One down; One to go.

I can't believe it has been a whole year since I have seen that cute face.
A lot has happened this past year, and I can't wait to see what this last year brings.
He is one amazing missionary and I know I brag about him a lot, but Im just so proud of him.

I thought that since today we are celebrating our year mark I would make a post.
I want this post to be a different, more special post.
This is something I have been wanting to do for a while just couldn't find the right time.
And finally I think the time has come.


The H&M Story:
( This may be a little long, but Im doing this mostly for myself to have record of and to reflect on the old memories. So read on if you feel inclined to do so.)


-"I wish I would have never looked back because the look on his face is an image that will be engraved into my brain forever."


It all started in 8th grade.
How we met will forever be a mystery, because if you ask either one of us we might say something like " uh, I think we had science class together?" But neither of us really knows that to be a true statement..

My earliest memories of our relationship began with Study Skills class in 9th grade. He was something else, and I think he had me from the very beginning.
We would walk to class together everyday. It was one of those Junior High relationships.
You know, the ones where you liked each other but were too afraid to even hug?
Whats up with that?
We sat next to each other everyday and the rest of the class time would look something like this..
We played ISpy (where I obviously won every time:) Then play motocross on the computer (where he definitely let me win every time:) and then just a whole bunch of nothingness conversations that had a whole lot of Junior High flirting involved - the slight giggles with the punch on the arm like "Oh your so funny." kind of thing..
Barf.

We hung out here and there, but not as much as I would have liked to. He did indeed pick me up and jump into the freezing cold pool with me.
 Points were lost that night. But of course he gained them back quickly.
I always liked him, but didn't see much of him that summer so I was excited to get back to school in the fall.

Sophomore day came and I walked into my first period.
English.
And there he was, blond hair, bright blue eyed boy. My heart skipped a beat. I was nervous but excited all at the same time.
Sophomore year consisted of a lot of off and on's between us. But of course through thick and thin, I still was starry eyed over this boy. And no matter what he always stuck to my side and treated me like gold.

Second semester we had seminary together. I don't think I could tell you one lesson I learned from that class except the fact that I got very good at a familiar game called "Brick Breaker." - This game becomes very important in years to come.

-He asked me to Prom (my very first dance) and I couldn't have been more excited!
-He showed up at my door on my 16th birthday with a dozen roses. All by himself.

Prom night is one night I will NEVER forget. I can honestly say that was one of the best nights of my life. He was such a gentleman and always opened my door.
The first thing he said when he saw me was "You look beautiful." -won my mom over right then and there:)
The whole night went so well UNTIL it came time to drop me off. I was a bit nervous due to the fact I had only kissed one boy prior to this night. He pulled up in front of my house, walked me to my door, gave me a hug and turned around to leave. I grabbed the door handle and just as I was about to walk inside he said "wait, I forgot to do something." My heart sank, I knew what was coming.
Smooth move babe, real smooth.


Due to complete lack of any matureness I was quickly done. That had ruined it for me and the next day I pulled the "I think we should just be friends" card.
The rest of high school we just stayed friends. We would hang out almost every weekend since Lysha was my best friend and his cousin. And every time we were together we flirted like crazy. I can honestly say that I have liked him since I met him, and he will say the same. But neither of us would ever admit it!!
 He would date someone and then I would date someone. But no matter what, if we were in the same room together, we were flirting.
Typical.

College came and I moved up to Utah State and he moved away to Hawaii. I really never thought I would talk to him again, let alone see him again.
 But it just so happened that one day during church I found the game "Brick Breaker" on my best friend Lindseys phone.
 -ah ha! I told you this game would come back into play!

Immediately it made me think of him so I text him and told him to guess what game I was playing. He got it right.
First try.
We started talking again, and right from the very beginning joked about being old and married together.
 -We were both serious deep down but pretended like it was all just fun and games.

