Cruise

Well, Colton is on his cruise right now and I am at home studying for finals!  It worked out well since I won't have any distractions while studying.  It also has been pretty hard.  Having him gone and not being able to even text him or communicate with him whatsoever.... kinda gives me a feel of what it will feel like when he is gone.  Maybe it's a good thing I am going through this, to prepare me or something, but it makes me scared.  Everyone tells me, "just stay busy, time flies, rely on Heavenly Father."  Which, all of these are very true (accept maybe the time flying by) I know what to do and what needs to be done, now I just need to live it.  I hope Colton is having a good time on his cruise!  I'm sure he is, who wouldn't?  Finals are kinda stressful but, it's not stressing me out too much.  I feel pretty confident about them.  This week just needs fly. So does these next two years. 

Christmas Party

Last night (Saturday) I went to Colton's family's Christmas party!  It is my second one with his family.  It is always fun:)  After we went to Colton's house and made hot chocolate and dipped ginger bread cookies in it.  It was delicious!  Then, we watched a movie and Colton fell asleep on my lap.  I drove home that night praying to Heavenly Father, pleading him that if Colton is the one for me, than please help me have the patience to wait for him.  

I have been wondering if maybe I should go on a mission.  I haven't really knelt down and prayed for an answer if I should go or not.  Right now, my future just seems so blurry.  So I got thinking, maybe a mission is what I need, but then I get super stressed about missing school and getting behind.  I know that Heavenly Father will of course bless me and find a way to get caught up but it's all so stressful to me.  I guess these next few days I will really ponder and pray if I should go on one or not.

School has been super stressful!  I am so excited to get it over with.  I really hope I can pass all of my finals with a good grade.  Colton will be leaving for a cruise this Friday so I will have a lot of time to study and no distraction from him haha.  It sucks, Colton will come home from his cruise December 15 and then we have a week before Christmas, then it will be New Years (which is our two year mark) and then I will only have a couple more weeks left with him!  It is all going by so quickly.  I am so scared, but I have to be strong.  

Friday, November 30, we celebrated Colton's birthday since he will be on his cruise for his birthday.  We went out to eat and then got frozen yogurt then watched The Grinch.  I love that movie!  It reminds me so much of Colton.  Last year we watched it in July, that's how much we love that movie.  I gave Colton a watch for his mission.  I hope it will be useful to him. I love him so much and I am so scared to not be with him for two years, but I am so excited for him. 

Thankful November 23,24,25&26

Man, I have been getting behind on my days of being thankful!  

November 23 I went to Colton's grandparents house.  They are always so welcoming and caring.  I am grateful for Colton's family and their friendship to me.  It makes me feel welcomed and supported

November 24: Service
My dad, mom, and I went to my neighbors behind us and raked his leaves.  He is pretty old and we thought we could really use our help.  It made me so happy to serve with my mom and dad.  They have taught me that service can make you very happy.  I am grateful that I was able to serve someone that day and pray for more opportunities to serve. 

November 25: Revelation 
Sitting in sacrament, I got such a warm feeling in my heart.  I was so happy and could feel the spirit with me.  I randomly got a thought that instead of getting stuff for Christmas that I don't need, I want to give my Christmas to someone who really does need it.  It was hard for me to think about not getting anything for Christmas but I know that that is just worldly thoughts and that I was inspired to get that thought for a reason.

November 26: Music
I have been listening to my EFY cds and they really help calm me down.  My thoughts are kind of crazy right now.  I am constantly fighting my thoughts or questioning them.  So it is nice to forget about my thoughts for a while and listen to uplifting music.  I can feel Heavenly Father close to me and throughout the day when I am listening to positive music.  

Called to Serve

Colton got his call yesterday! November 21.  He is called to serve in Mesa, Arizona and leaves for the MTC January 16!  His whole family and I were definitely not expecting Arizona but we are all so excited for him.  I am so relieved that he leaves soon.  Of course I want to be with him every second but, I want to get it over with and i'm so excited to support him and see how Colton grows over these next two years.  I haven't been able to stop smiling ever since he opened it.  I am so proud of him and I love him so much!  I have such a good feeling about everything and before, I was lacking that. I know that it will all fall into place.  I love this gospel so much and I am so grateful for the love of my life and best friend to go out for two years and serve the Lord.  I feel so very blessed.


