Our Story

February 14th, 2013
I carried my suitcase to the Wash Hut parking lot to get in the car with a stranger boy who was kind enough to give me a ride to St. George for the weekend (I was going home to complete the last step of my mission papers, oops!)

February 18th, 2013
After the weekend had ended, I sat once more in the car with Scott, the stranger boy. I spent a good majority of the ride trying to think of ways to suggest that we should hang out sometime. I chickened out, but luckily Scott asked me on a date as he dropped me off at my apartment.

February 23rd, 2013
The first date was memorable-- we ate Indian food, went to the BYU Men's Volleyball game, and I, naturally, ended the night on a graceful note by slipping on the ice (seriously all the way down on my booty. I wanted to die!)

March 16, 2013
Luckily, Scott didn't judge me too much for slipping on the ice. On our fourth date, we went to a Jazz game. For some reason, I just knew he was going to hold my hand that night. That's all  I could think about the WHOLE game. Finally, the boy grabbed my hand. He still doesn't let me forget how clammy my hands were that night-- gross huh!!

March 29, 2013
Scott and I smooched for the first time on my doorstep as he was dropping me off from a date--it was so sweet and perfect.

(Our first picture together. This was taken on the same night as our first kiss. Crazy tender, right?) 

March 30, 2013

We took a little stroll around the block. Both of us were a little awkward (me more than Scott), but on this night we decided that we would officially and exclusively date each other. I knew that I was already CRAZY about this boy. 

It wasn't long after this that I decided that there was no way I was leaving Provo for the upcoming summer. I liked this boy an awful lot, and I absolutely did not want to ruin anything with him. So, yep, I stayed! 

May 13, 2013

It was my birthday, and Scott was with me at my parents' house. We went downstairs, he gave me a gift, and we hugged for a minute. Suddenly, Scott said, "I love you." That was the first time he had said it. And honestly, I loved him too... I had for awhile. :) 

The summertime was so perfect. I made numerous calls to my mom telling her that I loved this boy so much and that if it didn't work out with him, I might just die. 

One night, towards the end of June, we started talking marriage. I knew that I wanted to marry him. Early on in our relationship, I just knew that he was someone special, someone that I wanted to have around for a long while. What I saw in Scott was everything I ever wanted in a future husband plus so much more. Throughout the summer, I would pray and pray that things would work out with this wonderful boy who I believed was perfect for me. 

We decided to get married. We went ring shopping. Scott talked to my dad. 

July 26th, 2013

I was with my family at our annual family reunion in one of my favorite places in the entire world-- Pine Valley, UT. Before I left Provo, Scott told me about some potential plans he had for the weekend. I cried because I was going to miss him (3 days is a long time to be away from each other, you know! Ha ha!). So needless to say, I wasn't suspecting anything when my mom told me, on Friday night, that our family was going to do a little treasure hunt for all of the cousins. Little did I know that at the end of this treasure hunt, my treasure (Scott) would be at the end, waiting for me at the Pine Valley Chapel. When we arrived at the chapel, I was instructed to go get the last clue by myself. After no success in finding it, I turned around just in time to see my sweetheart coming from the side of the chapel. With roses in hand, and the prettiest ring I've ever seen, my Scott asked me to be his forever. I couldn't have been more confident in the "yes" I gave him. 

5 weeks from today, I will enter the temple with the boy I have always hoped for and dreamed about. I didn't think it was possible to trust someone and love someone this much. But I do. I love this boy with all of my heart. I am the luckiest girl in the entire world to have the privilege of being with him forever.

Just a little story

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to go home and be a bridesmaid at one of my very best friend's wedding. Ashley was such a gorgeous bride, and the day was just absolutely perfect!

That was on Friday, and I stayed in St. George for the rest of the weekend. As the weekend went on, I got sick, sick, sick! Maybe I'm a baby, but I haven't felt that way in a long time. On Sunday morning, I woke up with a burning fever. I was so sad when I realized that I was probably going to miss hearing my little brother's talk in sacrament meeting, eating dinner with my two cute grandmas, going to a family get-together, and spending time with my cute boyfriend later that night. I was bummed (sounds a little bit selfish, but it's true, I was pretty sad!) As I was trying to get out of bed, I realized that I was probably going to be sick all day. I'm ashamed to say that it took me awhile to think of this, but I realized that my very own dad was downstairs, and I decided to ask him for a priesthood blessing. 

