I'll be home for Christmas...

And I am! The drive was so fun and went so fast. Lillie and I talked about boys for most of the time, and it was way fun. She is a laugh and a half! Harry Potter kept us company for a few minutes too. =)
Being here there are so many fun plans, but even with all these fun plans, I won't be distracted enough. I've been away from my fiance for just a day and a half, but I started missing him the minute I drove away from his house. There are lots of things to do and to play between now and the 28th, but I still want it to come asap!
It's so fun to see my mommy and daddy and Kellie! I got to help in the nursery today, and those kids are adorable. Tomorrow we're going to Knotts Berry Farm, and I am way excited! We get to see the Birds, and have Christmas, and I get to play with Scotty the Pirate! Wedding plans will ensue among all the other fun things.
I am so glad to be home, and it will be a nice change from all the insanity from the past two weeks. Christmas is a beautiful time of year!

It was the best of times...

It was the worst of times. This age-old adage is ever so true for me right now. I've got so many great wonderful things going on and going for me right now.
~I'm engaged to Corbin
~My nephews are turning 1 year old this month!
~I get to go home for Christmas break
~the craziest semester of my life is just about over
~I get to go dress shopping with my girlfriends
~wedding plans are coming along, slowly but surely
~I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

But there are so many crazy stressful things going on as well:
~I have not yet sold my Colony contract
~I'm moving this week
~and a bunch of other stuff that isn't really pertinent to this blogpost.

All I can say is, hopefully I'll live to see my wedding day, because next semester just might kill me. I know that everything will work out, and I'm doing my best to keep a positive eternal outlook on things. Just keep praying for me, and I'll pray for you, and we'll all make it in the end!

Lots of Love

Today, Corbin and I have been engaged one whole month! The time has gone by so quickly, but it has been wonderful. I become more and more thankful for that great guy every day, and his presence in my life is really a blessing. Starting wedding plans is super exciting, and I'm thinking the next semester is going to fly by, which will be nice.


I've been thinking a lot lately about my family, and how much I love them. I like the person that I am, and I know that a lot of it has to do with them and the guidance and love they have showed me over the past 21ish years. I hope I show how much I love them.

We're Engaged!

Here is a quick precurser to the engagement story, and I promise it relates. We started dating on my birthday, August 1. We'd been getting our flirt on for a while, and I decided to send him a message to show I was interested. So that night, we had driven my cousin home, and we parked behind my house, we got out of the car, started walking to the apartment, but behind the house I pushed him against the wall. Then I took his glasses off and said, "what if I kissed you right now," and he made some lame reference to Boy Meets World, then I kissed him, put his glasses back on, and said "Happy birthday to me!"

So earlier this week, Corbin asked me on a date for last Friday, and he told me we were going to go to Comedy Sportz and get a crepe, which is what we did on our first date. "Ah" I said to myself. "He's going the whole recreate-our-first-date route for proposing. But there was a slight snag. Friday he went to the doctor and found out he has swine flu and strep. So obviously we didn't go out that night. Little did I know he had picked up the ring that day.

Saturday rolled around, and we spent the day watching movies, him being sick, and me trying to nurse him back to health. At about 10 that night, he told me he was going to take me home, but before he did, he played me a song he had written. It was so sweet, and I absolutely swooned! Then we drove back to my apartment and parked behind my house. I pulled my backpack out of the car, and as I was putting it on, Corbin offered to be a gentleman and hold it for me. I thought this was a little silly, because he was sick and weak, and it was only my backpack. But as we got close to thE wall, he pushed me up against it (a little awkward when carrying a backpack). He looked me in the eye and asked, "what would you do if I asked you to marry me right now?" "I would say yes" thinking to myself, duh, we've been wanting to get married forever! But then he got down on his knee, and proposed! I was so shocked, but through the shock I said yes. He put the ring on my finger, and I was done for. I burst out in tears, and we hugged and hugged (no kissing allowed due to diseases of various sorts).

So that's the story, definitely unique, I would say. But most definitely us. =)

My Guided Reading

School's In!

This week in teaching has been totally crazy. It seems like a lot of worth while things work this way: the days are long but the weeks are short. When I'm in the classroom I feel like I've been there for 12 hours instead of two, but looking back and knowing I've been at Barnett for a whole week already... it's gone by in a flash. I love being in the schools and seeing the unique personalities and abilities of every student. But at the same time it's challenging trying to run the class the way Mrs. Hanson does, and think of good lessons that will actually be useful to the students. It's really an emotional roller coaster, but I like roller coasters. =)
Going to work after school seems so slow now that I have to deal with the pace of 2nd grade. I wonder how I can spice it up while still getting things done.
The other slivers of my day are crazy, trying to fit in homework and assignments and lesson plans and finding a professional outfit for the next day. Fortunately I still get to see Corbin every once in a while, and I think that's what keeps me sane.
I wonder how I will have changed by the end of the practicum?

Recent Life

My trip to Washington was a success. I got to get away for a few days, hang out with some super fun people, eat Delicious food, and see new sights. I'm so glad I've gotten to know the Miller clan, and I'm glad they've gotten to know me. Highlights:
-hanging out with Caitlin, Corbin's 2 1/2 year old niece. She is in that stage where she says the funniest things, but is still so so sweet. We kept each other company for most of the time, and found that we are pretty much kindred spirits.
- walking by the river, with the fall leaves and the chilly air and the pretty view. So lovely...
-nighttime games with the family: uno, guitar hero, Disney scene-it, etc
-girl time: pedicures with mom and sisters. Relaxing, with an end product of hot pink toenails!

In other news, I found out that I'll be teaching at Barnett Elementary in Payson for the next month-ish. I'm super scared and super excited. I pretty much don't know what to expect, but I hope that I'll be able to use what I know, plus a little teacher's instinct, and take care of business.

This Friday is Amanda's bridal shower, which I am co-throwing. It's going to be a small gathering, but really fun anyways. I'm not the best at parties, so I hope I can scope out the needs of the party-goers and make it bangin' for my friend Amanda.

I've finally got the ball rolling for a musical fireside we're doing for the ward next month. We've already had some bumps along the way, but I think the finished product will turn out nicely.

