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? 

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! :)

Spanish???

So I went to the temple for the second time with my cousin today. I had an amazing time and was able to learn a lot because it wasn't as nerve racking and I could actually pay attention. I still have SO much more to learn in the temple though! It's such an amazing place! I'm so glad that I get to go a lot before my mission. My goal is to go at least once a week, but more if I can! 

I've been having thoughts and impressions lately that I need to study/learn Spanish before I leave. At first I just put it off and thought that I was being crazy. But today in the temple, I just knew that I needed to. And from what we learn from President Monson is that we should NEVER IGNORE IMPRESSIONS/THE SPIRIT. I have no idea if I will even use it on my mission. I have just heard of so may missionaries getting called to Florida (Tampa even) Spanish speaking. I just want to be prepared. I don't want to miss an opportunity to teach and share my testimony of the gospel just because I don't know the language. Plus- I have heard that there are A LOT of people who speak Spanish who live in Florida. 

I know you probably think I'm crazy and that I'm not going to learn the language before April. But I trust in my Heavenly Father that if he asks/prompts/inspires me to do something, that with him I can accomplish it. No matter what. I have full faith that I will learn at least what I need to know, if I do all that I can, have faith, and trust and rely completely on our Heavenly Father. 

He knows exactly what we need. I know that he will lead and guide me to people that need to hear the gospel at this time. I know I say this at the end of every post like this- BUT I SERIOUSLY CANNOT EVEN WAIT!!!

Oh and I just wanted to thank my Sister Ashley and my friends Hailee, Jackie, and Kailey for helping me through these past couple of hard days when my mom hasn't really been avaliable. I couldn't do it without you guys! I love you!

My Temple experience.

I've been sitting here trying to think of one word that would sum it all up... the only thing I can think of is indescribable (I know right. So unique). 

I kept telling people I was going to go through the temple soon and they would just say- "Oh it's weird. So don't get freaked out", or something to that extent. To tell the honest truth- I was not even a little bit weirded out. I have NO clue what they were talking about when they said weird. I had the most spiritual experience of my life and couldn't even control my emotions the whole time. Most of my extended family was there, and my mom was my escort. That made the whole overall experience even more special for countless reasons. I am so glad I have so many family members that are worthy to enter the temple, and that live so close so that I could share this special experience with them.

My mom and I began a fast the night before I was going to go through. I think that was one of the greatest strengths for me. I fasted that I would be able to listen to the spirit and that I would get the confirmation that what I was doing was all true, and that I would not be "weirded out." I think that was my biggest help. 

I feel so blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to be invited into our Lord and Saviors house. I am grateful for my wonderful parents who raised me to always keep my eyes on the temple as my eternal goal. I am excited that I have made it to this point in my life and that I was prepared for this time in my life not only through my parents, but my wonderful sisters, primary teachers, sunday school teachers, young women leaders, friends, family, the scriptures, and most importantly my brother, best friend, and Redeemer Jesus Christ. 

I know without a doubt that through the temple, is the only way that we are able to return and live with our Father in Heaven in the Celestial kingdom with our families again. What goes on inside is powerful, binding, and scared. I know that we are the closest to our Heavenly Father and our loved ones in heaven when we are in the temple. I know this through my own personal, sacred experiences. I am so glad that we have so many beautiful temples surrounding us. I hope that those of you who are not yet eligible for a temple recommend will set your sights on the temple and make it your goal in life right now, I cannot even explain the blessings you will receive through doing this. 

I hope that each of us can find the time to go to the temple as often as we can, there we can serve others and learn of His will and purpose for us. 

Tampa Florida!

I have received my mission call to Tampa Florida, English Speaking (thank goodness), and I'm leaving April 3rd!!!!!!!!!!
You have no idea how long I have waited for this day! I went to the temple this morning, just so I could feel close to my Savior and do some service. It was fun because I was the only one there besides this other woman. She had some family names and she let me do some! I was honored! I got dunked (that so says DUNKED, not DRUNKED...) 10 times... now I know why they only do 5! 10 is quite a lot!!! I felt the spirit so strongly and couldn't help but cry on my way there and back. My Heavenly Father loves me so much and I could just feel my heart overflowing with that peace and love. I always listen to church music/talks/podcasts/books in the car, so I listened to the Called to Serve CD by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on my way to and from the temple. That really got me. Mainly because I knew I was going to get my call today.