Things unfold quickly and he was too good to be true. I never knew I could be treated that well and it kind of freaked me out. I pulled the "friends" card once again but he wasn't about to give up. He tried everything and I guess it worked. I realized I would be stupid if I didn't date this amazing boy, so thats exactly what I did.
I always told myself I would never be a missionary girlfriend, but I just couldn't let this one go. I knew that everything about this felt right and just had to trust my gut feeling.
Soon enough I was coming home every weekend for him and we were together every chance we got, but knowing in the back of our minds that he was leaving in less than a month.
That last month was the greatest month of my life. And saying goodbye to him is something I never want to do again.

I went over that last day and helped him pack. We spent the whole morning together before I had to drive back up to school to take a test. He walked me out to my car and I gave him his first letter to read when he got to the MTC. We said our goodbyes and all he kept saying was "ill see you in two years."
I started my car and began to drive away. He stood at the end of the drive way. I couldn't believe I held it together so well.
As I drove away I turned my head around one last time.

"I wish I would have never looked back because the look on his face is an image that will be engraved into my brain forever."

I lost it and cried for a solid two hours as I drove back up to school.

Now I am sitting here, reflecting on the memories of the past wishing this last year would hurry up. He has taught me more in the last year and a half then I have learned my whole life. I wouldn't trade this two years for anything, and although its one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, we know that in the end it will all be worth it. I can't wait to see my best friend in a year from now, glowing with happiness after serving the Lord for 24 diligent months. He makes me more proud every single day and I wish he knew what an amazing example he is. I love this boy with all of my heart and can't wait to see him grow even more these last 12 months. 

2years-4forever. 

yes, FOREVER:)

Curse you tag;

I got tagged.
dangit.
And will soon be shunned if i do not follow through and keep this wonderful (sarcastic) tagging game going.

Lately I have found myself busy.
Busy enough that I forgot I even had a blog.
Thats a lie.
I've known all along.
I guess it just takes a simple tag to get me going again.
Thanks Dewy, for believing in my blogging skills and inspiring me to keep on going.
So here goes nothing..

Rules of this tagging thing-
A: Post a photo and eleven random things about yourself.
B: Answer the questions provided by the one who tagged you. (In my case that would be Mrs. Brooke O'Gwin)
C: Create eleven new questions for the people you tag. (suckers)
and D: Contact those you choose and tell them that they have been tagged.

The 11 Most interesting facts about myself (that i somehow manage to come up with):
1: I have a Christmas ornament for every single year I have been alive. Its tradition.

2: I do in fact rub my right leg when I eat in sort of a weird circular pattern. Don't ask me why..

3: For as long as I can remember, my dad has called me his little "sweetness."

4: I don't believe in pushing the snooze button. Instead I wiggle my feet around to help make sure I don't fall back to sleep while I slowly get the drive to get out of bed.

5: I work at a bowling alley but have never actually bowled over about a 118.

6: I like to think that in some aspects of my life I am a bit OCD. Hence the color coordinated clothes in the closet (warm to cold), or all the bills facing the same way in my wallet.

7: I used to hate being alone, now I can't get enough of it.

8: If you do in fact chomp on your gum, Im terribly sorry but we simply cannot be friends.

9: I secretly have a love for editing films. And someday aspire to do it on a more professional level. Yet, I don't even own a camera.

10: I would much rather prefer a tropical starburst then any kind, shape or form of chocolate.

11: Babies. Im kind of addicted. Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you I have a weird obsession with anything baby. If I happened to pop one out today I might be the happiest person alive.



The questions I was asked to answer:
If you were endowed with one super power, what would it be?
- The ability to fast forward, rewind, freeze and slow down time. I think about it all the time and how awesome things would be in slow or fast motion.

Whats the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
- Look in the mirror. conceited much?

What is one food that you will not eat?
-Anything that lived or currently lives in the Ocean. Oh and bread, but "will not" is kind of a bold statement.

Why did you start blogging?
-Because I was about to embark on an amazing adventure to the land of the orphans and figured my family would want to keep up on me.

If you had to spend a day without using any technology, what would you do?
- Is a car considered technology? Cause that would suck if I couldn't even go anywhere. But I would probably write one too many love letters to my lover abroad.

If you could be a cartoon character who would you want to be?
- Rapunzel. Because she has long hair and sweet ace legs.

When was the last time you cried?
-Oh, I don't have any emotions.. or so Im told.
JK, but to be honest I don't really remember. Probably not too long ago pertaining to that missionary of mine. -miss him.