I'm moving next semester, and there are lots of good things about that. #1. I won't have any more friends here at the Colony, seeing as they're all moving away this semester because of graduating, getting married, or going on missions. #2 I'll be closer to Corbin and Carlie and campus. #3. I'll be moving somewhere cheaper. I put my contract up for sale, and I don't expect it will take long to sell since Dawn and Amanda's have already gone. I'm going to look around for some good places that are closer to campus, and I hope I find something that suits me. I've never looked for a place to live by myself, so this will be interesting.

Anywho, there are about a million other little things I have to take care of, but somehow I'll get it all under control.

What do adult pads and love have to do with each other?

Long ago, I turned 21 years old. Leesa is the coolest ever, so she got me all these sweet presents that represented my old age. Denture cream and adult pads, for example. I'm the kind of girl who tries to use every part of the buffalo, so I couldn't let those things go to waste.
Corbin and I would go swimming together during the hot days of summer. When we would come back to my apartment, I would change into dry clothes, but he would still be in his wet trunks. So with my clever brain, I pulled out the adult pad and made him sit on it. That way, our couch wouldn't get wet. It worked like a dream! We used it a couple times after that, and it never let us down.
I was cleaning my room the other day, and I had a pile of stuff from the summer sitting on my nightstand from the summer. There was the extra adult pad there, and I knew I had to get rid of it, but I didn't want it to go to waste. So I drew a beautiful picture on it and gave it to Corbin as a present. It is currently hanging on the back of their front door, as a credit to the apartment's awesomeness. I feel so proud at this accomplishment! =)

Snow Patrol

Corbin and I went to the Snow Patrol concert on Saturday, and it was INCREDIBLE!!!
We got there about an hour before the doors opened, and played around with the camera.


Then we sat inside for about another hour before the Plain White Tee's got on stage.



The lead singer was sick, so they only did three songs. 1,2,3,4 (which Corbin and I sing together a lot, so it was sweet) a really cool song that I didn't know the title of, and Hey There Delilah. Even though there were only three songs, I felt very satisfied by the experience. The drummer was my favorite part. He's the big black guy, and he is totally not your stereotypical drummer dude. He's a bigger fellow, but he was wearing an almost skin tight all black outfit, with a delightful orange bow tie. He only got to play one song, so he was being really silly in the back for the other two. It was awesome.

Then, SNOW PATROL came on, and the party really got started!!!

I knew about 3/4 of all the songs they played, which I already loved, and the other ones that were new to me, I especially loved! Their lyrics are just so poetic and awesome, make me all gooey inside. And you know how some bands sound really weird when they're live? Snow Patrol sounded awesome! Just different enough to add some spice, but still pleasing to the ear.
The lead singer? Crazy! For about half the songs he didn't have his guitar, so he carried around a microphone, and ran around the stage doing weird things and manic movements with his hands. Crazy Irishmen. He said lots of pretty hilarious things too. Near the end of one song he laid belly down on top of the piano they had on stage. When the song was done, he climbed off it with a clang and said, "My dad always told me you can't dismount a piano without making some noise. I never knew what he meant until just now."
Then there was a particularly nice song, so people pulled out their cell phones and waved them around (like they would have done with lighters). He was singing, and in between lines he said,
"Your phones look really weird.
...Lyrics...
Like little aliens.
...Lyrics...
Hello little aliens."

During one song, the line "Shut your eyes and sing to me" repeats over and over, so he had the audience do it. After a couple tries, he stops us and says, "I must not have made myself clear, and I apologize for that. But I want you to sing as if your SHOES ARE ON FIRE!" Then he split the audience in half and we had a singing battle. It was so so so fun.
Other fun fact, the bassist plays his bass backwards, like Paul McCartney. And you know how bassists are usually pretty chill, and just stand there and play. Well, he did that for most of the concert, but the end song got so out of hand that he was like jumping around like a lead guitarist and was going crazy! It was pretty incredible.


For the encore, they came out and did three songs, and in the background they had some sweet animations going on. All three songs had like different stuff going all, but all of the stuff going on was like origami. The first song was a hundred million different origami suns like rushing around in a tornado-y thing. Then it was like landscapes made of paper, then it was like we were watching an origami Snow Patrol concert. It looked so cool, and the music to go along was fantastic.
By the end, I thought my ears were going to melt off because it was so loud, but it was totally worth it!!!

Snow Patrol

Tonight Corbin and I are going to my first concert! Snow Patrol, with some Plain White Tee's on the side. I am so so so excited I can barely stand it!
I have a lot of sentimental connections to many snow patrol songs. They have some of the most poetic lyrics I've ever heard. Like in the song "Hands Open," there is a part of the chorus that says, "I want to hear you laugh like you really mean it. Collapse onto me tired with joy." That's one thing I've always looked for when I dated guys. Then one of my favorite moments happened when Corbin and I had only been dating for like a week or two.
We were up at Bridal Veil falls watching the shooting stars. After a while, we look over and see that the sprinklers are coming on, so I suggest that we go before we get soaked. So we stand up and start walking down the path to the parking lot. Little did we know that a stream was crossing the path, and we both totally got nailed right in the head! I was surpirsed how much water was coming out of that thing, because we got so wet! So we decided to run to the car, getting nailed a couple more times by those tricky sprinklers. We jumped in the back seat all soaking and tangled in blankets, and laughed our heads off for like 5 minutes straight. He made one of my dreams come true that night, and he didn't even know it! Bon travail, monsieur. Bon travail.

New Boomshadow Trend

I'm starting this new thing where I'm going to write all my favorite things about Corbin, and I would love for you to read along. I have lots of favorite parts about my and Corbin's relationship. One of them is that even though we think about each other a lot, we can still focus on other things. Like when I need to study for a test, I can, and I'm not like completely distracted or daydreamy (although that does have a time and place). I'm so excited to share his awesome with the blogging world!

Dress Up Time!

