the perfect day

our kiss at sunset

we made it to the lighthouse

what? this is totally normal!

on the rock mountain in the middle of the ocean. really... the very middle of it.

trying on nice sunglasses at Monterey Fisherman's Wharf

Look out point on top of the restaurant

Tuesday of my week of PTO Tom and I decided to go to Monterey and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Like Monday, this day was a fun filled adventure. Tom and I left early in the morning, and started off our day in Monterey. It was gorgeous. I love cold chilly weather. I love blustery winds and clouds. I think it's the most romantic kind of weather. Tom and I started out our day at Fisherman's Wharf. It was fun. We walked up and down the wharf, through shops and stopped to eat at a fancy little lunch place. Tom and I both had the clam chowder. He really enjoyed his and I had a hard time keeping my mind off of the clams... don't really know why!! Normally I love clam chowder, but this bowl was hard to swallow.
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Tom and I went to look out point at the top of one of the restaurants at the end of the wharf. We watched the seagulls and the boats sailing in the bay. It was a little breezy but I loved it. I loved standing next to Tom and feeling so safe and secure. I love our little chats we have about "what ifs" and "one day this or that" I love that I can talk to Tom about anything and everything on my mind or in my dreams or worries. Tom is so patient and understanding. I truly never thought there was someone who I would get along so perfectly with. I have already learned so much from him and his example. He is so great.
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We left Fisherman's Wharf to go to the tide pools. This was such a funny funny part of our day. We parked across the street from this part along the beach where there are tall rock islands.. we climbed these rocks and sat at watched the ocean crash against the rocks time and time again. As we were sitting there watching the power of the waves we just started coming up with the craziest of scenario. "Tom, what would you do if all the sudden a whale got tossed in between the rocks with the next waves, got stuck and couldn't get out??" and instead of coming up with a creative come back or detailed explanation of what he would do in that circumstance, he made this amazingly accurate.. or what I can only imagine as being accurate - sound of a whale getting tossed into and plugging up the rocky rocks . It was a "thoomp" sound that made us laugh for a couple minutes - and by a couple minutes I mean a good ten minutes or so. As the day went on randomly he would again make the "thoomp" sound and we would again be having fits of giggles. Tom can make me laugh harder and longer than I think anyone. It always makes for a good time.
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We decided to head back to his car and I seem to have developed a magnet for little accidents that don't hurt very bad but seem to cause a bit of damage!! As we were crossing from one rock island mountain to another I stepped on a little slippery part of the rock. As my foot slid forward on the wet rock, my shin came in contact with the rock mountain very abruptly. It hurt. I have a bruise that is large in stature on my right shin. It's kinda not pretty. It truly doesn't hurt that bad, but it sure looks lovely. Too bad I can't join an ugly bruise contest. I might when 4th place! Tom and I walked back to his car and we just kept laughing and laughing. I wish I could remember details of what we were talking and laughing about. I would like to type it out to always remember our silly little conversations ... I can just remember my stomach cramping from laughing so hard. The kind of laughs where you feel like you just can't help but let out a booming laugh over and over.

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After we left the tide-pool area we headed over to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is such a fun place. I'm not much for the "carnival" type feel, but this place is just pure fun. We didn't ride a single ride.. we walked along the boardwalk, watched people play silly money eating games, walked in and out of shops, took a couple of goofy pictures, walked to the Wharf, watched the seals - even got to touch one cause it was laying so close to the fence. Tom and I heard this boy talking about how you could walk down the stairs on one side of the wharf down to water level - they have a fence put up, but you can see tons of seals. It was so funny to watch them interact with eachother. I decided that in no way would I want to be in the ocean swimming with these "little" guys, and in no way, if given the opprotunity, would I ever choose to be a seal. Gross. I would really hate it.

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Tom and I really wanted to pick out matching sweaters to have and remember our time.. we walked in and out of about 15 shops before we came across the cutest and comfiest sweaters. I love them and I'm excited to wear them when the weather is cooler. To wear it now would be sort of dumb. Tom and I walked back across the boardwalk, and across the beach. By this time it was about 6 o'clock. The beach was basically deserted and we just held hands and walked barefoot along the waters edge. It felt like something you see in the movies. We started to talk about our futures and about them being together. It caught me off guard to feel so comfortable talking to Tom about this.

