things i love thursday

SUMMER!

This dress- of course I would use a tee instead of a tank, or cardigan it out

the color green

a sudden desire to cook- I think it came from this idea for raspberry s'mores.

(not a lot of cooking required, but the whole site is awesome! I spent way too much time drooling over all her recipes. I think I may add the site to my favs)

soap aisle in the grocery store

The idea of a  photo workshop- and this blog! 

wearing jeans at work

exercise

UTAH FOOTBALL starting in just over a month

this dress from Downeast- it's my color and my style! Anybody want ideas for my birthday in a month?

(wink, wink)

doesn't seem real...

The Hortins are well known at Primary Children's Hospital. We added another hospital stay to our continuous count yesterday as Carrie needed to have her pacemaker replaced. She first received the pacemaker at the end of some complications when she was eight and its battery lasted a few years. This trip was inevitable, but that doesn't make it any easier. Walking through the rotating doors throws my nerves in all sorts of directions. Not that all my memories of that hospital are bad. There are quite a few that make me smile. But the overall reaction inside me can only be compared to elephant-sized butterflies. (Maybe that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get my point.)

I was trying hard not to think about it during the days preceding the surgery. Therein lies the reason that many of my friends didn't know about it. On Tuesday night, Brother and Elder Kent came over to give Carrie a blessing; something that we do every time. Carrie was as calm as I have ever seen her and it surprised me. I wished that I could have that same relief.

All I can say is that Heavenly Father knows me. He knows Carrie. He knows the Hortins and our fear of complications. He listened when I pleaded. He granted my wish of a simple surgery. I thought it would be hours. All that the surgeon needed to do took a simple fifteen minutes. Of course there was prep and all that other stuff that doctors do that I don't need to know, but fifteen minutes? And everything is fine?

I Love the Lord. In Him, my soul delights.

Carrie is coming home today! We are breaking our own records of short hospital stays! As we were leaving last night, Melanie says to me, "We haven't been here long enough for the nurses to know us." I am grateful for our friends there. I'm grateful for Tagouhi and her sweet visit last night. But I'm okay with not adding any more nurses to our little club.

P.S.The Ghost Lady is still haunting the cafeteria. And her hair is bigger. I didn't think that was possible.
P.P.S. Please don't judge me by calling her The Ghost Lady. If I had pictures, I think you would understand.
P.P.P.S. Her name is Helen.

nauvoo: day 3

Sunday in Nauvoo started super early as we had planned to go to sacrament meeting with the missionaries at 8 am. Sister Paulsen/Fermata said that Nauvoo Standard Time was fifteen minutes ahead instead of Mormon Standard Time that is fifteen or so minutes behind. The fact that the all eight of us (nicknamed The Crazy Eight) had to shower led to me waking up before six. I was so proud that the guys went to the effort to pack along a suit. They looked pretty sharp. We arrived about half an hour early to be sure to get a seat closer to the front. I sat between Whitney and Jon, talking most of the time with Whitney about her special day coming up in September. She and Matt are getting married on the 10th, with their wedding luncheon at JSMB. Here's hoping that I get to work it! :)

Church was amazing! Elder Marlin K. Jensen and his wife attended the meeting as well and were the primary speakers. It was a wonderful feeling to partake of the sacrament surrounded by missionaries. We sang hymns related to the pioneers and the YPMs (Young Performing Missionaries meaning my friend Fermata) performed the Mack Wilberg's arrangement of "Praise to the Man". It required a different dynamic since there were only about fifteen of them instead of the more than 100 in the Tab choir, but the impact was the same. It was beautiful and what better place to hear that song than in the midst of Nauvoo? Sister Jensen spoke about the ability to thrive. Are you thriving? What needs to be changed in your life to allow for you to thrive? Everything she said struck a chord with me. She is an amazing lady. Elder Jensen has been one of my favorites for years. His talk was a bit more informal and bounced to different topics, but I felt the spirit and I'm sure it is not coincidence that we shared the same location for our weekend plans.  After the meeting was over, we walked to the front and said hi to Fermata. She was introduced to the rest of the group before the YPMs had to run to their next activity.

