2013 Recap.

Continuing on with the 5 year gap of posts.
2013- Jan 2 I flew home from Kentucky.

 

We were waiting for our flight to Chicago. It was the weirdest feeling. 

I was blessed with people to welcome me home. Hugging Mum was the BEST feeling in the world. I could have stood there for an hour just hugging her in the airport baggage claim. I wish I had a picture of it. 

I got to be home for one day- which was spent packing. Because I had to be at BYU-Idaho Jan 4th. But I got to see Nancy, a few other people, snuggle with my dogs, and eat at Ricardo's. The important things you know. 

Thankfully at the time, in Rexburg we had old family friends- the Waltons. They let my mum stay there with them for a week. My sweet roommates didn't see me much that first week, because I spent all my spare time with her. 

It was a good and bad semester for me. It was GREAT because of my kind, thoughtful, understanding, and beautiful roommates.

 

At the Sand Dunes. 

They put up with my super awkward what-am-I-doing RMness. 

Coming home was hard. I hated it. I felt purposeless, I missed my mum (I was in Idaho she was in Nevada), I missed home. I missed my friends and support in Vegas, I missed my dogs. I missed my Sisters, and a few Elders. I missed the people so much! I missed the mission, but I didn't want to be a missionary again, because my last transfer was the hardest, which was by divine design so that I would be happy to go home. I felt and saw myself fall into old patterns from my life before the mission- I didn't like it. I struggled, to put it lightly. 

So when you meet an RM and they are weird, cut them some slack. Not everyone transitions easily. I didn't feel settled until I'd been home 10 months. 

My roommates, a FHE sister, and I 

That semester though, I was so blessed with amazing roommates, a fantastic FHE group. (I remember when I met my fhe brothers for the first time, one of them hugged me. An innocent gesture, but I felt so extremely awkward and uncomfortable, because he surprised me, and I'd only been home a week) I don't even want to think what that semester would've been like with different roommates and FHE. 

My FHE group

Our FHE brothers made us Breakfast :]

One of the best weekends of that year, was going to a mission reunion the Friday before April conference. My roommates and I drove down and they dropped me off at the church, and I finally got to see my mission friends. 

 

Everett, Gardner, Wood (Gardner now), and Banks

Wood, Edgerton, and I 

Fun fact, Steph and Bridget were roommates at BYU before their missions. they were called to separate missions, Edgerton to the GKLM (Great Kentucky Louisville Mission) and Wood to Temple Square. On Wood's outbound she served in the GKLM with me. They even got to see each other in Kentucky :]

I spent the night at on Steph and Bridget's floor, and we talked late into the night Brooke even came by. I got to attend Saturday morning session of General Conference with a couple of my favorite Vegas peeps, Nancy and Cynara. It was amazing. 

  

  

Nancy, Cynara and I between sessions. 

On Sunday I spent some time with Ford, Nelson, and Wood. It was so good to be reunited with the Sisters of the Kentuckiana District : ] It was very cathartic for me. I needed to talk with my Sisters from my mission, it helped me with all the things I was dealing with as returned missionary. Everything wasn't solved, and I wasn't looking for that, just an assurance I wasn't alone. 

Mum came and picked me up from college at the end of the semester, and the next two weeks were a whirlwind. While picking me up, she had an interview for a job in Idaho Falls. She got the job, and God was clearly telling us that it was time to move again. 

Petals making sure that she isn't left behind. 

So we made the plans. I spent my two weeks in Vegas packing up the miracle house. 

In some ways it felt like I never came home from my mission, because I didn't get to spend much time in my beautiful Vegas. 

On my 24th Birthday we said goodbye to Vegas and drove to Idaho. 

My summer was spent unpacking. I spent some time with Crystal, my MTC companion. I went to the singles ward and had fun. I won't lie I spent a lot of time missing Vegas, still do, but that summer was the hardest. Mum LOVES Idaho. 

I was able to attend my first sealing, of two missionaries from my mission. So much fun! 