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We walked to the lighthouse a little distance away and sat on the "ocean made" boulders set up against the .. lighthouse ground? I don't know what you call that. Okay story: Tom and I were climbing up some rocks to the lighthouse, and along the walkway where the lighthouse is, are some massive sement "jacks" shaped rocks. And by massive I mean massive. They are put there to break up the waves as they come crashing against the lighthouse to protect it and the land it sits on. As we were walking past them I asked Tom if the rocks were "Ocean made". Tom just looked at me and without missing a beat said "Oh yeah! They have this neat little factory out there (pointing out into the far away water) that spits them out for us." What a sassy!! I obviously knew the ocean didn't make them, but I guess it's my fault for not posing the question right. It was pretty funny and we laughed for a while over that.

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Tom and I sat down on one of the "ocean made" sement protector rock things and started taking pictures of the sunset. It was so magical and romantic sitting next to someone that I love, holding hands, watching the sunset, a slight breeze, seagulls flying around, ocean waves crashing every couple of minutes... it was better than the movies - that's all I can say. Hollywood's got nothing on us. We again talked about our futures, and as the ocean swallowed the sun into nighttime Tom kissed me and -oh.my.heart.- I love that boy more than I ever thought possible to love someone.

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We walked slowly back to his car, hugged, and went on our merry little way. What a fun two days our week started out on.

i lost my heart in san francisco!

It's getting late and I have no idea why I am still awake. I must have a lot on my mind so I decided to play catch-up and write a blog about this last week. Can I just say.. YAY for having Paid Time Off!! talk about greatest idea EVER! this past week was my week of PTO. This means I get paid 5 hours everyday of this week for getting to do what I want to do when I want to do it. And what did we decide to do? More like what didn't we do?
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Tom and I started off our week visiting San Francisco. I will admit - there has always been a small part of my ambitious side of me that has wanted to live in a big city - for just a short period of time - just to say I had the experience of the daily hustle and bustle. I think there is a little bit of glory and respect due to the person who fights through the crowds on the way to work or the market or home wherever the case may be. I find the thought of city life very exciting - that is when I'm not apart of it. Living in Oakdale and our little two-lane roads can leave much to be desired for - that is, until I venture out to the big city and am reminded of why I feel so comfortable in these small town streets. Here are a couple reasons why I prefer Oakdale over San Francisco.
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Reason #1: Plexi-glass teller windows at Wells Fargo.

Tom and I saw a massive Wells Fargo Bank on Market Street. We decided to go in there to see what it was like and to deposit a check that Tom had. We walked in - security guard at the front door. Thick plexi-glass spread across the entire teller-line. Very, very different from Oakdale's comfortable, very open lobby. Where they have marble floors we have worn out and traffic-tread carpet stains. They have crystal chandeliers and we have attractive florescent boxes that burn out once every couple of weeks. As off the wall as it may sound, I really missed Oakdale's little quirks over the luxury of the San Francisco branch.
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Reason #2: Protesters.

As Tom and I were walking to Chinatown there were a couple "Prop 8 Protesters" on either side of the sidewalks trying to get signatures to again overturn what we have already voted on. Twice. As we approached one specific man - let's call him Arnold for this story - I doubt that was his real name, but I don't know any Arnold's, so this can't offend any of my friends - he stuck out his clipboard in front of us and says to us, "Would you like to help us over turn Prop 8?" Tom just looked at him, and said, "No we would not." Arnold just looked at us and I said "We've already voted on Prop 8" and Arnold said, "Well yeah! I think everybody has." He sounded a bit perturbed. Tom and I went on with our way. As we were walking a little bit further away Tom and I started talking to each other about how it's crazy that we have voted, as a people, to keep the definition of marriage what it is today. Why do they keep trying to undo what we have voted into place? I have nothing, absolutely nothing against anybody who chooses to love another person. I will never try and stop anyone from love. However, to me it's the principle of the issue. It's what I believe God's law to be over what man thinks it should be. How grateful I am for the direction of a latter-day prophet and a loving Heavenly Father.
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Reason #3 Parking.

