Washington D.C. Temple

Dad, Mom, me, Ryan, Matt and Jen

Words can not express the thoughts and feelings I have in my heart about the temple. On Thursday, I was blessed to be able to receive my endowment. This day was an answer to so many prayers in my life. It was made even more special that my father, mother and Jen were able to fly out to D.C. for this step in my life. They made the day even more special for me and I can not imagine it without them. My east coast contingency of friends recognized with the presence of Ryan and Matt --- who have been such a support to me in the past year. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you that have blessed my life and helped me get to this point.


Me, Mom, Dad-------Jen and me

Ryan, Matt, and me

What is this look?

The Blessing that is Kayleen

Me, Charlee, Amber, Kayleen, Kaylyn, Ann

Tuesday night we held a baby shower for my friend Kayleen at my home. I love Kayleen. She was one of my first friends when I moved to D.C. I remember it well. We were at a party and she walked up to me and we started to talk. We were both starting new jobs the next day. I found it so easy to talk with her because she was open, funny, and said what was on her mind. That night ended with her saying, "I know this sounds like I am hitting on you but can I get your number?" I have appreciated her sense of humor and openness about life, marriage, and pregnancy.



She also gave me another great gift: my friendship with Kaylyn. She hooked us up as roommates when Kaylyn first moved to D.C. Kaylyn came into my life at a time when I really needed a good friend. From those first few weeks to now, she has been such a great support and someone with whom I ponder gospel principles. Thanks Kaylyn and Kayleen for so deeply blessing my life!!!

Falllingwater

During my trip to Pittsburgh, I busted out of the YSA conference early and drove to the Frank Lloyd Wright home Fallingwater. I talked to some people before making the trek to the home and they said that it was not worth it. I was intent on seeing for myself. I am glad that I did because it was amazing. First, it is in the middle of a forest and I loved the clean mountain air. Second, the home was magnificent. This home was built to transcend like the waterfall that it was built over. As I walked through the home, I loved looking at all of the details. I appreciated the rounded bookcases, the wax placed on the rock to make it appear to be wet river rock, how the rooms had low ceilings in order to force the eye to the outdoors, and how he built the home one top of boulders and had the boulders come up through the floor and to become part of the fireplace. Third, I learned the word cantilever.

*

FLW was such an organic architectural diva. He would build his own furniture into a home so the owners could not move it to a different spot. He also incorporated his favorite color that he termed Cherokee Red. He made this house to be one with nature. On that day, all of us that visited the house became one with nature.

*

As I walked through the home, I could not help but think that my father would have enjoyed seeing this home. He would have been impressed by all the details. My father is gifted at building, designing, and paying close attention to details of his projects. My mother would constantly aid my father in his endeavors. Throughout my childhood, I was also blessed to be able to watch my dad create beautiful cabinets and build houses. Sometimes I was able (a.k.a forced) to be by his side helping him with sanding or gluing. I especially remember that summer that we applied stucco to our home. I am thankful that my father and mother took the energy to do these things on their own. It helped me to understand that somethings in life are worth putting a lot of effort into because they end up becoming deeply beautiful.

The family living room

Photo shoot with Mandy, Mary, Krista, Kyle, and Dan. I love photo shoots!!!

Public Service Announcement #44: To make your own trip to Fallingwater click here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2074222_visit-fallingwater.html

Pittsburrrrrrrgh!!!

Mary and I spent the weekend in Pittsburgh, PA. One might ask, "Why would you go to Pittsburgh?" My answer would be in the form of another question, "Why would you not go to Pittsburgh?" This posting will not only be a travel log but also a formal invitation to see all that the "Steel City" has to offer. However, do realize that some of these are situational (for example: Candyland can never be recreated.)

Top: Mary, Kyle and I in the incline. Bottom: Mary, I and the incline conductor.

1. Pittsburgh really is a beautiful city. I was expecting a dirty, industrial city. I found it to be an inviting city that was beautiful at day and at night.

In the city, there is an incline that takes you to the top of a hill where you can overlook the entire city. It is breathtaking and a perfect spot to have meaningful conversations. You all know how I love good conversation and a great view!!!


Mandy, Krista, Mary, and Kyle's minds are eager to learn.

2. Pittsburgh has beautiful churches and cathedrals throughout the city. The most outstanding cathedral in the city is called the "Cathedral of Knowledge." It is a 44 story cathedral on the University of Pittsburgh campus. The entire structure is dedicated as classrooms and study areas. This was hands down my favorite hot spot of Pittsburgh.

Inside the cathedral there were study spots in every nook and cranny that you could imagine. I wanted to grab a book and read for hours. Another feature of the cathedral is that the first three floors have classrooms that are decorated and designed to represent classrooms from all around the world. This is something that everyone should experience.