I am so grateful for my family and for a wonderful place to live.  I love Utah and I am so grateful for the beautiful nature God has created for us.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

Thankful November 19&20

November 19: The Military

I am incredibly thankful for those who sacrifice their lives to help protect our country.  I am grateful for their support, courage, and hard work.  I would never have the guts to do what they do.  I am grateful that God has blessed those who fight and give us courageous men and women who are willing to. 

November 20: My Artistic Talent

God blessed me with the talent to create art.  I am very grateful that he blessed me with this talent.  It is all I ever want to do and hopefully will do the rest of my life.  In my patriarchal blessing, it says that I need to use my talents wisely and use them to bless those around me.  Art is my passion and I feel so blessed to have it as a talent.  


Colton was supposed to get his mission call last Thursday and it didn't come!  We were soo bummed.  So he called his bishop and his bishop tracked it down and he told Colton that it should come Monday but, it didn't com AGAIN.  The anticipation is killing me!  I want it to come so badly.  I really hope that it at least comes this week! I have a feeling that he will get called to a very special place that needs Colton's help at this time.  I cannot wait to hear all of his accomplishments and also his hard times so I can help him over come them.  

Thankful November 17&18

November 17: My Sister's New House

Today I was able to go with my sister and her husband up to Logan to see their new house.  It is soo cute!  I could tell how happy they were.  I am grateful that they were able to find this wonderful house. I am grateful that they are able to stay in a cozy house and have shelter over their heads.

November 18: Nursery 

I have been the new nursery teacher for over three weeks by now.  I only have this calling until January 1st.  I was really excited at first and thought it would be really fun!  But, when I actually started I was intimidated.  I am not the best when it comes with kids, hopefully that will change once I have my own.   Today was a great day in nursery.  I'm not as intimidated and I love seeing these kids learn about the gospel.  They are so innocent and cute!  I am starting to finally feel like I am forming a relationship with them!  They are just the sweetest!  

Thankful November 14,15, &16

November 14: My Car

I may not have the fanciest car but I am so grateful for it!  I am grateful that we were able to pay it off the day we bought it.  My parents are so giving and supportive.   I am super blessed to have my own car. 

November 15: Safety 

There are so many people in the world who don't feel safe.  It kills me to think about all the things that are going on.  Some girls my age aren't able to do the things I am, and aren't able to relax or enjoy their lives.  It's hard for me the think that others have to suffer.  I am just so grateful that I live in a safe place and am able to go to sleep not worried something will happen, or any time of the day! Heavenly Father always answers my prayers and as long as I keep close to the gospel, he will always keep my loved ones  and I safe.  

November 16: My Pets 

I have three cats and one dog!  I am so grateful for each one. I believe they bring a loving spirit in my home.  My dog Zelda had a really serious disease, and thanks to my neighbors and friends, they all helped to pay some of the vet bill to save Zelda's life.  I am so grateful that she was saved, and for those who helped.  I love my pets!:) 

Can't Sleep

I'm sure everyone has those nights when you can't sleep because your mind is flipping through a million thoughts. Monday night I went to bed thinking about my neighbors, whose dad just got cleared from cancer and now he has terminal cancer.  I pray each night that that family will feel comforted and be blessed.  It stresses me out that they have to go through such a terrible thing and here I am with a wonderful healthy family.  I guess Heavenly Father just knows each and every one of us and knows which trials we can and can not go through.  So after praying for them and thinking about them, I fell asleep and  had a horrible dream about my dad dying from cancer.  I guess I got put in their shoes for a moment, but I was able to wake up from it all and realize... it was only just a dream.  Tonight I can't go to bed because I feel the spirit so strongly right now.  I feel so blessed for all that I have.  I sometimes feel that I can't express how grateful I am for the things I am blessed for, but I know Heavenly Father knows that I feel so blessed.  