Parking is atrocious. Street meters are crazy. 1 nickle will give you 1 measly minute. 1 dime will get you 2 precious minutes. and 1 quarter will give you a whopping 6 minutes. No joke. Oh, and be careful not to put in more coins than 1 hour adds up to be. Because if you do it doesn't notice the extra coins as minutes, but it sure will take them from you. How lame. Oh, and if you choose to not sit at a parking meter, you can always pay the "$18.00 All Day Parking Pass" Psh, you kidding me? Talk about dumb.
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I can remember going to San Francisco in the 7th grade and walking around this crazy big city with some friends of mine.. we walked through the streets of Chinatown, into an alleyway.. and into this whole in the wall fortune cookie shop. I have thought about going back there ever since... So Tom and I went to Chinatown, found and found the alleyway that made fresh fortune cookies. We bought 3 bags. We love love love fortune cookies. Even though I know the fortunes really aren't real, I find a great sense of satisfaction and excitement when one of them says something that I want to hear. Why do we do that to ourselves? When one is lame or doesn't apply I throw it away. "Be careful with that business travel to India" Who thought up that one?? C'mon, that was my fortune?? However, when one tells me that "People admire you for your greatness" or "A romantic surprise is coming your way" I will save it and set it somewhere I can see it as to remind myself that I have a good fortune. What a silly kid I am. Or maybe dumb is a better word. Oh well, I think it's fun anyway. I like it... and crazy as it may sound, Tom and I were opening the most "in tune" fortune cookies ever! It was crazies! We bought shirts to remind us of our amazing adventures in Chinatown.. and at $1.88 a piece how could we pass that up?

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After Chinatown Tom and I went to Pier 39. Can I quickly just give a shout out to Tom's excellent navigation skills?? I tell ya, he found his way everywhere! I know he didn't plan on it.. I'm not entirely sure the most skilled taxi driver that ever lived, that grew up on the streets of San Francisco could have found his way so perfectly. I'm still not sure how Tom found his way so well, but he did and I'm grateful!! At Pier 39 we found a nice quaint little place to eat our lunch. We sat right next to the window that overlooked the docks. It was quite the view. My clam chowder was so delicious. We walked the Pier and had the loveliest of little chats. We took lots of pictures, walked in and out of the shops, and had the best of times. It was picture perfect.

After the Pier Tom again found his way through the confusing criss-cross San Francisco streets and took us to Haight/Ashbury. This is supposedly where the Hippie movement began. It was a whole new world there. So many homeless and free spirited people. It made me feel bad that so many people truly lack real direction in their lives. Tom and I also went to the Golden Gate Bridge Park. It was so beautiful. It was really breezy, pretty chilly, and very romantic. As the night was coming to a close we decided to head back home before it got any later. As we drove away from the city we could see the temple straight ahead of us. It struck me again then, as it has many times before, how beautiful the temple is. The promise that it holds if we live worthy of it's blessings. There is so much confusion in the world - it's looking desperately for some sort of a leader - a light in the darkness. Unfortunately they can't see the truth for what it is. It's there for the taking. I'm so thankful for the knowledge and the testimony I have of what the temple stands for.

We finished up our San Francisco get away with some In and Out. It was delish of course! This day was perfect and magical. It's hard to believe that I can get along so perfectly with any person. Tom really does make me feel so important and safe. The best part of this day was walking the crazy bustling streets, and feeling rock solid and steady with Tom there beside me. Standing at the edge of the pier and Tom telling me he loves me - but more than hearing him say those words was the way I felt those words in my heart. There are few moments I have had in my life that surpass that one.

sometimes plans don't work out for a reason.

why is it that some nights i am just itching to sleep and it's all can do to keep my eyes open .. and then other nights, ones like this one, i am still ready to play and party. i suppose this is good. it gives me a chance to play catch up with my blog. my theme i've discovered for the evening is this: sometimes plans don't work out for a reason - and it's even better than you could have planned! i will explain this to you throughout my blog!