L to R: me, Whitney, and Maggie

With the church meeting over, it was time to get back to vacation. We headed to our castle to clean and eat lunch before we headed out to Keokuk, Iowa and our hotel for the next two nights. Cleaning proved to be faster than preparations for lunch, so Maggie and Whitney decided to step outside. Wanting to get out of the way, I followed. Our castle stands on 100 acres filled with beautiful landscape. When we drove in, we talked about wandering through it, but never really got the chance until the three of us decided to go for a walk before eating. Imagine- I'm still in a skirt and Whitney is in flip flops. We might thought this whole thing through better. We headed up a bit of a steep hill and found a pathway that appeared to be far away from anything. It was secluded and one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen. I wish I would have brought my camera along. Darn. We didn't walk very far. Every step we took, it felt that we were walking straight through spiderwebs. Laughing and stumbling all the way, we decided it would be a good idea to head back for some food. That is when the true adventure began.

We had walked far enough that the path we took to get up the hill was now lost to us. Maggie led us the first part of the way, but became irritated by the amount of spiderwebs she was forced to charge through. It then became my duty to get us back "home" safely. Let me tell you, the further we traveled, the more nature we encountered, the more spider friends we made, the harder we laughed! Whitney was slipping in the dirt and might as well have walked in bare feet. We finally made it to the last bit of the hill which proved to be the steepest area possible. The other girls went ahead of me because I got stuck trying to find a better way. Turning around and following them, I continued to slip all the way down to the paved road, and somehow ended up straddling a small tree. Whoops! The girls turned around when they heard that I made it, and both almost fell in the middle of the street because they were laughing so hard. Never had a tree sticking out from my skirt before.... Don't plan on doing that again.

We walked back into the kitchen for lunch a little worse for the wear, relating the story to the rest of the crew. They didn't think it was quite as funny, but I think that is more because they wished they had come along. I'm glad they didn't. Turns out, all three of us had hands filled with slivers from our little adventure that required a little surgery later in the day.

On our way to Keokuk, we made a little detour to the Stone bridge that is in the Joseph Smith movie.  No joke. The moment when there is snow all around and Emma and Joseph kiss- we stood right there! Sorry, can't provide the picture from the movie. Chris told us about it during our amazing tour and suggested that we make sure we see it. This is the picture I took of the river while standing under the bridge. Add a couple feet of snow and I could be in the movie.

This is the view out the other side of the bridge. It is beautiful! I loved it! My Toms did not.

Next stop on the way was Carthage. I really don't know how to put that experience into words. 

Other than going to the temple, visiting Carthage Jail was the place I was most excited to see. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot and I caught sight of the building that I have learned about for years, I got a different feeling. One that I wasn't expecting. Joseph Smith has always been one of my heroes, much more now after seeing the world of Nauvoo. Seeing the place of his martyrdom made me sick to my stomach while feeling the spirit. It was an out of body experience that I will not soon forget.

If you are thinking of making a trip to Nauvoo, Carthage is a must. Then you will understand what I can't quite describe.

After Carthage, we finally hit Keokuk and checked into the Super 8. Still, we don't rest, so it was drop off bags and back on the road. We headed back into Nauvoo and had a picnic in the Groves. There was a small section set up as an ampitheather. It reminded me of Brighton. Surrounded the small grove were small plaques that told stories of the Prophet Joseph teaching the congregation in the area. It was beautiful and a wonderful place to take a break. We ate dinner that we had packed earlier that morning. After, a few walked around, some went to a small area of grass to lay out and rest, and others took out cameras for more photos. It was ridiculously hot and humid. The plan was to go to the fireside with the missionaries that  happens every Sunday night but we didn't realize that it was located in Keokuk. Bad luck for us that turned out okay because we, instead, experienced the Trail of Hope.

The Trail of Hope is located on Parley Street. As the pioneers were leaving Nauvoo to cross the Mississippi and start their long trek to the West, each walked down Parley Street. We walked down, alternating who would read the stories and memories of the trail along the side. Looking back and seeing the temple poking out above the trees gave me goosebumps. To think that my ancestors walked that road, leaving their world behind to suffer through intense weather, walk over a thousand miles, and force themselves to keep going toward Zion, makes me thankful for their gift to me and that I am able to live in Zion.

