We help the Homeless

August 11th - 17th

Well, on sunday I found out Merrill was going back to SUU a week earlier than everyone :( So I decided to go play with her for awhile. I hate when everyone goes back to school. I am really happy that Heather, Mandy, Merrill and I went to New York because it was really the last BIG thing we could do together before everything would change. I still can't believe Mandy and Tanner worked out. I'm so happy for the two of them! Anyways, tangent over. I went to Bryans house for dinner and then we watched episodes of Duck Dynasty and Top Gear with everyone.

So, on tuesday I decided that it was time for a "me" night. I hung out at home, I watched Charlie and the Life of Pi. Super lazy, but hey! Sometimes those nights are necessary. I feel like I am always going from one thing to the next ya know?

On Wednesday baby Bryan was sick, so I went to his house to keep him company. I finally got him to watch Les Mis! He actually liked it too.

Thursday was the most RANDOM day. We decided at work that we were going to make a video to promote helping the homeless. We bought clothes from the D.I., Little Ceasars and Gatorades. We litterally drove around Salt Lake City looking for homeless people to pass everything out to. I will say, it was a bit awkward, but then there were some people who were so grateful that it made up for it. When we got done, we went to Tucanos. MMMMmmmmmmm yummmy. Sometimes I just absolutely love my job!!

My grandma was in town that night, so I went to see her for awhile! I love seeing her, and I'm g lad she came out to take care of my mom. Grandma helped her set up the house and make it feel more like home by hanging pictures and organizing everything. Vern, my step grandpa asked me to come outside, apparently they had china for me from my Great Grandma! She passed away earlier this year, and there was just so much stuff that they didn't know what to do with. When he started talking to me about them, I found out they actually belonged to my Great Great Grandma and they were being passed down to me! How cool is that? I don't think I have ever gotten something like that before. The china is SO beautiful. So, that night I went back to Bryans house and we watched the Truman show. I have to say, not my favorite movie. The strangest story line, and it was just one of those movies that frustrated me the whole time. However, I got to cuddle and take care of sicky. That makes up for the strange movie.

So saturday I went out to look for bridesmaid dresses for Jessicas wedding. Brooke came with me, and we couldn't find anything at all in her colors. turquoise is such a tough color to find, and it isn't really a fall color. Bryan and I were texting, and I found out randomly that we were going on a double date with his parents? I'm so down, but he hadn't told me anything at all! He's a planner for sure ;) We went to dinner at Johnny Carino's. Dinner was really good, Bryan and I got two different meals and shared. I like how we usually share things. Dinner was really great with his parents. Janet and Rick are so entertaining to me, and I like talking with Janet.

After our date we drove to my moms house to celebrate Laurens Birthday early with my Grandma Sherry. We had Root-beer Floats and cake. We even watched some home movies, and then the beginning of Monsters University. Later we met up with friends down by the Jordan River to have a bon fire. Colton, Garrett, Daryl, Brooke and Kyle. The best part of the night, is that when I got home, I realized I had left my phone in Bryans car!!! Left my phone in Bryans car....... I rushed inside, got on Facebook and messaged him right away. I felt so silly! Thankfully he doesn't live to far because I had to drive back to pick it up! I am a special human being. I'm glad that we were able to fit everything in that night though, because I wasn't sure that we were going to be able to!

To Fairview We Go.

Tuesday

Well tuesday was a fun day. I went to work of course, and after work I got to go to a  drive in movie with Merril and Heather. I wanted to invite Bryan, but he had to do fantasy football with his boys. Apparently the only time they could all get together to do it was that night at like 10pm. Anyways, I got girl time, so that was great :) We went to Despicable Me 2 in Merrils fun little white truck. We had blankets and that movie was SO funny. Those minions get to me. Too cute.

Thursday

Bryan and I went to a Wedding Reception for  The Loveridges. The wedding was cute, but oh how it makes me want to be with Bryan forever. I know I will, just not yet :) When the reception finished we drove over to Brandon Warners house. He also served in Ukraine, and since we had so many missionaries all in one pace we had to go play and talk more. I really do enjoy seeing all of those missionaries because they were so much apart of him for the last two years.