saturday nessa and ryan payne, jenn and josh, and tom and i decided to go to pinecrest lake for the day. we wanted to hike around the lake, jump off rocks, and sit and enjoy the nice fresh mountain air. well, the hike was great and refreshing. that is, until we met our destination.. i was jumping down a steep boulder and some lame, dead, and very stiff branches jumped up and bit into my knee. how rude. my already battered and scared knee, whom i have so lovingly named Hank now has a nasty stab wound. it looks super ugly and unhappy every time i look at it. tom and i hitch-hiked onto a party boat and the drunk partiers floated us back to the marina at top-notch speed. i mean, the canoe-ers were putting off waves for us at the speed we weren't going. oh well, it sure beat hiking back around the lake!! thank you partiers! on the bright side of things, i am extremely lucky. the nasty gash doesn't hurt one bit. that is unless dr. tom is dabbing a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide on it. ooo-eee.

tom is the greatest. he was so patient and careful as he cleaned it out, being gentle but strong with me when i was trying to push his hands away from my wound. i really appreciate you tom. thank you for your help.

now for my theme! tom and i had rockin plans. we want to make the best out of the time we have left before he leaves for fresno and our adventures become a lot more spaced out.. today on the agenda was beautiful weather, san francisco!! tom and i had planned to go to :: china town, the pier, haight/ashbury (or something like that) the full-house park, golden gate bridge :: however, because i caught my knee skin on a dumb and dead tree branch, he and his mama thought it best i go to the doctor to have it checked out - to make sure there wasn't any infection brewin a down deep in there. i really did NOT want to give up my day in the city with tom to go to go to oakdale for a doctors appointment.. however, i did see the logic in "better safe than sorry." after all, who wants to have their leg cut off from a mere flesh wound? not i!!

truly, i was expecting this day to be a bummer. best news ever: it wasn't. this is where my theme again comes about. it was a really great day! i don't think we could have planned such a fun relaxing day of productiveness! ha. tom and i ran some ho-hum errands, but it was so fun. we laughed so much. i felt the bonding! it was sweet! something i absolutely love about tom and i. our minds and personalities and sense of humor cater to each other! we can laugh and talk about anything and everything. we can be serious when we need to be, and happy-go-lucky whenever we want to be. we understand each other and often times are thinking the same things! it's so neat! he has this "mean monster man" voice as i call it - that he talks in when he's being especially silly. it. is. hilarious! he uses it all the time but it always catches me off guard and makes me laugh even harder. oh my world tom is funny.

i was craving a hamburger like crazy tonight so tom and i went to in and out. talk about delish! we ate our cheeseburgers and shared our milkshake and fries. it was perfect. when we were done we just sat in the restaurant talking about things we've learned, telling stories, and different defining moments in our lives. i loved that we could just relax and talk. i didn't feel the need to hurry or to put on a show or tone anything down. it was just perfect and fun.

also special about this day.. it was five weeks ago that tom and i officially started dating! how crazy is that? it feels like i have known tom for years and years not a few weeks. it is so interesting to me how life takes it's turns. i was not looking for any kind of relationship. i was perfectly happy and content with where i was and with what life was dealing me. and then along came tom, and made my life better when i thought it was already so good. how does that happen? i. love. it.

tom, thank you for a fun day. i love you.

my fun friend called tom

Well, here's a little story about how when you're not looking for something it comes to find you. Let me explain... a little over a month ago I was very content with how my life was rolling from day to day. I have only dated two boys seriously in the past and was not looking for another relationship. At all. I was happy with going to work, coming home, and spending the rest of my time at home, slightly obsessed with my favorite TV drama "Bones", hanging out with Cort or my Mom, visiting my G&G everyday after work.. life was easy and I was happily truckin along. .. and then everything started to take a turn.. so here's the story from the beginning - well my side of it at least. (wink)

A week or so before Mother's Day I was asked to give a talk in church ON Mother's Day. I said yes, of course, love to.. or something of the sort.. and went ahead and starting writing my talk. My mom wanted me to call back and tell them that I couldn't.. it being Mother's Day and all she wanted us all to be home. However, I decided that I should just go ahead and speak. I could use the blessings, right? (haha) So Sunday comes and it wasn't any different than any other Sunday so far. Then it's my turn to speak. I got up, gave my talk, and sat down at the end. As I was walking down the aisle to get outside.. (all I was really thinkin about was the BBQ going on at Grandma and Grandpa Valk's house with the whole family,) this boy jumps out of the row a couple pews behind mine and says "Oh, I really enjoyed your talk!" I said thank you or something to that effect.. and kept walking out. I truly didn't think anything about this boy - I just thought he was being really polite.