Here's the funny part. Karly came home from school to go to the dentist. So when I got home from the temple she was the only one home. I had her play me a song on the piano and sing. While she was I was sitting on our chair in the front room that is right by the window. I get a text from my best friends mom (Cindy Gocken) that says- "The mail is here!" I immediately whip my head around to see the mail man pulling up to our house! I screamed "THE MAILMAN IS HERE!" We both jump, up and literally start jumping up and down! We watched him put what looked like a big white envelope in! We were SO excited! We screamed for a couple seconds and she was like- "Let's go get it!" I told her I didn't want to because I was scared it wouldn't be there. I told her to go and get it. Right as the mailman drove off she ran out there. She grabbed it all and then looked up and me with the biggest grin ever! I yelled- "Is it there!????!!!!" She screams- "YES!" Then for about a minute straight we jumped up and down screaming! I started texting everybody and freaking out. It was the best moment ever. I'm so glad she got to share it with me!
I waited to open it till 6:30 when Karly would get home. She didn't end up getting home till about 6:50. The wait was hard- but I had prayed that I would be calm and patient, and boy was I! Especially compared to my family! I only invited my Grandmas and Danny. I have too much family to invite them all or to just pick some. They can all come to the farewell :)
I didn't even cry when I opened it though! That was miracle! I just couldn't stop smiling! It was the greatest feeling EVER!

If you don't read anything in this post you have to read this-

We had been playing pranks on each other all day. Ashley came up while I was doing my hair and said that Nick had opened my mission call. I believed her and was beyond ticked. I just said- "Well, whatever!" Then my mom had a white envelope from the insurance company and I came downstairs and Daxton hid it under the table I grabbed it and it was opened! Again- I was ticked! I just told them they were stupid (I was so mad) and took it in the other room. Then I looked at it. OH man. SO NOT FUNNY GUYS ;)! Then they were planning on playing a joke on Karly with these glasses they had filed for there talent show. But it was 6:00 which was when we were planning on opening it. Everyone was there- except Katelyn (and Karly of course) so we decided that we would call her friend that she was with and tell her (faking) that I was going.... wait for it....... FLORIDA! This is not even a joke. That was the joking place that we made up. Katelyn totally believed it and was pretty mad that we had opened it without her. She rushed home and we told her it was a joke. It was just hilarious when I opened it and it really was FLORIDA!
After words we went to Texas Roadhouse with my grandma, family, and cousin. It was so much fun!

I just know without a doubt that this is where I am supposed to go. I know that there are people that need to hear the gospel in Tampa and I couldn't be more excited to share this great knowledge of the truth with them! I am going to be an instrument in the Lord's hand and I feel so blessed and honored to even have this great privilege. I love this gospel more than anything and I can't wait for it to be my whole life for a year and half! This church is TRUE! I know that! I could never ever deny it!
Thanks to all my family and friends for all the support that you have given me! I love you all!

Ohhhh... and I finished the Book of Mormon for the 4th time tonight! So cool! I didn't even plan it to be on the same day! Last night I realized that I could actually finish it all today and I was stoked! I know that's it's true! I have asked him every time I finish it and I get the same answer every time that it is true! :)

Brigham City Temple Open House

Even though it was a late night I had such an amazing time with my family at the Brigham City Temple Open house. The temple was so beautiful and the spirit was very strong there even though it hadn't been dedicated yet. From just one day of my Art History Class I was looking for symbolism in everything in the temple. I couldn't believe how much there was. Not a lot of it was obvious, I kind of think they just want you to make up your own ideas about all of it was. But I would love to walk through with one of the architects or even a seminary teacher or just someone more knowledgeable about those things than I am to see what all the symbolism is. But I'm sure that you learn about it when you actually go through the temple. Kind of like how you learn about the mirrors in the sealing room or the oxen holing up the baptismal font. But ya. I just loved it. We got yummy shakes and had some fun talks on the way there and back since it was a long drive. I feel so blessed to be so close to so many temples!

Updates/Temple

Ok- this is going to be a short, not very organized post. To add to that, I'm not going to proof read it... I'm about to fall asleep as-is, but I know that if I don't write in this today I will not have time this week and probably never will.
First- I'm going to say a few things I have done this week.
Work.
Work.
Work.
And work.
Ya, that's pretty much it. I was up to about 40 hours of work at the end of this week and I feel like I'm going to die. My body is exhausted, I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment. I don't know how people do it all the time.
I don't want to be an adult. I really don't know how I feel about it.
I'm moving out this week. So I've got a lot to do for that.
I'm not going to lie, even though it's my second year I'm way more nervous than I was last year. I'm living with 5 people I don't even know and I hardly even know how to get to my apartment. Besides that- I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't come home very often. I think that should help my case more. Also- I'm really getting the hang of both my jobs and I'm really just loving working, but I know that I need to do more. It just sucks because right when I get into the hang of things I have to jump back into the cold deep water.
Alright this is going to be a lot longer then I thought.
The Neapolitan group is back. At the end of the summer... but at least it happened right!?
I'm stressing about how much I'm going to have to do this year with school, callings, work, and volunteering.
I'm also scared all 5 of my roommates are going to be friends and I'll be the odd one out.
I feel like I'm going to miss my family more this year.
I also feel like something "big" maybe not hug the e, is going to happen. NOW- I'm not talking about marriage, if that's what you all think. I think it's something different. But I just don't know. It probably won't though, my hunches are usually wrong.
I went to the Hunger games releasing with my friends on Thursday night.