The night ended with a few more pictures and a walk by the river. With it being Sunday, Nauvoo sites were closed and we had already missed the Sunday fireside. We turned in and spent the last few hours laughing and talking in the hotel room. This Sunday was so special and will definitely be one that I will not soon forget.

things i love thursday

the fact that Gloria and Granola thought of me before hiking A&B!!!

intrigued by this dress

wearing stripes

strawberry shortcake

my friends at JSMB

exercising with Jennifer Galardi

Pirates of the Caribbean #4! (surprise!)

fulfilling my To Do list

my new favorite song Ferris Wheel

nauvoo: day 2

*Long post! Stay with me folks :)

Saturday started bright and early. The view from the front porch of our house was incredible. I wished I could take a piece of the river home with me.

We started our journey in Nauvoo by stopping by the Visitors' Center. I met some lovely sister missionaries that are serving in that area. From that point on, we were constantly bombarded by people asking for references so that we could share the Gospel. I wish I knew some names that I could share. Every time they ask, I feel shanghaied and I never know what to say because I can't think of anyone that would really be into it. It isn't that I am against sharing. I just spend a lot of my time around people that are dedicated members. I'll keep thinking... But, while talking to the sisters, they suggested that we stay and watch the Joseph Smith movie. Matt and Jon had never seen it, and really, what better place to watch it then in the setting of part of the story. Turns out that the movie has been tweaked a bit since I last saw it. The story is told now by Lucy Mack Smith instead of the immigrant arriving in Nauvoo and it takes on more of the concept of eternal families. Some of the stories have been taken out and replaced with others. Still, it is a wonderful movie. You should see it! Here is a link, though I would also suggest you go to Temple Square and have the whole experience.

From the movie, we just started walking down the street, headed into the busier part of Old Nauvoo. While walking, I could see the temple in full daylight. I had a moment where I couldn't believe that I was actually there, walking through such a beautiful and historic place. So, I said something like, "Am I dreaming? Somebody pinch me." And the guys did. Hard. No, I wasn't dreaming.

While we walked, a group of YPMs (Young Performing Missionaries) met up with us and began to sing! You should know that I am a sucker for men that can sing, especially those that can sing well but simply use their talents to praise the Lord. Major sucker! Meeting these young men, we instantly became friends. Every time later in the week that they saw us, they made a big deal to come and ask us how our trip was going, had we seen such-and-such place yet, etc. It was awesome! 

I can't remember all their names, but the green shirt is Elder Fairbourne
and the one on the far right is Elder Black. All have great voices :)

Our first stop was the Bakery where we got a small gingerbread cookie. Then we continued further and found a place full of pioneer play things. There were pioneer clothes for dressing up, a game that looked like a miniature version of bowling, stilts, a rope game that imitated milking a cow, and all sorts of other things. We were surrounded by children, but we were having a wonderful time!

While we were playing, suddenly we were surrounded by the Nauvoo Marching Band! They circled around the pavilion and asked us to join in with them as they marched. It was so cool! I am a music nerd and completely okay with that fact. How awesome is it that the marching band got all dressed up to wander through Old Nauvoo and just play?! I loved it! And they were really good, too!

Another moment where I couldn't believe where I was and how good life can get was repeated over and over again. We would be walking somewhere in Nauvoo between all the historic sites and all the sudden, you could hear bagpipes playing the tune to "Praise to the Man." Every single time, it gave me chills.

We wandered through some of the sites for awhile until it was time for our Wagon ride. We walked back to the Visitors' Center through a large field and really started to feel the humidity. I like to have my hair down when I know that my picture will be taken, and then the humidity hit. Thanks for the fro Illinois! Thanks but no thanks. We walked back through the Women's Garden and saw the statues located there. Beautiful! The Wagon ride was awesome! We went through a bunch of streets that we hadn't seen yet. We traveled down Parley Street, the street where the pioneers walked to cross the Mississippi as they left Nauvoo. We went through the Smith historic property and saw the Red Brick Store, the Homestead, and the Mansion House. Then finished with a beautiful view of the temple. I think I can pinpoint my falling in love with this place to driving in and seeing the temple for the first time and the overview of the city on this wagon. 

Love. Love, Love, Love!