A day goes by and I got a message through Facebook.. it was this boy called Tom asking if I was going bowling or to institute or to FHE.. I told him no and probably four or five excuses later, I agreed to go Wednesday Night bowling with all the YSA's. We bowled on the same lane and then at the end of the night he asked for my number. Honestly, I was a little hesitant to give it to him because I was honestly so fine with where my life was at! I gave it to him, and a couple days later he asked me out! I said I'd love to go, and really I thought it would be fun! This is where my Utah trip came in and I left for the weekend. I had a blast in Utah and Idaho, enjoyed the drive there and back, and really, just the entire trip was a blast and a half. The Saturday I came home was Tom's and my first date. Before the date I was in such a negative mood! I didn't want to go, I was being such a "Debbie Downer" over the whole idea.. why? I don't really know, I guess I was just being a lame face.

Tom came and picked me up, we drove to Turlock to a bird/fish park.. can't really remember the name of it.. He brought along a loaf of bread and we fed the birds, ducks, and fish. It was a really nice evening. He brought out a picnic and the entire date was just a load of fun. I was very pleasantly surprised. From that night till now is kind of a blur. Sometimes I stop to think about all of the things we've done and talked about since then and it really takes my breath away! YSA activities, dances, luau's, bowling, star gazing, swimming, soccer, cha cha dancing, softball, Sequence, 24, car washing, crazy accents, countless laughs, a few tears, painting, and carpet cleaning ;) It is almost impossible for me to comprehend the fact that a month ago this boy called Tom meant so little to me.We hang out just about everyday. He is a load of fun. He's so funny.

Things I like about Tom: He is nice. Tom is probably one of the top 3 nicest people I have met in my entire life. He is selfless and happy. He is kind and gentle and he is so respectful. Tom takes charge of situations that are failing. He is such a big example to me. He's not afraid of doing the right thing. He's brave and cute. He makes me laugh. He's involved in life. He has goals and he's working so hard to make them a reality. He makes sense. He's a hard worker and doesn't quit until the job is done. He's creative and so sweet I'm sure I'm getting cavities! (haha) He speaks up and takes control of situations that could get awkward or dangerous. He humors me and not only puts up with my crazy moments but he joins in too! He pops my back perfectly, and gives whoa good massages. Tom is solid in his beliefs. He isn't ashamed or afraid standing for what he feels and believes is right. He puts things into perspective for me and he just makes sense.

I don't know why things have happened the way they have. I don't know how I found something and someone so good when I wasn't looking or ready for something to change my life around so wonderfully. I don't know how so many things fell into place to make this transition feel so natural and perfect. I guess what it comes down to is I don't care how things fell into place or why they have, I'm just glad they did.

Fun in Utah

This is a continuation of the blog previous.. I never really finished up my travels and how sad day is this??? I'm sure Shananagan and Jenn are a little bit passed the point of anger.. maybe even to the plotting stage? Who knows? So here we go my loves! Here is the rest of my story.

Driving from Idaho to Utah was a NIGHTMARE. I was not happy. I was not having fun. I was not driving 75 on the hwy, no no.. I wasn't driving 50 or even 40 mph. I was tubbing along at a "brisk" 35 mph speed. Why? There was a massively massive and humungus storm a raging. It was scary. It was dark and windy. It was raining and lightening. And I was NOT smiling. Normally I love storms, but this was not one of those times. I was actually crying. So it was literally a sad sad day/night. I finally made it to Utah and Shannon and I were finally able to be friends again. ;) She had the house to herself and so we were partyin it up college graduate style. Complete with PJ's, brushed teeth and Shan's face washed.. we sat on the couch at watched a P-90 X Info-mercial. It was actually a pretty good one. (Oh, and PS Shan.. I found out it really works. A girl at work told me.) We watched that for a whole .. oh I don't know 15 minutes and then we went to bed. I fell RIGHT asleep. I don't really even remember getting into bed. All the sudden I woke up. mm. Love nights like that.

