The Gift :)

Click on this to listen to my parents song for inspiration while reading :) then you might actually understand the title of this post ;)

  

(ok. They didn't have a song a long time ago and all of us were appalled. They would always listen to this song and sing it. They decided that it was their song a while back. I think it reminded my dad of my mom)

I thought for Valentine's day I would share the story of how my parents met. :)

When my mom was 17 she started working at Macey's. My dad was a manager at the time. I asked her what she thought when she first looked and him and she said- "Wow. He's really cute, and he's really well dressed." I thought that was kind of hilarious thing for my mom to say. 

She tried to get to know him but he actually transferred to Smith's. He would come visit his friends occasionally so she didn't see him too much. My mom's friend knew him pretty well and she told my mom that whoever he would marry, he would treat her like a queen. 

All my mom could think was- I really want to be treated like a queen. 

Look at that stash!

From then on she tried really hard to get to know him, but she knew that she was too young for him (they are 8 years apart). 

She said that my dad told her his friend told him that he should ask my mom out because she was really cute. My dad was a little bit shy when it came to those things so he didn't right away. His friend and his girlfriend were going to go to Lagoon in a couple days. They wanted my dad to ask a date so he could go with them. His friend finally convinced him to ask my mom because he told her that she REALLY liked him (everyone could probably tell. It's my mom haha she doesn't hold anything back). 

The sad thing was my mom had just barely agreed to go on a date with one of her friends on the day he was going. She was distraught because she had been waiting for him to ask her out. She told him that he better ask her out again, even though she knew he probably wouldn't because he was so shy. So a few days later she found out that her sister Karla was having a Lagoon day with her husband Jack's work. She asked my dad to go with her right away (I think this is hilarious because he had just asked her to go there so it was kind of perfect). He said that he would love to, but he didn't want that to be their first date so they went on another date to dinner and a movie before Lagoon. 

This was before my mom cut all her hair off ;) Look how cute they are in this blurry picture

A little while later (I really mean little though... after they "officially" started dating 3 weeks later they were engaged) my dad took my mom to our annual Flaming Gorge trip.

I love this picture for 3 reasons. The tie-dye. My grandpa.  And the love beaming from their faces ;)

A couple days later he "proposed."

Here is that story-

They were walking around the Provo Temple and had stopped to sit on the grass and talk. 

*My mom had mentioned in conversation earlier that this was the temple that she wanted to get married in. It was special to her because her grandmother had worked in it, and it had a special place in her heart. 

But just a a couple days before they were driving home from Flaming Gorge and she told him that she didn't want to get married until she was like 25. She was 19 at the time (they got married 2 months after she turned 20). So I bet she was surprised when my dad said this to her. 

He told her this story about a boy growing up and finally realizing what he needed and wanted (or something like that... I can't remember. It had to do with getting back to Heavenly Father though). After the story he looked her in the eyes and said, "Kristin, you are what I need to get back to my Heavenly Father." 

So he didn't "really" propose.... well not a "normal" proposal anyways. It was perfect in every way. The main one being that it was inspiration. My mom says he wasn't even planning on saying that at the time, but it was perfect and was meant to be through inspiration (I think my sisters and I just aren't patient enough. We knew what was going to happen and we wanted to get down here as soon as we could;)). But that is why he didn't have a ring or anything. It was simple and sweet. Which is exactly like my dad :) plus, this is the girl that didn't even want a reception. The proposal was perfect. 

A few months later on February 14 1992 my super hero duo were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Temple. 

21 years later here we are :) and still going strong!  

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have the best pair of parents anyone could ever even dream of. I am who I am today because of their examples and kindness. They showed me who I could become, and how I could get there. Giving up on my dreams was never an option, and I always knew that. 

I wish I learned how to do my makeup and hair just a little bit sooner... 

Nothing in this world makes me happier than knowing that I get to spend eternity with my family. :)

Couple side notes... 

How cute! I think it was on the napkins or something

I love that they put their kid pictures on the invitation

This is just hilarious and super cheesy but SOOOO my mom! Especially the theme... isn't she just brilliant? 

Amanda's Engaged!