Colton gets his call this Thursday!  I have been asking everyone to guess where he will go (just for my own amusement).  It is a big humbling experience to try and let go of all of your problems and put it into the Lord's hands.  I have been trying so hard to forget all about me, and focus on Colton and being excited for him!  It's true, I don't exactly know what will end up between Colton and I, if I'll be here when he gets home or not, but we both know that if we do what we are asked and keep the commandments, and have faith, then Heavenly Father has promised us that he will do the rest.  That is what I keep telling myself.  Even though I may not be the happiest person right now and confused about things, as long as I stay strong and stay close to Heavenly Father, he will simply guide me to happiness.  He is the only one that can do that.  Man, I love this gospel.  

Thankful November 12&13

November 12: My Home

I don't need a huge house or worldly things.  Even though I do wish sometimes I could have both, I feel so blessed to have the beautiful house I live in.  I am so grateful for the shelter I have and to have a nice comfy bed to sleep in at night.  I am also grateful for the wonderful spirit that is in my home.  I feel safe at home and I feel joy, two things I am super grateful for.  I love my home!

November 13: Prayer

Prayer is one of the most important things to me.  I probably say 1000 prayers a day!  I am very grateful that God gave us the gift of prayer.  I am grateful for the fact that I know I am praying to Heavenly Father and to know he will answer them.  Prayer helps me throughout every second of each day.  I am not sure what I would do without it.  I would be very lost and feel very lonely.  Prayer is a huge part of my life here on earth and I know it will be in the life after. 

“Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with ‘Thy will be done’ (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).” 
- Boyd K. Packer

Footprints In The Sand

These past like, two months I haven't had a facebook.  I got sick of sitting on my butt, scrolling down looking at all of my friends having fun at college.  It made me feel sick.  I have no friends, really, and I know I chose to stay home and go to school rather than moving out and live "the college life".  So really, I put myself in this situation.  But, I did it for a reason.  I knew if I moved out and went to college some place other than Salt Lake Community College, than Colton and I would have not made it as far as we are now.  I had a choice and I chose to stay home, support Colton, and be here for him so he can feel content with leaving.  Not being on facebook has helped me in ways.  It has made it so I don't rely on looking at other people's lives 24/7 and instead, think of mine, but I do miss talking to my friends, and I believe that it helps me "get out there" with my art.  Right now, I feel I am in limbo.  Colton and I are happy to spend time together and we have a lot of fun, but it's just hard knowing at the end of the day that he will be gone soon.  I just can't wait for that day to come when I can feel good about everything and understand why it is good for Colton to be out serving.  Of course I understand that a mission will be one of the best things for him, but I want the day to come where it doesn't hurt anymore.  My work friends are all I have.  Thursday we were all pretty much baring our testimonies and planned on going to the temple Saturday then out to eat.  The spirit was with us and we all felt it.  I love those days.  I was so excited to be with a group of girls and be with friends!  But.. it didn't end up working out.  Maybe we will go this week... I really need to get to the temple.  I know I am just going through a hard stage in my life right now and one day I will understand why.  I know that others out there are going through much, much harder times and that I need to feel blessed for all that I have.  This is when I need to focus on that light at the end of the tunnel.  My mom told me that sometimes we need to make the wrong decisions in order to know what the right one is.  All I know is that I have faith that I will be okay, both Colton and I.  These days are when I like to read the poem, "Footprints In The Sand", that is hanging up on my wall.  

footprints in the sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. 
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. 
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. 
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, 
other times there was one only. 
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, 
when I was suffering from anguish, 
sorrow or defeat, 
I could see only one set of footprints, 
so I said to the Lord, 
“ You promised me Lord, 
that if I followed you, 
you would walk with me always. 
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life 
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. 
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, 
“ The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, 
my child, is when I carried you.”

—Author Mary Stevenson—

Thankful November 10&11

November 10: Running

I am so grateful that I am able to run and exercise.  I am grateful that I have a healthy body and feel very blessed to have a place to run and look at all the beauty that surrounds me.  I am grateful for all of my siblings health and parents.  I am grateful for my will power to exercise and for being concerned for my health.  I am grateful for my mom, for being a great example of being healthy and exercising.  

November 11: My Dad

Today my dad had to leave on a business trip to North Dakota.  I am so grateful for all of his hard work and for his time he sacrifices for our family.  I am very grateful that Heavenly Father blesses him while he is gone and always returns him home safely.  I am very grateful for my dad's job and for his great example of hard work.  I love him so much and I am extremely grateful for my dad.  