We woke up and of course, had to hit up facebook and talk about people that we used to know. Some that we're glad we no longer do.. and others we wish we could still be friends with. We watched music videos, and talked and talked. She showed me a very precious love video that I am so determined to have one of me and my love done one day. Ask me about it and I'll show ya what the world I'm talking about. Then we got ready to go and ... we went SHOPPING!!! We went to Downeast.. which is a goldmine for cheap clothes. I bought some True Religion jeans there... but they were boy's kind so I took them back. I had no idea!! I just knew they were a bit gappier than I think those jeans are meant to fit. Ah well. Then Shannon and I went to the Mall and we both did some shopping. Me for shoes (I just can't help it) and Shannon for cute tops. She ALWAYS has cute tops. I bought some whoa so cute zebra heels that I can't match with anything. They were only 6.99 and they are sassy and they make me feel so good. I really heart them a ton. They don't even give me blisters, which is a mega bonus.. except they make my toes cry so I don't wear them everyday.

Shannon and I finished up our fun outings with lunch at BAJIOS! It was so so delishioso!! I hadn't eaten there since I was in Rexburg over a year ago and there was one in Layton. She even ordered the Queso Dip. (as bro pyper says.. so good you could drink that stuff) Well, we didn't drink it, but we did taste it and we did like it. A lot. :D This completed our fun time together and I got ready to go head to my sisters casa for a couple of hours.

Some things that I love about Shannon. She is the biggest reason why I stayed up at BYU-Idaho after my first semester. She was patient with me and helped me to look on the bright side of things when all I wanted to see were reasons why I needed to go back to Oakdale. I love Shannon because she is so good at being happy and so good at being a fun friend. She is friendly and thoughtful and through the best and funnest of times all the way through to the worst of times - and yes we did have a few of those. (wink) She truly is one of the greatest girls I have ever known. I love Shannon for always loving me.

I visted my sister Jenn and her family for only about 5 hours but it was a blast. I love my sister Jenn. She is pretty rockin. She was always the sister that would bring me home some soda or something from town.. which I always thought was so cool when I was young. I mean now it's great too, but it was so fun to be her little sister. I met up with her at Target and she introduced me to a bunch of people she knows there. She spends so much time there that she can introduce me by name to the workers there. How embarrassing!!! hahaha... except she works there so I guess it's okay. I wish that Jenn and Sipa lived closer to Oakdale. I mean, I'm sure I already have this title with them anyway, but how is the Best Aunt in the World supposed to have full reign if she doesn't live near two of her favorites!!!? C'mon Jenn and Sipa! Move home!! I had a blast of a trip. I loved almost every moment of it.

my trip to rexburg.

Well my goodness gracious what a crazy fun time life is sometimes!! So here is the blog of my travels and my friends. Memorial weekend is a pretty crazy weekend and I was the lucky winner and didn't have to work Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday!!! So I naturally planned to run out of town. If I had super stamina I may have just ran literally.. but I do not.. so long time college friend Chris drove with me to Utah and then I made my way up to Idaho. I had a blast!! I got to see so many friends and be reminded, once again, why I love my friends so much!! Holy smokes I have been blessed beyond words. You guys know who you are! My life would be a sad tale indeed without you. 

Chris and I made it to Utah and I dropped him off at his sister's house. I then drove to Jenn's house and passed out in her spare bedroom. I was beyond beyond sleepy. I slept for three hours, got up, showered, and headed back on the road to go see my dearly beloved's that are still livin the good life in Rexburg. Can I just say.. that drive up there was getting pretty tough. I wanted to sleep so bad. However, this isn't something that is encouraged and so I did my best to keep my eyes focused on the road! ha. Pulling off the highway into Rexburg was so bittersweet and perfect. It. Has. Not. Changed. Except the Hardhat Restaurant moved to I.F I guess. Random. That temple sitting up on that hill has never looked so beautiful. I'm so blessed to have been there through all stages of it being built. 

