for some reason I still haven't felt the need to shout it from the rooftops. So for those of you that DON'T know...no you aren't WAY out of the loop...and for those of you that already know...sorry you have to read a post of news you already know.

Now enough of the suspense....

I, Erin Page, as of next week, will be.......

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A

Yes, folks its true. Papers are started. They will be in next week. I am SUPER excited!!!!

Honest to a fault...

2009-10-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

My friend Emily tagged me in the Honest Blogger Tag. Here are the rules: List ten honest things about myself and tag 10 other bloggers who I think are honest in their blogging to do the same! Happy reading!

1-I am a pack rat. I have a really hard time just throwing things away...I have to literally force myself to throw out notes, wedding announcements (sorry girls...so much clutter though!), lists, etc, etc.

2-I don't match my socks...because it takes so much time to fold socks, I end up just stuffing them in the drawer and when it comes time to put on my socks I just grab two and put them on. Jared's mom loves it so much she has started buying me socks. It cracks me up!

3-I am a closet curser. What can I say, I love a good swear word every now and then...

4-I am taking the funnest class right now, Human Sexuality. I love it and I am not ashamed to admit that.

5-#1 addiction: Carmex Chapstick. Can't live without it.

6-I could sleep and no nothing all day easily...its very, very bad...

7-I hate being wet. I know weird, but its the honest truth. My showers are never long and if I can avoid it I won't go swimming or get in water fights. Its just not fun to me...

8-I love the Disney Channel. Its one of my favorites.

9-I'm a sucker for a good romance novel... I know, sappy, but it just makes me so happy that they all end with their "soulmate" in the end..

10-Honestly, I hate tags like this. They take so much time to do, but I love reading others' tags that I do them so that other people will have the same joy reading mine.

I tag: Teigan Benson, Shannon Jex, Katie Hansen, Ashley Baugh, Brynne Burton, Tia Bowen, Jamie Sain, Heidi Madsen...

Fall and all that comes with it...

2009-09-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

So I am currently sitting in the gorgeous UVU library...according to Jared I'm "studying" but I'm obviously not. I'll get there eventually... I just felt the need to blog stalk and in the midst of it all I decided it was time to update my blog.

Life it good. I couldn't ask for anything more. I have a wonderful boyfriend who is so good to me...I didn't think I would ever be so blessed! I also can't believe its been three months already...wow does time fly! Fall is here and with it a respite from the heat of summer and the changing of the leaves. This is one of my favorite times of year. Things are beginning to settle into a routine...school, homework, boy, family, etc. THANKSGIVING is only a mere two months away (for those of you who are unaware, this is my favorite holiday BY FAR...I can't wait...), and what's better than food and family you love all in one day?! I don't think there is anything else. Jared has recently been teaching me to ride a motorcycle and its been so fun! I was terrified at first but the more I get the hang of it and the better I get the more I love it! And it'll be something that we can do together so I'm really excited about that (no pics yet...I know I'm horrible at that part. I used to be so good but my camera broke and with no job that's at the bottom of the expenses list. I'm hoping for Christmas or birthday I can get a new one...). I have the best roommates ever and I am so glad that we all get along so well. Of course we have our moments sometimes (five girls in one apt...enough said) but we all love each other and we don't petty little things get in the way of what means the most.

I know this is like the cheesiet post I've ever done...but I just feel so blessed recently and life is so good I couldn't help but share :) Hope you are all having a fabulous September!

USA!!!!!

2009-09-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

After a month of trying to get tickets...I was finally able to score some for the USA vs El Salvador World Cup Qualifier Soccer Game at Rio Tinto Stadium on September 5th!!! I surprised Jared and he had NO CLUE I had been planning this. It was so fun and SO worth seeing the smile on his face when we got to the stadium! USA totally kicked butt and El Salvador put up a good fight...but we managed to stay on top with a 2 to 1 ending score! Here are some pics!

A Letter to Those Who Read My Blog

2009-08-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

School officially starts tomorrow. And although its the start of, hopefully, the downward slope in my schooling, it is also the official end of summer. Its kind of a bummer to be honest. I know a lot of people that are really excited for school to start but I am just not one of them right now. This summer has been so much fun that I am really sad for it to end. Let me give you a quick recap of my summer...
*I moved back to Village with some girls I absolutely love! They are, hands down, the best roommates I have ever had. It has been so fun getting to know them more and getting to spend time with them.
*I took a few summer classes at UVU and I proud to report that all of them went really well. I got a wonderful two week break at the end that I enjoyed so much!
*I got to go to California...yet again...for the Kyle and Erin Sawyer wedding. It was such a blast going with the E1209 girls! Wish I could go back...
*Work brought on some new challenges and I am proud of myself for keeping my mouth shut and plugging forward...even though I wanted to quit most of the time. I am very grateful to have a job and so I have stuck with it. Summer is now over and the outside is closed...Hallelujah.
*Don't forget the fateful day when I had clothes stolen from my apartment complex's laundry room...all of my nice clothes in that load were unrecovered, sad to say, and I am slowly replacing everything.
*Rodeos and Family get togethers anyone? We had plenty of those this summer and it was a blast!
*Fire, Water, Ice Festival in 54 degree weather? You bet! And we survived yet another year with no major injuries and only a FEW cases of hypothermia. And the fireworks were amazing, as always. Not to mention the fact that we were home at 12:30...that is a record!
*My senior year award from the swim team "So many boys, so little time" rang true for me this summer. At the beginning there was one I had my eye on and things STARTED out well...didn't end all that great. I was bummed...until about a month ago. Those of you that talk to me often are probably sick of hearing it but Jared and I are back together and its been the best! Just one more evidence that things are on the Lord's time and not ours. I couldn't be happier.
*With the summer ending, Melissa, my shared-roommate moved out and I was super sad! And a little nervous for the new girl to move in. But I was blessed with a wonderful roommate Megan. She is a sweetheart and I am so grateful I did not get a crazy.
*The dedication of the Utah Oquirrh Mountain Temple was incredible and I was once again reminded what a great place we live in to have 7 temples within and hour of each other. We are so blessed!
*My family is amazing and my brother, Cameron, is getting ready to sign his papers for the Army Special Forces. I am so proud of him and I am honored to have a brother fighting for my freedom.
And with that, summer ends. It has been a very eventful and amazing summer and I have a feeling that the next couple semesters and years are going to be just as eventful. I hope all of you out there in blogging land are geared up for school and the onset of Winter very soon. Its all going by so fast it boggles my mind. Sometimes I just wish life would slow down enough that I could look at each individual moment and really cherish them. Good luck to all of you in your endeavors in the near future! My thoughts, prayers, and love are always with you!

Love, Erin

Top 10 reasons why life is amazing right now...

2009-08-17T19:59:00.001-07:00

Ten: My bed...as simple as this seems, I have done a lot of camping lately and its starting to take a toll on my hips (I sound like an old woman...) so at this moment in time I am VERY grateful for my bed.

Nine: Being able to go to the temple. What an opportunity!

Eight: Hand-me-downs from roommates. Especially when they keep you toasty warm on a frosty campout.
Seven: Being able to cook. I take it for granted every day but I am so grateful that I grew up learning how to cook. It has come in handy recently that I am able to whip up meals really fast.

Six: My family. I have the greatest immediate and extended family on the planet. Go Scoffields!

Five: Gas prices being cheap...at least cheaper than last summer. Honestly, I hear people complain all the time about gas being 2.60$ a gallon...really people?! Be grateful you aren't paying 4$ a LITER!!!

Four: The Gospel. I have always been grateful for the Gospel in my life but right now I am especially grateful for it. What an amazing thing we have!!
Three: The country that I live in and the freedoms I enjoy. We are so blessed and we have so much that most of us aren't even grateful for and never even think about. Its time we start realizing what we have and be thankful for it.

Two: My wonderful roommates! They are the best and I love them oodles!

One: The love of my life, Jared Smith. Thanks for all you do, babe! You are my whole life and my whole world and I have no clue what I would do without you! I love you tons!

FOR SELL.......

2009-07-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm selling my baby :'( But I really need the money right now. Alibi 148 snowboard with Ride bindings-300$. Been used three times, still has factory wax, not a scratch on it. 32 Prion size 8 boots...Perfect condition, 150$. Package deal 400$. Spread the word. Need to sell ASAP!

Taking Donations.

2009-07-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

With the sudden event of my clothes being stolen from the laundry room at my apt complex, I am now taking donations for the "Replace Erin's Clothes Fund." There is a slim chance that my clothing will be recovered and it is very sad! I am a poor struggling college student who can barely afford food...let alone replacing a quarter of my wardrobe. If you feel so inclined to donate let me know :)

P.S. You really don't need to donate...I just thought this would be a cute way to tell you all how exciting my day was yesterday. I have filed a theft report with the Orem Police Department and we are still working on getting a copy of the video to them. Yes, the little creeps were caught on tape. Makes me angry all over again every time I watch it. My clothes weren't the only ones stolen...the creeps took someone else's as well. I hope they get whats coming to them. The Officer this morning even said that if we do catch them, he will turn his head so that I can bloody their noses and kick them in the.........yeah hahaha! And yes...thats exactly how the cop put it :o) great man...great man...