Favorite smell?
-Laundry detergent.

Name two things you love about yourself?
- My small feet, and my new hair.

Whats your biggest pet peeve?
- When peeps forget to turn off their darn blinker. I mean come on, it even reminds you its still on by making one obnoxious clicking sound..

What is one thing in your life now, that you would have never predicted in your past?
-That I would be faithfully waiting for the love of my life to return home in honor. I always told myself  I would never be that girl. Well look at me now. I couldn't be happier.


Questions for you lucky ones that got tagged by me:
1: If you were reincarnated and got to choose what you were going to be. What would you choose and why?
2: Fill in the blank. If I were arrested and put in jail it would be because I _________?
3: Your dream day would include?
4: What is one thing you spend way too much time doing?
5: Your favorite word?
6: If you could fix one thing about your body what would it be?
7: What are you wearing?
8: What was your first impression of me? -be honest.
9: If you could go back and change one thing from your past. What would it be and why?
10: If you got asked to be the entertainment portion of the Ellen show. What would you do to entertain millions of people on TV?
11: What was the best thing that happened to you recently?


Good taggings to ya.


Oh and if you don't return this tagging favor. Ill hunt you down.
If I can find time to do it, so can you.
Best of luck!

I hereby tag the following:
Kailey Johnson
Alysha Lanham
Jenny Cox
Rylee Blake
and Laura Buchanan

Dedicated to HIM.

This post is solely dedicated to my Korean lover. And since I can't be there with him on his 20th birthday (which also happens to take place on Valentines Day) I decided to do a little surprise for him. Yes, I did indeed get dressed up, made a sign, got balloons and went into a field to take pictures of myself for this boy. Its crazy what kind of things love makes you do.

For all of you that know me, know this is way out of my comfort zone. And that is why my only explanation for this is that dang boy. Don't get used to this, because it probably wont happen ever again. Usually Im the one that makes fun of people for doing things like this, but what can i say it happened. And if you are sitting there behind your screen laughing to yourself right now, I wont take it offensively.

With that said, Happy 20th Birthday Babe! I love you:)

A bowlin' name

Working at a bowling alley means you see every kind of person there is.
Some good, some bad, some extremely awkward and some that are too happy it makes you feel uncomfortable.
I get to witness first dates that involve way to much awkwardness for my liking.
Bowling leagues that consist of mean old people.
And too many people that can't make up their mind. -Just play two games, its easier for everyone.

But wanna know the best part about working at a bowling alley?
The names people come up with.

Its like they feel as if when they walk through our doors, put on those sexy shoes, and grab that neon colored ball they are a whole new person. And to be this whole new person they have to come up with some ridiculous name. We all do it, so don't be ashamed.
But why?

Why does the name- spare me, or gutter slut make you bowl better then YOUR actual name? Why do we feel the need to change our identity just to play a simple game involving a ball and some white pins. Its not like we go to restaurants and say "oh i need my eating name tonight." So why do we do it when we bowl?

Maybe just maybe we like this bowling identity of ours.. Lets face it, its the one time that you get to call yourself by a completely ridiculous- out of the ordinary name for no reason at all! I mean come on, everyone has a bowling name. Weather its Candy Man or Bangin Barbie we all have one. And if you don't, well you better start thinking.

So next time you go bowling you better find yourself a bowlin name. Because you never know, being "unbowlievable" might just make you bowl that 250 you were always hoping for.

Chillin' at the Holiday Inn

"Sunday is a day of rest." Or so I was told today.

And Im sure you are soaking that up for everything it is.

But in my house, today is only the beginning to a week filled with..

change.

Change usually means one of two things.

Happy change, or bad change.

My change, is neither.

The reason for this indecisive change is the same reason I am up packing rather then "resting" as you should be doing.

You might be thinking I am packing for some vacation or some road trip thats soon to come.

Once again, its neither.

As much as i wish i was packing for a vacation or a crazy road trip Im not. Im merely packing 4 days worth of stuff to not only move out of my house..

but to move in to a....

drum roll please

HOTEL.

Call me Kim Kardashian if you will. Although her suite is much nicer then mine.