3. Our apartment elevator had a sign that said, "This elevator is very quiet. Please press your desired floor once." What it should have said is, "This elevator is very slow. Please take the stairs." This sign provided daily laughs for all of us. Each time we were in the elevator we would all say, "Shhh. It is a very quiet elevator." We whispered until we were off the elevator. Dorky.


Top Right: Mary, Kyle, Krista, Dan, Mandy, Pres. Brigham, Monica, and Jen.

Bottom: Mandy, Dan, Krista, Mary and Kyle in the heart of Candyland.

4. So there I was in Pittsburgh attending a Young Single Adults conference. The conference speaker was Elder Hinckley and his wife. They discussed leadership and talked about the qualities of leadership that were possessed by President Hinckley. After their talk, we had a picture taken with them. Unfortunately, somebody started the dance music to early and the Hinckleys had to be in the dance listening to the song "Let's get it started in here". I felt uncomfortable. However, Kyle made the situation light by asking Sister Hinckley to dance. She said no.

I do enjoy talks and lessons by church leaders but I do not enjoy the whole ambiance of a YSA conference. This years dance theme was Candyland. I felt like I was thrown back into time to when I was 14. There was candy everywhere, gingerbread houses and men, and interesting dance moves. Dan, Kyle, and Pres. Brigham wanted to make sure they got the most out of their YSA donation money so they took pounds of the candy from Candyland. (This behavior continued through the entire weekend. They made out with pounds of candy, a dozen muffins, 12 water bottles, and a 16 count box of hamburgers. I am so proud.)

The second night we had a Make Your Own Pasta dinner at the Carnegie Science Center. We were also able to play with all of the exhibits in the center. You have to watch the video for some priceless footage. It was set to the back drop of our favorite song "Da Burgh". Whenever we were in the city, we would play this song with the windows down and the stereo up. It was a great weekend shared with new friends and brand new friends. Life is good.

Public Service Announcement# : To practice a different kind of steel click here http://www.wikihow.com/Do-the-"Blue-Steel"-Pose-from-Zoolander

Welcoming in Fall!!!

Fall is hands down my favorite season. These are just a few reasons why I love this season.

• I love the changing of the trees, especially on the East coast. It is like the world becomes a canvas and the artist has color popping everywhere. The photo is Central Park in the fall. One of my favorite places to be in the fall.



• I get to drive to church every Sunday down the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is stunning with the Potomac River and the fall foilage.



• I love the crisp morning air.



• My whole presense is slightly altered. I become a little more introspective (can you imagine) and a tid bit more serious.



• I want to run out and buy pencils, erasers, and a trapper keeper.



• Fall colors and the return of a whole different wardrobe.



• Halloween - My second favorite holiday. I plan out my costume at least a month in advance. I get a big kick out of dressing up and this is the day when it is socially acceptable. I also enjoy trick-o-treaters and haunted houses.



• Hay rides.....need I say more?



• The return of drinking warm apple cider....I get giddy just thinking about it.



• Apple picking in an orchard and then making homemade apple pie and cinnamon ice cream.



• Wearing sweater vests.



• Fall makes me want to fall in love.



• Jumping in leaves.



• Football games..... Rise and Shout the Cougars are out!!! I remember loving high school homecoming and the return of cheerleading.



• Barn dances.



• Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving = all holidays that I do not work.

Public Service Announcement# 42 : If you'd like to enjoy fall click here http://www.ehow.com/how_5118_view-fall-foliage.html

A Gift with a Big, Red Bow on Top

One of my favorite gifts as a child: My father made this Barbie Doll house -- I was so happy.


Today I finished reading the book Because He First Loved Us by Henry B. Eyring. The final chapter was on gift giving. He talked about three things you needed to give a great gift: you have to know the person, the gift can not come with expectations, and you have to sacrifice to give the gift. It talked about the gifts of love that we have been given by other people. As I finished this beautiful chapter, I thought directly of a wonderful email that my friend Leah sent to me. It was one of those emails that makes you grateful for a friend that believes in you, knows you, and loves you just as you are.

I started to think about the many gifts that people have given to me and the sacrifice that went into them. These are a short samplings that came to my mind today.

• I love receiving letters and personal emails. I have a large collection of some of my favorite letters that I have received from friends and family. Every once in a while, I go through and read them all again. I love when people put their thoughts, well wishes, and love on paper because it becomes a gift that keeps on giving.
  

• One of my favorite gifts came from a man that I do not even know. I was living at BYU and something had upset me. I went for a run along the river. I stopped my run early and just sat by the river bank to think. A man came up behind me and in Spanish asked me if I was okay. At the time, I was taking Spanish classes but I did not speak well. However, I was blessed to be able to speak to this man without any problems. I told him that I was fine. He said, "Oh you are heartbroken." I said yes. Then he asked why I was in his home. I told him that I did not understand. He said it again, "Why are you sitting in my home." I was still confused. He asked if I would like to see his other home. I said "Okay" since I was a bit naive. He walked me across the running path to a pile of weeds and branches. It finally hit me. This man was homeless. He showed me his few possessions: some blankets and a backpack with a few items. We talked about his life. What he did for work and how it had been difficult for him to find work. Then he showed me what he did for fun. He showed me an intricate wire bug that he had made. He put fishing line on the bug and would pull it across the running path to scare people as they would run past. We talked for an hour and a half. I got him some food and some more blankets and I showed him the local food bank. As we were saying goodbye, he gave me the wire bug. I told him that I could not take it. He insisted and I still have the bug to this day. This man gave me a gift that has taught me a lot about how to be happy in any situation, how to give of myself, and that each of us have something that we can give.

