summer reflections

This summer strengthened my testimony that God is in the details of our lives.
He placed people in my path who I needed to meet.
He reminded me of who I wanted to become.
He counseled me on who I did not want to become.
He made the mountains more beautiful every day.
He cooled the mornings to reduce my summer heat exhaustion.
He gave a job to someone else so I could have my dream campus job.
He gave me tender mercies, like thunderstorms, parking spots, and sleeping in.

I learned a lot about myself these past three months.
Mostly, I was reminded about the incredible people the Lord put into my life.

Coming home from a mission was hard.
Daily scripture study was hard.
Being alone was hard.
Talking to boys was really hard.

But the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ remain true, no matter where you are in life.
I know He gives us strength to do everything He asks of us. And more.
It took a while to figure it out, but I know how to better rely on Him and put my life in His hands.
I love this gospel.
And I might even be starting to love summer.

treasures

In preparation for leaving on a mission for eighteen months, I've been cleaning out my life.
Well, my life according to my closet.
Boy did I find some good stuff.

"Trading cards" my fourth grade class made for me when I moved away.
My childhood as defined by my favorite computer games.

The secret code cards from those adorable Mary Kate and Ashley mystery books.
Every single get well card from the past ten years.

Trophies from when I actually participated in elementary school.

Terrifying picture.
Trophies from that one year I did soccer, and then Reflections program trophies.
All for participation of course.

Old school projects. Like an eight-generation pedigree chart.
Several cheesy Disney snow globes.

About four thousand stuffed animals. All those get well gifts make for an epic stuffed animal collection.

fluffy bunny, awkward dog, and fancy bears.

my personal favorite.

medical bears.

another personal favorite: the fluffy duck.

Young Women handouts and trinkets. Those were the days.
Old pictures. Awkward pictures. You name it, it was in my closet.

The fake pansies from a Young Women in Excellence event.

Several dolls. Even a Barbie that makes a twinkling, magic sound when her right arm moves.

The porcelain doll I named Clarisse.
After the porcelain doll D.W. (from Arthur) borrowed from her grandma.

The paper mache angel I made that won some art contest in eighth grade.
Bracelets and necklaces from aunt's and cousins' wedding receptions.
Exciting medical technology. Like biopsy tweezers and this lovely mask from radiation.

so hot.

Horse everything. Charms, pillows, paintings, pictures, necklaces, books. Everything. I was obsessed.
The family history chart I made when I was eight years old.

A poster of my favorite things from when I was six and stuck in the hospital. Read and enjoy.
[I even remember making it with the Child Life lady. Fun times in the pediatric hospital.]

And Rachel came across this gem of a picture of me from our trip to Disney World when I was seven years old. If nothing else, I hope this makes you laugh today.

Keep on smiling and laughing today.
At least you aren't in a tutu.

recently in LZ

I have been back at home for about three weeks now.
A whole lot has happened since then.
Most importantly, I got my mission call. Greatest day of my life thus far.

Along with that, I've been cleaning, running errands, writing missionary letters, going on adventures with the family to Wisconsin, having temple prep lessons, organizing, and studying Preach My Gospel like none other.
And trying to survive the humidity.
It's good to be home.

Greg and Wendy and their family came and visited us on their Church history road trip.
Our adventures included: Legos at home, a downtown trip to the aquarium, Hershey store, Lego store, and American Girl store, Chicago traffic, and sleepovers with the girls.
Good times.

Love my city.

we love chocolate.

These two boys were fascinated by everything at the aquarium. Even that tortoise that hasn't moved for weeks.
Love them to death. 

He's my favorite. Jon loves Legos a whole lot. 

We've also been undergoing some home renovations.
First we got new carpet.
And now it's our driveway. The deck is next week.
Pictures for those of you who care.

We dug out the asphalt and had that bothersome curb cut down to actually meet the street.
No more driving over a tree to pull into our driveway! 

And they filled it all in.

The finished product!

And that about sums up life here in LZ.
Hope your summer is as wonderful as mine is so far.

good times in p-town

So there was this time when I went home and just kind of stayed there.
For a month.
I came back to the lovely Provo to pack up my apartment, move out officially, and get everything set to leave for eighteen months.
I will be back home for the rest of the summer getting ready for the mission.
Here are the adventures of my two week stay in my home away from home.

Explored the Milwaukee airport. Quite a lovely experience actually.

Day with Rachel. This included walking around the entire BYU campus, going to a friend's wedding reception, a drive up the canyon, a late night visit to the Edwards.

her future home. Man I miss freshman year.

Bridal Veil falls. and some adventurous kids. 

love her.

Volunteering at Summer New Student Orientation. Love the little freshman.
But seriously: get involved with Y-Serve while you're at BYU. Best thing ever.

Missionary Broadcast. Absolutely incredible meeting!
Along with some quality time with my friend, Marian.

Sunday drive by the Provo Temple. And a beautiful sunset.

An interview with my Stake President to finally submit those mission papers.

Watching and studying other devotionals and talks. Like this one by Elder Holland.

Exploring Fairview, Utah with grandparents and finding a few common ancestors.

Selfies: what happens when grandpa has an iPhone and his two grandkids are stuck in the backseat on a long drive.

we found them!

And then watching the Manti Pageant.

gorgeous.

Training new Center for Service Program Directors.
Again: Y-Serve is the greatest.

Dinner and the Despicable Me 2 premiere with Rachel, Clark, and Steven. Fantastic movie!

Visiting baby Zachary, hanging out with Steven, and baptisms at the Jordan River Temple.

Lunch with the Champion family. Basically the sweetest kids ever.

photo cred: Lionell.

Dinner with the Pettitt's. Loved catching up with them!

And of course, the more menial things like running errands, packing up my life, and getting a haircut.

Until October Provo. 
I'll miss you. Just a little.

keep calm and pretend you're at the beach

The Oregon Coast is one of my happy places. I absolutely love Cannon Beach; all of the fun memories, the sound of crashing waves, and the stunning sunsets. We got to spend a few days at the beach while visiting my grandparents. There isn't much to say except for everyone should come here at some point in my life.
ps: these are slightly out of order but I don't have the patience to drag them all around. 

knee deep in the water somewhere

Acquire game nights. such a great game. Rachel losing horribly while the ever-winning Grandpa and Nathan count their cash.

hey let's be birds!

we got wet. 

we take lots of walks along the beach. 

seriously have the cutest little brother ever.

mom and grandpa 

heart on the beach in honor of dad.
story: dad makes a heart in the sand for mom whenever we're at the beach. I love it. 

walking along the streets of Cannon Beach. love this town.

the greatest toy store. ever.

greatest kite shop.

the boardwalk up to the beach

the Scout, his fire, and his mom

on a nature walk... 

blue sky, breeze blowing wind in my hair

on the nature walk. next to the roots of a tree that fell over a few years ago. 

I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise.

See you real soon Cannon Beach.