Lately, Corbin and I have been able to get all gussied up for random occasions. Last Thursday he had an orchestra concert (in which he played the bass and did fablously, I'm sure (I had to work)). He wore his fancy tux, so when we went back to my apartment, of course I had to put on a homecoming dress to match. So we took pictures at Corbin's request and looked glamerous. I love how he insists on taking pictures. It's good to document all our adventures.

Other dress up occasions include:
~parties (like the mocktail)



~Sundays
~His mission reunion on Friday/ a lovely night in temple square



I'm so glad he loves to be silly with me. It makes life so much more fun!

But lets not forget that dressing down is fun too! =)

Life is Good

I was talking to Shelley yesterday, telling her how much I love school. I hope I didn't sound too crazy about it, but this semester (although only three weeks old) has been magical. I've stayed on top of all my homework, even the reading. I have never done this in my 17-year school career... ever. I think the difference is that I actually care, and I feel that all the information is pertinent to my life. I am desperately trying to master the information, strategies and techniques that they are giving us. My real teaching career is right around the corner, and although I am super excited, I am scared out of my wits!
Here are just a few points that are highlighted in my recent past:
I have two 9 month old nephews. How did that happen? They are just too cute for words, so I won't even try.
Corbin and I went to the World of Dance on Saturday, and it was really fun. I am going to be more culturally oriented this year. There is so much cool stuff going on at BYU, and so many talented people. I need to start taking advantage of it while I still have the chance.
Being a music cochair is totally awesome. I was super intimidated at first, but now that we have an actual committee, I'm just excited to start planning things. I got to sing on Sunday, and it went really well.
The summer is slowly turning into fall. In fact, today is the first day of autumn! Anyways, I think I will like wearing pants and not dying of heat stroke. But I know I will regret this when the crisp air turns into blistering cold. But for the moment I'm enjoying the nippy weather and the orange trees in the canyon.
I decorated my room today, and it turned out a little crazier than I had hoped. But at least I finally did something. Maybe I'll put a picture up sometime.

Department of Teacher Education Mission Statement

We believe that our most important responsibility as teacher educators is the growth and development of children and youth. We contribute to their development by preparing competent caring, and reflective teachers.

I just thought I'd let the world know what I was working towards. Plus we are supposed to memorize this, and I figured this might be a good start.

I was reading an assignment for my literacy class, and this great quote came up.
"Reflection is really a discussion with oneself."
I've been doing a lot of that lately, and I find that after I have a good, deep conversation with myself, I feel quite better. It's funny, it doesn't make the situation any better, but because my thoughts have been expressed in a semi-orderly fashion, I'm better able to examine them and make conclusions about what I should do or how I truly feel. This totally ties in with the Gospel, all that encouragement to write in journals and ponder and reflect. They are true principles, and I'm glad that I could tie the Gospel in with my academic studies. Thanks BYU!

Jack Attack!

On the baby lap top! This is how je intertained himself for a good half hour at least on the car ride back to Provo. It was pretty dang cute.

Mail Adventures!

As many of you know, my mailbox has been blessed recently. First, I got that letter from Wayne and it was so cute. Then yesterday I got a small package from Tim containing three melty (but delicious) bars of European candy and a letter. That absolutely made my birthday. Then today, I came home from work and another small package was sticking out of the mailbox for me. Ben sent me a bar of chocolate too, plus a letter. These boys really know how to treat a lady. And Ben's letter was very special to me. It showed me just how much Ben is changing and growing. He also said many hilarious things. I can't wait to see him again in a few months!
Long story short, this birthday is already shaping up to be pretty great, and it's not even for another few days! I miss my boys who are still gone, and excited for the ones who are coming home/already home. I hope I can make the transition a little smoother from mission life to RM life.

ppffff, lame!

I got Charlie's letter back that I had sent him a couple weeks ago. And seeing as he is coming home on Monday, it's a little late to go out with a bang letter-writing wise. Dang you parcel mail!!!
Having all my boys beginning to come home is freaking out my mind on many levels. I'm excited to see them, and hang out with them, but at the same time it might be a little weird. We prolly won't play together as much as we did freshman year, and since we've all been living separate lives for two years, what will we have to say? Mission stories get old after a while.
I've begun planning my birthday! The plan is for all the Chatfield ladies (and Flanagan men) are going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple openhouse at about 11:30. I'm the only one in the bunch who has gone, so it will be fun seeing them see it for the first time. I'm amazed at how differently they run it than how they ran the Redlands temple openhouse, but it's still an great experience. After that we might go get some lunch (with a little 21-year-old juice on the side). Then I get to max and relax until 9 PM. This is when the booming music and lampshade hats come in: Rootbeer-pong party!!! For those who don't know, rootbeer-pong is a game where two people face each other with a group of cups in front of them organized like bowling pins. When they bounce a ping pong ball into the other player's cup, that person has to drink the rootbeer inside. Whichever player drinks all his rootbeer first loses (although, I don't know how drinking rootbeer is ever a losing situation). So that will be the main attraction, but there will also be some pretzels and nuts to make it more authentic, maybe board games going on, and the night will possibly end with a movie. It's going to be way chill, and I expect that those I invite won't stay the whole time, which in my mind is ideal. I don't like throwing parties because I feel guilty if they're not having absolutely the most fun the whole time, which is silly but true. So now begins the process of acquiring all the neccessariy items I'll need, and start hyping myself up to be the queen of August 1st!

I Love Wayne!

I got a letter today from my good old buddy Wayne Robison who is currently serving in Las Vegas, Spanish speaking. It's just nice to know we're still friends, and he is still so adorable, although I can tell he's really maturing in many ways. He kept referring back to questions I'd asked him or stuff I'd said that I never remember writing. It was kind of mind blowing, but fun that he commented on them. Makes me remember that I've prolly got a wave of letters coming from around the world. You see, I just wrote a general letter on the computer, then personalized it for whichever missionary I was writing at the time. I love to look at my huge stack of addressed and stamped envelopes to my missionaries, because I know it's a pile of love. It will be so fun when they're all back and we can play together and reminisce about old times.
Thanks for being a great brother, Wayne!

You're the cry that ends in laughter,
You're the joy that ends disaster.

