Squishy Burrito

My Dog Squishy Burrito died this morning. It was pretty hard to swallow the fact that our small furry member of the family passed on. She was pretty amazing for a Chihuahua as she never barked (except when she didn't know who they where and made it known that they where a friend) and always wanted to snuggle with you. remember that line in Finding Nemo when Dory is talking to the small jelly fish? And I shall Call him squishy and the squishy shall be mine? That is where we got the name for our little dog. My favorite memory of her was after we would give her a bath, she would run around the living room and roll and army crawl across the floor trying to get dry. It was a funny sight to see.

Myron often went running and on a few rare occasions I would run with him. We would start out and get almost halfway down the pasture when Squishy would notice. She would run as fast as her short little legs could carry her and would catch up to us. She would then proceed to run along with us until we made it back to the house.

She was a momma from the beginning. She wasn't old enough to have puppies yet, but when our dog Snuggles had her first batch she was right there. Even though the puppies where twice the size as she was she wanted to nurse them. She was so sore and we had to lock her up so that she would heal.

Peanut Butter was a fun thing to have on hand when Squishy was around. If it got stuck on the roof of her mouth she looked like a furry little frog. her tongue flicking back and forth in her mouth desperately trying to get the sticky substance off.

We where mean one time and put tape on the bottom of her paws. She thought that was weird. She would pick up one leg really high and put it down to pick up the next one. picture a mini Thoroughbred with out the horse like traits and you have a poor Squishy Burrito.


She was a sweet dog. I am going to miss her a lot and I wish that things could have gone differently. But she gave us ten wonderful years of protection, laughter and most of all love.
Rest In Peace Squishy Burrito. I'll see you on the other side.

Humbled

I just feel a little more humble today. I went on a hike with Austin, Sam, Christina and Weaton up to Bridal Veil Falls. The path was easy and the hike was beautiful. And the last part was Hard. I was struggling to get up the side of the mountain so that we could get to the falls. But I never gave up.. Just need to take a few more breaks than the others needed... My heart was beating so fast. But I knew it was only a little farther. I just needed to take it a little slower than they did. 

It was worth it. I loved being there on the side of the mountain near one of the most beautiful falls in the Sawtooths. God has a Beautiful way of making things beautiful... I was surrounded by mountains and trees. and standing there by the falls, I realized that God had said out of all of these Man is the best creation... It makes me think Why? We take him for granted. We destroy his creations, and we are sometimes purposefully disobedient. And yet, he values us over all that he has created. He loves us because we are his little children. We know not the things of god and how he is giving us the chance to grow and become more like him. He loves us infinitely and we cannot or will not now the fullness of that love until we have become like him. I know that He granted us a way back to him through a loving older brother, Jesus Christ. SO through that sweet atonement we can repent and try again. I know that He loves us and that like a parent He is willing to give us choices and will allow us to choose what we want to become. it's all up to us to rely on his guidance and love him with our entire souls.

Exciting news

Life at the Redfish Lake Lodge is Great!!! I went Rafting on the Payette River and had my first Blind date with a guy from Stanley... It was ok, and would have been better had My First counselor in the Bishopric hadn't insisted that I stay home and marry the Poor Guy. (Who is not interested in me what-so-ever and just has barely gotten home from his mission in Spain.)

He did however agree to go on a real date....  We did a Double with the Austin Clegg and another girl from Stanley, and we had a great time in Sun Valley/Ketchum. We ate dinner at the Burger grill and then found a bookstore that I thought had gone out of buisness... so my group was really nice and let me explore. I didn't get a book, but Austin did. It was nice to get dressed up and go on a date just for fun.

Found out that My Cousin Rebecca and her husband James got in a Car wreck and totaled their car. No one was hurt, and thankfully their unborn baby wasn't harmed in the wreck either. They did find out however that it is a Girl. I am very thankful to Heavenly Father that he protected them and I am so grateful that they are starting their family. 

♥ My other cousin is Engaged... I am pretty happy for her, even if it is weird that she is younger than me... lol... I guess I'd better get used to it.  I am so Happy that she found the love of her life. Everyone deserves a Happy Ending. She is getting married October 9th. ♥

So this is my tentative crazy schedule for the last week in August.

Sunday: Work at Nine till Four-ish. Go get ready for church, eat and then spend time with roommates while packing.

Monday: Work In Laundry all Day from Nine till Five. Family picks me up after work and we drive to Grandparents cabin near Lucky Peak. Spend the Evening with Grandparents and spend the night in a comfy bed. Really excited about the comfy bed…. J

Tuesday: Pack up car and head to Boise for a crazy day of shopping. Found a good store that might have me set for Indonesia clothing wise… J I am really excited!

Drive back to Jerome, and have interviews with Bishop Geist and President Tateoka for Temple Recommend…. J

Wednesday: Go to the Hospital and have people stab me again…. Yeah not so excited about this one…. Especially since This time it’s Yellow Fever and Typhiod…..Spend the rest of the day asleep and/or sick….  In Bed.  Hooray for my Bed!!!

