Dear Rain,

How happy I am that you stopped by today. I loved seeing you heading anxiously for the golf course that I was on today, and I loved you even more when you began to fall upon me. Sometimes you are quite cold and chill me to the bone, but I can't help just drink it in. I came home today and watched as you pounded my window and everything outside whilst I drank my cup of hot chocolate. Please come back again soon. I've missed you.

The end.

Puerto Rico, swiftly I come!

She got married

My dear friend Victoria Jane married Matthew Jared on Saturday. It was a spectacular day! I was able to attend the wedding at the Manti, Utah Temple and was in tears for most of the ceremony. My dear friend, the friend I've known longest (since birth) was experiencing the happiest moments of her life that day. I couldn't have felt more happy if it was my own special day. She was radiant!
I am so thankful that she found a man worthy of her. Not only that, but she inherited three awesome kids! Life will be busy in her new role as mom, but I have no doubt that she will do it beautifully.

For years Vicki has been a part of a group of friends that has celebrated successes, traveled the world together, commisserated over failed relationships and the frustrations of dating, and shared the silliest of moments together. These are some of my truest friends. I love them all dearly. Having a friend 'leave' and move on to another mission in life is a hard thing to process. However, all of us are spectacularly happy for the beautiful event that was Vicki's wedding this weekend. We are excited for what the future holds for not only her, but for all of us. There is a plan of happiness on this earth, and each one of us are part of that. How thankful I am to know it!

Love you Vicki!

My favorite time of year is here. Every day when I look out to the mountains, I find joy in the new sprouting colors of red, orange, and yellow. I mourn the ending of Summer, but I welcome the beauty of Autumn. Someday I'll fulfill my dream of experiencing Fall in New England. Hooray for sweaters, cooler temperatures, and fast-fading tan skin (ok, not so much).

Welcome Fall!

Sometimes...

We quit jobs.

So basically I'm on the look out for a new job. Wish me luck!

My mug

After being at my current job for over a month now, they finally got my pic on the website. Yep, that's me!

Wordless Wednesday

Emmy winner - I know him!

This is my friend Erik Christensen. We have been friends since High School. I had a major crush on him back at OHS. And look - he won an Emmy last night! So happy for him and his family!

After 6 months...

I have a job. A real, honest-to-goodness, full-time, with-benefits job! True story, peeps. I have to say, I have mixed emotions. I am so, so grateful to have found a job in the midst of such a struggling economy. However, my six months without a job was kind of a dream. One I don't think I'll ever experience again. It was a time of struggle not knowing when I'd be employed, but it was also a time when I got to do things and help people around me without having to get back to the grind.
After so many months of not having an 8-5 job, I have felt so much anxiety this past week. I've done lots and LOTS of praying, temple-going, etc. to ease my nervous self. I feel good about where I am and the people I've worked with for just one week already. I'm not loving the extra early morning hours of getting up, but I feel a sense of pride knowing there is somewhere to be, a place where I get to progress, learn, and better myself and my situation. For this I am thankful. I'm a blessed girl. I have incredible people all around me. How could I not be happy?! Thankful, thankful I am.

The end.

Someone's special day...

This incredible, smart, funny, and very handsome guy is having a birthday. Go ahead and wish him a happy birthday!

Feliz Cumple, Dave!

Golfer in da house!

When I was about 13 my Grampa Phil taught me how to swing a golf club. In his words, he said I was a "natural". He even sent me a few clubs and encouraged me frequently to perfect my swing. He had high hopes of me becoming a pro. I, of course, was more interested in friends, boys, etc. at that time in my life, so I never pursued it like he wanted me to. Even in my 20's, he would look at me and shake his head while saying, "you could have been rich". Bless him. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made it big, but the fact that he thought I had 'something' still makes me feel kinda special.
Well, dear Dave is an avid golfer and wanted me to come along and play on Monday. I didn't do terribly, but not great. I got a 75. Meh. I was encouraged to keep on playing (Dave is a great coach), so he took me again Tuesday, then again today. Good news is that I improved today and got a 68. Not amazing for a 'natural' I know, but dunna worry, because I'm going to be in the 50's by Summer's end. Maybe even high 40's. That is the goal, peeps!

Dave 'n Me.

Mi papa

Dear Daddy-o,

A daughter couldn't ask for a more kind, loving, and sensitive Father. Thank you for passing down to me the love of music and amazing harmonies, literature, scripture, languages, culture, snowy/rainy weather, and the appreciation of delicious food! Thank you also for your example of unconditional love to your family. I have never questioned your love for me.
Sometimes I laugh at and question why you send so many email forwards to me and my siblings, but I realize that I would miss them terribly if one day I didn't get them anymore. I love knowing that you are around for me.

I love you dearly, Dad.

The Happs

Lots of things happening. Muchas cosas!

- Caiti and Kurt are expecting another BOY! No nieces for me yet. This will make 7 nephews so far!
- Shane and Sharon just broke the news that they are expecting a baby, but won't find out the gender until August. Could it be another boy, or is it possible that a girl could actually shake things up?? Ah, we shall see. The exciting thing is that there will be two grandchildren born within a month of each other. We're usually lucky if we get them within a year or two. It's a great time to be an auntie!
- I'm finishing up this semester block next week, then only two more classes until I graduate. Will miracles never cease?!
- Spending a lot of time with someone with eyes like these...




Good times!

Cosas Nuevas

I've moved.

Finishing my last semester of school, and loving it.

More later.

A truly despicable crime.

I can't even begin to imagine what this poor little boy went through. It hurts my heart to think of it. Read about it here. Horrible, horrible. How can people like these be allowed to raise children?!