Book Analysis

I just finished the Count of Monte Cristo, and it was incredible. And I feel accomplished because the thing was like 600 pages long. But I did not agree with the author's crazy notions of God's placing the responsibility on Monte Cristo to exact revenge on everyone. Where is the Christian forgiveness in that! Plus, he was mean to the heroine at the end, and she ends up sad and hopeless because he ruined her life, while he gets to be with his nice little slave girl on some yacht. Where is the fairness in that!!! Obviously it impassioned me, but it was still a good book. I was on the edge of my seat for like 150 pages.
Since I had nothing to read today, I stopped off at our library (which is beautiful, by the way) and checked out a few books. I checked out a set of Newberry Award winners that my children's Lit teacher had suggested. My dad started one of them and was laughing out loud. I'm pretty excited to start it. I read the Little Prince today, which was very sweet and insightful. Bare with me while I expound on some of my favorite parts. If you've never read it, the little prince talks to a fox about the meaning of "tame." He speaks of how to him, the little prince is nothing more than a boy among millions of boys, and he is nothing more than a fox among millions of foxes. But if the boy were to tame him, he would be unique to him in all the world. The fox would love to look at the wheat because it would remind him of the prince's hair. The prince then says, "There is a flower... I think that she has tamed me..." For some reason, all this really struck a chord with me. I've been tamed by so many people and things. Just tonight I was looking up at the full moon, and thinking about all the wonderful nights I've had under that moon. All the special memories I've made and people I've talked with and laughed with and cried with under that moon. Also, it's nice to think that everyone in the world gets to see it, it's sort of something that binds us all together. It's strange to think that you might see my moon tonight.
The fox also talks about "rites:" how the prince must always come to visit at 4 o'clock, so that hour will be special. If he comes just anytime, how would he be able to get excited? This is a very important principle, I think. It's good to have something to look foreword to and be excited for, to make one time different than another. Otherwise, what would be the spice of life?

Suggestions?

So all the sisters made a movie recently, and the film is pretty hilarious. The babies got a cameo as well, and I think they're one of the best parts. Anyways, I started cutting it together today, and it's gonna turn out real nice. However, I cannot think of a good name for it. Previous movies have been called "The Good Ol' Days," and "The Cool Miesta: whoo whoo, it's show time!" These titles don't have a whole lot to do with the movies, but then again, there wasn't a whole lot of plot in either one. Since we're all a little older, more mature, more wise, the movie is a littttle more refined. So this is an offical call out for a cool name. Anything catchy and awesome will do. Any suggestions?

Redlands delight

I would love to share this classic photo of me. Thank you.

Recent Adventures

So I've only got one more week at home, but the time I've had has been wonderous. There have been things to do, but lots of nice down time as well. This is the first week were it hasn't been crazy busy (at least of what I can tell). On Monday, though, I had a root canal. I was kinda scared for it, because I wasn't sure what was going to happen or how much it would hurt. But of course I was numb, so it didn't hurt during, and it's only been an annoying dull pain every once in a while. Mostly only when I think about it. But this is the first time I've ever had something done on my teeth with imediate benifits noticed. I can now drink ice-cold liquids and not wince in pain! It's wonderful! Thank you, root canal! The biggest pain about it was figuring out when I was going to get my crown, but it's mostly sorted out now. Phew!
Yesterday Carlie and I went to Victoria Gardens so I could meet up for my last rendezvous of the summer with Scotty. He and I ate at the Cheesecake Factory, and told some great secrets as we often do at rendezvous. That silly guy even paid for me. I'm really gonna miss him, because we've really had a great time together.
Mom and Dad left on their 25th wedding anniversary trip today. They're going to spend three magical days at Disney Land, and I think they were both real excited. I know Mom was acting all dreamy and cuddly all morning while they were packing and stuff. I wish them luck on their adventures!
But that means that the kids get free reign of the house! We can have all the wild parties we want!!! For example, tonight we're having a so you think you can dance party with some select guests. We're going to play "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" where we think of tasks for people to accomplish before they can get their ice cream. For example, I had to reenact memorable moments from our home videos.
Speaking of videos, I've finished the script for the movies that the sisters are hopefully going to be making this weekend. I must say that it's going to be pretty good. We just got all the costumes together, and shooting will begin tomorrow. Yesssss!!!

Hello everyone. I've been having a rather magical time here in California with my fam. I've gotten to play and relax, while doing useful things as well like helping out with girls camp and finishing homework. I've gotten to see the babies and play with Scotty. I'm so glad to be home, and I'm totally stoked for the sister sleepover!

I've made a few miner changes in my life, and it has lead me to one conclusion. My birthday is coming in August, and for those of you who would like to get me something, there is one thing my heart desires more than any other... more than clothes or art supplies or food or even something from Hawaii (wink wink, Mom), and that thing would be... iTunes giftcards. If I came away on August 2 with a pile of those I would be the happiest camper in the world! Just a thought.
I am totally excited that I will be home in a week, I just might explode! Yes, I know all my loved ones will miss me here in good old P-town, but I've got much better loved ones in California that I'm dying to see and play with! My preparations have already begun... mwahahaha!

Y Mountain

I finally did it! I hiked up to the tippy top of Y mountain like I've been wanting to do all month. This was my second time doing it, and everything was so much greener! I guess that's what happens when you hike in May instead of August. Anyways, here are the highlights: I did it in 4 hours, I saw two rattlesnakes by the path and got really freaked out by it, when I was at the top I sang "All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing!" and at that moment a bird started singing for the first time since I'd started, so I thought that was pretty cool. I saw many sorts of flowers, got super sweaty, actually saw other humans on the trail, actually received a call while behind the mountain, but best of all... I survived! I put all the pictures on facebook, and I highly recommend them because they're beautiful, but here is a video I took. I think this might be the last time I hike that mountain though, because I don't want to run into rattlers again, and it just wasn't as fulfilling as I'd hoped. I can get the same view and beauty from other less grueling hikes. So that's that, folks! But the best part is, I proved Eric Mackelprang wrong! Girls can do it!