After the wagon ride, we walked over to tour the Smith property that is currently owned by the Community of Christ. The tour begins at their visitors' center. This was the moment I was introduced to the Red Brick Store rootbeer and Sassafras. Laura wanted to buy Sassafras- this hard candy that tastes a little like a mix of rootbeer and licorice. She said that she became addicted during her mission to Minnesota and wanted us all to try it. Justin went a little crazy and bought every single flavor of the candy- Lemon, Watermelon, Rootbeer, Sassafras, and Cinnamon. My favorites were the lemon and watermelon and Justin was a dear and shared. We had enough for the rest of the trip :) Laura, Matt, and Justin all bought a bottle of Rootbeer, but Laura let the rest of us all have a sip. Good thing none of us were germ-o-phobes. AND- it was completely worth it! It was like drinking A&W from the tap in a bottle.

Our tour guide was named Chris and he did an amazing job on our tour. My favorite part was walking through the Mansion house and seeing one of Joseph Smith's secret hiding places. In Joseph and Emma's bedroom, in the closet on the right, there is a fake wall that opens up to a ladder going up to the attic. Without knowing what it was, you would have no idea. Chris said he wanted to show us but not everyone gets to see it so we had to move quickly. Standing in the Mansion house made Joseph and Emma feel even more real. The coolest part was that we started the tour thinking that Chris was a member of the Community of Christ. He said that he was in college to study the history of Nauvoo. As we continued through the tour, there were moments where the things that he said correlated more with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then we were a little confused. We ended in the top of the Red Brick Store where the Relief Society was organized, and some of the first sealings took place (another time when I pinched myself). Chris ended the tour but said that if we had any questions to stay later. Then it was just Chris and our group and we asked him in the nicest way possible and it turned out he was a member. Then we were able to enrich our whole experience because we were able to talk only in the context of the church. Oh man, oh man. I loved it! The Church is true! Joseph Smith is an amazing man and I really can't wait until I can meet him and challenge him to a stick pull. I know I'll lose, but it will be more than worth it!

After our tour, we made a quick stop at the Red Brick Store where I purchased a copy of Times and Seasons and Joseph Smith's view on politics that was published when he declared his candidacy for President. I was fighting with myself whether I should buy a harmonica because I have always wanted one. Just when I thought I shouldn't, Matt told me he was buying one, so Maggie said I should buy one too. I'm big on following the crowd so I bit the bullet and am now the owner of a brand new harmonica. I can even play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and When the Saints Go Marching In. While Matt and I made our purchases, the others locked the door. I have trouble with doors (ask my friend, Dallin. I've broken his front door multiple times in our friendship.). Matt and I bonded over harmonicas and falling out the entrance. Great times.

Then a quick run back to our castle for dinner of baked potatoes and salad, and we were off again to the fair before the big Nauvoo pageant! The fair was great! We played at stick pull where it was no surprise that Jon won. We pulled handcarts and had a competition at sawing a log (I wasn't very good). I learned how to do a craft of ribbon tying that when done right, turns into a rug or a hotpad. The girls were jealous of my skill! One thing that I am good at! I can tie ribbon into a circle. I'll put that on my resume. Towards the end of the fair, who would show up on a little golf cart but Elder Marvin K. Jensen of the Seventy! I love that man and I love when he speaks in General Conference. I told Justin the story of a few weeks ago when I served him on a PA function and he was my contact. He really was so sweet. I asked Justin if he thought Elder Jensen would remember me, but he just laughed. What a small world that we would be visiting Nauvoo the same weekend.

We ran into a few of our YPM friends and asked if Abby Paulsen, my friend Fermata, was out and about. Tamra/Jibber and I started looking everywhere for her. I hope people didn't get freaked out by us. I don't think that we were that obvious, but we really were walking up to sisters with brown hair and walking away when we saw that they weren't her. It was getting closer and closer to the start of the pageant, so we started walking in the direction of the stage and our seats. At the same time, Tamra and I saw the back of a sister with brown hair. Tamra was a little ways ahead of me. Suddenly Sister Paulsen turned and Tamra attacked her in a huge bearhug. I followed quickly after and I don't think she fully understood what was happening until I let her go. She knew Tamra was coming but I was a surprise. Cute girl started crying and saying that she couldn't believe that we were there. It was so fun to see her! In the middle of talking to her, I saw Tyler Elwood, a friend of mine from Institute Singers. I had forgotten that he was serving there too. Fermata caught his attention and his eyes grew wide when he saw me. I thought it was funny that he shook my hand but he is a missionary... So the two of us got to talking while Fermata and Tamra were talking just a little bit away and the pageant starts. They have everyone say the Pledge of Allegiance but we didn't realize it until towards the end. Tyler left and I said see ya later to Fermata and then turned to realize I was just talking through the opening prayer. To further humiliate myself, I said, "OH!" pretty loudly and then folded my arms and bowed my head, while Tamra fought not to laugh out loud during the rest of it. Oh gosh. Good thing that Heavenly Father has a sense of humor!