He willingly gave me a blessing, and within like ten minutes, my fever was gone, and my aches and pains were disappearing. 

Such a simple little miracle. 

But it just amazes me that while Heavenly Father has much bigger things to worry about than a sad, feverish girl sick in bed, He still takes the time to help me and heal me. What a comfort it is to know that Heavenly Father has a hand in every single, little part of my life (even if it is just a fever). 

Lucky

So, a few hours ago, I wrapped up my sophomore year with a 145 question test. It was exhausting, and I think my neck is going to be stiff for the next couple of days--but regardless of all that melodramatic stuff, I feel blessed beyond measure. Honestly, I feel like I might just be the luckiest girl in the world.
Here's why:

I seriously can't imagine what my life would be like without these girls, and I can hardly believe I've known them for just a year and a half. They've made such a difference in my life, and I know that they will do the same in every single place they are headed to (London, Paris, Daejeon, Bahia Blanca, Toronto, etc. :)). 

And a few more reasons why I feel pretty blessed:

I get to see my fam bam this weekend

I only had to take one test in the JSB auditorium during finals week

I found out the BYU creamery has gluten-free hamburger buns

I get to spend my summer in lovely Provo

I have a new job at the MTC

I get to spend time with a super cute boy (seriously, he's so great!)

My list might be able to go on for awhile....

But seriously, I feel so fortunate. I know with all of my heart that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly. He has a plan for me. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is enabling and has the power to transform every mediocre part of my life. By myself, I can do nothing--Christ's Atonement makes all the difference in changing me from where I am now to become something better. Even though I get frustrated sometimes by my total lack of even being close to perfect, I know that every single day, step by step, Heavenly Father, through the remarkable power of His Son's sacrifice, takes me by the hand and walks with me through my weak efforts to become more like Him. 

I'm blessed. 

If I were president

If I were president:

1) You could buy packages of just pink Starbursts. At Costco.

2) It would be illegal to eat a tuna fish sandwich in the middle of your college lecture hall. Mmmm, I can almost smell it now.

3) More people would stand in the middle of the sidewalks at Brigham Young University during class change... making out. Yep, that was totally a joke.

4) Everyone would cheer for you if you slipped and fell on the ice.

5) My background music would sound a little bit like this:

Would that be awesome or what?

6) There would be a National Si Robertson Day where everyone would, yep you guessed it, talk like Silas Robertson himself.

7) Everyone would, on that note, grow a Robertson beard.

8) No one would smack their lips while they were eating or lick their fingers when they were done. Naaaasty. 

9) The stairs up the hill to campus wouldn't look like this: 

But rather, would look more like this:

10) Honey Boo Boo would be my VP. 

Vote for me.

Just in case you really want to know what I think about guns

"First it's pretty tires, then it's pretty guns...next thing you know, you're shavin' your beard and wearin' capri pants!"
-The Si Robertson

So... Obviously people have been going a little cra-cra over the topic of gun control. President Obama came out yesterday with his concrete plan of action regarding it. I think it was a good one. People can still have guns (which is good because maybe people will stop posting memes about gun control, pictures of themselves with their guns in front of their fireplaces, etc. It's a little odd, people!)  BUT, don't you think these tragic acts of violence aren't actually all about the guns? 

I'm probably kinda ignorant because I practically know diddly squat about all the details of the second amendment... blah blah blah, BUT yeah. From my perspective, guns can't always be the problem. Taking guns away from people isn't going to end any violence. 

What about the kids that are allowed to sit in their basements all day playing Call of Duty? Or the kids whose parents who aren't involved one bit in their lives? To me, that is the source of the problem. Nothing the government can do will ever be able to change what we do inside our homes. 

What is it teaching kids when they watch uber violent movies and the "hero" is just like shooting people right and left without any punishment? It's just weird to me. 

Let's face the truth. I'm only 19 years old, and obviously I've never raised a child, so duh.. I don't know how hard it is. I am also not named Metta World Peace either, so yeah, I think guns are okay... maybe even necessary.

But hello, people! Bad things are happening here! Something obviously has gotta happen! I personally think it should start in the home through being more involved in the lives of children and having a control over how much of the junky violent media comes into the home. 

Obviously every situation is different, and obviously I am not super informed on the whole issue, but doesn't it just make sense that things that are happening in the homes probably are having the biggest impact on society? It's not just about whether you can go stock up on guns and ammunition. I think the violent tendencies and thoughts start a lot earlier than the moment the wackos have the guns in their hands. 