First stop: I went and saw Lindsaywitt. Oh my heck I love this girl. She is always a shining example of happily truckin' on. She is the greatest example to me of faith in the Lord. She amazes me. Like really, really whoa. She is funny and fun and a champ in having patience with me when I'm a little crazy. In a word, she is selfless. Always thinking of others. I've seen this in her for years. Linds, if you ever need a recommendation for a job or school, call me. I promise it'll be Gold Star quality. =)

That night Lindsaywitt and I drove to Ammon to see our dear friend Brandi Jo! This was an adventure for sure! Brandi lives with her lovely husband Drew in their first home!! Brandi is quite the decorator. She has everything looking model-home quality.. but better. She is absolutely the best at turning any dull space ... aka dorms (haha) or any other living space into a lively, colorful, homey and "never-want-to-leave" dream. She's good with colors and shapes, and Brandi, you're definitely hired to come make  my house a pretty place one day. 

Lindsaywitt, Brandi, and I had a very very fun night. We roasted marshmallows and starbursts in Brandi and Drew's fire pit in their yard. It was the most perfect weather we could have asked for, no mosquitos, and of course, my boot sitting there enjoying the fire. One of the adventures that we had was driving to her in law's house to get fire wood. Now let me explain this: old beat up jeep. dents in the sides and gray. way lifted tall. NO doors. sitck shift. three girls. enough room for two. It was a BLAST. we were laughing so so loud. the motor on the jeep was so loud we couldn't even hear ourselves, but it was such a fun adventure.

After this evening of fun with Lindsaywitt and Brandi I went over to my 79's house. aka Melly's little nest that she shares with her super fun and nice hubby Marc! Now Melly and Marc. They make me so happy. I have told Melissa this before - but I can only hope that I can share a relationship with my FEC (future eternal companion) like Melly and Marc share. They are so absolutely perfect for each other. Their love for each other is tangible. You can really feel it being around them. I literally feel happy and hope for my chance one day. They are just cute and nice. .. not only that, but they have let me sleep on their floor two different visits now. Thanks guys, I really really appreciate it!! 

So now it's Sunday .. can you believe all of that other stuff was all just in one day?? True story. I experienced something so neat going to Melly and Marc's ward. They live in married housing - obviously - and so their ward is just married couples. It was the strangest thing ever!! Everybody had a buddy at church! Everyone was sitting in pews.. but by twos! Every couple of couples had a baby.. but for the most part it was just a whole ward filled with couples. It was the funnest thing! After church Melly and I travelled around Rexburg taking as many creative boot pictures as could be created. We were laughing a ton, and below is my all time favorite Lucy Boots picture...

After the boot pictures Melly and I went and surprised our old roommate and dear friend Ali. Now, for those of you who don't know, Ali is notorious for Sunday being a day of rest. Meaning, she spends the whole day, minus three hours at church, sleeping. It is the funniest thing. She wakes up looking whoa crazy, hair everywhere, and always in her navy blue boxers with bright orange slices printed all over. She wasn't answering her phone when Melly and I called so we walked right into her room.. she still didn't wake up .. so I lied down on the bed next to her and snuggled up to her.. and let me remind you - she didn't have any idea I was coming - infact I had talked to her the day before .. on my way to Utah .. and told her I had a couple days off and she told me I should come to Idaho. I told her it was impossible and other stuff.. and then there I was laying there next to her. She yelled. Melly and I laughed. Oh Ali, you are a crazy girl. I love your random art-si-ness. I love that you can recreate anything beautiful you see with paint and canvas. You are so funny. 

After my visit with Ali, Lindsaywitt and I went to Jenn and Allen Jones's home. Jenn and Allen were the Head Residents at Lamprecht Hall when Lindsay, Brandi, and I were all RA's .. and then Allen was my Director in the Student Spirit Events organization on campus for two semesters. They both have been there during very good and very trying times with me. I will always consider each of them some of the most impacting (..is that a word??) friends from my time at BYU-Idaho. They both were and still are such amazing examples of faith in the Lord. I love each of them and their family dearly. Lindsaywitt and I went over to their home and played the wii.. I mean I played the wii while everyone laughed.. cause Linds wouldn't play. What a lame-o! ;) It was fun. A ton ton of fun!

After dropping Lindsaywitt off at her apartment, I again got in the car and drove once again out of Rexburg. It was such a short but crazy visit. I enjoyed every single moment of it. Going to taco bell to see my old co-workers. Eating at Craigos. Shopping at Downeast. Visiting temple grounds so close to home. What a perfect place.

my updated adventures

so i have a couple of updates