My Boys

Here's a cute picture of Wayne and his companion with a couple that was being baptized. I took one look at this picture and said to myself, "Wayne is getting his man face!" It was totally weird to me to think that my boys are actually becoming men out there on their missions. And it's even crazier that they're coming home! I think Talmage is due to come home next month, and Tim and Blaine to return the following month. Red Head Ben comes home in August, and Kirk Kabob, Cousin Ben, and Wayne get back in the fall. Mind blowing. It seems like they just went out, and yet it's been forever. I just hope we can stay in contact when they get back as well as we have since they've been out.

Play Day!

Yes, I did it. I finally played with my new friends today! I got invited to go to Stuart (sp) Falls today, and I actually went! It was such a beautiful little hike with a great view and some lovely falls. The weather was perfect, there were lots of fun friends there, and I was feeling great! So we all came back and many of us went swimming. Holly and Jack came and played too, which was so fun! His first swimming experience, and in MY pool, so grand! And tonight we're going to the bishops house for FHE with another family, and my husband has some fun stuff planned. Even though I've been a bum of an FHE mom, he's doing a great job. And he looks like Zack Efron, so it's great!
In other news, Amanda earned us some M&M and ice cream today, which is rather nice for us. I've got my coming home mix almost done, and my TELL class ends on Thursday. Life seems pretty good.

Dinky Dummy

So I asked Scotty to cheer me up somehow the other day, and he replied by telling me this story. I always loved it when Scotty would tell me stories, because they always had this character called Dinky Dumby, and good ol' Dinky Dumby would always screw up in a hilarious way. So I'll share with you all this terrific story. Hope Scotty doesn't mind, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Once upon a time, up in Provo Julie was playing with Dinky Dummy. They were playing four square, but it didn't last very long because some dork from the new 420 would hit the ball, then some dork from the new 403 would hit the ball, then Julie would hit the ball, and then Dinky Dummy would kick the ball into the swimming pool. "No," Julie would say, "that's not how four square is played, Dinky Dummy." But Dinky Dummy just couldn't ever get it right, so they had to quit playing (because the Colony's owner showed up and started mouthing off about no horseplay around the pool, and that includes the street now). Then Julie got a great idea. "I have a great idea!" she said. "Let's go visit Scotty in CA!" Dinky Dummy just smiled and nodded. So, that night, after Leesa had gone to bed, Julie stole her keys and her car, and she and Dinky Dummy headed down to CA. On the way, Dinky Dummy kept asking to use the bathroom. "You just went!" Julie would cry, but for fear of leaving Leesa's car with a Dinky Dummy accident, she would stop for him every time. When they got to Vegas, Julie suggested that they stop for some In-n-out. After lunch, Julie made a quick stop to powder her nose. When she came out, she couldn't find Dinky Dummy. "Where could he have gone?" she said to herself. She started to circle the In-n-out and found him out back. He was with a tall dude wearing a coat (even though it was like a million degrees outside). "Hey!" Julie cried, a bit angry. The guy turned around and Julie could see that Dinky Dummy had purchased a bunch of fake Rolex watches. Now they had no money left! Julie was about to demand the money back from the stranger when she was met with a pleasant surprise. The man in the coat was Will! "What's up Julie?!" said Will. "My new summer job is SWEET!" "Will!" cried Julie. "It's so good to see you! Except that you stole all our money we were using to drive down to California to see Scotty." "Really?" asked Will. "Scotty's been dying for some yoga lessons! How 'bout if I give you your money back and then I pay for the rest of the trip so we can all go together!" Julie agreed, of course, but had to endure Will's guitar playing in the backseat the rest of the way (but it wasn't really that bad). Finally, after many long hours of driving, Julie pulled up outside of Scott's house. Scott just happened to be taking out the trash when Julie pulled up, but from there it became a madhouse. Dinky Dummy was so excited to see Scott that he jumped out of the car before it stopped moving, but recovered quickly, sprinting toward Scott and trying to show off his new watches at the same time. Just then, Will darted from the car with his guitar, trying to do yoga moves while running. But as soon as Julie got out of the car, Scott jumped and did a triple flip over Will and Dinky Dummy and landed right next to Julie and gave her the biggest hug in the world! It was the best ever! The End.

A lot of posting going on today, I don't want to get left behind

So it's been a week since Steve ditched out on Provo, and let me tell you, it has been one long week. Not just because of that, but life, school, work, and sleep have been consuming my time like I could never believe. I have gotten some very lovely roller blading in. I'm getting a little color on my arms, and turning blonder every day. If only the silly Utah weather would decide to be nice and lovely all the time.
Nice things about being single: I don't feel the urge to shave my legs every day (which means I haven't done it in a week. Tasty.), I get to bed whenever I want, my eyes are feeling much better (because apparently I really was allergic to him. Who knew?), and I don't bore people with non-stop Steve stories. These are all very lame reasons, but I'm trying here. I've actually been doing well, and by Sunday I think I'll be ready to meet new friends and start my summer partying!
I checked my grades today, and I was pretty happy with what I got: 4 A's, 2 -A's, and one stinkin' -B. Oh, how I hated that dumb creative dance teacher who lost my big papers...
I sent Tim's birthday present away, and I find it so crazy that he's turning 21 this month. I am so excited for all my boys to start coming home. I think Talmage is the first to come back in like June or July. YESSSS!!
I dug up some of my forgotten favorite music today, like Jupiter Sunrise and Kara's flowers. And soon I will start listening to A Tale of Two Cities on my iPod at work. I'm pretty stoked.
I had a dream last night that I was bit in the mouth by a black widow spider. What does that mean?

I Cut My Hair and I LOVE it!

As many of you know, my Steve left for home today, and thence onto an internship in New York City. In the short time we've been dating (since Valentines day) I have gotten to enjoy his fun personality, his thoughtful actions, and his sweet kind words. Never have I felt so appreciated and special to someone (outside my family. Don't worry Mom. ;) I found with him special feelings and experiences that I hope haven't taken for granted, and will never forget. I don't know how I got so lucky to have him, even for just a couple months, but I count myself very blessed. Now as I sit here hours after our goodbye, I think of all the love and support around me during this hard time. There are countless people I know I can turn to for a shoulder to cry on, comforting words, a place to escape, a party to have, or just someone to listen. Heavenly Father is really looking after me by putting all these angels in my life. Thanks everyone.