I bet we, as individual families, could probably make the biggest difference. 

  

A New Year

Seriously?! 2012 is already OVER? Crazy crazy craziness. Like where did the time even go? My 2012 consisted of :
 an 18 credit winter semester
late-night LOST marathons
a 4 credit Italian class
saying goodbye to my precious freshman year
relationship ends and beginnings
a dreamy vacation to Southern California
the annual camping trip to Pine Valley
summer afternoons working at the dry cleaners, plus..
 summer nights working at Pancho and Lefty's
moving into my new apartment at Liberty Square
changing my major like four times
my first experience disco skating (yeah, wasn't pretty)
BYU football games
thug Thursdays
being diagnosed with Celiac Disease
tears after Mitt the man was defeated
spinning around I-15 during a snowstorm
volunteering at an elementary school in Provo
post-test Cafe Rio celebrations
having the best roommates in the world
a huge obsession with Duck Dynasty
lots and lots of burnt meals

etc. etc. etc.
Simply put, it's been a wonderful year.

A side note:
You probably haven't heard about this movie or been bombarded with Facebook statuses of how beautiful it is or viewed like two hundred Instagram fanatics posting model shots of  Marius or sung "Do You Hear the People Sing" in the shower everyday, so let me fill you in. Okay, but really. I will join in with my social media peeps and say that this was the most incredible movie ever.

That's all I've got. Happy 2013.

Some webcam gems from twenty-twelve:

I love my Hayden, but I don't love my hair

I can't believe I'm allowing this to go viral.

Hope ya like my neck.

Hold onto your seats, folks

I'm back, ladies and gents. Here's what I've been up to lately:

I love my roommates, Halloween, and caramel apples.

Matchy matchy roomies before the ward Halloween party! Don't worry, Lindsey and I totally won the 'Best Nerds' award. 

Okay, so we took this picture right after the dedication of the Brigham City Temple. These twelve girls are amazing! We were in the same ward together last year, and now we are all next door neighbors. Let's just say it's always a party! Totally love them!

My favorite Sunday afternoon spot. I am such a lucky girl to have this right down the street.

It doesn't get any better than a good BYU football game.

My cute friend Dacy came down to Provo, and we all went to a haunted house together. Holy cow, I haven't screamed/laughed that hard in a looooong time. 

So, there's a little bit about what's been going on around these parts. 

School is wonderful. It really blows my mind everyday that I have the opportunity to attend BYU. I love this place. 

But, I'm not gonna lie, we are right in the middle of the semester, and amid all of the tests and study groups and papers and presentations I sometimes want to quit.

Yeah, I'm a little melodramatic probably.

But there are some dang tough, discouraging days. 

You would think I would've figured this out permanently by now, but every single day Heavenly Father reminds me that I really can do hard things with His help. 

I'm such a weak girl, but because Heavenly Father sacrificed His Son for me, the difference can be made up. 

And that makes a world of difference to me. 

Don't mistake me for your babushka

 

Look at what college is doing to me!

Check out those bags under my eyes and those wrinkles on my forehead.

Uh oh, talk about premature aging.

Next week I'll probably sprout a patch of gray hair and kids on campus will accidentally call me grandma.

 

Today was a long day.

 

But everything is so good.

SO stinking good.

 

 

 

 

 



I love summertime

I always feel a little ounce of melancholy when I realize that I have one more week of summer left.

I will miss a wallet that is currently full of quarters (hello, college laundromat).

I will miss driving with my mom to drop my siblings off at school. They really love it when I yell "remember who you are" out the window as they walk away.

I will miss being attacked by bats on our nightly walks.

I will miss the 110 degree weather (haha!)

I will miss seeing the St. George temple everytime I drive into town.

Basically, I will just miss home.

BUT.. I decided to be a die-hard fan yesterday and jam out to this...

and I think I started crying.

Honestly, I love being a BYU student, and I'm excited to go back.

Time for today's random fact:

Last week after having some blood work done, it was discovered that I probably have Celiac Disease. This means that I am now on a gluten-free diet.

Is it sad that when the nurse called to tell me what they found I immediately thought about the fact that I can't eat my mom's mint brownies anymore? Seriously, if you haven't ever had those brownies before then you must live a very sad life.

Happy last week of summer!

Also, watch this Mormon message. I loved it! It's so powerful.



