A TRUE joy

One of my best friends just left on his mission to the Dominican Republic. I already miss him and it's harldy been 24 hours, but I'm so excited for him to be able to go teach the gospel and share the love of God with the people he will meet. In a way, I wish it was me going and doing that; I love the feeling you get when you see the look on those people's faces. But he will be an amazing missionary, I know he will! And more importantly, I know why he is going.
Lately I've tried a little bit harder to come a little bit closer to the Lord. It's been my strongest desire, and while up at girl's camp I started my long journey. I know that no matter what, the Lord loves me. He didn't die for us, he died for me; he died for you. Even after all the pain He suffered in Gethsemane, He would do it again for me. I wish every one in the world could feel the power of that truth. I know that he hears prayers, he hears thoughts and feelings...he hears my heart...because he is always right there, listening. He is so in tune to me. And not only does he hear, he responds!! He answers, he blesses, he leads, he guides, he prods, he motivates, he loves. No matter what, he loves. He has given us every thing needed to find happiness, not only in the large picture, but day by day, moment by moment.
I can't wait for my dear friend to bless the dear, beloved children of the Dominican Republic. I feel a love for those people....even though I don't know them...at all. I love my friend that's so excited to go share the joy with them. I love my Savior for all he does, for the directions he has led my life, and the opportunities and love he has filled it with. Life is a miracle.

Subtle reminders

The other day I decided to watch Pearl Harbor again. It's been so long...

I can't recall a time in a very long while that I've cried so hard during a movie. It reminded me of everything good I have, everyone I love in my life, and how simple life can be, yet we choose to make it so busy and hectic and place the least important things highest up on our list of concerns. I think I will always love that movie.

Laurels Camp to kick it off...Girls Camp to bring it home

Girls camp, girls camp, girls camp! And Laurels camp! Laurels camp was something new for me. Until I moved to Idaho I had never heard of such a thing. Basically, it's a special girls camp directed and held simply for the laurels. Monday was spent setting up camp and cleaning out cabins for when the younger girls would get there on Wednesday, but Tuesday was amazing. We had firesides back to back from 10 am that morning till 10pm that night. Though it was very, very difficult to sit still for that long, the spirit was so strong, and the messages so sweet and pure, and uplifting and inspiring, it was SOOOO worth it! We were all on such a spiritual high, and it lasted all through the rest of camp. :)

Me and my friend Katie :) Love the girl to death!

While we were cleaning out the cabins, we found a huge rat nest in the corner (old dead rat included) and the priesthood were called upon to come take it away. See the joy on their faces!! Lol, lets just say they were NOT thrilled about that one. ;)

While my friend, Ashley, and I were getting ready to certify for CPR down at the pool, we found an awesome mask that we were CONVINCED was just crawling with bird flu ;) Do you like our mask?

That night our ward got all painted up and we did Indian dances around the campfire. We

roasted marshmallows and starbursts (yum yum!!) and pretty much partied.

This is my Texas buddy, Steph

All us girls being crazy!

Stacie and I demonstrating what NOT to do with knives....

...and how to build a very sufficient bed roll. :)

And last but not least, here is my tiny little friend that I found hiding in our cabin, and I immediately loved him. We named him Plimpton!

**DISCLAIMER: Much to some disbelief, Plimpton is not my prince, and I did not/would not kiss him. Cute as he may be...I'm not ready for my prince just yet. ;)

Pioneer Day celebrations in a little place called Oakley, Idaho :)

So, for Pioneer day, we decided to take a trip to go visit my dad't friend and his family in their little farm town, Oakley, Idaho. Every year the town holds a huge Pioneer day celebration, so we decided to join the festivities.





















That night my dad's friend and his family took us to a little musical called 'Paint Your Wagon' put on by the people of the town. That was fun!
Then the adults went to a dance in the park. Us kids went back to the house and watched a movie. We stayed up late, laughing and talking.
Early the next morning we joined the town in the park for a delicious breakfast. Mmm, yum!

After breakfast the adults decided to go listen to a speaker. Instead of ALL of us going along, the boys took Skyler and I four-wheeling! :) That was SOOO much fun!

Me on my four-wheeler. :D (Hailey was showing me the little tiny kitten....)















Sky and my mom with one of the younger boys...
















We made a small stop at the barn before we started on our awesome voyage.
The reason for our stop?? To take a spin on this bad boy. ;)

See the look of mild panick on my face??




















But, I did actually drive it. And it was awesome! Not too hard, either (contrary to my original beliefs lol). This is my dad's friend giving me some "How to Drive a John Deere 101" ;)
















That afternoon we went rock climbing/viewing at the City of Rocks. This particular rock is called "The Bread Loaf".



















































This is just a pic of some of the surroundings. These rocks don't have a particular name that I can remember...they look cool anyways!















Afterwards, we stopped by the freshwater creek, and got a drink. It was so cold and it tasted, SOOOO good!!

It was a fantastic weekend.