Leading up to today, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to handle it. I've had to do this sort of thing before, and I gotta say it wasn't fun or pretty. But after chatting it over with the Man upstairs, He let me know everything was gonna be OK. He gave me a lovely sense of peace, and helped me see that this is one of those things that is for my good, and once again reminded me that He's got a plan for me. I knew I would miss Steve, and I already do terribly, but the sting just isn't there. After talking to Steve about it, he got the same thing. It was a big comfort to know that Heavenly Father put us on the same page. Who knows why we came together when we did, or why we have to be apart now, or what will happen in both our lives in the future, but it's so nice to know that Someone better is in control, and that He put so much love in my life to help me through the tough parts. Steve, I miss you, and I hope you have a grand time in New York!

Conference Weekend

This weekend was pretty much spectacular, mostly because of the company I got to enjoy. Friday was Steve's birthday, and I don't know about him, but I had a great time. A bunch of us went to Maglbey Fresh (I think that's what it's called) and had fun eating great food and being with great friends. Afterwards we all went back to the Pirate's for some birthday cake. Rainbow chip with fun-fetti frosting, Steve's favorite. It was delectable. After that everybody ditched out, so Steve and I had a nice evening alone. I gave him some gifts: some socks(to replace his holy ones), some pens(to replace the one's he has lost during our relationship), and some Curve(to give him more confidence). I was glad to hear he liked them.
Then Saturday I woke up and my face was broken! Well, mostly my eyes. They were all red and puffy and watery and dry (oxymoronic, I know). It was awful. So I laid on the couch and slept through most of the first session. Oops! So I took a shower and felt much better. Steve came over for the second session and we listened to it on the radio. Dinner was involved sometime after. I'm sure we did other grand things, but they are slipping my mind... drat.
Anyways, Sunday I went to the Pirate's and enjoyed John Deere's home-made cinnamon rolls while listening to conference. Between sessions I got lots of coloring done for class, and stomped Steve at connect 4 (but don't worry folks, he stomped me right back later that night). He came to Grandma's house and we hung out for a good while over there. Shelby and Cari are just too much fun to handle, and we all decided that Kevin is now 24, so congrats to Shelby for catching an older man. =D When we got home, Steve helped me measure a tree for math homework, then we shared art projects with Barbara (not quite sure how that came to pass). I made Steve promise to help me get to bed earlier this week, so against my liking he helped me get to sleep at a reasonable time. But not before some sweetness on his part, and some secret Japanese dancing on mine. Maybe all that sleep isn't so good for me though, because I dreamed I was pregnant with triplets... strange...

The Weekend of Dreams...

I wrote Tim today and told him all about California. Instead of writing it all out again, I'll just let us all enjoy Tim's letter:

"Dear Tim,
I hope you are having a wonderful day so far. I just got back from a delightful weekend in California, and was pleased to have a letter from you waiting for me when I rolled back into P-town. This weekend was AMAZING! Such a nice break from school and cold weather and SNOW, which I'm rather enraged is still falling from the sky as I write. Holly Jack and her crazy neighbor Whitney and I all drove down on Friday. It was a fun drive, I didn't stall Holly's car once which I'm pretty proud of myself for, and Jack slept the whole time. It was so fun to see Shelley again. I missed hanging out with her and laughing and cuddling with her. And baby Jett is a hoot and a half! He's changed so much since I've seen him, but getting cuter every day. He's a drool machine! He furrows his brow most of the time and is rather temperamental, but he looks just like baby Shelley did, accept as a boy. It was great to see Rick too, and enjoy his deep laughter as someone says something inappropriately hilarious. Saturday, my roommates came down for the weekend on a completely separate trip, but we all met up at the beach. Traffic was crazy, but once I got there, the warm sun, cool breeze, and sandy sand healed my spirits. Good old SPF 50 saved me from any sunburn, and I came home salty and exhausted, but happy. I tried to do my homework that night, but sitting on the sidelines of a particularly entertaining game of Curses is not a great way to focus. Sunday we all drove to Pasadena where Jett got blessed. It was a short but sweet blessing. I always love to see my brothers-in-law use their priesthood. And we gathered afterwards at their apartment for a lunch/picture taking session (which I'm sure you'll get to enjoy... the pictures, not the food). Everyone was there, my mom and dad, Rick's mom and dad, Judith and her boys, my aunt and uncle and their kids, and the Utah crew, of which I'm a part. After the festivities were over, we drove down to see the Pasadena city hall, then home for a nice relaxing evening. And by that I mean furious preparations for... DISNEY LAND! Monday we headed off to enjoy the happiest place on earth. It was Holly's birthday (make sure you wish her a good one if you haven't already), and Disney land is doing this thing where you get in free on the exact day of your birthday. The rest of my family excluding myself has season passes. Darn my Utah residence! Anyways, we went and did everything. It was Whitney's first time, so we did everything, all the big rides and all the little (worth while) rides and saw the shows and visited all our special nostalgic places. It was grand! But the whole experience was quite different since there were two three month old babies and their strollers with us. My mom let all us kids go on a ride and she was watching them both by herself when they started crying. She let a stranger hold Jett to calm him down. It's lucky that everyone is so nice at Disney Land because they are inspired by the magic. But we stayed til the bitter end and had a great time doing it. We got up early on Tuesday and drove back to Utah. Uneventfully pleasant drive. But like I said, I had your letter waiting for me, as well as from my cousin Sister Diane Chatfield and my friend Elder Elliott Clare. Nice welcome home present since the weather wasn't doing much for me.
While on my trip, I had a dream about you. I wonder if you've ever had a dream yet, maybe the mission kick started your subconscious or something... wishful thinking. Anyways, in my dream you were home, obviously, and we were hanging out at a ward FHE and having lots of fun. Then we went on a walk, but we were in Redlands on our family's normal walk route, and we ran into Blaine, but he was like a foot taller than before. It was a delightful reunion. The end of the dream involved a razor scooter and some very nice drug dealers, but you were gone by then.
OK, I forgot to say this before, and I guess I could cut and paste but it would ruin the flow (or what exists of it) in the email, so here it goes... HOLLY IS PREGNANT! AGAIN! She's six weeks along with Jack's new brother or sister. She told us during her birthday dinner at Disney land. This totally blows my mind. it'll be great.
Our Relief Society gave us a challenge to read the book of Mormon from right before Christmas break to easter, and I'm just about to finish. It's been such a neat experience, because I don't think I've ever read it that fast before. There are so many crazy connections and stuff I've never seen before. It's kind of fun to just read it like a novel, and yet have the Spirit speaking important things to you. I can't wait to start it over again!
...
That's pretty much the meat of it.