Comeback Team

Aren't they awesome?

Goodbye, Obama, Biden and total delirium.

Hello, Romney, Ryan and sanity.



Happy happy happy

Tonight was my last Tuesday working at Pancho and Lefty's, a popular mexican restaurant here in St. George.

As I was walking past a certain table this fella (who, I'm not gonna lie, was a little tipsy) motioned me over to talk to him.

He said to me, "Girl, could you do something for me?"

"Okay."

"Could you just smile, please? Are you sad?"

"No, I'm actually really happy."

"Then smile."

I smiled, but in my head I was thinking that that son of a gun was probably delusional and I was certain that I had been smiling all along.

Yeah, I was probably wrong.

In the midst of daily routines and monotonous tasks, I think I oftentimes forget that I have an awful lot to smile about.

My mom made my favorite mint brownies last night.

My dad danced around to the Beatles on Saturday morning while he cooked pancakes.

I am a BYU student.

I have the greatest friends in all the world.

I was able to work a lot this summer.

All such sweet things that make me oh, so happy.

But most importantly, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know that there is a living prophet.

I know that I can pray to my Heavenly Father and that He will hear me.

I know that Jesus Christ suffered for my sins-- He knows exactly what I experience everyday.

I know that families are forever, and I know that someday I can be married in the temple to begin my own eternal family.

I know that I can find strength, support and answers in the scriptures everyday.

And I know that the Father of us all knows my name and loves me on a deep, individual level.

I belong to the true Church of Jesus Christ.

What more could a girl need to be completely happy?

So thank you, sir, for reminding me to smile and for reminding me that I have so much to be happy about.



Don't mind me

There's been lots on my mind lately...

Since when does back-to-school shopping look like this?

Oh baby. 

I love missionaries.

Please do your best to disregard the fact that I look like a blind woman in this photo, but this kid is one of my very best friends, and he left for his mission today. I guess it's because I'm getting older, but the whole missionary leaving and coming home thing is really affecting me.

I'm such a lucky girl to have such stalwart young men as my friends.

Also, I think I'm changing my major to Human Development.

Journalism to Human Development?

Yeah, doesn't make sense to me either, but it sure feels right.

More about that later.

I'm crazy crazy crazy about this song! Seriously, I think I listen to it like twenty times a day.

The band originated in Provo. Yes, Provo! So... I feel like I have a connection? Okay, not really... but really. You're going to like this song. I promise.



Thoughts on a Sunday afternoon...

Life is pretty funny sometimes.

I usually have times when I think I know exactly what I want and exactly how things will work out.

Silly me.

Things change... all the time.

Majors change, relationships can change and we are always making mistakes.

But there is one person who is constant-- our Heavenly Father. And the wonderful thing is that He has a plan for each of us. I'm so grateful for the fact that He loves me enough to let me go through things that point me to a better path (as painful as it can be sometimes).

I also know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to live and die for me. Jesus understands my little heartaches. He has been through it all.

I know that through Him I can always be striving to become better. Trials and confusion are usually the exact things that remind us of how much better we can be and of how much closer we can be coming to Jesus.

I am so eternally grateful to a Savior that never, ever gives up on me. Seriously, I can be such a stubborn girl.. But He loves me despite of all of that.

What a blessing.

Also, have you heard this arrangement of Savior, Redeemer of My Soul?

I love it so much.



Amanda

Yesterday was my baby sister's 17th birthday.

It was a fun, fun day.

I even made some ghetto birthday decorations.

This sister of mine is a pearl of a girl.

Seriously, she has it all together; she is totally going places!

She is my only sister, but she is also my best friend.

I love her so much.

People always say that they have the best siblings in the world...

but sorry folks, mine are the greatest.

California Dreaming

Thanks for a fantastic week, California.

Mmmmm... it was good.

I loved spending time with my family; we made some great memories.

We had the lovely opportunity to stay at a little apartment on the grounds of the Los Angeles Temple.

It was such a blessing to be able to go do baptisms with my younger siblings a couple of mornings that we were there.

I love this temple-- it is seriously sooo beautiful.

We spent a day at Disneyland. Seriously, I think every time I go I like it even more.

This picture was taken after my experience on California Screamin'-- the biggest roller coaster in the park. Folks, I hate roller coasters. But.. I finally gave in and got in line for this bad boy.

And... as painful as it is for me to say... I kinda liked it.