Then the pageant! It was wonderful! I heard great things about the music but the majority of it was orchestral. That surprised me. The cast sang some excerpts of hymns but the music was more mellow than I expected. There were a few big dance numbers that I saw both Fermata and Tyler in. Tyler told me that he isn't a great dancer but since he is serving the Lord, it all figures itself out. In the middle of one of the dances, I saw him make a misstep and I had to laugh. It is so great how when you are serving and working as an instrument in the hands of the Lord, stuff like that isn't so important. I was proud of my friends and the other YPM friends that I had made. They did a wonderful job. You could definitely feel the Spirit. The brother who played the role of Joseph Smith was great. The moment where Joseph and Hyrum are martyred is very poignant and well done. The two characters stand in silence for a moment longer than expected and then walk off stage through the audience. It took Tamra pointing it out that they were standing in the similar position as the statue in front of Carthage. 

The pageant ended and we called it a day. It was quite the busy day at that! No time to rest for us, but then you can rest when you're dead. It was a great first day in Nauvoo. I loved talking with all the people on the street. I love people! I love Nauvoo! The Church is true!

i'd like to interrupt this programming...

Today is the anniversary of life being turned upside down.

17 years ago

my brother returned home
to our Father in Heaven.

I can't help but reminisce

and think about his toy soldiers

and the memories I have of his swagger.

I remember how much fun we had together

and how much I love him.

This afternoon, I cannot get "Circle of Life" out of my head.

Reason being that every time I hear anything that has to do with The Lion King, it makes me think of Joe.

So here's to you, Joseph Bret Hortin.

Hakuna Matata!

until we meet again

*The first time my family saw The Lion King, we were sitting on the front row of the Villa Theater.

I remember hearing the crickets, and feeling my chair shake as the elephants walked on screen. 

Whenever we watch this movie, my dad turns the volume way up

as a way to recreate the moment. 

And I love it.

nauvoo: day 1

This wonderful trip of mine began early in the morning on July 8. I met friends at the Tulip (aka Tamra/ Jibber's house) at 6:15 am so that we could make it to the airport with enough time for the guys to check bags and still be on time for the flight. We slid through security pretty easily except that Matt and Whitney were chosen randomly to have their bags searched. Bummer. We got to the gate with time to spare so I went with the guys and Whitney to find some breakfast. I forgot for a quick second that airport food is gross. There went five dollars out the drain on a breakfast burrito.

R to L: Whitney, Maggie, and me

L to R: Whitney, Laura and Matt's feet, Jon, and Tamra

We started boarding the plane right on time. I sat next to Tamra, Matt, and Maggie, with Laura and Whitney in the row ahead, Justin by himself in the back and Jon somewhere.... I can't remember. We sat on the plane for two hours before we even started moving towards take off. Thanks for nothin' Delta. The plane was too heavy so they had to get rid of fuel and ask for people to take a later flight while they took all the checked luggage and put it on the later plane. Jon was the only one with a checked bag. Darn..... I brought along my new Kindle and it kept us entertained for most of the time. I found this free game called Pixel Perfect Puzzles and Tamra went crazy over it. You make pictures on a grid. It uses a lot of brain power. All the friends around us played and by the time we were actually in the air, we were all hooked.

Tamra and me, after we landed, with smiling faces

After four and a half hours in a tiny little space, we finally made it to St. Louis. We were already a little peeved at the airline and then we had trouble with Jon's checked bag. We sat there in the airport for an additional hour as he tried to explain where we were headed and where they should send his suitcase. The problem began because few people in the airport had actually heard of any place called Nauvoo. One of the flight attendants thought that we were flying overseas! No friends, just three hours away from this very spot.

Justin doesn't like to pack light ;)

Most of our troubles behind us, we headed out in our two rental cars (nicknamed by Laura "Black Diamond" and "Fluffy Bunny") and hit the road. We were lost for the first few minutes because without mountains, we couldn't figure out which way we were supposed to go. Then, randomly, we ended up at Chevy's for some food. I like Mexican food but I am not a huge fan of rice and beans. The chips and salsa were amazing though! And my fried ice cream. Oh man, order me another one of those.