Thankful November 8&9

November 8: Friends

Today, I am so grateful for my friends.  They all strengthen my testimony and inspire me to do good!  I am so grateful that I am able to have a bunch of wonderful friends who are active in the church.  They help me when I need someone most, sometimes they don't even realize they are helping me.  I am grateful for all of their support and for their concerns about how I am doing. Heavenly Father has blessed me with amazing friends and I am truly thankful.  

November 9: School

I am so grateful for school, even though I don't like going sometimes.  I am grateful that I am able to get an education and pursue in my major.  I am also grateful that I am able to have a job and go to school so I can pay for my own schooling.  I really do enjoy learning and I am grateful that I am able to learn something new each day.  

Thankful November 6 & 7

November 6: My mom's ability to listen and comfort.
No matter how stressed my mom is or how late it is, she will ALWAYS sit down and listen to you.  She is the most comforting person I know.  I am so grateful for her kindness and selflessness.  Thank you mom for listening to me and always helping me feel 100 times better.  I love you!

November 7: My job.
I have such a great job!  It works out perfect with my schedule and I am very grateful I am able to have a job and go to school at the same time.  It has been such a blessing in my life to have this job.

Thankful November #5

As I was on my way to school I was a little stressed.  Probably because I was running late and I wasn't able to go running after work.  So, I decided to put in my EFY 2009 soundtrack.  I made it a goal a few weeks ago to only listen to this CD (since it is the only church cd I own), for that whole week.  I realllly liked it!  It calmed me down and I knew I had the spirit with me each day of that week.  Since it had helped me then, I thought it would help me now.  And, of course it did!  Right before I got to school, I saw four missionaries!  It made me so happy.  I wanted to scream and shout to them, "I love you guys!  Thank you so much for all your hard work!"  and of course it got me visualizing Colton out their riding a bike trying to spread the gospel. That is when I decided how grateful I am for missionaries.  I am so grateful for their hard work and for serving the Lord.  It is so courageous of them to leave all their worldly actions and thoughts to serve the Lord.  Thank you missionaries!  You are in my prayers.  

Thankful November #4

Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to fast.  I have always been grateful for this blessing we have to fast for something very important to us.  It is very hard for me to fast sometimes but this past year, I get really excited for fast sundays because I know it is a time where I can really focus on something or someone and receive blessings from it.  Today I bore my testimony.  I surprisingly do it quite often.  Something about sharing my love for this gospel attracts me.  I love talking about the gospel and how much it has blessed my life.  Standing up there and sharing my testimony is the happiest place I could be.  I have seen the blessings in my life that come from fasting.  I have realized that faith is a key to fasting.  Today I fasted for a very special thing and I have all the faith that Heavenly Father won't let me down (like he ever lets me down).

Thankful November 1-3

I decided to try and write down each day throughout the month of November, everything I am thankful for.  I have so many things to be grateful for and I feel that writing them down, it will help me realize that much more of all my many blessings! 

November 1: Family

My family is the most precious thing that Heavenly Father has blessed me with.  Each day I pray thanking Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a loving and supportive family.  It brings me to tears of how incredibly blessed I am for my family!  It makes me feel selfish in a way, that I take my family for granted too often.  

Dad: One day I will marry someone exactly like you.  You carry all the traits I want in a husband.  Thank you for going out of your way and working so hard for this family.  Thank you for your humor and kindness you give to others.  Thank you for treating mom like a princess and showing me how to love. Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day.

Mom: You are the strongest person I know.  I would be so honored to grow into such a beautiful and loving mother like you.  Thank you for your tears you have shed for this family, and thank you for giving up so much and suffering so we (your children) can live a wonderful, happy life.  Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day. 

Wesley:  It's crazy how much we are so much a like, it's a compliment for me:)  Thank you for your intelligence, I have always loathed your determination towards anything you want to do or become.  Thank you for your beautiful music you share with the family.  Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day. 

Kaylie:  You are everything a sister needs and wants.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father gave me you as a sister.  Who I am today is a lot because I had you to watch grow up and see your examples, and how they all unfolded into the beautiful, loving, and spiritual women you are today. Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day.