Alright boring stuff over with.

I went to the temple on Tuesday (my only day off this week) with Ashley, Karly, and Makelle. It was so much fun. We also went shopping after.
But- when we got confirmed, it was really cool. The spirit was so strong and guy that was confirming us too time to talk to us before we started and while he was saying the names and things he really took his time. I have never had anyone do it like that before. I was amazing, because he seemed like he actually cared about each and every person that he was saying. You could tell he truly did. Because they aren't just another name on a paper. They are and were real people and I like how he treated it like that.

The perfect cure for a bad day

I got to go to the temple with Ashley, Makelle, Hailee, and Karly yesterday. I had been having a really bad day. I don’t get these very often at all, so I wasn’t handling it well (sorry about that Zach). I was freaking out over everything and was just acting like a crazy person (ok, I guess that’s normal). TMI time- I’m not even about to start my period or anything either!

But then Ash invited me to the temple. I had been wanting to go all week so I was all for it.

We went there and had a fun ride up and everything. The temple was very peaceful and helped me clear my mind, and take a break. The cutest thing every happened, a boy that looked around my age baptized his girlfriend, wife, something….. and then his dad (I think) baptized him. It was the cutest thing ever! I couldn’t keep from smiling! But while I was being baptized I though about how we put complete trust in someone who we don’t even know to baptize us. Ya, it’s only 4 feet of water, but still. We have no idea who they are, and they are just dunking us in this water. I don’t have one problem with it. But I thought of it like the Savior. If we put our complete and full trust in him, he will never leave our side. No matter what. Even if we are scared, or slip up, he’ll be there to catch us. The temple has so many wonderful symbols that we can interpret in our own ways. The sweet ladies who wrap a towel around you after you get out reminds me of my mom. She’s always on the sidelines waiting for me, ready with that advice to wrap me up with. You don’t have to accept it, but you’ll look stupid if you don’t ;)

But there are so many symbols and a ton more that I don’t even know about yet! But I can’t wait to find out!

Anyways, the temple was amazing as always. I even got some beautiful shots of the temple because it was cloudy and dusk. The temple filled up my spirit and calmed me down. It just made my whole day better and I couldn’t have been happier!

Why am I so blessed???

I wonder this almost every day.

But really? Why me???
I just don't get it... what did I do to deserve all of these blessings? There are people out there who have to live each day wondering if they will even get to eat. And I sit here, throwing my food away if I don't want it.
This not only makes me feel guilty when I think about it, but makes me realize how truly blessed I am.

Today while I was at the temple I met one of the  most amazing people I have probably ever met in my life. As I was sitting there in the foyer, drooling just thinking about the missionary that had just baptized me/making a plan to talk to him after he came out, a woman came and sat down next to me. I was reading my scriptures, so I didn't see her at first. But then she just started talking to me. I hardly remember what we were even talking about, but I just couldn't help but be completely happy.

She was 27 and had never been on a single date.
I'm 19 and have been on countless dates.

She had been through 37 treatments of radiation for a tumor they couldn't remove.
I don't even get headaches.

She was made fun of in High School.
High School was a breeze for me.

All of her grandparents have passed away.
I still have 2 wonderful grandmas.

Because of her tumor she is now considered by society, a "special needs individual."
In society's terms I'm considered "normal."

Her mother is in a wheelchair.
My mother can walk.

She can't go to college.
I'm going to BYU.

As I sat there listening to her I struggled to understand why my Heavenly Father has given me such a great life. Why am I so blessed? I don't think I will ever know the full answer until after this life. But sometimes I wish I could just give others the things I have. I just want to make it easier for them. Besides that, I feel so selfish because I have it so good, yet I complain about the silliest things every day. One thing she said that really hit me was, "If I don't get married in this life, I know I'll get married in the next."  I know that's true, but just hearing it out of someone's mouth who truly meant it, and was looking forward to that day was humbling.