 

Nelson, Ford, Noakes, Mikami (now Simms), Simms, Ash, A member from the mission :], and Clemmons. Ignore the demon eyes from the flash. 

I had to include this picture of Ford and I making the same face without either of us realizing it. 

The Perry's with a few of their Sister Missionaries :] 

One of the best things about that summer was visiting the Perry's! A great weekend, with great people. The Perry's were and are so supportive. 

That summer and fall two more of my companions got married, but I was unable to attend, but I have pictures of them with their future husbands from Conference Weekend. : ] 

My trainer, Edgerton, with her future husband, Clark. Aren't they Cute!?

Wood and Gardner 

I love them so much. Fun fact they were both Zone Leaders at one point in their missions. 

In fall my semester started, and little did I know, I was taking a class that would basically change the way I see things. Math 100B- with Brother Rich. This is the first math class I had ever taken (in my many many many years of school) that made sense. I would later take Math 101 from Brother Rich, and the next year I would become one of his graders. I am now his T.A. and algebra is sometimes the only thing that makes sense to me. 

Also I roomed with people I still room with today. We were however, the worst at taking pictures, Heidi and I just discussed this. Heidi, Courtney, and I still live together. We have a good time. We have more pictures from our later semesters. 

That pretty much sums up the year 2013 for me. Mum will have to tell you her side one of these days. 2014 and 2015 yet to come. 

Mission Recap

The last time I posted was 2011. 

Lets see what has happened since then...

Mum and I the day before I entered the MTC (Credit to Shine Photography for this beautiful photo)

I had the opportunity to serve a mission for the Lord and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Great Kentucky Louisville Mission (English speaking). I served from June 22, 2011- Jan 2, 2013 and in beautiful areas: Berea, KY, Charlestown and Salem, IN and finished my time in Paris, KY

. 

My MTC companion, Sister Ash, and I pointing to our mission

Let me write for a moment about the Woodburys, I met the Woodburys in the MTC- I was in the MTC during a very busy time, half of it was closed off for the Mission Presidents and  their Wives who were also being trained. I couldn't ask for better a better couple to serve in that position. 

I wrote in my journal about meeting them: "Met my Mission President and his Wife :] they are so super cute, so sweet! I'm excited to get to know them better! Sister Woodbury is a woman after my own heart, she loves music and was even in MoTab!" 

They are fantastic people, and I learned so much from them in their words and examples.  I wish I could fully express in words my love and gratitude for them. They both worked so hard, and loved us all so much.

left to right: Sister Woodbury, yours truly, Sister Jensen, and President Woodbury.

This is July 2012- you don't see it, but we are dying of heat/humidity. 

I was able to meet, teach and be taught by wonderful people that I found everywhere, in my mission and ward leaders, my fellow missionaries, members and people I met on the street.  At my first transfer meeting a departing Elder said "The only place you'll find success before work is in the dictionary." This stayed with me the duration of my mission. 

Sister's Wood, Noakes, Nelson, and Ford (The Sisters of the Kentuckiana District)

It's hard to talk about those 18 months and 3 weeks (I almost made it to 19 months!) in a few words. It was amazing, it was difficult. It was a growing experience, I learned that I can do hard things with the support of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Spirit. It changed me. I gained amazing sisters in my companions. I saw the best of humanity and a couple times the worst.

Sister Edgerton (My trainer), Me, Our beloved friend, Elder's Everett and Beagley

This day is one of my favorites. 

I'll be honest before my my mission call came, there was a thought in the back of my mind, that I never voiced that said, please nowhere hot and humid, and not the Bible Belt, If you don't know, Kentucky and Indiana are definitely part of the Bible Belt and the humidity is terrible in the summer and the winter! I was drenched in the summer and chilled to the bone in the winter. 

Elder's Ferguson, Banks, the Werner Family, Sister's Noakes, and Wood 

There is so much love I have for these amazing people beside me. 