Preston: You are such a wonderful brother-in-law!  Thank you for loving Kaylie and treating her with he respect that she deserves.  Thank you for stealing her away from me, I hope you enjoy being with her as much as I do ;) Thank you for working hard and being an example to me. Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day.

Little Ezra:  Thank you for being so strong!  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father brought you into this life, and in the hands of my Sister and Preston.  Thank you for showing me how innocent people are and to not judge others. Thank you for showing me how precious people can be in others lives.  Thank you for giving me someone I can look up to each day. 

I love you all so much! 


November 2: Colton :)

Colton, thank you for your friendship and love.  Thank you for accepting my weaknesses and thank you for helping me strengthen them.  Thank you for helping your family and mine when they are in a time of need.  You have been such a great example to me through all your hard work!  Thank you for helping me up when I am down.  Thank you for listening to me when I simply need someone to talk to.   Most of all Colton, thank you for your example in the church and for holding the priesthood, for your testimony, and for being my best friend :) I love you Colton! 


November 3: The Gospel 

My favorite piece I have done

I don't even know how to express how grateful I am for this gospel.  I know with all my heart, that this is the true church.  I am grateful for my faith and for the power of prayer.  I don't know what I would do without prayer.  Each day this gospel has blessed me every step I take.  I am so grateful for my family raising me in this church.  I love this gospel so much and I know I would be weak without it.  Heavenly Father has shown me how to have eternal happiness, and that I will forever be grateful for. 

Stress

Lately I have been super stressed about knowing when Colton will be leaving.  I wish he would get his call right now so I can know when exactly he will be leaving.  Right now I have been telling myself, "I only have two more months with him!" and it makes me really sad, but actually I could have like six months with him!  I hate not knowing because it is playing with my emotions.  I called my mom this morning telling her my situation and she comforted me and told me that Heavenly Father knows what is best for the both of us and he will send Colton out when he knows Colton and even I will be ready.  It did comfort me and I am so grateful for my mom and friends who have been helping me through this, it just gets me thinking AGAIN that I think i'm going through him leaving right now when I could still have six to seven more months with him and then I'll have to go through all of this again.... I just need to not stress and think more about having faith.

"Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." 
- Thomas S. Monson 

Happy Halloween

Today was my last Halloween with Colton before he leaves.  It was a good one!  Accept I had school and it was pointless to go to!  Coming home from school, I went straight to Colton's.  As I walked up to his cute house I took a second to think of how many great memories I have of this green house right in front of me.  I took a big breath trying not to cry and silently knocked on his door.  His beautiful mom opened the door in her cute costume.  She was Raggedy Anne.  It is always chaos in Colton's home.  All of his siblings are over and there are people right from left.  I like it since I am the only child living at home right now.  It gets a bit lonely.  Colton, Alicia, Tanner, and I all went to Peterson's and bought stuff to make spider cider (Colton made it up), it consists of, Seven Up, and.... Fruit Punch!  Oh, and dry ice of course. After that, Colton and I went to Cafe Rio (I need to stop eating out so much!).  We got back to his house and watched a scary movie.  It is really hard for me to watch scary movies because I get scared very easily but I thought I would give it a try on Halloween.  Half way through the movie I knew I was going to be scared tonight so I lied on Colton's lap and studied his face.  

He is so handsome to me.  Others may not see it, but to me he is perfect.  I love his green eyes outlined with his dark eyelashes, his full lips, his round nose, his perfect hair, his height (he is 6'3 almost 6'4), and most of all, I love how he can always make me smile!  Colton is truly my best friend.  It's crazy to me to think that.  Never before could I understand how a boy could become my true best friend.  Now that I know that feeling, I don't want to lose it.  Colton looked down at me and knew I was scared so he covered my ears.  I suddenly fell into my own thoughts of how he won't be here to cover my ears next time I am scared... I have become such an emotional case lately!  Every time I am at his house I think to myself that soon I will be sitting on his couch but this time, he won't be sitting next to me.  It breaks my heart and I don't know why I do that to myself, but I can't stop.  