Of course, we visited a couple of beaches.

I am crazy about the beach...

On Tuesday, we went to the beautiful Newport Beach and drove around Balboa Island.

Oh my gosh... so in love.

This particular picture was taken at Huntington Beach.

We said good-bye to the beach last night by taking a stroll down the pier.

Ahhhh, so perfect.

Yeah, I loved this week big time.



The annual Lindsey campout

We just got home from yet another fantastic year at the Lindsey campout!

After spending a couple of days in the lovely outdoors, I realize that I am entirely in love with:

Pine Valley, UT, chubby babies, bike rides, homemade donuts, outdoor movies, family walks when it's overcast, hammocks, the elderly campground hosts (wouldn't that be THE life?), summer thunderstorms, happy kids with dirt-covered faces, dutch oven potatoes, lawn chair gatherings, and.... my family.

I'm crazy about them.

You know those people that make you want to be better just by spending a little while with them?

Yeah, that's exactly how my family makes me feel.

I love my adorable grandma, my aunts and uncles, my inspiring older cousins and those darling younger cousins.

I love my mom who reassures me that the wild turkey that is about to attack our tent is in all reality my little brother talking in his sleep, and I admire my younger sister who happily agrees to sleep under the stars with me (don't worry, it didn't actually happen).

Basically... the people that make up this family of mine happen to be my favorite people in the world.

Lucky me.



Roots

Last weekend, my mom, Christian, Hayden and I paid a visit to Price, UT for a family reunion.

The little towns surrounding Price are the places of my ancestors.

It was a special weekend as we were able to visit sites pertaining to our family's history.

Check out all of those Lindseys making the trek out to the old Coke ovens.

Hayden is such a tender-hearted boy.

These are some of the best people I know-- my Grandma and my Grandpa's brothers.

My Grandpa Doug used to hit home runs at this very baseball diamond.

These pictures from our little adventure in Price probably don't mean much to anyone..

But to me, they symbolize SO MUCH.

As we were walking down the narrow streets of Wellington, Sunnyside and Columbia, Utah I could almost picture what it was like at the time my grandparents were living there.

These sweet, run-down towns were once alive and vibrant.

However, it's the people that came from those towns that make me eternally grateful.

I learn so much from them. I learn of faith, loyalty, devotion, humor, love and service.

I learn what it means to be truly in love, dedicated to the gospel and committed to the strengthening of family.

I am such a lucky girl to come from a family like this.

And then I think.... What am I doing today to bless my posterity?

Oh heavens, I could be doing so much more.

I want to be the kind of mother and grandmother that my children and their children will be grateful for.

I thank Heavenly Father every day for the righteous examples and motivations that I see in my ancestors. I want nothing more than to be like them.

Me? Domestic?

Ladies and gents, there is hope.

Although these loaves of Zupfe (a Swiss braided bread) look slightly deformed...

they tasted delish!

Nothing burned or started on fire, and no one died after eating them.

Future children, maybe, just maybe, you won't starve after all.

My angel mother

"All I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

Honest Abe was never more honest...

And this is exactly how I feel about my very own angel mother.

Cute mom and sister.

How did I get so lucky to be able to be born to such a wonderful woman?

Since May 13, 1993 she has been my true and constant friend.

Her advice is perfect.

Her faith is steadfast.

Seriously, she has been through more than most people I know, yet she handles every day filled with grace and service.

She is devoted to the gospel.

She magnifies her callings.

She never ever complains.. even when we all give her a hard, hard time.

I wrote this in my journal one lonely day during my first year at school:

"Why did I wish away those precious years when I was able to just walk downstairs and get a hug from my mom? It's hard nights like these when I just wish I could run down to her room and sit next to her and cry. She always makes me feel better. It's in the gentle way that she strokes my hair and in the way she starts to cry when she sees a tear fall down my own cheek. She is the best mom in the world. I want to be just like her. I miss being with her (my best friend) every day."

I hope and pray that I can be even close to as good as she is someday.

The thing that I love most about my mom is that she makes me want to get to know my Savior better.

Her life reflects His love. She really is a witness of Him through the way she humbly lives her life.

I am so blessed to be her daughter.

My St. George

Did I ever mention just how lucky I feel to live in this place?

Kind of a bad picture, but today I looked outside and immediately felt so grateful that I am able to call St. George home.

.This has been my place for 19 years.

And boy, am I blessed because of it.