Friday

Ah FRIDAY. The day I was waiting for all week. I worked for most of the day, and when Bryan was finally off of work, I drove up to the point of the mountain to meet up with Bryans dad. Then it was off to Fairview. The drive was great, except I felt dumb because I told Bryan about Angela and Ron wanting to promote me and have me stay with them after I graduate. I guess I felt silly because I have been going to school for ASL and to teach, but now I'm not sure what I want. There is part of me that would love to stay with the company for a long time. I love them, it is a safe environment and I have room to grow there. I can just see myself staying there. At the same time, I've been planning on being a teacher, and I don't want my education in Deaf Studies to not be used. We'll just have to see what feels right.

Well, the cabin that night was fun. We played lots of games, and we ate snacks. I love how being with them is the best thing in the world. I'm not bored ever, and life just feels good.

Saturday, we got up, Rick and Janet made us breakfast and we just hung out! Bryan and I went four-wheeling a few times, and we even went on a fun ride with his parents. Oh how BEAUTIFUL it was. I love how peaceful it is up there, and how the world just goes away and everything feels perfect. On top of that, I got to be with the boy I love more than anything.

That night when we got home, I was not ready to leave at all. However, I was happy because heather asked me to come over and we had ourselves a  girls night. What more could you a girl ask for. Hershey's chocolate milk, fruit snack and hot tamales. Heathers house is the best.

Boating sun and fun.

July 28th - August 3rd

Well Wednesday was beautiful, and I went to work. Nothing much to report of here. However, work is still going great. So, after work Bryan and I decided to cross off another adventure from our summer list! We drove up Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Doughnut Falls. I love this hike because it is short, easy and pretty. I would call this a perfect nature stroll. Nothing like being able to breath and not want to throw up when I'm hiking (memories of good ol' Mt. Timpanogas). The hike was great, lots of good conversation as always with my boy. We got up to the little falls and it was very pretty! The only thing was it was already getting dark because we started our hike a bit late. Anyway, I really enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with my best friend.

Friday - May I say, I had a great start to my morning :) My thoughtful boyfriend forgot to mention that his family decided they would be picking me up at 8am..... He calls me like 10 minutes before picking me up to let me know they are on their way. I know I was going boating, but I REALLY needed a shower. So I jumped in so fast, washed my hair and yes - I blow dryed my hair so they wouldn't know I washed my hair right before I was about to jump into a dirty, dirty lake. It is magic  that i was ready on time. Well, they arrived and off we went!

After we picked up the boat from his Uncles house, we drove down to Utah Lake. Saturday was seriously a beautiful day! We began  taking turns for water skiing and oh how nervous I was for my turn because I had only skied once in my life and it had been 4 years since. Surprisingly, all went well and I popped right up! I actually think I may like it more than wake boarding. I didn't think I would. Uncle Gary showed up later and he is an insane boat driver. He is a really funny man as well. Anyway, we moved onto wake boarding and we all seemed to do well on that. I'm so glad I got up though, because I had told Bryan in so many letters how I was getting better at it each time I went with my ward. I still can't go in and out of the wakes very well, but hopefully I will be able to someday!

So naturally, I'm always afraid I won't look very pretty at these kinds of activities. Especially as the day goes on and there is not a bit of make up left on my face. But of course Bryan saved  the day when he got home from boating and he told me I am beautiful and the most gorgeous girl ever. Ah. Serious butterfly moment right there. We all went home and showered and got back together for a good old fashioned American summer night dinner. Hamburgers. Yum. Bryan and I went to Walmart to buy 42 and then we all watched it together as a family.  While we were watching, I just had this overwhelming feeling of how much I love Bryan. The blunt little girl in me told him "I know I say this too often, but I really really really love you". He then told me I really know how to give him butterflies :) So we ended the night by reading scriptures with his family and me going home. I'm kind of grateful for my life.

Saturday was pretty dang great as well. Heather, Merril and I drove down to Seven Peaks for a girls day. It was packed, but we still got to go on a few slides, chill in the wave pool and get our tan on. These girls are just the absolute best. I'm sad Merrill will be going back to school in a week.

Later that night I met up with Bryan and we went to his Mission Reunion! There were so many people there. We had food, talking and a talent show. I love meeting all of these people and seeing others that I have already met. Oleg, Fitz, Warner, Tautkus, Harris and so many more were there. They are just kind loving people. They make me feel welcome and part of their group. I'm happy that Bryan served with such a good group of people, and that they all became such good friends. They work hard to see each other often which is something I don't think most missionaries experience. I am pretty sure we will end up being friends with many of them for a long time. Well, I guess  that is the end of this week. But I am so incredibly blessed.