The weekend in pictures...

2009-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

So instead of telling you what happened over the weekend...I'm just gonna show you!

Friday night...Strawberry Days Rodeo with the roommates...and it wouldn't be any fun unless we took a buttload of pictures!

Saturday I stopped at Jahuga's work where they were doing a health fair...the funnest part was watching her dress up as a firefighter! I've never seen someone so exicted! She tops ANY six year old hand down!

And then Father's Day at the Grandparents...I didn't take very many pictures...but I did manage to get a few great ones of Bennet and Mia of course! Oh...and the lovely one of my mom...she is a character...

4th time in 2 years

2009-06-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yup...you guessed it...I went to California again! When the opportunity comes to visit my favorite place on earth I just can't resist!!!! This time, though, there was a purpose. Erin Moffat and Kyle Sawyer got married on June 6!!! The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast! And so was the rest of the weekend! None of us wanted to leave and we are sad that we are separated from our new best friends! Thank you boys for making our weekend awesome!!!The happy couple...Kyle and Erin Sawyer...Congrats you two! We love you!

Us girls at the temple...Me, Whitney, Meg, Jocelyn

At the temple with Tyler...Me, Jocelyn, Tyler, Whitney, Meg

Meg and Jocelyn at Jerry's where we had lunch

Me and Whit at lunch at Jerry's

At Diddy Riese where we got the yummiest ice cream sandwiches! Tyler, me, Meg, Jocelyn, and Whit

Had to get a couple last minute pictures...really we just didn't want to leave! Jocelyn, Tyler, Me, Meg, Whit, Chad and Nate

Who doesn't like a good self timer picture!? Jocelyn, Tyler, me, Meg, Whit, Nate, and Chad

Circle of friends! (starting with me going clockwise) Me, Chad, Jocelyn, Nate, Whit, Meg, and Tyler.

God's Plan

2009-05-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

Its crazy how life can throw twists and turns your way and how those twists and turns remind you of what is most important in life. Recently, of friend of my family passed away suddenly in a really bad car accident, leaving four kids and his wife behind. It was such a shock. But I also know, as much as it sucks, that it is part of Heavenly Father's plan for this family. I can't begin to imagine what they are going through at this time in life and my prayers go out to them. But the knowledge that they are a faithful family and that they are sealed for eternity in the temple brings immense comfort. I am so grateful for my family. I am grateful that my parents chose to be sealed for time and all eternity in the temple and that they haven chosen to teach us kids the gospel. I am grateful that I chose, at the age of 8, to be baptized and to receive the Holy Ghost. Without that companionship, I don't know where I would be. I am grateful to my grandparents, both maternal and paternal, for teaching my parents the gospel and for teaching my parents how to be good parents. I love them so much and don't know where I would be without them. I am grateful for the friends that I have and for the support that they are to me. I am grateful for the Prophet, President Monson, and is apostles and the rest of the General Authorities. Their words of wisdom bring comfort and joy to my heart. I am grateful that I live in a free country and that I am able to be a member of this church. I am grateful to those who serve so that I CAN live in a free country. They sacrifice their lives daily so that I can be free. They are true heros. I am grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For his sacrifice for me. I am grateful that He died so that my sins can be forgotten and that he was risen so that I can one day live again as well. I am grateful for the scriptures and for the words that those prophets have passed down through the ages for us. I am truly grateful for the Plan of Salvation. It amazes me the knowledge that I have and that no matter what happens in this life, I will be able to live with my family always. I am grateful I have the Gospel in my life. How blessed I am to know that my Heavenly Father and Savior love me. How blessed I am to know that this is not it. We will see our family members again. We will live and love and laugh with them into the eternities. I am amazed every time I think about that. I am so grateful for God's infinite wisdom and for his plan. Sometimes it may seem like life sucks and we are never going to get past what is going on in the moment. But I do know that we will. My "problems" right now are so tiny compared to what my friend and her family are going through right now and I feel guilty for even complaining about the miniscule and unimportant things going on in my life. I have my family. I have my parents. I have my friends. I am healthy and well and I live in a free country. There are so many worse things that I could be going through. My prayers are with this family in their time of need that they will be able to feel the love of our Savior. Be grateful for those around you and tell someone you love them today...you never know when you won't be able to tell them again. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!

I am lion, hear me roar!

2009-05-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is about what my mood is right now...in a good way. I am my own person! Hear me! There is nothing in the world stopping me right now! I am a woman. I am desirable. Who are you to make me not feel that way. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Nelson Mandela

Venting

2009-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Leggings...Cute look. I've been known to sport it myself from time to time. But, ladies and gents, its NOT appropriate for Church! I am sorry if you are reading this and you have sported this look at church...I'm not judging you...I am just not a fan of it for church. It makes you lazy in how you sit and it is not Sunday best in my opinion. I think of leggings as a way to get away with things while you are wearing a dress or skirt. For instance, you can sit cross legged while wearing leggings. You can't with a regular dress. It really frustrates me to see the dresses get shorter and shorter on the girls and less and less modest for church... I really can't wait for the brethren to say something about it cause its really starting to tick me off. Once again...I am not judging those of you who have sported this look and I am sorry if I have offended you with this post...I still love you!

I'm not that girl

2009-04-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

It seems lame to compare my life to a musical and I feel a little nerdy comparing it to WICKED of all things. But its true...I'm not that girl. I know I'm not. He might not know that. She might not know that. But I'm not that girl. She is...
I'm the girl with the golden hair...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who wants more than ever to be with him...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who thinks about him every minute...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who chooses him over every other guy in my life hands down...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who would do anything for him...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who prays daily for him...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who prays one day I might be the girl...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who hopes that one day he'll notice...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who wants him to come to her...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who pines...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who wishes things were different...but she is the girl.
I'm the girl who wants this...
But I'm the girl who gets to watch this...
I'm not that girl. And in this musical there is no reprise with "the girl" singing the words I've sung before. It ends with me continuing to sing the same words over and over........

Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl.

Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl

Every so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in

Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And Heaven knows
I'm not that girl.

Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not that girl

Dilemma

2009-04-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know me well, you know that I love my phone. You also know that it is literally falling apart at the seams. Its not a pretty sight really. I drop it on the carpet SOFTLY and it falls into three pieces. The phone, the battery, and the back. The back actually come off in one easy motion...Pull the top right corner and VIOLA! Battery is exposed. The buttons are cracking and starting to fall apart...fortunately they still work. The orange paint is peeling away little by little and sometimes it won't charge. But I love it. I cried when I had to get a new phone...just ask my brother (new phone ended up breaking a month later...not really hurt about it...thats why I am still using this one with no complaints). This is my current phone...my baby if you will...I love it!
Now lately, with my phone falling apart, I have realized it is time to truly retire it. One problem. When I got my new phone which was this phone....

the Samsung Propel. Not my favorite phone...the buttons are tiny...it was big...etc etc. Honestly I'm glad it broke...thing won't even turn on or charge now. Anyway, when I got it, I used my update. CRAP. So I no longer have an update for me to get a phone for cheaper and I have to pay full price. But lets face it, my phone is not going to last me past this summer...it'll either fall apart and just quit or I'll drop it in the pool at work on accident one of these days and then I'll be forced to get a new phone. So I've been looking on ebay and the like and I really haven't wanted to get one off there cause I would prefer a new phone...that way I know it'll last me a good long time. But today while I was searching the internet for phones, I came upon something that caught my eye. THIS>>>>>>>>>
Its exactly like what I have now...small, sleek, ORANGE, and very pretty!!! It has all the same features that my current phone has, its just newer, and nicer. It was made for me. It has my name written all over it. One day it will be mine! I just have to save up the money for it...cause remember...Erin Page gets to pay full price for her next phone. That will be the second time in her life she has had to do that. (I actually took amazing care of the last phone I paid full price for...maybe that's the ticket for me taking care of my phones...). Until that day...I will continue to bond with my current phone and await the day I have the money to pay for a new phone...