L to R: Maggie, Justin, Whitney, Tamra, Matt, and Laura

With full stomachs, we were back on the road. I was riding in Fluffy Bunny with Laura, Tamra, and Justin. Laura and Tamra wrote a Nauvoo song that we sang to the other car via cell phones. A full ride of three and a half hours let us watch the sun go down over the river. We pulled into Nauvoo when it was dark but the initial realization of where I was was amazing. We drove along the river right by the river and across the way, I caught my first glimpse of the Nauvoo temple. They were practicing the pageant so the stage was fully lit up but the temple was in shadow. Still, I could see enough. It took my breath away.

I was so excited that I hollered out and tried to point out the temple, but trying to get the rest of the car to see it proved a little harder than expected. I swear it was a full five minutes of me pointing and telling them where it was. Justin found it quickly but Tamra and Laura were a different story. Five minutes later, Tamra says, "Oh, it's there in the shadow." Don't worry- that was exactly what I was telling them. Justin just laughed.

Then we were off to find the house we were staying in. We followed the same road for awhile and didn't see anything. We found what we thought was the right street and started looking for #4544. Well, the numbers went 4542 to 4546. Uh....what? Some of the group went on an adventure around the two houses while Laura and I found an older gentleman walking his dog. Laura drove over and asked about the number. When I mentioned the words Gate House, he let us know we were on the wrong street and that the house we wanted was up above us with its lights on. We stayed in the bottom level of a castle! It was beautiful! 

I felt like we belonged in the movie Tangled.

The bunks where us girls slept. I was in the bottom over to the left that you can't see.

Dining room was in the bottom of the turret. I love the rocks on the wall.

Living Room where the boys slept, even though there wasn't a door to separate the two spaces.

I have never seen such a huge shower!

We even had castle doors!

After we checked out the whole big room where we were staying, all the luggage was inside and beds were assigned, we headed out for a walk to look at the Mississippi River. I had my first experience with fireflies! Matt caught one in only a matter of minutes. I wish we had them in Utah. At times, I couldn't tell which were stars and which were fireflies. I really wanted to bottle one up and take it home with me, but I figured that would be more disgusting than enjoyable, so I didn't.

We ended the night with scripture study. I've never done that on a friend trip before, that we get together before bed and have scripture study. I was reminded how awesome these people are! Everybody in their pajamas surrounded the pull-out bed that Justin later nicknamed "Death" (it was really that bad of a mattress. I felt bad for him.), and we started to read. That first night we read Joseph Smith's recounting of the First Vision. It was the perfect way to start this vacation of ours and was the perfect foundation for the rest of our activities.

Just wanted to show you what "Death" looks like. And I mean the mattress, not Justin.

happy sunday

Yay for the best day of the week!

With the busyness and the confusion of every day life,

I am grateful for one day a week

where I am able to simply concentrate on what matters most in my life.

I am grateful for this trip to Nauvoo

and how stories I have heard forever became tangible reality.

I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet.

He was the chosen seer to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I can't wait until I am able to meet him

and thank him.

Parley P. Pratt, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1835 to 1857: “President Joseph Smith was in person tall and well built, strong and active; of a light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, very little beard, and of an expression peculiar to himself. … His countenance was ever mild, affable, beaming with intelligence and benevolence; mingled with a look of interest and an unconscious smile, or cheerfulness, and entirely free from all restraint or affectation of gravity; and there was something connected with the serene and steady penetrating glance of his eye, as if he would penetrate the deepest abyss of the human heart, gaze into eternity, penetrate the heavens, and comprehend all worlds. He possessed a noble boldness and independence of character; his manner was easy and familiar; his rebuke terrible as the lion; his benevolence unbounded as the ocean; his intelligence universal.” 

^{Read further...}

things i love thursday

EVERYTHING about my trip to Nauvoo

happy flowers

talking with friends without saying a word

being lazy

The Joy Luck Club

Pixel Perfect game on my Kindle

new friends that stick

moments when people get to know the real me

my reaffirmed love of my guitar

The Book of Mormon

being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

thinkin' bout...