Colton and I ended up going upstairs so I wouldn't have to watch the movie.  He was tired so he just lied down on my lap and he asked me when he think our last kiss should be and it stabbed me in the heart.  I didn't want to think about kissing him and knowing that would be our last kiss until two years... We just told each other that as long as it's not inappropriate, we can kiss until he leaves. While he had his eyes closed, I started to cry.  I was holding his precious face in my arms, his face was so precious to me that moment.  He is so precious to me. I know things will be hard and I know they will continue to be hard, but I also know, somehow... it'll all be okay.  Happy Halloween everyone! 

A Bunch of Mumble Jumble

So Saturday Colton and I went to Gardner Village.  It was packed since it was Witchfest?  We got a caramel apple (which were way over priced) and then stopped at a few stores. It was fun:)  After, we went to Brick Oven Pizza (it was delish! I am supposed to be on a diet tho:/).  We went back to Colton's and watched Domesday Prophecy, lets just say it was a low budget film.  It was an over all great night:)  

Today (Monday)  I went to work and was just really sad... In my head I kept thinking my world will be over in a couple of months.  I feel so alone and confused about everything.  Satan was definitely taking over my mind.  Everything was just really negative.  I feel I have no friend accept Colton and I don't know what I'm going to do when he is gone.  I feel like I am going to be so sad that I will completely lose who I am.  The people at my table definitely knew something was wrong.  I wanted to just cry the whole time.  Then I looked up and saw Colton smiling and laughing with all of his friends at work and it suddenly hit me.  All I want is for Colton to be happy and feel good about going on his mission.  He can't do all of that if I am going to sit in the corner and feel bad for myself.  So I told myself, no matter how hard these next couple of months and the months after he is gone will be, I will try my best to be as positive and as happy as I can be for Colton.  I don't want to think about myself and my problems anymore, I really just want to serve others! 

When I got home from work, I said a prayer that I can get the angry and sad thoughts out of my head and to fill it with loving and joyful thoughts.  I then went running and it helped a lot.  I LOVE running! It makes everything better haha.  So here I am on my couch writing and thinking to myself, "I have no idea where I am going to be in the next few months, I probably won't have any friends, I'm sure I will be sad, and school will be hard, but for some reason I have a smile on my face because I KNOW Heavenly Father will help me and will fill in all the blanks in my life.  I just HAVE to be strong, have faith, and serve others. 

That Feeling

This morning I woke up to snow falling down on the ground (I was so happy)! I absolutely love winter all because of Colton:)  

Mine and Colton's first date was over winter break.  We went ice skating with his cousin.  He was super awkward but made me laugh so hard!  The second I got into the car while huge butterflies were jumping all around my stomach, the first thing Colton said was, "You know I don't have my license right?"  and I just froze thinking for a second he was telling the truth.  Then I realized he was only kidding and we all started laughing.  After we were ice skating Colton and I went back to his house to watch a movie, "Fight Club" (don't worry, it was edited).  I met his family and the second I was in his house I felt at home.  After sitting 3 feet away from each other during the movie, Colton took me home and gave me the most awkward but the cutest hug then drove back home.  That night I fell asleep watching snow fall outside my window.

Colton invited me to his family party to celebrate New Years Eve.  I was so excited and got super dressed up and wore my hair curly.  I wanted his family to think I was the most beautiful girl ever (which I'm far form being), and empress them with my manners.  We laughed and played games all night!  I was sweating a lot because I was so nervous but so excited to be with Colton!  After dinner, Colton, his little brother, and I got dressed up in snow gear and went outside to play.  Colton and I were wrestling each other and flirting big time ;)  It was the best day of my life!  I couldn't have been more happy.  That night I went to bed while the snow sang me to sleep.

Colton asked me to "be his girlfriend" January 1 2011.  The next time we hung out I was heading out to go home.  When I got to my car (I took my sisters car) the doors were frozen and wouldn't shut.  Colton and his sister drove with me while they held the doors shut.  When we reached my house we all got into my car so I could take them home.  There was snow EVERYWHERE and my car wouldn't move.  Colton and his sister both got out and pushed my car two blocks, suddenly, I realized that my emergency break was on and that's what was keeping my car form moving!  I felt like the biggest idiot. That night I went to bed watching the snow laugh in my face. 