2009-04-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

I couldn't catch my breath And you hadn't seen me yet I turned to hide I caught your eye

Your face had that telling look Reading me like a book

My mysteries, blown on the breeze And my face smiles But inside I'm a mess And I can't find the words

CHORUS: I'm ok, I'm ok Just as long as you stay Far away from me baby We're so yesterday So don't say that you'll love me tomorrow If you don't today

The sound of your voice too soon Opens my deepest wounds You move towards me Beneath October leaves

I know just what you'll say And you're still ten feet away We've been here before We've walked through this door

And with every slow step I feel your arms pull me in

CHORUS: I'm ok, I'm ok Just as long as you stay Far away from me baby We're so yesterday So don't say that you'll love me tomorrow If you don't today

Just when I think I'm ready I dig deep inside For the strength To say right to your face

CHORUS: I'm ok, I'm ok Just as long as you stay Far away from me baby We're so yesterday So don't say that you'll love me tomorrow If you don't today

So don't say, so don't say Don't you dare play this game You can turn right around And keep walking away

Don't tell me you'll love me tomorrow If you don't today

If you don't today... If you don't today...

This feeling inside...

2009-04-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'VE LET IT OUT

Dreaming out loud..............

2009-04-15T00:04:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want in the next 5 years...enough so that I am having dreams about it. And the dreams, at least most of them, aren't so far off.

I want to finally graduate...With most of my friends graduating like crazy right now I want nothing more than to be done with school!

I want to find the right guy and settle down and get married. I think that's on the top of the list right now...

I want to start a family.

I want my own home.

I want to live somewhere else besides Utah

And that is what I want to accomplish in the next five years...I hope you enjoyed it! Now I get to see where everything takes me..................................

BIGGEST PET PEEVE

2009-04-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

WHEN YOU ASK SOMEONE A QUESTION OVER TEXT AND THEY NEVER TEXT BACK UNTIL DAYS LATER OR NEVER AT ALL.
I just had to get that out...thank you for listening to me complain.

All you need to know about me from A to Z

2009-04-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

A- Attached or Single: Single...but not for lack of trying :)

B- Best Friend: Sara Hansen

C- Cake or Pie: Pie for sure...I don't like cake. Don't want a wedding cake. I will have pie at my wedding.

D- Day of Choice: Thursdays lately...I don't have to work on Thursdays...its great!

E- Essential Item: Carmex chapstick...I have one for every coat/purse.

F- Favorite Color: Orange and Kelly Green

G- Greatest Accomplishment: Working at Oakcrest and finally figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up.

H- Hometown: West Jordan

I- Indulgences: Ice cream and shopping.

J- January or July: July...I hate winter and hate being cold

K- Kids: Love em...but don't have any yet...not for a long time

L- Life is incomplete without: My friends!

M- Marriage Date: Not for a few more years...gotta find Mr. Right first.

N- Number of Siblings: 2 Brothers...Cameron 21, Carson 17.

O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges for sure

P- Phobias: Free falling...and...I think thats it...

Q- Quotes: "If you are going to make me choose between you and the Lord, you are going to lose."
-Sister Colleen Terry

R- Reasons to Smile: 1)Summer is almost here, 2)My cousing Katie is pregnant and giving me a new "niece" or "nephew", 3)I have the greatest friends in the world, 4)General Conference was amazing, and 5)Life is just plain freaking good!!!

S- Singer/Songwriter: Do I HAVE to choose one...Cause I don't think I can...

T- Tag 5 Friends: Erin Moffat, Emily Pugh, Ashley Baugh, Katie Hansen, and Becca Hall

U- Unknown fact about me: I've never been outside the country

V- Very favorite stores: Buckle (for jeans), Forever 21, Downeast, American Eagle

W- Worst habit: Shaving my legs...I only shave about twice a month...

X- X-ray or Ultra Sound: Never had either so I don't know which I would want most...

Y- Your favorite food: Any food...but mostly Cereal...I don't survive without cereal

Z-Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Conference Weekend!!!

2009-04-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

I love Conference weekend and so far the talks have been amazing!!! And I know they will only get better! Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!

I WANT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

ISN'T HE JUST SO BLASTED CUTE?!?!

Nothing Better

2009-03-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, has today been amazing! It has just been one good thing after another. Church was incredible and I am so glad that I got to go...the talks given were exactly what I needed to hear and the spirit was incredible! After church, Jocelyn, Steve and I went on a picnic/drive up Provo canyon and to camp! I could resist going to rest of the way to Oakcrest and to show off my favorite place! Man do I miss it! Being so close made me realize what I have let go in my life and what I need to work on regaining. When we got back to Orem it was time for a nap for sure! And it was a well deserved one! We hung out, watched a little TV, I made cinnamon rolls today (first time in a month), helped Erin Moffat with a tiny bit of anatomy, and enjoyed the Sunday surrounded by some of the best people I know! I also talked to a good friend on facebook for a bit and it was an incredible conversation...both of us opened up in a way we never have to each other and it was exactly what I needed to hear from them! Its amazing that there is always someone there when you need a shoulder. I'm so in love with the Gospel today! The feeling is incredible and I hope that I can make it last all week. I have missed feeling like this for sure! Tonight as I was getting ready to sit down and study my scriptures, I noticed my March Ensign sitting on my bedside table, still unopened and I decided to crack that sucker open and see what I could find in it. WOW. The First Presidency message basically rocked! It is titled "Come Unto Him in Prayer and Faith." Man, I love President Monson! Everything in the article totally reiterated what the talks in Sacrament were about; Prayer, faith, and personal revelation. I was crying like a baby by the end of the article and the Spirit was so strong! I am so grateful for this Gospel in my life. Without it I would be a lost soul for sure! Thank you to all who influence my life! I look up to each and every one of you more than you will know! I have incredible friends that do so much for me! To all of you out there....THANK YOU!!! Life is beautiful and amazing! As a good friend of mine would say... "Dude, the Gospel totally rocks!"

Privacy

2009-02-22T16:49:00.001-08:00

Due to some unexpected circumstances I am now making my blog private. Please leave your email addresses so that I can invite you thanks :)

Creative!

2009-01-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is probably the most creatively written article I have ever read! It seriously is so descriptive I loved it! Even though I feel bad that they are dogging on Jessica Simpson...it still amazes me how much thought got put into it...ENJOY!

http://movies.msn.com/movies/undressed/?GT1=28101

My Bucket List.

2009-01-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

These are the 100 things I would like to do before I die..... This list took a lot longer than I thought it would...its been a work in progress for about a month. Though I do realize that this is a very long list and some of these items I may never check off, these are the things that I would like to accomplish in this short life. Its an extensive but thorough list and I have put a lot of time, effort, and thought into it! ENJOY!

1-Visit Italy

2- Live in Hawaii for at least a year

3- See Wicked in London

4- See the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World

5- See the Seven Modern Wonders of the World

6- Travel cross country on a U.S. History tour

7- Travel cross country on a Church History tour

8- Visit every temple...EVERY temple...

9- Get a dog

10-Own my own home

11-Visit Paris

12- Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower

13- See the Leaning Tower of Pizza

14- Visit Musee du Louvre

15- Visit Greece

16- Go to Mexico

17- Go on a cruise to the Caribbean

18- Go ice fishing in Alaska

19- Go to Mount Rushmore

20- Go on an African Safari

21- See the Alps

22- Visit the Concentration camps of Europe

23- Get Married

24- Have Kids

25- Get my College Degree and become a nurse

26- Become a Grandma

27- Adopt a child

28- Buy a Grand Piano

29- Learn to play the Guitar

30- Love unconditionally

31- Do humanitarian work in Africa

32- Visit and Orphanage in Romania

33- Record a song

34- Own a horse ranch

35- Own my own restaurant

35- Own my dream car- Pontiac Vibe

36- Fit into Teigan's wedding dress for my own wedding

37-Go through the Temple

38- Take a Ballet Class

39- Live in another country

40- Visit all 50 United States

41- Own a pair of Jimmy Chu's

42- Visit the Ancient Book of Mormon Sites in Mexico and South America

43- See the New York Philharmonic

44- Visit ALL Disneyland Resorts
45- Ride the World's Tallest Roller Coaster

46- Jump out of a plane

47- Save a life

48- Finish the Standard Works

49- Snowboard down the mountain WITHOUT falling!

50- Pull an all-nighter

51- Meet the President of the United States

52- Become Scuba Certified

53- Visit every continent

54- See the Russian Ballet- IN Russia

55- Go to the Olympics-not as an athlete

56- Meet the Prophet

57- Serve a mission with my husband

58- Own a pair of REAL Diamond earrings!

59- Own a pair of REAL Pearl earrings

60- Read the Missionary Library

61- Learn to Crochet

62- Own a boat

63- Learn to ride a Motorcycle

64- Be in a movie

65- Build something

66- Own a beach house

67- Spend a week in Tahiti

68- Get a 4.0 in Nursing School

69- Pet a Tiger

70- Stay out of debt

71- Own EVERY SINGLE Disney movie!