The Bible belt made an interesting mission because so many of the people I met already had a belief and love for Jesus Christ. Because of that we taught and focused on the Restoration of Christ's Church.

Elders Baker and St. Martin in Front 

In Back: The trio of legend. Sisters Noakes, Ford,& Hunt with the fantastic Mullin's family. 

How do I describe the Mullins? I can't fully describe their open hearts and awesomeness. 

Also do you see that greenery? that's why you put up with the humidity. 

I loved teaching the message of the Restoration in the land where it happened in the language of the Restoration. I loved testifying of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and living Prophets. 

The Roberts Family and I. Brother Roberts had been attending and participating in the Church for YEARS, when he was ready to be baptized he and his ecstatic wife approached us. they both taught me so much, and they are dear to my heart.  

I was blessed to see my brothers and sisters come closer to Christ, and blessed with a love for them. Still, there were times of utter heartbreak. When families I loved would start avoiding us, when wards were divided and members in need of love and support were ignored, when people I loved would reject the gospel. I felt a sadness that I didn't expect. I cried often, something that didn't happen that much before my mission.

Brother Harney and Sister Jensen.

Words fail me when talking about these two amazing children of God. Moments with them were full of laughter, contentment, joy, and love.

I will be perfectly honest, it was hard, there were times I wasn't sure I could do it. There were times I didn't think my heart could take anymore. It was a combination of a love of God, the Spirit, and frankly a little bit of stubbornness that helped me make it through the first 6 months. 

At the end, I was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. My body ached, my right knee hasn't been the same since, when I left my areas I felt as if I was carving off a piece of my heart and leaving it there. I have never felt that tired my entire life. I gave the mission everything I had. 

The Departing Missionaries with the Woodbury's 

It was a strange feeling at the last transfer meeting, I could sense the feeling of loss among the departing missionaries as we stared out at the crowd. It was an interesting mix of emotions, there was a desire to be there at the end but also a longing for the middle. I looked to the newly arrived missionaries and I felt a prick of jealousy amidst pity. I remember looking down at my name tag and thinking how strange life would be without it.

It was the hardest and best time of my life. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. 
I am eternally grateful for those who made it possible for me to serve. Thank you, and God Bless you. 

For more pictures --> Facebook Mission Album 

It's been a long long time- here's a picture!

This is Kimber with Cricket and Petals on my bed. Kimber think's he's a lap dog.

This is from December, when Adam and Kristen where visiting, they brought Kimber & he was pretty fun to have around. :]

Not much has happened here- hence lack of posts. Life goes on, and we must go on as well.

It's been a while.... again.

Not much has been happening.
working institute sleep etc.
mostly I've been daydreaming about this past 4th of July.
Because I really really loved it this year.
Mum&I were in Utah with the Harvies (except Angie, Sarah&Kassidy :[ ) having a barbeque and Alexa&Jet & Megumi&Sho came too- it was just so fantastic.
I felt so completely content with the world, because I had so many people around me that I love dearly.
The weather was perfect, I made soft pretzels earlier, and we had the most stunning view of the mountains.
Lots of laughter, twinkling eyes, hugs, smiles and love.
To top it off we were celebrating our history, our country.
The last time I remember being that peaceful&happy so completely was in Nauvoo.
words can't fully describe it.
makes me happy thinking about it.

It's been a while.

So Alexa informed me that my mum&I haven't updated our blog since Brilla died.

Lo Siento.
I actually finally watched Marley&Me again last week. Cried like a baby of course, but I managed. It's a good movie.

Things have been... good here.
Brother got married, Adam. couldn't make it out to the wedding- mum was in the hospital, she's fine now, but we didn't get to go. Been working like crazy on their present though.

The Harvies and the Waltons come through Vegas from time to time which makes it wonderful here. Love them dearly.