One of my bestest and longest friends is ENGAGED!!! I almost feel like I got engaged myself ;) I am beyond happy for her! She is my first really close friend that is getting married... I will be missing the wedding on August 10th in the Salt Lake Temple :( it is very sad; but I couldn't be more happy for her! :D like, it is almost weird how happy it makes me! But I feel like that really is what true happiness is :) Being so happy for someone else that you can hardly stand it, and you feel like you couldn't even be as happy on the day you get engaged as you were when you found out she found her true love ;) 

I love you Amanda and I can't wait till you get to start your forever family with your prince charming :) 

NO. It really hasn't been that long.

I really do feel like I haven't blogged in FOREVER! But guys, looking back, it's really only been... a week and a half... crap. My days are going by slow again. Whhhhhyyy!? 66 days. But it still feels like an eternity. I feel really awful complaining about it, because some people do not even get to go on missions... I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity. And I never want to be ungrateful or take it for granted (wait... that word. Weird...) because I feel so privileged to be able to go serve the Lord. I keep saying the same thing over and over again. My life is in repeat mode right now. Working so much is getting to me. People are still surprised about when I am going. I know someone who got their call this past week and are leaving March 13th. It's rough. But I KNOW THERE IS A REASON (if I keep saying it maybe it will finally stick).
Here are some fun pictures to look at since this was a pretty boring post.

Coming home from the Provo temple after we went through with Riley to get his own endowments. :) 

What we do on Saturday mornings when we are bored. 

Super crooked. I was walking...

The other fun things we do on Saturday morning....

They were actually pretty chill for being old grandmas being pulled around.

The poem we wrote in sacrament meeting... lovely. At least it gets to the point of church on the last line right?  

Unagi

*WARNING- boring, blabbing alert...

I am so writing about this again. I am in the state of Unagi again.

My life is just complete bliss right now.
I can't tell you how happy I am every day. I love my life and everything about it!
I love my family.
I love my calling.
I love my friends.
I love my job...............
I love the gospel.
I love church.
I love... everything really!

My mission is only 87 days away and in a weird way, it actually feels like it's getting close!
My mom is now sort of off her crazy work schedule and we can start preparing a little more.
Sister Arnold gave a fabulous testimony today in church about priorities that I really needed. Now that I am "officially off break" I need to start doing productive things with my day; especially because I am leaving for a mission soon, and I don't have a ton to do (at least that's what it feels like) because I am not going to school. I still have work to occupy a little bit of my time, but I still have a lot more to do to prepare. But so far- everything is going smoothly.
They say you can feel Satan working overtime on you the second you have your mission call. I think he has been slamming me since I made the actual firm choice that I was going to serve a mission. But lately, it's been harder than ever. And like I have kind of mentioned, it's not even really with "bad sins" but more like time wasters and selfish acts. But I have the determination and faith that if I am preparing how I should, and doing what I should, my Heavenly Father will help me to overcome the power of Satan. The temple has been a great strength for me. I feel at home, and at peace. I can talk to my Heavenly Father on a deeper, more personal level, and feel his endless love for me. Even just surrounding myself with people that are kind of on the same boat has helped. Today we had a temple prep class after church for the people who are soon to be leaving on their missions or turning in their papers. Being around these young men strengthens me and makes me even more excited to be on my mission and be able to interact with so many wonderful people. I can't even express to you how happy and anxious all of this makes me feel! :)

Merry Christmas 2012!

Here is my family's Christmas letter :) we thought that we'd put it online to save money... no... really it's just because we are too lazy and didn't get it done in time.

Well we figured that since we are kind of known for being late that we wouldn’t break that streak!

This year has been full of surprises and fun for us!

In April we finally fulfilled our dream and went on a Caribbean cruise! We loved every second of it, even though it was very last minute. We flew to Florida and headed for the Bahamas on Easter morning. We were able to go to the Bahamas, Jamaica, The Cayman islands, and Cozumel Mexico. We gained a lot of weight, spent a lot of money, parasailed, went snorkeling, hiked a waterfall in Jamaica, went clear bottom canoeing in the ocean, laid on the beach, took a wind tour through the everglades, held alligators, and even swam with dolphins! Let’s just say, we had a LOT of fun! In June we went to Moab and did a lot of hiking and swimming! We then took a sudden and quick trip to Arizona for our Great Aunt and Uncle Floyd and Karin’s funeral.  We had a girl’s weekend at a million dollar cabin in Bear Lake with Duane’s side of the family. We laughed, cried, ate, got sunburned, and had some much-needed girl talk. In July we had our annual Flaming Gorge trip and had a blast as always. We also fulfilled another dream by going horse back riding for Ashley’s 18^th birthday in September.