72- Write in a journal every day for a year

73- Fall in Love

74- Show my children the joy of reading

75- Learn to Paint

76- Do 100 names at the temple in one year

77- Volunteer at a homeless shelter

78- Be a good friend

79- Help a stranger

80- Finish my Bucket List ;)= January 26, 2009

81- Visit Vatican City

82- Take a snowboarding class

83- Be a traveling nurse

84- Be a millionaire

85- Say Yes

86- Watch a sunrise

87- Publish a photo of mine

88- Be a good mom and wife
89- Compete in a triathlon

90- Spoil my grand kids

91- Read 250 books in one year

92- Be the best version of ME possible

93- Forgive

94- Go to the Sacred Grove

95- See the Hill Cumorah, Nauvoo, and Manti Pageants all in one summer

96- Become an OB-GYN

97- Record a CD

98- Be alive for my first great-grandchild

99- Tell my family I love them...every day

100- Truly Believe

To play game: Be honest.

2009-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

This is an ode to how much I hate dating games! Why can't dating be simple, like it was 100 years ago. A young man interested in a certain young woman would ask said young woman's father if he could court his daughter. The father would either agree or disagree. In the case of the father agreeing to the request, the young man would then seek for the young woman's attentions. He would shower her with lovely gifts, make her feel like a queen, wait on her every beckon call, and even surprise her with flowers! And if a young man showed interest in a young woman, another young woman wouldn't show interest in said young man. No one fought over who's is who's. No one "laid claim" or said "hands off" about anybody. Simple. Easy. And if two people showed interest in each other, everyone was thrilled. No backstabbing. No lying. Plain honesty. Everyone was upfront about feelings and honest about everything. That is the way the game should be played. I like this game. I'm good at this game. I don't know how to play "Hard to Get." I know how to play "I Like You and Want to Spend Time With You." I don't know how to play "Hands Off." But I do know how to play "Stay Up Late Texting, 'Cause I Don't Want to Say Goodnight." I'm not good at the game that everyone plays these days. They frustrate me and give me a headache and in the long run, no one is happy, because everyone is confused at what the other person "means."

So to play my game: BE HONEST!

The end!

Moving once again...

2009-01-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Life is crazy. I'm in my twenties...thats how its supposed to be...

As of tomorrow I will officially be living back in Utah County. Provo to be specific. I'm really excited to be back in the college life again! But I HATE moving. Its the biggest pain in the butt. There are upsides to it...I love being able to set up a new space and make it my own...its just getting there that I hate. I've been "living" at home for the past three weeks and I didn't realize how settled you can get in three weeks...my stuff is everywhere! Its been a pain having to gather it all up.

But its done. I move tomorrow. What a wonderful thought :)

A foot and still counting...

2008-12-25T21:13:00.001-08:00

While the rest of the Greater Salt Lake Valley isn't worrying about what is falling from the sky this fine evening, us here is West Jordan are wondering if its ever going to stop. We have had about 12 inches and its still coming down. We might be snowed in tomorrow...I'm thinking that would be pretty awesome. It was nice to have a regular old fashioned Christmas blizzard! Now I just need someone to snuggle with in front of the fire...

To the nice guys of this world...you are appreciated.

2008-12-11T10:13:00.001-08:00

It does swear, as a warning for those of you that are offended by that.

Ode to the Nice GuysThis rant was written for the Wharton Undergraduate JournalThis is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what assholes guys are, while disproving the very point. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honor of the guys that obligingly reiterate how cute/beautiful/smart/funny/sexy their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honor of the guys with open minds, with laid-back attitudes, with honest concern. This is in honor of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.This is for the guys who escort their drunk, bewildered female friends back from parties and never take advantage once they’re at her door, for the guys who accompany girls to bars as buffers against the rest of the creepy male population, for the guys who know a girl is fishing for compliments but give them out anyway, for the guys who always play by the rules in a game where the rules favor cheaters, for the guys who are accredited as boyfriend material but somehow don’t end up being boyfriends, for all the nice guys who are overlooked, underestimated, and unappreciated, for all the nice guys who are manipulated, misled, and unjustly abandoned, this is for you.This is for that time she left 40 urgent messages on your cell phone, and when you called her back, she spent three hours painstakingly dissecting two sentences her boyfriend said to her over dinner. And even though you thought her boyfriend was a chump and a jerk, you assured her that it was all ok and she shouldn’t worry about it. This is for that time she interrupted the best killing spree you’d ever orchestrated in GTA3 to rant about a rumor that romantically linked her and the guy she thinks is the most repulsive person in the world. And even though you thought it was immature and you had nothing against the guy, you paused the game for two hours and helped her concoct a counter-rumor to spread around the floor. This is also for that time she didn’t have a date, so after numerous vows that there was nothing “serious” between the two of you, she dragged you to a party where you knew nobody, the beer was awful, and she flirted shamelessly with you, justifying each fit of reckless teasing by announcing to everyone: “oh, but we’re just friends!” And even though you were invited purely as a symbolic warm body for her ego, you went anyways. Because you’re nice like that.The nice guys don’t often get credit where credit is due. And perhaps more disturbing, the nice guys don’t seem to get laid as often as they should. And I wish I could logically explain this trend, but I can’t. From what I have observed on campus and what I have learned from talking to friends at other schools and in the workplace, the only conclusion I can form is that many girls are just illogical, manipulative bitches. Many of them claim they just want to date a nice guy, but when presented with such a specimen, they say irrational, confusing things such as “oh, he’s too nice to date” or “he would be a good boyfriend but he’s not for me” or “he already puts up with so much from me, I couldn’t possibly ask him out!” or the most frustrating of all: “no, it would ruin our friendship.” Yet, they continue to lament the lack of datable men in the world, and they expect their too-nice-to-date male friends to sympathize and apologize for the men that are jerks. Sorry, guys, girls like that are beyond my ability to fathom. I can’t figure out why the connection breaks down between what they say (I want a nice guy!) and what they do (I’m going to sleep with this complete ass now!). But one thing I can do, is say that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. You know who you are, and I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party escorting services, your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile. For all the crazy, inane, absurd things you tolerate, for all the situations where you are the faceless, nameless hero, my accolades, my acknowledgement, and my gratitude go out to you. You do have credibility in this society, and your well deserved vindication is coming.

The 6 boys....and Sam!

2008-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was amazing! Its always is...with home-grown turkey, Grandma's homemade rolls and stuffing, yummy homemade pies, and tons of family around...but this year was a bit different. For the first time in 24 YEARS, my Grandparents and all SEVEN of their kids+spouses were in the same room. 24 YEARS!!!!! It was pretty amazing! And so much fun to listen to all of them catch up and tell funny stories from when they were kids! But...instead of telling you about it...I'll let the pictures do the talking :)

This turkey was 40 lbs! YUM!

Woofle ball!!!!!!! Uncle Mark at bat.

This, apparently, is a family tradition. It was tons of fun watching!

Uncle Lindy at bat...

I told Porter to smile....I got a pose instead haha!

6 Boys........and Sam

Left to right: Scott, Jay, Mark, Sam, Lindy, Val, Kelly

Grandpa, Grandma, 6 boys.....and Sam

From left to right: Scott, Jay, Mark, Grandma, Grandpa, Sam, Lindy, Val, Kelly.

Mom and Aunt Cathy...SO CUTE!

Everybody, all the kids and the spouses.

Brady and Uncle Lindy having a father-son bonding moment.

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try

2008-11-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

In light of the HOLIDAY season, and with the knowledge that, in the near future, I will be eating my weight in HOLIDAY candy and yummy family dinners, I have thought alot about exercise. Not in the way of "I'm fat and need to lose weight" but in the "I really should be more active, its just all part of being healthy" way.

And I'm not saying that I need to lose weight to be happy and feel better about myself, I just need to be more active.

Only one problem...I have absolutely no motivation what so ever. NONE.

I know that there are many pros to exercise. You sleep better. Well, I sleep fine now thank you. My head hits the pillow and I'm out. Your body metabolizes food better. I have no problems eating a hefty bowl of ice cream or a nice dish of pasta. You have more energy. Got enough of that...its coming out my ears. A plus side all girls like...You lose weight. In the last year I have exercised a max of two times a month and haven't gained a single pound...in fact, I have lost weight, so thats not a problem.

I just have NO motivation.

Until this week.

I was talking to my mom about this, and we were joking back and forth about how much I DON'T exercise. Side note: for those of you that don't know, my mom is a fanatic about exercise. She does triathalons and crazy junk like that. The woman exercises like its going out of style. But back to the story. As we were joking about how I never exercise and how I have no motivation to do so, she simply reminded me of one little fact that I rarely think about.

One day, far in the future, I have to fit into my cousin's wedding dress.

Now, don't freak out...I'm not engaged, nor am I dating anyone.

But when the day finally comes that Erin Page does get married, I will need to fit into said dress. One fact many of you may not know: my cousin is TINY! Now, I'm no giant...in fact I consider myself small...but this girl is TINY (I love you Teig!!!).