Her sweet attitude towards life was what was getting her through. She would talk to almost every single person that was walking in or out of the temple. She had the biggest grin on her face, you couldn't resist feeling an immediate feeling of joy, even if you just saw her. She knew where she was going in life, and knew what she needed to do, and she was doing it. I can't imagine all the people's lives she has touched. Because she sure touched mine in a way that I will never forget.

Cathy reminded me that life is precious and that we should enjoy every moment that we are here. Not worrying about the little things and always having a positive attitude. She also reminded me of how truly blessed I am, and that I need to thank my loving Heavenly Father for all the many things I have every day.

I truly believe that people come into our lives at certain times for certain reasons. We may never figure out the reasons, but everything has a purpose.

Heavenly Father has a plan for me. And he has a plan for Cathy.

I may not know all the details, but he does.
All I can do now is live my life the way he would be proud of.

Temples :D

Salt Lake Temple 

Temples are just purely amazing. They are beautiful inside and out. Every time I go I feel a sense of peace and happiness. They never cease to amaze me.

My favorite temple is the Salt Lake. Not only because it looks like a castle, but because it was build by the pioneers and it just is awesome!

Melbourne Australia Temple

But another one of my favorites is the Melbourne Australia temple. This became my favorite when I was just searching through the pictures of the temples and I just think it is very beautiful and I bet all the temple workers, and the people that go there have amazing Australian accents. 

So I had the opportunity to attend the temple  on Thursday with my ward, and then again on Saturday with my family.

Draper Temple

On Thursday we went to the Draper temple (another one of my favorites). It was a long drive from Provo. But it was fun to laugh and talk with the girls. There were only 5 of us that ended up showing up for baptisms. We had another group from our ward go to the same temple to do endowments earlier. So we all drove in the same car and talked… a lot, like what girls do. We got there, took a picture, and went in. It was even more beautiful because we got there at about 7:30pm and it was dark and the houses around it had pretty Christmas lights. It was great. So we went it and not a lot of people were there, so it was really quiet and I could feel the spirit so strongly. But I could especially feel the spirit of the people that I would be confirmed and baptized for. It was amazing as always J But something else that made this trip even more special was that I have always hoped that when the old people are confirming of baptizing me that one of them will recognize my last name and know my grandpa or Dad or something. It hadn’t happened until now.

It wasn’t really what I was expecting, but the old man said, “Hey Calder I know that name. We might be related.” My heart raced! I was so excited for some reason. We talked, he might be related, but we don’t know. He didn’t know my Dad or grandpa or anyone in my immediate family, but he had old relatives that were Calder’s so you never know! I think I will see that man in the eternities, and it will be just like the temple J  

Another cool thing was that I got to have people (men) my age actually baptize me, and that’s never happened before. It was guys from our ward, and that just made it even more special J   

Then we met up with the other part of our ward at In and Out and laughed and ate food at like 9:00 in the night. It was great fun. ;)

Timp Temple

Then on Saturday was really when I had one of the most spiritual experiences that I have ever had in the temple (the best part is, I know there are plenty more to come that might even be more spiritual like getting my endowments and marriage). So we went at 7:00 in the morning so my mom and cousin could get to an endowment session. So me and my sisters (Katelyn wasn’t there, she didn’t have a recommend, or a least that she could find) went down to do baptisms. It was amazing the immediate peace I felt. I hadn’t had the best week (as you know aka. Car accident) so it was really nice to feel that. We got dressed and then went to do confirmations. While we were doing it they had some people who were being baptized for the first time, it looked like, and they were Spanish speaking. So, they switched the paper in their to the Spanish words and we got to sit and listen to them say the pray in Spanish. It was really cool and the sprit was overwhelming! It just really showed that God speaks and understands all languages and it was just amazing!

Then, a teenage boy and his father came in the room and they asked if they could go. We said yes of course, I mean, who doesn’t want to be in the fabulous temple for a shorter time than you have to be. So, we waited for them to go. They had a family name, but only one. So, they went in and the Dad baptized the son for the one name. Then they went right out of the font, the boy sat on a chair and the Dad got ready to confirm him. They asked the dad if he needed the name and he said no. Right at that moment and when he was confirming him the spirit was incredibly strong and it really felt like heaven was so close.

I’m actually super surprised that I didn’t cry, my sister Ash was though. The dad was also crying so obviously it was someone in their family that passed away at least a year ago. Plus, the name was very modern.

So that was amazing. Then we had to wait for my mom and cousin to come out of doing endowments so we waited in the waiting room for about an hour and while we were waiting we saw a cute little family going in. Probably to be sealed together =] But we didn’t see a wedding :( oh well, that’s ok. It was still amazing! I don’t know how anyone could fall away from the gospel after even looking at the temple! It’s just such an amazing place!

The end :D