Nicole (19)- Started by finishing her fun year as Miss. Saratoga Springs in March. Then fought her way through her third semester at BYU. She working for WDS and is currently serving as a Primary teacher for the 5 and 6 year olds. She also submitted her mission papers 3 weeks after the announcement of the age change! She was called to Tampa Florida on November 14^th and is entering the MTC April 3^rd! Her favorite event this year was taking her endowments out with her family in the Mount Timp temple. 

Ashley (18)- Will be graduating this year from Westlake high. She was planning on attending Utah State or SLCC, but has now decided to put that on hold and serve a mission as soon as she can. Her life has basically been basketball for the past several months, as she is the captain of the varsity team, but she, as well as all of us are loving every second of it. She has averaged about 12 points a game and is thinking about playing college ball. She is currently the Laurel’s second counselor and the Humanitarian Specialist.

Karly (16)- Got her license in June, and is now dating. She is busy with school and enjoys physics, astronomy, and pre-calculus. She loves to spend every second with her friends; her family might be a little too crazy for her ;). She got to see Mumford and Sons (her all time favorite band) in concert and will not stop talking about it even to this day. She is in FCCLA and is pleased by it… most of the time. As you know she is the only musically talented person in our family and can play piano and sing like an angel. She was the Mia Maid president but in June moved on to be with Ashley in Laurels.

Katelyn (14)- In about one week Katelyn will be driving! Adding to that she started 9^th grade and out here that means High School! She is playing basketball for Westlake on the freshman team. She plays a point guard on the team and starts every game. She loves her team and coaches. She is learning a ton and getting so much better! She is always with her 100+ friends, keeping us on our toes, and making us laugh. She was the Beehive president, but has moved on to Mia Maids.

Kristin (we won’t go there)- Is still working with UPS, doing hair, and a full time mom. She spends most of her days running things back and fourth to Westlake for the girls, grocery shopping to feed the neighbors, and going to basketball games. She is still dating and having a blast going to singles activities, but mostly loves just being home with all of us.

Dad- In June it was 4 years since he has passed away. We are sure that he is up in heaven having fun with his dad and uncles, but also teaching and preaching the people in the same way he did down here. We miss him more every single day but we have a firm testimony that this is our plan and we try and make the best of it J 

Sandee, Mandee, O.J.- I know. Big surprise that our dogs and rabbit are still alive. We are pretty sure their time is coming… especially after Nicole left Sandee on the roof in the 90 degree weather for 4 hours… 

A little photo update

This has to be the first thing on here... only because it is hilarious and will be a treasure someday. If you have seen Despicable Me... you know what this is :) 

I feel like all my blog posts lately have been about church and my mission... I need to also tell you what's going on in my normal day to day life right? What better way then PICTURES! I don't even know where I last left off with normal things... so I'm just going to guess...

*WARNING- these are NOT in order even a little bit. 

Took pictures of beautiful rainbows

Watched my dads funeral picture video and discovered he looked just like one of my cousins babies... 

Went to my uncle EJ's 60 surprise birthday party, and then went to the Bezzant pie party (no picture sorry) 

Took a pic of Kate sleeping after Karl hit her in the head with the car door... 

This creepy lady on the wall in Zach's cabin... 

Took another picture 

Took another picture..

Went to Ash's first basketball game against Orem. (nope... not a win)

Built this challenged snowmen with these great people.

Found this treasure and build a wall full of these lovely old pictures.

Taught Karl how to write a letter. 

Played apples to apples and I soooo WON! (I might just be a little competitive even in silly games... thanks for that dad)

Build this masterpiece with my besties. 

Hung out with Zach and his family at their cabin!

VOTED! Aren't they thrilled? 

Ate lots of food on thanksgiving!!!