Snowboarding?  What?  Me?  I could never snowboard! but Colton wouldn't take no for an answer.  He took me snowboarding three times at the Canyons.  It was a blast but very intimidating and frustrating, but good thing I had a good teacher. :)  I loved snowboarding!  I wanted to become super good at it and impress him (definitely didn't happen) but I tried my best. That night I fell asleep sliding down a mountain of snow.

As you can see, I have a lot of memories with Colton and snow.  That's why days like today, when it snows, I get that feeling that brings back all the butterflies and all the senses of when Colton and I first met. I love that feeling.

I Need thee Every Hour

I have noticed that each day gets harder and harder.  I keep thinking that I only have Colton left for a couple more months.  It gets me thinking of not being with him for two years.  I think the thing that will be most hard is not being able to talk to him whenever I want, or about all my problems, but worse of all... he won't be able to hold me when I cry or am down.  That is when I will need Heavenly Father most.  Today while I was getting ready for school, I started singing "I Need thee Every Hour"  It comforted me and it helped me realize that Heavenly Father will not leave Colton and I alone.  He will always be with us no matter where we are or what our circumstances are. Heavenly Father, I need thee every hour.


"I Need Thee Every Hour"

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
   No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
   • Refrain:
     I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
     Every hour I need Thee;
     Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
     I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
   Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
   Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
   And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
   Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Hello Yellowstone

This weekend I went to Yellowstone with Colton's family!  It was a blast!  I have only been on a few vacations with Colton, but this one was probably my last (for two years).  I love how he can make me laugh even when I want to be angry.  Each day I appreciate Colon more and more.  I am so grateful for the friendship we have and for his love.  

Colton bought me a beautiful necklace while we were in Yellowstone, I am going to wear it everyday while he is gone so I can always have him with me (sounds cheesy I know) but this tiny, beautiful necklace means so much to me.  

The cabin we stayed in was beautiful! It had five bedrooms and three bathrooms.  Tanner (Colton's little brother) and I slept in the same room since we get so scared easily haha.  The animals we spotted were: Buffalo, Deer, Antelope, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Bald Eagle, and to top off the trip, we saw a Wolf!  Colton also turned in his papers today! I wonder how fast he will be able to get his call!

I am very grateful I was able to come on this trip.  I love Colton and his family so much!  I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, and I hope I can keep them forever!

My necklace :)

This picture made us all pee our pants

On the way there!

We make an attractive couple

Surprise!

Last night, Colton surprised me with flowers and the cutest card ever!  It definitely made my night and he made sure to buy me blue flowers since blue is my favorite color :) Colton has all of his paper work ready and waiting to be turned in!  I am so excited for him to find out where and when he will be leaving!  Right now i'm excited for it all to happen but I know what lies ahead of me... :/ I just need to continue to be positive, support him, and keep the commandments.   Heavenly Father will do the rest:)

He is a Falling Leaf

Colton and I <3

          It is impossible to count how many leaves fall off of a tree each year.  Why do leaves fall off trees? When the weather starts to change and gets cooler, those changes trigger a hormone in leaf- dropping trees that sends a chemical message to every leaf saying, "Time to get out of here!"  Once the message is received, little cells appear at the place where the leaf stem meets the branch.  They are called "abscission" cells. These cells are designed like scissors to make a cut. Within a few days or weeks every leaf on these trees develop a thin bumpy line of cells that push the leaf, bit by bit, away from the stem.  Finally breeze comes along and finishes the job.  Trees have an option to keep their leaves or not.  If trees decide to keep their leaves then they will die and once spring comes again, the tree will soon die also.   This is why every fall, leaves fall from trees.  

          It is almost impossible to record how much service is going on in the world.  But we do have recorded that there are over 55,000 full-time LDS missionaries and over 22,000 part-time church-service missionaries worldwide in 2011!  My boyfriend (who I have been dating for almost two years) is going to be one more missionary out in the field!  Just like a leaf falling from a tree, Colton (my boyfriend) decided to "cut" himself off from the world to serve for two years.  He has decided to leave the tree so that it doesn't die.  By doing this, he will better lives of many, including his own.  This is why worthy young men serve a mission when they are 18 for two years. 

      I know that I am not the only girl out there with a boyfriend leaving on a mission or even a close friend who is leaving.  I decided that I want to blog about how I overcome these next two years.