Got to go to Utah for a 4th of July. To see Stadium of Fire. (the Five Browns performed... & Carrie Underwood- who surprised me. But the Five Browns were fantastic, played a tribute to John Williams (a lot of Darth Vader's theme))

Saw our old hometown Payson. It's changed a lot. 2 of my 3 elementary schools were torn down and replaced. Main Street is different too.
Wildflower Grill is still there :DD yay.
Peteetneet is still as tall as ever. Actually my first act in Payson was rollling down the hill by the Academy. It was just as fantastic as I remembered. Also peeked in for the quilt show.

then Spent the most wonderful week with the Harvies.
Saw Alexa and Jet too! a couple times. Just as great times as they used to be- if not better.
You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Megumi and Sho made an appearance as well. Sho is so OLD!! I remember when he wasn't tall enough to ride the New York New York rollercoaster.
Now he's a regular teenager. Crazy when did I get old? I don't recall this.

LOVED seeing the Harvie kids and grandkids. I cannot stress this enough. I really adored seeing everyone again. I consider them family. Family I don't get to see often but family nonetheless.

It was so relaxing and cool! Temperature wise. & so beautiful.

Brilla- Bright Light of Life.

Lately I've been in the unwanted habit of waking up between 2 and 3 in the morning and unable to get to sleep.
This morning I was grateful for that.
I woke up on the couch in the back room. I hadn't even made it to my bed- I got up because I can never go back to sleep immediately. I heard Brilla (Bree-ya) whine just a little bit, I had put her on my bed before I fell asleep- intending to let her sleep with me- but now she was wanted to get down. I let her down and petted her as she walked slowly to the water bowl and took a drink. I sat down at the computer reading MLIA. I heard her go out the doggy door. 20 minutes later she still hadn't come back and I was about to go back to bed. I decided to go out and see if she was alright.
I am so grateful that I did- and I am sure that I was prompted too as well.

Heavenly Father knows us so well- and he knew that I would be utterly heartbroken if I had found her in the morning- cold and alone.

She’s wrapped in a sheet that was Grandma Camacho’s. We felt it was fitting. Grandparents Camacho adored her.

She was the best dog. My first dog.

I remember the first time I saw her. 2nd grade, Mum and Dru drove up to Barnett Elementary to see me- Mom had this furry thing behind her neck- I thought Dru had done hunting or something and nabbed a white fox- but it was Brilla, she loved sitting on people’s necks when she was little. Mum pulled the puppy from behind her neck and presented the creature to me. She was so small and adorable. Mum said she looked like a tribble.

They named her Brilla luz di Vida. Bright Light of Life. She was the runt of her litter- but more than willing to take on her brothers. She had the heart of a lion.

One time in Payson AZ, she ran right up to this husky and licked his nose. :] She played with our Great Dane, Chispa- Brilla would hop from furniture piece to furniture piece, while Chispa followed her on the ground in our living room. Brilla even broke her leg playing the yard with the big dogs- but that never stopped her.

I keep looking at that box wondering how it can hold her. She always seemed so much bigger, and it feels like such a little box.

Oh I just remembered the first squeaky toy we got her! We had never purchased a toy with a squeaker (is that what you call it?) and Mum had bought her this little toy bunny- we didn’t know it had a squeaker. When Brilla accidentally squeaked it- she jumped so high and far away from it. So cute! She was scared of that thing for the next few hours- but quickly learned the fun of it.

She was the best travel companion, and my confidant.
I feel blessed to have her in my life for these past 15 years.
She taught me love, loyalty and how to stand up for myself- and I taught her how to climb stairs. Hardly feels fair, but she was amazing like that.

HoneyBee Desert Cottage

If you don't know- my mum and I are making Aprons!

(well honestly, she's doing the sewing- I'm pretty much only cutting fabric (sometimes) and editing the photos)

We have a blog for our Apron selection

We call it HoneyBee Desert Cottage.

http://honeybeecottage.blogspot.com/

Here's some pictures of the Aprons we've been making- feel free to ask us about anything!

We're getting near the season!

This is one of my favorites from our Hostess Apron line.

check out the site for more aprons- there is quite a bit of variety! We even have some dog walking aprons!