Secrets (that aren't so secret)

Guess What I Just Did?

Well, I'm sure we all know about my little issue of deciding whether I should go back to Redlands or stay in Provo for July and August. I was thinking about this in the temple the other week, and Elder Oak’s talk came into my mind of good, better, best. I was like, well, both my choices would be good, but which one would be better... and wait a second... is there a third option that would be best? Then the idea popped into my mind of being an EFY councilor. At first I was like, NO WAY! and I left the temple more confused than I came in. I hadn't really thought about it much until this morning. I went back to the temple, and asked that same question again, should I stay or should I go? And the same thing happened, what about EFY? Then I thought about it for a minute, and decided that maybe that is a good idea. I don't really understand that, because I've always been generally anti-EFY for various reasons (mostly the cheesy music). But I decided to be obedient and just give it a try, looking at dates and opportunities to do it. I came home and looked online. Lo and behold, EFY is coming to Redlands this summer! So, all of a sudden, I find myself applying to be an EFY councilor in Redlands during July 20-25! How weird and crazy is that!? If this happens, then I'll stay in Provo until the July 18 or 19, go back to California for EFY, then stay in Redlands until after my birthday on August 1, then come back to Provo and find a better job for my new schedule in the fall. As I'm thinking about it, it kind of is the best of both worlds. Interesting development... Please, input would be nice on this plan, so feel free to comment.

Rock Climbing

(not an actual picture from our trip)

The Pirates' friend came into town this weekend, so to celebrate she made them dinner (I don't know how they swung that), and we all went rock climbing at the Quarry. I've never done indoor style, and the last time I went real rock climbing was for the mia maid activity when I was like 14. It was a complete BLAST! Going into it, I knew I would be belaying for Steve, which made me a little nervous since he's so much bigger than me. But thanks to the ancient technology of pulleys and whatever, his life was kept safe in my hands. And vise-versa. Thanks for not letting me die, Steve-o!
I felt pretty pathetic after my first climb. I did get to the top, but it took me forever and my arms were so tired I had to have Steve undo my rope for me. What a good sport. But after some expert advice from John Deere, I tore up those rock faces! I finished just about every wall I tried, and not too slowly either (well, by my standards). It was fun watching everyone else climb too.
But I was glad to hear yesterday that I'm not the only one of our group who has dysfunctional limbs afterwords. Now I know which muscles are used to climb with though.

Corbin's Camera

My work friend Corbin left his camera at my house when some friends came over to play, so naturally I took that advantage to leave some saucy surprises for him. Now we will all enjoy the fruits of my trick...

thanks for the memories, Norman

This is a beautiful painting by Norman Rockwell that holds special memories for me. It used to hang on the wall of the T Hall basement, and I would sometimes go down there to do homework only to get distracted and stare at that painting. When Steve and I went to the MOA it was there, and it took me straight back to freshman year. Fun trip by a nice painting.

TGIF

This week has gone by a lot quicker than I had expected, which I am thankful for. It's already Friday, and the week has been pleasant and fairly uneventful. Movie night at Holly's was super fun, with the added spice of Dahl cousins and derby pie. A delightful and unexpected call from Steve brightened up the evening even more, and I was glad to hear he's having fun in Texas.

Yesterday, a little less homework was completed than I had hoped, but it was still a nice day. I was so disappointed when I looked outside before work and saw the snow, but I knew it would all be gone by noon, which it was. And I got a pretty sweet homework assignment from drama class for the weekend: make a sock puppet. I think mine is going to turn out super awesome, and his name will be Eppo Jr. A classic.

Today I'm having a bunch of work friends over for a movie party. We're going to watch Sleeping Beauty and eat cookie dough, and laugh and laugh and laugh. (or so I hope). I wonder what my night will hold... maybe some Mario Kart? Another movie somewhere? Dance party in the street? Who knows?!

All I can say is tomorrow can't come fast enough, if you know what I mean.

Also, shout out to my mom for uploading all those sweet pictures from Jack's blessing. They are so fun! And extra shout out to Roxy, just because she's awesome!

Welcome!

I have been informed by a very reliable informant that I have some new readers on this very fine blog. You are very welcome! And now I shall be a little more strategic with my words, but don't worry. It will still be totally awesome to read. And a special thanks to Scotty for being my publicity man! PUTNAM!

Yesterday was the most perfect Sunday I've had in a long long time, mostly because I got to spend it all with Steve, but for many more reasons which I shall present now.

It began with some spiritual enlightenment at Stake conference in the Provo tabernacle. I got to sit with a delightful mix of pirates and wenches (apt. 420 and 403). Then we all came home and made a huge breakfast for lunch. March 1st rang in the first day of springtime, and it was glorious! It felt so lovely outside that we enjoyed our breakfast lunch out on the grass and got our daily measure of vitamin D. After a period of general rest and relaxation, we had our first respectable stoop party of the year. All down the streets people were on their lawns: Frisbees and footballs were flying, guitars and ukulele's were being strummed, cards and spoons were being thrown, scooters and bikes were being ridden... it was magical.

Soon Shyla and Russell came and picked up Steve and I for a lovely evening at Grandma's house, full of delicious food and good company. Other than my throwing a good measure of gravy on the floor, it was rather uneventful.

When we came back, Steve and I parted company for the first time that day, he to call his mom and I to do whatever I wanted. Apparently I wanted to talk to Carlie and get great ideas from her for a story. SHOUT OUT TO CARLIE FOR HER CREATIVITY AND ROCK AWESOMENESS! Then I worked over my story (which I turned in today, and it's pretty great) and read it to as many people as would listen.