Thursday the 26^th …. Sleeping, Sleeping… and then… Shower, Take time to get ready and Go and enjoy the Temple for the First Time!!!!! EEK! J I am so EXCITED!!!! How many times Can I say that in one Blog????

There is no place better than the temple… I am truly humbled that I will be able to go so soon…. As a little kid, I always dreamed that going to the temple would be magical and Special. Plus, it seemed like a far away thing… like looking forward to Christmas when it’s only been like three months since the last one. It seems so far away in the future. But Now that day has come and I am nervous and have butterflies in my stomach…  But I have waited my entire life for this day! Hopefully, I feel a little less overwhelmed afterward. But then Again I might just be confused… But I am so excited for all the Blessings and the wonderful opportunity to be able to go to the Temple. 

Godspeed My friends... till I post again.... 

I don't like shots... Period.

Well, 

Got my four of my shots done. yuck... I felt so Sick... I had to not work on wednesday cause I felt like I was going to pass out. Never a good feeling.... But I came prepared. I went in with a sprite bottle full of water and a bag of chips and some pudding... I ate the chips before hand and drank a lot of my water. Then they got me in the room... they had me fill out some paperwork and where pretty good about hiding the shots from me... and then came the moment of truth... they had me sit in the chair and they rubbed the alcohol on my arms and then I freaked. I was so not ready. I asked if I could plug in my headphones and listen to my tape recorder. I pushed play and tried to focus on what Adam was saying on the Tape instead of the Four Stabs to the Arms... Yeah that worked for the first three... the last one stunk... It hurt so bad... then I was really shaky and I lay down for a while... The nurses where really nice and took care of me, but I am really not looking forward to a repeat experience. I tried to take deep breaths, and just listened to Adam talk to me. I was so grateful that I thought to bring it. But when I paid for the shots... I was thinking "man, this really stinks... First you stab me and then you take my money? That's so not cool..." 

Felt pretty good until we got home. I was starving and walked to the chow hall and then a coworker drove me to my room.. where I proceeded to crash. I slept until 11:00 and chilled till about 2. then I got ready to work and walked down to the kitchen... I had a couple hours but by the time I was about to go on clock I felt so ILL!!! I almost passed out in front of my Boss and his Wife... that was embarrassing. But at least I had someone who could work my shift so that I could go home and go back to bed. That was so nice. My plan for next time: Take a few days off... don't worry about working the next day and just sleep a lot. 

Sister Weekend

My sisters came up on Wednesday night to see me, and unfortunatly I had to work the pit of despair. But they waited up till midnight to come kidnap me out of my bed. lol... quite literally. 

Jill came into the Bungalow and I had just barely laid down to sleep! It was great. We went and camped out in the back of her truck at the redfish overflow. We where so squished, but I won't forget this memory anytime soon. It reminded me of earlier times when I was littler and would go into their rooms and snuggle in the middle with them. 

We finally decided to get up and they took me back to my Bungalow to take a shower so that I could look great for my Passport Picture. Ha ha .. Alot of good that did... I look like I did when I got my wisdom teeth out, and on drugs... lol... My sister says that once I get my passport it won't look so bad. I hope so.. cause I don't think I look to happy... 

But the trip to Ketchum was fun. We got some chinese food and I got a cool fortune! It says, " You will bring some Sunshine to someone's life." I loved it! 

Went back to Redfish and met up with my other two sisters and then jumped into the Lake with all my clothes on... ha ha... My sister wanted to really bad but didn't want to do it by herself. I got to see President Tateoka and his Wife, My bishop from 3rd ward, My Aunt Linda and Ben's Parents! I was really glad to talk to them all. I loved talking to Ben's parents. They seemed excited to go get Ben from college. 

My mom is pretty excited about me going to Indonesia... She has arranged for a immunization run.... I am getting 5 shots on Tuesday... Which I am NOT excited for. but I guess it's better than getting illness for real. Let me see if I can name all the shots.... two Polio, one Tetanus, one Hepatitis A&B, and a Meningitis shot... I then have to wait a month and then go down to Jerome or Boise and get the Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever and Typhoid shots.... Yuck... And then I have like four shots after that... it's pretty gnarly... But I know that I can't be a chicken. shots are a small price to pay for eternity.... (at least I keep telling myself that...) 

Went to the Rope Swing and took Jill and KT with me. They where so Brave to go on it. I was glad they at least got on a couple of times. 

I was pretty sad when they left but they plan on coming back later on this summer. I might get to see Nikki Tommorow!!! That will be such a treat. Hopefully, she brings that cute little boy with her... He is getting so big! 

Can't wait...  

Surprise!

So I was working the Dish Pit, Aka the Pit of Despair, When Reece my server co worker comes in and says Faith your Grandparents are here. My heart Jumped into my throat and I asked My Grandpa and grandma Peters? and Reece says Yeah! they asked me if I knew you and They would like to talk to you if you get a minute. well Things where pretty bare so I went on out to see my grandparents. It was my Grandma's Birthday and My uncle and aunt had driven them up so that they could spend the weekend in Stanley. I was never so happy to see such great old people. I hugged them dish pit grossness and all. they want me to come see them today so I better figure out a car situation. But boy I needed that. It kinda abated my Homesickness. Well I am going to go ask people if I can borrow their cars... :) and get some lunch... I can't wait to see them!