And that folks, is my key motivation factor. I need to one day fit into the dress that I had pictured for years in my head that my cousin just happened to buy and that she is graciously saving until I get married. I am MUCHO grateful for it too! I don't know how I am going to do it but I will!!!!!!!!

My goal is to start exercising at least 30 minutes a day. I just hope I can keep on top of this goal...I'm not the greatest at excersing on a daily basis...obviously. We'll see how this goes.

For now, though, I'm going to drag my skinny-fat butt off to bed :)

What is really going through member's heads in California.

2008-11-29T15:21:00.000-08:00

This is from my cousin Britney, who lives in Newport Beach, California.

What did it look like when I went to church yesterday? (written 11/17/08)

Yesterday when we went to church we were stopped by members of our ward to make sure we weren't trying to disturb the meetings.

Yesterday when we went to church there were police, and later there were undercover agents among the protesters.

Yesterday when we went to church we were counseled to take "any green light out of the parking lot" so that we weren't stopped or harassed.

Yesterday when we went to church we had to discuss what was going on outside with Mason.

Yesterday when we went to church it was a day I NEVER thought I would have to experience.

Yesterday when I went to church I got a teenie-tiny understanding of what the early members of the church may have felt when they went to church among hate and persecution.

Yesterday when I went to church I realized I no longer live in "the Bubble".

And...yesterday when I went to church I was proud to be a Mormon!

Britney

Its not so common....

2008-11-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Currently I work at a pool as a lifeguard and I get alot of questions, and contrary to popular belief, there are such things as dumb questions. I really wonder if some poeple's brains work properly. Going along with this...my Grandma sent me this email a couple of weeks ago that made me laugh HISTERICALLY!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain.
Why the early bird gets the worm.
Life isn't always fair.
Maybe it was my fault.

Common Senses lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you earn; and reliable strategies, adults, not children are in charge. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility, and his son Reason. He is survived by his three stepbrothers: I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I am A Victim. Not many attended the funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Whenever I hear the song of a bird......

2008-11-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

My life is my own. No one can take it from me or tell me what is best for me. I love my life. There is plenty that I am grateful for and very little to complain about.

I am me. I will never be anyone else and no one can ever be me. I am unique and was created so. I am my own person and no one can ever change that.

I am whole, and I don't need anyone to "complete" me. I am happy where life is and where it is headed in the near future. It is a good life and I am very blessed.

I have many friends and family that love me for me. I don't have to put on a show in front of them and they are always there for me in times of need. I couldn't ask for more.

I have the Gospel in my life and that is the greatest blessing of all. My Heavenly Father and Savior love me. With that knowledge I can overcome anything. Christ is my rock, He is my strength.

I know it.

I have no doubts.

Life is good.

Tequila Loves Me

2008-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

What is your motto? To Tell You Everything-Terri Clark

What do your friends think of you? My Baby Loves Me Just The Way That I Am-Martina McBride

What do you think about very often? The Angels Cried-Alison Krauss & Alan Jackson

What is 2+2? Ride-Trace Adkins

What do you think of best friend? We Weren't Crazy-Josh Gracin

What do you think of the person you like? Heels Over Head-Boys Like Girls

What is your life story? The Road and The Radio-Kenny Chesney

What do you want to be when you grow up? Got a Thing for You-Brett Raymond

What do you think when you see the person you like? This is Your Life-Switchfoot

What do your parents think of you? Home-Daughtry

What will you dance to at your wedding? I Can't Do That Anymore-Faith Hill

What will they play at your funeral? Come on Get Higher-Matt Nathanson

What is your hobby/interest? I'd Lie-Taylor Swift

What's your biggest secret? When You Say Nothing At All-Alison Krauss

What do you think of your friends? Lay All Your Love on Me-Dominic Cooper&Amanda Seyfried, Mamma Mia

What's the worst thing that could happen? Your So Vain-Carly Simon

How will you die? Everybody's Changing-Keane

What is the one thing you regret? Here is Our King-Dave Crowder Band

What makes you laugh? Your Song-Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge

What makes you cry? He Hears Me-Hilary Weeks

What scares you the most? Dancing Queen-Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia

Does anyone like you? Seventeen-Tim McGraw

If you could go back in time, what would you change? Lead Me Home-Hilary Weeks

What hurts right now? Dancing Through Life-Norbert Leo Butz, Wicked

What will you post this as? Tequila Loves Me-Kenny Chesney

I Tag Emily :)

Where can I turn for peace?

2008-10-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to go to the temple. It was the best decision I've made all day long! It was such a great experience! Its been a long time since I have felt the spirit like that and I really needed to feel the Lord's love for me. I also felt the Lord's love for each and every one of the spirits that I was baptized and confirmed for. I am so thankful that I have a temple so close that I can escape anytime I want to. Its amazing the spirit that is there and the feeling that you get just by walking in the door. I love it with all of my heart!!!

Tagged minus seven

2008-10-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to answer these questions in one word...here goes...

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket

2. Where is your significant other? Lost

3. Your hair? Perfect

4. Your mother? AMAZING!

5. Your father? Hunting...

6. Your favorite thing? Peace

7. Your dream last night? Forgotten

8. Your dream/goal? Travel

9. The room you're in? Quiet

10. Your hobby? Reading

11. Your fear? Stupid

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Married.

13. Where were you last night? BFF!

14. What you're not? Sleeping

15. One of your wish list items? Money

16. Where you grew up? WeJo

17. The last thing you did? Work

18. What you're wearing? Sweats

19. Your TV? On

20. Your pet? Weird

21. Your computer? Dying

22. What do you think of tags like this? FUN!

23. Your mood? Solemn

24. Missing someone? Yes...........

25. Where would you rather be? Elwood

26. Something you're not wearing right now? Braces

27. Favorite store? Bookstore

28. Your summer? Wasted

29. Love someone? Tried.............................

30. Favorite color? ORANGE!

31. The last time you laughed? Yesterday

32. Who will participate? Tweets! (love ya man!)

Once again wasting precious study time...

2008-10-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Tag of 8
So, I wasn't neccesarily tagged, but as I was wasting time and looking at other people's blogs that I don't really know (yes, I'll admit, I stalk blog of people I don't know. If it'll let me click on it, I'll read it) this tag was on one and I thought it was alot of fun so I decided to do it and start tagging those I know...so here goes!

8 TV shows I love to watch

Jon & Kate plus 8 is definitely a favorite of mine! I could watch those cute kids torment their parents any day of the week!

Hannah Montana...yes I am a Disney Channel junkie and I love watching this teen superstar and her dorky brother Jackson get into all sorts of trouble...and lets be honset...what other show can you watch Billy Ray Cyrus on?!

CSI: Miami: I have only a few words...Horatio Cane and Florida crime, what could be better?

ONE TREE HILL: The ONLY show I manage to not watch reruns of and I actually catch it on its regular time...This season has been awesome!

Gossip Girl...XOXO...enough said...

Supernatural...this will be the first time I will admit it but I think I am acutally enjoying this show...curse you Brittany!

What I like about you: but only the later seasons...gotta get my fill of Vince and Holly hooking it up while she's still going out with Henry!

FRIENDS...whats not to love about this classic? How you doin'?

8 Favorite restaurants

Cheesecake Factory...I can hear the Oreo cheesecake callin my name...

Olive Garden: I can never get enough of those breadsticks!

Chili's: gotta love the Mushroom Swiss Burger...I can down that thing in twenty minutes!

Kneader's...I can never get enough of the Cream of Broccoli soup! And those Strawberry tarts...TO DIE FOR!!!

WENDY'S: JBC, FROSTIE, FRIES, nuff said...

Village Baker: That bread gets me every time!

Mimi's Cafe and those DELECTIBLE BROWNIES!!!!! Only four dollars folks!!!

Cafe Rio has recently been on my list of favorites but I must say I like the fire grilled chicken over the pork...

8 things that happened yesterday...

I slept in for the first time in weeks!

Frosted cookies for FHE

I was in bed before MIDNIGHT!

I successfully dodged my recent stalker..

I went to my Head Guard Meeting in Lehi...thrill a minute...let me tell you!

Went grocery shopping and got gas

Went to INSTITUTUE and loved every minute!

Realized once again...I hate my anatomy class.

8 things I'm looking forward to...

SNOWBOARDING!

My best friend being home from his mission...2 DAYS!!!

Playing with JAHUGA tomorow

2 wedding receptions this week...both on satruday...

Taking my friends small child to said receptions...this is going to be funny!

Sleep tonight

Getting my Chemistry test over and done with tomorow morning...

Showering...tonight..

8 things on my wish list...

I wish that my brother knew how much I loved him

I wish that I could take a vacation...a long one...to the Hawaiian Islands

I wish that I could see the future...that way I wouldn't have to worry so much now...

I wish Mitt Romney were still running for President.

I wish Utah had a beach...wouldn't that be nice!

I wish that I didn't have to worry about money...