The past couple of days have gotten me thinking. Sometimes, I don't know if that is a good thing.  I just got back from Nauvoo last night. Let me tell you, that was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I received new perspectives on a lot of things and thought about ancestors that lived years ago and what I am doing with their legacy. Don't know if I have a complete handle on the whole situation yet, but standing on the hill in front of the Nauvoo temple, I got the familiar feeling that something is coming. I don't know what it is. I don't know what I will learn from it but I know that God has big plans for me. I know that I am being prepared for something bigger than myself. What, exactly, only He knows.

I started thinking about preparation because I realized that I was spiritually prepared for my trip to Nauvoo. Prepared enough to become more spiritually aware. I had to work the night before I left on a plane, the only night that I had to work last week. I was feeling fine. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. And then I got to work and started helping out and chaos followed.

I was working with Elaina that night and asked her if she had heard anything about the previous Saturday. It was a cursed reception in the Sharon/Manchester of which I was made captain. It was a weird one and we did what we could, but the contact had a list of complaints at the end of the night. So I asked Elaina if any of our superiors made any mention of it to her. She said not, but that the experience gave her a migraine the next day. I get migraines every know and then and they like to ruin my day. I know that is common for everyone, but for some reason I seem to get them more often than most.

Work continued after this particular conversation. I wasn't captain which was lovely, but there were only three of us, Elaina, Morgan Guison, and myself, which required a larger amount of work from me. The dinner began and we started moving really quickly and suddenly, my eyes started going funny. Through experience, that is my first sign of a migraine. I see a type of flashing lights that go in a semi-circle and grow in size until I can barely see anything but the lights. The pain doesn't really start until later. I kept working because we had gotten to a point where I don't really have to think hard. Just deliver food, re-juice and water, and clear plates. Then the pain started. Bad News. Seriously bad news.

I went until the last minute and then mentioned it to Elaina by asking her if she had advil in her purse. She said no but that there was some in the office. My brain had slowed through the pain so I'm so glad that she took over taking care of me. I was able to sit between courses which is a definite no-no. She called down to the Empire room that is on the same floor as the office to see if they could run some meds up to me. Lizzy came a few minutes later and I loaded up to be able to finish the shift. It worked for about ten minutes, just long enough to get another round done through the room, and then the pain hit harder.

By that time, everyone out in the room was eating desserts, which is the time that servers go back into the kitchen and count up meals, start to box extra food, and have a few minutes to share in the food ourselves. (FYI- the kitchen makes extra meals for the servers, so whatever you eat, we do too. It's a great perk.) I sat down while Morgan and Elaina served me- they grabbed food, drink, utensils, everything for me but a chair because I was already sitting. We talked about something. I really can't remember what the conversation was about. I tried to contribute but the pain was taking complete control. When the girls started getting up to start working again, I had a fleeting thought and a definite impression. All I remember is thinking: Tom and Andrew are downstairs. Priesthood. Blessing. Help.

I asked Elaina if the group downstairs were still around. All I had to say was "Priesthood blessing" and both my friends jumped into gear. Morgan took over both her job and mine while Elaina got on the phone. Once again, I don't remember anything about the next few minutes until I saw Andrew holding up his travel size container of oil, calling out,"Look what I have!" It was one of those moments where I felt pain and overwhelming happiness and gratitude and the desire to weep all at the same time. God loves me.

The guys led me down the hallway to the empty suites. It is down a private hall only open to employees and special guests. Tom had sincere concern etched on his face. We walked into the room and I found the closest chair I could find. Andrew came up behind me and asked for my full name. I answered with a small thought of "please." He performed the anointing and Tom came forward to give me a blessing. It was simple. It was perfect. He blessed me with additional faith and the strength to be able to continue what was needed of me. He didn't promise the world, but it was more than enough for me. The moment Tom said "Amen" I felt such relief that I don't even know how to describe. The heavy burden lifted. I could think. I could concentrate. I almost felt back to normal. All in an instant. Miracles happen in my life - EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I stood up and felt myself again. With such concern on their faces, they asked the million dollar question- Is there anything we can do for you? I asked for a hug. They had already done so much. I then heard about the girl down in the Youth Conference that asked for Tom's number. It made me laugh and I think they noticed the difference in me too. Walking back into the kitchen to go back to work, Morgan mentioned that I looked much better. She could see the pain in my eyes before and was happy that it was gone. After getting back to work, I was able to keep going like nothing had happened at all. Complete turn around.