The rest of the night was spent helping Steve deliver nice notes, and playing in the sweetest fort 403 has ever seen.

Don't you wish you had been there enjoying the day with me? I do.

"The only thing that would make this situation any better would be some moon boots."

Brother Brigham

This is what Steve and I did last night: Played Uno, ate M&Ms, talked, laughed, and most importantly, visited Brother Brigham. Brother Brigham is the beloved anematronic Brigham Young that lives in the Crabtree. He is my greatest friend and ally. Steve was pretty freaked out, especially by the space where an eye should be that you can look into and see his wirey brain. I hope he warms up to him some day.














I know I'm making a weird face in this one, but I just wanted y'all to see just how much taller he is than me! Crazy.

Magical Powers

It's funny what magical powers sleep can have on me. As posted before, the start of my week left me feeling really weird. Monday afternoon/night turned into a complete melt down, and I couldn't pin what was wrong. But after a delightfully long nap yesterday, and an early to bed night, I'm feeling so much better. It might take another night or two of real sleep, but I think I'll make it to real human status. I like normal Julie much better than emotionally out of whack Julie. And a special sorry to all those who fell victim to my sleep-deprived antics!

Non-rested:
















Yes-rested:

Today I finished my last lecture of PE, and I am done! Even though I loved that class, I feel so free! The sun is shining, I took about a 3 hour nap in memorial hall, my homework doesn't look very menacing... things are good.

Quest-qui se passe?

Maybe it's the lack of sleep I'm suffering from, but life seems a little...odd. Not bad, not too crazy, not anything in particular accept a little off-kilter maybe? I can't seem to put my finger on it either. No sleep, that's a big one, but is school causing trouble? Not really, two of my block classes end this week; I'm stoked! Sure it's hectic at times, but nothing out of the ordinary. Is it family? Nope, they're great as always, love talking to them, love expounding on my life with them, no drama, again, nothing too out of the ordinary. Friends? I don't think so, we're all as tiggity tight as always. BF? Maybe. Still getting used to the whole thing and finding a balance, but if anything it's turning things in an upward direction. Church, perhaps? I'm doing my best to do all the things I should. Of course there's always compassionate service to be done, but I can't save the world in one day, can I? I have fun things to look forward to, I'm eating good meals, taking my multi-vitamins, going to work like a good kid, playing enough, studying enough... I can't figure it out. This all could be a momentary feeling, and may just as well blow over in a few hours, but that absence of surety is getting to me. I should just listen to some John Mayer and let his bluesy music heal my soul. Any other suggestions? Any other ideas on what could be the cause of my off-kilter vibes?

A Whole New Race

Last night Steve stole me away to the Crabtree... kind of odd to be at work not between the hours of 5 and 8:30 AM, but whateves. He said he had a surprise for me, and onto the first floor we went. Into the innovation lab we went. Behind some rolling white boards we went. And the surprise: electric wheel chairs! They used to live on the 3rd floor, so I am well acquainted with these dang hard to clean chairs. But riding them made me forgive that flaw. Steve and I raced around the lab a few laps. I beat him literally by one second during time trials. HA! Anywho, the surprise was delightful, and I can't wait to see that cute boy again tonight!

The Plate Theory

A few nights ago, Wistie was explaining to Barbara Steve and I the plate theory. She says that when you give a boy a plate of cookies, you can either give them to him on:
a paper plate. The boy is.. all right, but no muss no fuss over the plate.
a plastic plate. The boy is a good friend. He can wash it if he wants to reuse it, but he can chuck it just the same. Or...
a glass plate. The boy is a keeper. For this step, there are several opportunities available. You either have a chance to go back and get it to see him again, or he can bring it by to see you again. With this, he can either give it back dirty, give it back clean, or give it back with something else on it.
Very nice theory, I think.

Yesterday I thought I would be so clever and cute. I made a little plate of cookies on a nice china plate, wrote a little note, and had John Deere leave it on Steve's bed. He called later that afternoon to thank me for the cookies, and say he was glad he's a glass plate guy. When he came to visit that night, he brought back a plate, but I took one look at it and laughed that it wasn't ours. He seemed flustered, and ran out the door to get the right one. I thought it was so funny that he could have mistaken the two because they were completely different. But like two seconds later, he comes back with the right plate, Saran wrapped with cookies and a little note of his own. I about died because I thought it was so sweet, and he was so silly.

And that is my story.

You a Real Tank

I just had thEEEEE best Valentines Day ever! Here's how it went...
Got up and did laundry. (clean clothes are a plus no matter what day it is)
Babysat the cutest boy this side of the Virgin River. Jack was smiley and adorable when awake, and peaceful and cute when asleep, which was almost the whole time. Scotty came and kept me company for some of the time, and his presence is always appreciated. And Jack's lovely mommy and daddy gave me a delicious piece of cake!
I took a short nap. =)
(This is when it starts getting real good.)
Steve and I went on a date. We stole Amanda's car and got some Peir 49 pizza and some A&W rootbeer, drove up to the temple, and enjoyed the food and the view. Lovely conversation, some hand holding, and we watched some deer jaunt up and down missionary field. It was so fun, and Steve was so sweet and thoughtful. We left just in time to get ready for...
The Love Refugee party! Only a few people showed up: Alicia, Sarah, Barbarah, and a dash of pirates. That's just the way I like it, small and super fun. We played Ziggity, and Conga, then watched Zoolander. I forgot how much I love that movie!
The party ended and the guests left. But my precence was requested shortly after the party so I could enjoy a small surprise.
Steve and I then stole Will's car, we drove up to the well-lit Wilk Parking lot, and had Martinelli's in mason jars (a trademark of good old Steve). We chatted, watched some people do donuts, and came home. But here's the real kicker...
As Steve was walking me back to my door, he beckoned me over, and gave me the cutest Valentine's day kiss... so magical...
All in all, I believe I'm on cloud 9, and I'm loving it!

I love playing the wii. That is all.

Fun Night

Just a taste of what we did last night...











I believe your imagination can do the rest.

It was way fun!