This so called adventure I am about to embark on will be one of a kind. And i'd have to say, Im rather excited. So call it what you want, but as for me, Im referring to it as the "Kitchen Remodeling Adventure." 

Ill be seeing you. 

In 4 days that is. 

But in the mean time, if you need to get a hold of me.

Ill be chillin at the Holiday Inn.

Making mems:

Mems in this case, is short for memories. And we all know how much I like to make those special things referred to as mems.

This morning I received a text message from Ash saying "I have a little Sunday afternoon activity for us today. Don't ask any questions, just agree to doing it" -"Okay" i said.

We packed up some things and were shortly on our way to an old familiar place. 

This familiar place has often been referred to by me as "our spot." I know you may not be acquainted with "our spot" but don't worry, you will soon be introduced.

Before Mr.M left to save Seoul, we happened upon this wonderful overlook, placed right in the heart of Provo,Utah. It was love at first sight, this overlook of ours, and we were sold. Soon we began to refer to It as "our spot."

Creative right?

And the rest is history.. or so I'd like to think.

But occasionally when those blue days come, I find myself visiting "our spot." 

Reminiscing on the times when he was sitting there next to me. 

And all the hours we spent there, laughing and talking about the future.

And that night when he pulled out the beauty that resides on my left hand.

And when I promised him- I would wait for him.

So not only was this Sunday afternoon activity a chance for me to say hi to that familiar place, It was also a day to start a new memory up there. One that I hope will last forever. Or at least just until he returns in honor. 

So think of a place that is filled with your memories. And maybe give it a quick visit. Because you never know, you could always end up makin new mems.

The start of something great:)

H+M. 1.1.12

Yeah, were one of "those" couples.

Ray Bands and a leather jacket

Best Friends.

Cheers to the freakin' new year.

Since my lover resides in Korea.
And my L7's are either hitched or Logan bound.
I was "forced" to work on New Years.

Forced has a whole new meaning in this story.
Most of the time when someone refers to something as being "forced" you would figure they are saying
- it was out of their own free will.
But, In my case, we are replacing the word "willing" with the word "forced."

I have never been a huge fan of New Years.
I think its overrated.
And its just an excuse to get tipsy ( for those of you that feel the need) and to kiss that random stranger well, just because you can.

Because my Korean lover couldn't be mine at 12:00 and I'm just too old to spend a new years with my parents I kindly asked if I could work the last shift of 2011.
And gladly, they said yes.

 I wouldn't say this was my favorite new years.. and I would rather have spent it with my significant other attached to my lips.
BUT...
It definitely made it on the list of "nights to remember."
And to me, thats all that really matters.

As I rang in the new year with a crew full of happy faces, a thought crossed my mind.
Lets make this year one to remember.
A year that in the future we can look back on and say, "2012 was a great year."
A year full of good times.
And memories that will be remembered forever.

So raise your glass, and repeat after me.
Cheers to the freakin' new year.

New Years @fatcats 

Officially 2012

Me and Erika ringing in the new year.

One happy crew.

Cheers.

Where we found Tyler. 

2:17am. Finally cleaned up and ready to go home.


Happy New Year.

goodbye.

-I will never forget the look in those big brown eyes as I turned around for the last time and walked out that door.