This experience and the next morning I'm on a plane to Nauvoo. The Spirit is amazing. I know the Gospel is true. I know that it was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith to be used fully at moments like these. I know that the priesthood is the power of God on earth and that I feel closest to heaven when I am witness to the priesthood in practice. I am so thankful for friends that are able to be called at a moment's notice to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. God loves me and I love Him.

*Nauvoo stories will take a good amount of time. Don't worry- they will start tomorrow :)

things i love thursday

FIREWORKS!

library trip with the sisters

kiwi banana starbursts

baseball

days off and chilling in my pajamas

visiting sisters with Miranda

leaving on vacation in less than 24 hours! to here

new sheets

a Utah watchband :)

hanging with the fam

happy fourth!

Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
Abraham Lincoln 

May we always work to maintain our freedoms and make the world a better place! Happy Fourth of July to you!

so glad it's sunday!

This week has not been my favorite.

Craziness at work,

too quiet at home,

and a constant pit in my stomach.

If it weren't for Brighton and a movie with Pixel, 

I'd want to throw in the towel.

But now, it is the start of a new week.

And I love to start with a Sunday :)

"just thought you would be up here..."

There I was, sitting on my bed, when I get a text from Pixel. "Do you want to go up to Brighton with me this Thursday?" Thanks to a miraculously open Thursday away from the Joe, my answer was a resounding YES!

I left work as soon as I could, later than I planned because Laurel chose me to stay and set up the break. Thanks a bunch Laurel.  I changed my clothes and met Pix at the mouth of the canyon, so excited. We parked in the loop and trudged up in the snow because we didn't know if we could get Pixel's car all the way up the drive in the mud. I brought my boots, but for some reason, I thought I would be hardcore and walked up in my sneakers. After slipping and sliding all over the place, working my legs while sliding in the snow, and Pixel needing a bathroom, we finally made it up to my favorite place on earth. The reaction was instant. I feel so much lighter up at Brighton. Everything seems okay.

Camp was in the middle of Flag on the Rock. Pixel ran up to give some mail to Paisley and I just stood and looked around. That is my type of medication. Whatever is happening in my life, all I have to do is go up to Brighton and I have another perspective and a sigh of relief. I remember that I can do hard things. I hate that I forget that down in the valley. Pixel came back down and told me that Abu asked if she brought me along with her. :) I feel so loved with those girls!

I saw Gloria and Granola! Awesome PDS are they! I am so excited for them and all that they get to do this summer. Both of them have been my roommates and they are wonderful! I met up with Yellow and Abu and heard the low down of a crazy first week. Then we walked into the kitchen and I smelled Greek chicken! Star was heading up her staff but as soon as she saw me, she says, "Hey Beautiful!" I've missed that. I saw Krispie, wonderful woman that she is, and she says to me," I just figured you would be up here. When I think of Brighton, I see you." :)

Then, a lovely dinner with the KDs and the Directors of greek chicken (seriously, one of my favorite dinners in the entire planet!) and then Star told me I could help with dishes. Pixel runs over and tells me that she is helping with dishes too. We ran and got aprons and were ready for a time full of fun! I have never had as much fun washing dishes as I do while at Brighton. "Poke me!" Such good memories :)

The rest of camp left to walk down to the Brighton Branch for devotional. There is still a ton of snow everywhere and staff didn't want to have to fit all those girls and guests in the DH so everyone walked down the hill and across the loop to the Branch building. The chapel has windows that open up to a view of the mountains. If I could have church there every Sunday, I would love it.

Once we got to the building, there wasn't any room anywhere but out in the foyer. We snagged the couch and listened to Cherie Call sing. I pulled out my camera to capture the moment.

Conversation-

Pixel: Jesus is in our picture.

Me: Oh. Maybe I shouldn't have made a face.

Pixel: It's okay. He loves you anyway.

[I love her for saying that!]

The devotional ended and Pixel and I saw Star running around. It worked out that the two of us then helped out in the kitchen with the cinnamon rolls. I love helping, especially there. If I were to just stand around, life would feel out of balance. 

With the mess that has been this week, everything was better after being with my bestest best friends and the bestest best place. Thank you Heavenly Father for making such a wonderful place AND making it such a large piece of my life.