I wish I could learn from osmosis

I wish I were done with school

8 people I'm tagging:

Mary Nelson

Brittany Plothow

Emily Galbraith

Brynne Burton

Dangew ;)

Jessica Haro

Patches

Teigan Benson

CAN'T WAIT TO READ THEM!!!

My Declaration of Independence

2008-10-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

So this is my new favorite song...FORGET THE LOVE SONGS!!! HOLLA TO ALL MY SINGLE SISTA'S OUT THERE!!! LOVE YOU ALL BUNCHES!

I'm not waitin' around for a man to save me

(Cos I'm happy where I am)

Don't depend on a guy to validate me

(No no)

I don't need to be anyone's baby

(Is that so hard to understand?)

No I don't need another half to make me whole

Make your move if you want doesn't mean I will or won't

I'm free to make my mind up you either got it or you don't

[Chorus:]

This is my current single status

My declaration of independence

There's no way I'm tradin' places

Right now a star's in the ascendant

I'm single (Right now)

That's how I wanna be

I'm single

(Right now)

That's how I wanna be

Ah yeah Uh Huh that's right

Don't need to be on somebody's arm to look good

(I like who I am)

I'm not saying I don't wanna fall in love 'cos I would

I'm not gonna get hooked up just 'cos you say I should

(Can't romance on demand)

I'm gonna wait so I'm sorry if you misunderstood

[Chorus]

Everything in it's right time everything in it's right place

I know I'll settle down one day

But 'til then I like it this way it's my way

Eh I like it this way

Make your move if you want doesn't mean I will or won't

I'm free to make my mind up you either got it or you don't

'Til then I'm single

This is my current single status

My declaration of independence

There's no way I'm tradin' places

Right now a star's in the ascendant

My Baby Girl!

2008-10-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I finally got a new car after dealing with my old one breaking down every month on me...ISN'T SHE GORGEOUS?!?!!?!?! I sure do love driving it! Its a 2008 Pontiac G6...no worries I got it used with about 30,000 miles on it. It has a V6 engine and gets about 35 miles to the gallon...Beat that!!! I really like it and plan on driving it forever!!!

Never-Never Land

2008-10-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

"In his address at the BYU spring 2005 commencement exercise, Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Seventy referred to an article in a recent issue of Time magazine. It states that the years from 18 to 25 have become “a distinct and separate life stage, a strange, transitional never-never land between adolescence and adulthood in which people stall for a few extra years, [postponing] … adult responsibility.” The article describes these transitional individuals as “permanent adolescents, … twentysomething Peter Pans.” Putting this analysis in terms more familiar to his audience of BYU graduates and their families, Elder Tingey spoke of “the indecision some college graduates have in … accepting the responsibilities of marriage and family.”

"This tendency to postpone adult responsibilities, including marriage and family, is surely visible among our Latter-day Saint young adults. The average age at marriage has increased in the last few decades, and the number of children born to LDS married couples has decreased. It is timely to share some concerns about some current practices in the relationships of young LDS singles in North America.

"Knowledgeable observers report that dating has nearly disappeared from college campuses and among young adults generally. It has been replaced by something called “hanging out.” You young people apparently know what this is, but I will describe it for the benefit of those of us who are middle-aged or older and otherwise uninformed. Hanging out consists of numbers of young men and young women joining together in some group activity. It is very different from dating.

"For the benefit of some of you who are not middle-aged or older, I also may need to describe what dating is. Unlike hanging out, dating is not a team sport. Dating is pairing off to experience the kind of one-on-one association and temporary commitment that can lead to marriage in some rare and treasured cases.

"What has made dating an endangered species?"

This is one of my ALLTIME FAVORITE talks from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It is called Dating Versus Hanging Out. It has really bothered me of late that dates are completely non-exsistent. Todays males have resorted to what they knew how to do in high school-hang out.

I really think that we do boys an injustice in the early dating years (16-19) by telling them that dating is a "bad" thing. Hey boys...DATING IS GOOD!!! The only thing we are encouraged not to do is date exclusively prematurely. VERY understandable and I completely agree with this. But, the impression that young men are getting is that dating is bad overall and that they shouldn't do it at all. Therefore, they hang out. After high school, they maybe get one year of college in...maybe less...and then they go on their missions. After coming home from their missions, the are told to get married. But the only thing they know how to do is HANG OUT. They don't know how to date. They don't know how to take a girl on a nice night out that doesn't cost a fortune. So they resort to what they know is safe a reliable. Hanging out.

One thing they don't know how to do is to find dates that are inexpensive and fun. I recently went on a date with a friend from high school who had recently returned from his mission. He asked me "How do I date now? What do I do?!" He didn't know how to date for marriage! I was shocked! I had to teach him how to date all over again. I had to give him ideas for dating that would help him get to know girls well and that would be inexpensive and yet fun. He asked a million questions on what to to even do and how to act.

What are we going to do about this? And as Elder Oaks said "What has made dating an endangered species?" Well, I think the answer is-WE have made dating an endangered species. And guys these days need to get the courage up and just ask girls out. It doesn't need to be anything big or expensive. Go for ice cream. Go for a drive. Rent a movie. Make her dinner. BUT ASK THE GIRL OUT FOR HEAVENS SAKE! The worst she can say is no. And that doens't make you any less of a man for doing so.

"...The more elaborate and expensive the date, the fewer the dates. As dates become fewer and more elaborate, this seems to create an expectation that a date implies seriousness or continuing commitment. That expectation discourages dating even more. Gone is the clumsy and inexpensive phone call your parents and grandparents and I used to make. That call went something like this: “What’re ya doin’ tonight? How about a movie?” Or, “How about taking a walk downtown?” Cheap dates like that can be frequent and nonthreatening, since they don’t seem to imply a continuing commitment.

"Simple and more frequent dates allow both men and women to “shop around” in a way that allows extensive evaluation of the prospects. The old-fashioned date was a wonderful way to get acquainted with a member of the opposite sex. It encouraged conversation. It allowed you to see how you treat others and how you are treated in a one-on-one situation. It gave opportunities to learn how to initiate and sustain a mature relationship. None of that happens in hanging out...

"There is another possible contributing factor to the demise of dating and the prominence of the culture of hanging out. For many years the Church has counseled young people not to date before age 16. Perhaps some young adults, especially men, have carried that wise counsel to excess and determined not to date before 26 or maybe even 36.

"Men, if you have returned from your mission and you are still following the boy-girl patterns you were counseled to follow when you were 15, it is time for you to grow up. Gather your courage and look for someone to pair off with. Start with a variety of dates with a variety of young women, and when that phase yields a good prospect, proceed to courtship. It’s marriage time. That is what the Lord intends for His young adult sons and daughters. Men have the initiative, and you men should get on with it. If you don’t know what a date is, perhaps this definition will help. I heard it from my 18-year-old granddaughter. A “date” must pass the test of three p’s: (1) planned ahead, (2) paid for, and (3) paired off."

I will now get off my soap box. But I hope you will all encourage those men around you to man up and ask a girl on a date. The end.

The Fabric of Our Lives

2008-10-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the last little bit...and if you know me...its hard to just pick a favorite!

Miss Mia, my cute little niece!

The sunset...taken on Bangerter Highway while at a stop light.

At the conference center

Newport Beach Temple

A rose is a rose...

We are all stars...

Jewelry...

Manti Temple

Truett playing the giant xylophone

One of the coolest picture I have probably ever taken...in Bountiful off I-15 going south...this was not planned...

Sunshine and Summertime...

2008-10-01T16:17:00.001-07:00

So a couple weeks ago my cute roommates and I decided to do roommate pictures...cliche, I know...but it was super fun! We even have a couple hanging in our front room! We had a blast taking them and here are a few that I sent through photo shop and put them in black and white...ENJOY!

FEET!!!

Peace Man!

Classic backwards pic!

YAY!!!

Smile Big!!!

This is one of my favorites!

Again, a favorite!

We love each other!

We call ourselves "The Girls of 1241"

Sexy, Sexy!!!

ULTIMATE FAVORITE!!!

I said something dirty...it was funny...

Roommate LOVE!!!

Us TRYING to be Gansta...its not working is it...

Another favorite!

Holding hands...

Here we go...

2008-09-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that it has been over a month since I have posted anything on my blog and I apologize. I just haven't been in the mood to share what has been going on in the past 6 weeks. Its been long and stressful, but I do know that everything has to get better. As Shania Twain says..."Up, up, up, Can only go up from here!" And thats really all that I can wait for is the UP in life to finally show itself. And even right now I am not in the greatest mood.....

You know all the time as a kid that you wish you could be like Aladdin and find a magic lamp with a genie in it and you could have three wishes but then when you really got thinking about it you couldn't just stop at three wishes???????