       It was the morning of that final day. I woke up, and finishing packing up those few last things. I remember telling myself, "just keep it together." I knew that if I convinced myself not to loose it, there was a slight chance I would stay strong. I ate breakfast and got in the car to go to the orphanage just like a normal day. Except this time my mom and sister were sitting next to me.
       As I walked up those stairs for the last time I was taking mental pictures of everything I saw. I knew this would be a day I would never forget.
       Everything was normal just like every other day had been over the past four months. Except that one little voice in the back of my mind telling me to stay strong. I knew deep down inside that it would only take time till I lost it. I remember thinking, "all you have to do is act like your okay, and no one will know how hard this really is." I told my mom and my sister countless times, " I feel like this isn't real and I don't think I am going to cry." But i was wrong.
       I glanced at the clock; one hour left, time to say goodbye. This was the moment I had been dreading for four months. The moment where I would look into those eyes, feel the touch of those little brown hands and kiss those soft full cheeks one last time.
       Sor called us into the kitchen. I watched as she slowly one by one pulled out a glass cup for each of us. She continued to talk to us in only spanish, telling us how we had changed these kids lives. As i listened to her speak, tears ran down my cheeks. I realized that every word she said, I understood.
       I turned around to see little K standing there. Arms wide open with a big smile peering across that beautiful face. I took her hand and slowly walked towards the corner. I needed to be alone with my princess to say that final goodbye.
        She tugged my apron, pulling me down to eye level. I slowly sat down as she placed herself perfectly on my lap. I watched that innocent little child simply play with the chain around my neck. Perfect in every way. I studied every inch of that brown face, burning those images into my brain forever. She looked up at me, those big brown eyes, and wiped a tear that had fallen down my cheek. Right then and there I knew that beautiful child had changed my life.
        I walked around, giving each one of my kids a kiss goodbye. "Its time to go" I heard someone say. With swollen red eyes, I hung my head and walked towards the door. I stopped as i could hear those little feet running up behind me. I bent down and kissed her one last time. I will never forget the look in those big brown eyes as I turned around for the last time and walked out that door. It took everything in me to not turn back.
       As I walked out of that door and down the stairs, I silently thanked my Heavenly Father for putting that perfect child into my life. And prayed that he would keep her safe forever.

-There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about that beautiful child of mine. She will forever hold a special place in my heart, as the little girl who changed my life. I am so grateful I had this amazing opportunity to grow as a person and serve my Heavenly Father. This was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you Mom and Dad. I will be forever grateful.

I love you K.

The Vow.

If you happened to be fortunate enough to spend 2 hours last night in a movie theater watching, talking wolves, an anorexic pregnant lady, a sexy shirtless boy, and the most painful birth i've ever witnessed. Then you were lucky enough to see what i will be doing this upcoming Valentines Day.

I figured that since this year on Valentines Day, i will be celebrating one amazing boys birthday but also a Valentines Day alone (since that amazing boy is across the world) i might as well treat myself to the soon to be greatest love story of all time-The Vow. If you haven't yet seen this inspiring love story trailer, i will provide those love chills for you.. right now.

An update from home:

Did you hear the news.. IM HOME!
I still can't believe it, it seems so surreal.
Im sorry i have been slacking on blogging lately, Im still trying to transition into normal life again.
The one without my beautiful children:(
But now that im back and settled i promise to post more.

Its weird being out of the country for 4 months, and then coming back and trying to catch up on everything i've missed.
I can honestly say that i have never had so many lunch dates before in my life! ( i still have a few days open for those of you who haven't scheduled your lunch session yet:) just kidding.

This past week has been filled with- work (Fatcats), family time, dance concerts, lunch dates, sleep overs, catching up with friends, making slideshows, bowling, and one unforgettable time at boarders. All of which have kept me rather busy.

Keeping myself busy is the only thing that helps me keep my mind off my kids. If i sit for too long, i find myself in a daze thinking about how much i miss them. Then things start to get too emotional for my liking and everything ends up going downhill from there.
I promise that once i get over this emotional stage of missing them, i will tell you all about my last day. But for the time being, its still way to hard to talk about the goodbye.

Im home for good now, so call me up if you would like to hear about the most amazing experience of my life. I would love to tell you all about it. Or if you'd rather,  just show up at the Lindon 17th ward Young Womens on November 27th-Ill be there teaching one heck of a lesson on service and talking all about my kids. Hope to see you there.

As a goodbye present you are welcome to look at these hideous pictures of me, and my BEAUTIFUL best friends and family who surprised me at the airport when i landed in SLC- all of which you have probably already seen here. They are way too good to me, and i don't know what i would do without them.

Aren't they just the best:)

My baby has gotten way too big!!

The best family in the whole world. Minus dad who was on a business trip.

The greatest friends a girl could ask for. -please ignore the makeup-less face. 

Oh car. its been way too long since i drove you:)

Just some welcome home presents is all. A nice nice Ecuadorian blanket.

The thing i was most excited about coming home for. Putting all the stickers on Michaels chart!