Public Service Announcement # 41: If you'd like to give a gift click here: http://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Great-Gift-to-Someone

Favorite T-shirt

My old roommate and great friend Kris bought me this fabulous t-shirt. It incorporates two of my favorite things in life: Baltimore and The Hoff. It has now become one of my favorite shirts. My good friend Peter has his own Hoff shirt and so we wore them to a party. Thanks for being such a good sport, Peter!!! I have said it before and I will say it again: all the right ingredients, just the wrong temperature. Ladies, this man is "the catch of the day."

If you have not seen this video of David Hasslehoff, then you must watch it. It always brings a smile to my face because it is so unbelievably ridiculous. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQVlVHsFF8


Public Service Announcement # 40: If you need help in "cooking" click here, I think it will give you some good advice. http://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Cooking-Basics

A Love/Hate Relationship

Bowling. I have a love/hate relationship with bowling. I love it because it was one of the actual recreational activities we had in my small town. There was not much to do in Arco, Idaho but we did have the bowling alley. I remember going bowling with my family when I was younger. Then in high school we would bowl weekly for PE class. I can hold my own with this sport. Plus, I enjoy the experience of being alone on the wooden alley. Just me, the bowling ball, and the pins.

I hate bowling because it seems to bring out my punchy side. Everything seems funny (even if it is not) and I am a little bouncy (for clarification please notice the picture of me "riding the bull".) The nice thing is that it seems I am not the only person that this happens to while at the bowling alley. We were all very punchy and silly. Then again, a lot of the time I am silly. Never mind, now there is only a love relationship with bowling.

Kay and Mandy * David - oh my!

"Riding the bull" after getting two strikes in a row * Business is good

Trent, Michael, Jenell and Matt

Public Service Announcement # 39: If you'd like to go cosmic bowling click here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2066895_go-cosmic-bowling.html

Tag. I'm it.

Melanie Tagged Me and I Have Dutifully Responded

(In Mel's words: "Apparently, you have to post one of these when you are tagged.")

4 Jobs I’ve Had:
1. Social Worker
2. Psycho social rehabilitator
3. Every job imaginable at at dry cleaners: I was there for three years: hated it.
4. Psychiatric Aid

4 Places I’ve Lived:
1. Rexburg, Idaho
2. Provo, Utah
3. Baltimore, Maryland
4. In your heart.

4 Foods I Love:
1. Homemade apple pie with cinnamon ice cream
2. Thai food
3. Homemade pizza
4. Chocolate cake with strawberries.

4 Websites I visit:
1. www.arcoadvertiser.com
2. www.marthastewart.com
3. http://www.lds.org/
4. http://www.kraftfoods.com/

4 Places I’d rather be:
1. West Virginia
2. Idaho with the family
3. The beach
4. Traveling to anywhere

4 Movies I love:
1. Elizabethtown
2. The Fugitive
3. The Painted Veil
4. Pippi Longstockings: I loved it as a child.

4 TV Shows I watch:
1. Heroes
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Anything on HGTV
4. The Office

4 People I tag (you don’t really have to do it though):
1. Kami
2. Jon and Leah
3. Momma J
4. Melody

Public Service Announcement # 38: Since this is almost like an email forward, I would like to take the opportunity to teach about how, when, and why to send a forward (Mel, this was not for you: I loved your tag): http://www.ehow.com/how_5694_forward-e-mail.html

Blackwater Falls

In the words of The Doobie Brother's I say, "Oh blackwater, keep on rolling." While we were in West Virginia for the Hick Festival, we visited the Blackwater Falls State Park. The cascading falls were magestic. The are framed by lush green trees, foilage, and wild flowers. This picture does not show it, but the water does have an amber hue to them from which it derives its name. This was my kind of nature experience: drive into the state park, walk down a sturdy, wooden boardwalk all the way to the falls, take some picutres, play some frisbie, and just enjoy the mountain air.

Family photo * Me lovin' life

Brandon and Mary were exhausted after the hike...psych. * Mary is whisked away in the beauty

That one is for the video: Ryan and Kaylyn, Chris and Melissa

Dan glares * Mandy laughs

Kyle proves his frisbie throwing skills * A simply strange picture

Public Service Announcement # 37: To plan your own trip to see the Blackwater click here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2047008_find-top-state-park-campgrounds.html