Wish #1: I wish that the person I cared about most realized what he had and what he is now losing...
Wish #2: I wish I didn't have to struggle with money so much...
Wish #3: I wish I could turn back time three months...
Wish #4: I wish that I could control some people's decisions...
Wish #5: I wish I was getting my new car today...
Wish #6: I wish I had my own room...though I do love my roommate TONS...
Wish #7: I wish there was snow in them there hills so I could call in sick tomorrow and go snowboarding...
Wish #8: I wish I could talk to my best friend right now...
Wish #9: I wish I could find a better job...soon...
Wish #10: I wish my life weren't so pathetic that I sat here on a thursday night at 7:30 complaining on my blog...

Those are just the first ten wishes that popped into my head and I'm sure I could keep going all night but I won't bore you with all the details.

Life will get better, I know. Its just at a low point right now. I do have much to be grateful though and I hope that all of you are doing well :)

Thanks for the Memories...

2008-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

1. Add a comment on my blog. Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Hope to hear from you all!

Just not there...

2008-07-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the recent silence in my blog...I just haven't been in the mood to blog lately...I don't know the reason but as soon as I snap out of it I will update you all on the last few weeks :) Take care!

Does this qualify as a real job?

2008-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sometime at the Legacy Center we have a LITTLE too much fun...here are some examples...

Dalton and TJ...Dalton looks a bit too happy in the picture if you ask me...

Dalton in his floatie suit on his Harley...you don't see this very often...

Korbin...We all love him to PIECES!!!

Lacey and Mary are sometimes a little special....

Otter pops that will be gone in the next two days....we all love them WAY too much...

You can just see the excitement on Ike's face!

Dalton trying on the lost-and-found items...we dont' ask questions...

Like I said...don't ask questions...you just go with the flow...

Cohen trying on the lost-and-found goggles :)

Baby Tal! Such a chunk!

Cohen practicing his lifeguard skills...he'll be so great one day!

Eating Auntie Erin's Tootie Frooties...the bag was bigger than he is...

Mary entertains us all...

My Personal Mission Statement

2008-07-07T00:53:00.000-07:00

My life’s purpose is to have integrity and honesty in everything that I do. No one should ever question my motives or my actions. To have raised a righteous family and to have been an influence in the community in which I live in. I want people to know what was most important in my life, namely family, friends, the Gospel, and the Scriptures. I want to live a life where people will look back and see the love and service that I gave to others and I want people to see that I lived for the Lord instead of for myself. I will uphold the values taught to me by my parents, grandparents, friends, and church leaders.

My Haircut...for Katie

2008-07-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is my Haircut Katie-did! This is what it looks like flipped out...when I do it under next time I'll post some pics of it :)

A glimpse of my life

2008-07-01T15:16:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the last little bit of my life...Enjoy!

Collin Raye! He was amazing in concert!

Josh Gracin! He was amazing too! He gave me a high five and then signed my shirt!

Pretty flowers at Temple Square

I love this picure! So cute!

Jahuga is so GORGEOUS! I love her!

Pretty water!

Me and Jared on our spur of the moment four wheeling trip on June 28, 2008

Lacee and Shaun on our four wheeling trip, June 28, 2008

The sunset looking over Utah Lake, June 28, 2008

Jahuga and me...we forgot the camera was zoomed in...oops!

Timpanogas Temple at night

Duke proposing to Carrie...SHE SAID YES!

Rexburg Idaho Temple

Jake and his little Turnips!

Nothing better than a little photo shoot...

2008-06-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Me and Jahuga decided to go to Temple Square today and take pics...although we intended them to be pictures of the Temple, most of them turned out to be pics of the two of us...it was great fun! And 375 pictures later, we were tired but happy girls! Enjoy!

Love excels and exceeds almost all else...

2008-06-25T02:29:00.000-07:00

I know in the King James version of the Bible the word used here is 'charity,' while in most versions of the Bible the word used is 'love.' But for the sake of the post we are going to use the word 'love.'

"Love suffereth long, and is kind; Love envieth not; Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth."

This is one of my favorite scriptures! The reason I did this post is I think that we all get a little jaded when it comes to love and we forget really what love is. Here are a few things that I think "LOVE" should also be...

~Love is blind...as dumb as it sounds, love needs to be blind to look past faults, the past, and the buttheads that we can all be...

~Love is patient...I know the scripture basically said that...I am just reiterating the fact.

~Love is perfect...I don't think there is any other more perfect emotion that God gave to us than love.

~Love conquers all...I think that about says it...

~Love is a risk...we all know its a risk, no matter how easy it may seem...

~Love is hard...at least it usually is. I believe that love SHOULDN'T be easy...it should be something that we have to work at and fight for.

~Love is scary...when you love someone there is no guarantee that things are going to be a perfect fairy tale and that is a bit scary if you ask me...

~Love is never convenient...it tends to fall in your lap and the exact moment that you DON'T need it to. Its almost like cupid is laughing in your face going "I surprised you with that one, huh?!" and you are thinking..."I could have gone without the hole in my head..."

~Love is CRAZY!!! There is and never will be another emotion that will make you cry, laugh, dance, sob, make you want to kill yourself, and make you want to jump for joy all in one second. Its a roller coaster ride so HANG ON!

~Love is meant to be...and even though it may not be what we are looking for or even want...it needs to be embraced...which brings me to my next point...

~Love is to be embraced...we can't be scared of it...we just have to let things happen how they are supposed to...

~Love is needed...what would the world be like with out love? It would be a pretty dull place...

~Love knows all...when you love someone, it doesn't take much to know whats wrong, if they are having a good day, if they need a hug, or just some Ben & Jerry's...

~Love is the end all, cure all...I really and truly believe this with all my heart and soul...

With that said, folks, I will now turn in for the night. I hope you know that I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Goodnight and Sweet dreams :)

And the difference is...

2008-06-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

I've been accused lately of freaking out. I don't freak out. I get confused, yes. Freak out, no. And there is a big difference. Freaking out consists of hysterically crying, accusing the other party of atrocities that are not true, not letting the other party get a word in edgewise, not accepting one's responsibilities, etc. Confusion consists of not knowing what is going on with the other party and therefore you don't know what to say, do, think, etc. I am confused. Not freaking out. I have no idea what the other party is currently thinking about things and therefore I don't know what to say or do. I may occasionally do something irrational due to that confusion, but never freak out. I am a very simple girl to understand and to be accused of freaking out and being complicated is not very fun. I need my sleep. I need a shower, but only every other day. I need food. And I need communication. The end. If all of these are fulfilled, I will be a satisfied girl. But once one of those is taken out of the equation, sometimes I don't know how to react. I never freak out though. Its something that I always thought was stupid and therefore always tried NEVER to do. But confusion is a natural emotion and I am definitely confused beyond all reason. And its really starting to bother me not knowing whats going on. Communication is the key missing point here and that, to me, is a very important point. And contrary to popular belief I am not a mind reader and therefore cannot decipher what the other party is thinking in this situation. Just tell me like it is and I'll be happy. End of discussion.

DONE

2008-06-18T22:51:00.001-07:00

You know how sometimes we are forced in this life to be strong and hold on and all that garbage?! Well I'm DONE. I'm not giving up completely on life, but I'm DONE having to be strong for certain people. I'm DONE crying myself to sleep. I'm DONE hoping for things that can't be. I'm DONE waiting for certain people to catch a clue. I'm DONE loving someone who doesn't care. I'm DONE lying to myself about things. I'm DONE with the up and down emotions. I'm DONE holding on to dreams that don't exsist. I'm DONE trying to be happy when I'm not. I'm DONE faking that everything is hunky dory when it ain't. I'm DONE telling people that I'm alright when I'm clearly not. I'm DONE not knowing what the future holds. I'm DONE not telling him the truth. I'm DONE waiting for him to come to me. I'm DONE with him not caring. I'm DONE crying over him. I'm DONE hoping for him. I'm DONE, DONE, DONE! Ok........so maybe not.........maybe i still love him. maybe i still care. maybe i still have some strength left in me. maybe i'll still cry. maybe i'll still hope. maybe i'll hold on a little longer. maybe i'll still wait. maybe i'll still fake it. maybe i'll still have faith. maybe i'll tell him the truth. maybe i'll just go to him. maybe i still care enough. maybe i'll just cry to him. maybe i'll still hope for him. but just maybe. not promising anything. just maybe. thank you for letting me get that out. thats all i needed. now its bed time. my alarm goes off in 3 hours. curse this 4:30 a.m. crap. oh well. maybe. maybe i'll talk to him tomorrow. maybe. maybe......this would make a good song...hmmm...maybe....

BREAKTHROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-18T00:23:00.001-07:00

FINALLY I WAS ABLE TO DO IT! I wrote my first song tonight!!! It was so weird...as I knelt down to say my prayers, I had so many thoughts going through my head, but none of them were a coherent prayer. I just sat there thinking and I suddenly jumped up and grabbed my notebook! Twenty minutes later, I had it! I'd always had friends that would tell me "it'll come when it comes, don't try and force it" THEY SURE WERE RIGHT! Its not a very happy song...it just expresses alot of what I have been feeling lately. It was good to get it out on paper...and now I am sharing it with you! Please give me all the feedback you can dish out! Its only my first one...I need it! Enjoy!

Never Enough For You...

The hugs and the kisses

The prayers and the wishes

I've tried and I've failed

to let you know I care

I don't know what else I can do

to tell you I'll always be there

CHORUS:

There's so much I want to say

But I hold it all inside

My love for you is so strong

and many nights I've cried

I'm so afraid of losing you

but it seems no matter how hard I try

Its never enough for you

I've been tempted many times

to tell you how I feel

To let you know I'll never leave you

and my love for you is real

I know it hasn't been that long

You've changed my life for good

I never want this feeling to end

but I am so scared that it could

CHORUS

You are my first thought in the morning

My last prayer at night

I want to tell you everything

and be the one that you hold tight

The one you dream with, cry with, laugh with

The one you love every day and night

CHORUS

Its never enough for you...

I wish it were enough for you...

Manti

2008-06-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

in about an hour i will be heading to manti, utah for the pageant. i am looking forward to it in a way...i can't wait to take a bunch of pictures of the temple, and to feel the spirit on the temple grounds. i really need that right now. i will definitely post the pictures that i take but for now...enjoy someone else's beautiful picture of the manti utah temple.

HOLY CRAP!!!

2008-06-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

So...its been a while! I had totally forgotten that I had a blog in the first place till a couple days ago!! HAHA! Talk about scatter-brained! LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY!!! I can't believe how fast the last month has flown by! I can't believe its already June!

So here is an update on the last month...

May 10-18: Me, Jodee, Brittany, and Brit's friend Lisa all went to California! It was a blast and a half! And it was a vacation that I SOOO needed! We went shopping, to the beach, to Disneyland, and just had some fun in the sun! I loved every minute of it! Here are some picture from our amazing trip!

1- Brit, me, and Jodee sportin the aviators!!!

2- Castle at Disneyland

3- The Hollywood sign...We got SUPER close!

4- Newport Beach Temple...one of my favorites!

5- Jodee, me, Brit, and Lisa our last day on the beach! So much fun!

After we got back from California I started dating the most amazing man EVER-Jared Michael Smith! Its only been a month but so far so good...I'm not going to say much here for two reasons...first, its super late, and second, I don't want to say too much in case I jinx it ;) But know that things are are going well and I really like him! Cross your fingers!

Life is crazy good right now! But there are the ups and the downs and I am just waiting for something to come crashing down right now! I feel sometimes as if I'm living someone else's life or that its a dream or something cause it seems to real to be true...but I guess sometimes thats just how life is! Well, it is pretty late and I REALLY need sleep....NIGHT!

No pain....NO GAIN!!!!!

2008-05-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

As of today I am finally realizing one of my dreams...I am learning to play the GUITAR! YAY!!! I have always wanted to learn and my roommate has a guitar and the great book to learn how! I got to page 12 in the book today and had to stop cause my fingers have lost ALL of their calouses from my former violin playing days. Its pretty painful at the moment but I know that if I just stick with it they will be fine in a couple weeks :) I can't wait to actually be able to play instead of picking at a few notes at a time. I just gotta stick with it instead of giving up. We'll see how it goes!

Roommates for LIFE!

2008-05-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

My cute new roommate finally moved in today! I was so excited I was ready to go HOURS before she got here! Its a girl I have known since I was in Jr. High, Jodee Dennison, and I love her to death!!!! I convinced her a while back to move in with me just for the summer and I REALLY wanted her to stay for the fall and was trying to rack my brain for things to convince her to stay down...well she did the job for me and she is staying to go to Provo College in the fall! WOOHOO! We are going to have so much fun its insane! Right now she is curled up like a bug in a rug in bed...poor girl was up at 7 this morning packing for the move down! But I managed to get a pic before she crashed! This year is going to be AMAZING!!!

My calling in life

2008-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

As I posted earlier, it was my cousing Tia's wedding this past weekend and it was great to spend time with family over the weekend. Not only that, since I couldn't go into the temple I had some extra time on my hands to wander Temple Square and take some pictures. It was the perfect day to get some and I had so much fun. I really think I have missed my calling in life and from now on I am going to head to the inner photographer in me and really get into it. Here are a few pictures that I took that I absolutely LOVE!

Cam and Tia Bowen! YAHOO!

One of my absolute favorites! I had it blown up!

Also had this one blown up...I love the contrast in this picture :)

Had this one blown up too!

Super cool! I want to get this one MEGA large...it just costs too much $$$ right now... :(

I'm going to have the BEST art in my home...All done by ME!

DETOXIFICATION OF ME!

2008-04-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Thats right...for the next week and a half I am doing a Detox Diet. I'm not doing the traditional Lemonade Diet...I can't get anyone to do that with me. But I will be doing whats called the Raw Food Detox. Everything I eat for the next week and a half will be uncooked. This means tons of fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, and salads! YUM! I also get t eat all the sushi I want...woohoo!!! We'll see how it goes and I will definitely be keeping a daily journal of everything...I can't wait to see how it goes!

Never thought I'd be happy for Monday!

2008-04-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

THE DAY HAS COME!!!!!!! I have officially moved into my new apartment and it feels great, my cousin's wedding is over, and I am loving life! Well, sorta..... We still have to deal with new roommates moving in this week but compared to the thrashing my body took this weekend I think I can handle that! Moving from the second floor of one building, going to the next building, and having to climb the stairs to my new third floor apartment was not a fun experience. And not to mention the fact that the next day was my cousin's wedding so we had to be at the temple and the reception! AND I WORE HEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stupid stupid me. So in between I ran to Gateway mall and picked up some flip-flops...best thing I EVER did! I would not have made it through the reception in my heels! But tomorrow is Monday and my only worry is cleaning my apartment of all the dirt and grime the boys before us left! YAY!!!! We'll see how it goes...but for now TTFN!

Welcome to April in Utah...

2008-04-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! I can't believe how fast this semester went! Its been a crazy wild semester with many ups and downs and I am super glad its over! Between roommates, boys, family, school, and work its been a wild ride and I can't wait for the summer to officially start!

Only one problem...THE SNOW!!! It is the END of April! Why the crap is it still snowing?! This is SO not cool! Not happy about this at all. All I ask for is a little sun and warmth so that it actually feels like summer is around the corner.

All I hope is that the snow is gone tomorrow when I start moving...not looking forward to that. I'm not moving far, just to building A, but it would still be a pain if it were cold, windy, and snowy/rainy. Lets pray its not. I'm just excited for new roommates, a clean apartment, and my own space that is free of clutter and video games. Hooray!

Wishing I were a songwriter...

2008-04-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

So I have always longed to be able to write songs and to put them together with music but it has just never been anything that I have been able to do and in times like this it would be nice. Everyone gets into those situations or moods that only a song can describe...whether its an original composition of your own or a song that already explains how you are feeling. I just wish that I could sit down at a piano and do this myself instead of having to search for a song that already exists......
But enough blah blah blah-here is the song that actually does a good job of putting into words how I feel at the moment...and by just reading the song you will be able to tell how I feel...

Words fall out of my mouth
And I can't seem to trace what I'm sayin'
Everybody wants your time
I'm just dreamin' out loud
I can't have you for mine and I know it
I just wanna watch you shine
Trippin' up on my tongue
It's all over my face and I'm racin'
Got to get away from here
Burnin' all the way home
Tryin' to put it to bed but it chases
Every little thing I do

When the light falls on your face
Don't let it change you
When the stars get in your eyes
Don't let it blind you

You're beautiful
Just the way you are
And I love it all
Every line and every scar
And I wish that I could make you see
This is where you ought to be
Come Down To Me

Spell it out in a song
Bet you'll never catch on to my weakness
I'm singin' every word for you
Here I'm thinkin' I'm sly
Then you're catchin' my eye and just maybe
You're thinkin' what I'm thinkin' too

When you see it on my face
Don't let it shake you
I know better than to try and take you with me

You're beautiful
Just the way you are
And I love it all
Evey line and every scar
And I wish that I could make you see
This is where you ought to be
Come Down To Me
--Saving Jane, The Girl Next Door

Sleep

2008-03-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

So I am here creating this blog because my roommates are yet again depriving me of peace and quiet so that I can get some much needed rest. At the moment we have a very strange man at our place that is playing Rock Band with them and he won't leave. He smells too. I want to throw the X Box over a cliff, then smash it into a million tiny pieces, and then BURN those pieces. That is how I feel. I also am not thinking very nice thoughts about them...something I know I shouldn't do...but I am. I repent in the morning when I go to church.