HE LIVES!!!!

I was preparing my lesson for this Sunday and I really needed that lesson for myself. The psalms are such a great part of literature and I never really thought of them as such. They testify of our savior and are powerful words from a fallen man.

I have also been reading Jesus the Christ and that has strengthen my testimony of him. James Talmage was inspired when he wrote this book.

Christ is the savior and he does LIVE! He is the only begotten of the Father… His mother gave him a mortal body and he was the only one who had the power to give up his life and then take is body back.  To be resurrected!

He Lives! He Lives! I know it because whenever I am thinking about him and his life my heart is filled with happiness and I am at peace. I am so grateful to Him who created the Heavens and the Earth, who lived a perfect sinless life in order to save us all from a terrible fate, to not be able to have our bodies after death, or to be without our families!

I am so grateful for the Temples that we have upon the earth. To be able to look to our ancestors and bring them to the fold of God!  Without the gospel the Temples would not exist. I know that this gospel is truth and Light! What else could give me this much joy! The knowledge that he does in fact Live and that I can be sealed to my family!  Without my family, I am nothing. They give me support in so many ways and I am so grateful to them.

I t makes me sad to see so many people reject the outstretched arms of the Savior. I almost did… for selfish reasons. I am so grateful for the atonement and the many tender mercies that the Lord has shown to me. The power to be forgiven is there! All that is required of us is to realize the state of our fallen nature and be willing to have a broken heart and a contrite Spirit. He is ready and willing to take on our sufferings. Just let him help you! It wasn't easy for me but it was worth it. 

If you get the chance read the psalms. They are wonderful and testify of his great and important mission. 

Love Lainey

Pictures!!!

So I have forever been trying to get photos up here so I can show you my Everday beauties... so Here they are... the top one is from a hike up bench Lakes... (sorry that it's sideways) I didn't even have to edit this one... :) second one is of North shore. they have lots of weddings on that beach and it's no surprise. It's beautiful!

And the Third one is of the Mt. heyburn and grand Mogol from the road where I live... It's really pretty at sunset. :)

I'll try and Get more shots up but the internet here is so SLOW! so Enjoy!

Love Lainey

Happy Dad's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads Out there!

SO I had a talk in Sacrament meeting And it went great! I pretty much just shared my testimony about missionary work and shared Adam's Story. Lots of people enjoyed it and it was a great testimony builder to myself. 

I Love working here at redfish. Best Place on Earth!!! It's been raining here for about three days but the sun does come out in short phases so we can dry out a little. 

Just three more days till my papers go in. I am pretty nervous about where they'll send me but I know it will be where I need to go. 

Miss my Family. alot... I even miss having a good normal home cooked meal. Don food is good but I miss Mom's food. 

Miss my friends. Love them to death and feel so out of the loop with the slow internet connections. Usually just check my Facebook and my email. That's all I have patience for. 

Well, I guess tommorrow is Monday which means I had better get to bed early since it's Jane's Day off. 

With Love,

Faith

P.s. Alicia a Bouncer is the guy who throws out the riff raff at a Bar... :) 

Sunshine on my Shoulders

Well It's been awhile since I posted something on my blog... 

I am working hard as a housekeeper and am the Assistant to my Manager Jane. She is So awesome! I want to be like her when I grow up. : ) She is just so good at making sure that we do our job well and just makes us feel good about ourselves as people. It is so nice to be smothered in compliments. 

One more payment on my teeth and I will be Bill Free! YEa!!! I just have to save all of my money now for my mission. hooray! I am so excited about how close the 23rd is! But I am distracted by work and co workers so I am not totally sitting on my thumbs till then. 

I have three roommates, Rachel, Megan, And the third one I haven't met yet. She moved in today while we where at work. I love Rachel and Megan! We are all in by at least 12 and they don't drink, so I never have to deal with that. But we will see with the new roommate. 

Got to feed my Dad on his Birthday... He brought my sisters and they drove up for the day. It was really nice to see them. I wish that they would actually come up and stay, but what can you do? I'll just be surprised. :) 

I have this one Co-worker named Tom. He is the most relaxed, chill dude, and He found out that I don't ever drink alcohol... which he does. But at one of the employee campfires I was getting teased by our Employee Chef Don. (he is the best by the way.) He told me to tell my story about how I became an alcoholic.. I chuckled and shrugged is off, But Tom straightend up and said in an unlikely Tom voice, "Faith, I don't ever want to hear those words come out of your lips." It was really nice to have a good support for my choices. He put his arm around me yesterday and said, "Faith if anyone bothers you just tell me and I'll mess them up for you... "

So I have my own bouncer... :) He is just so cool.

So list of cool stuff I have done since I got here...

1. Hike to the bench lakes. Very very Cool...

2. Kayaked 6-7 miles to the other end of the lake. I was tired after that...

3. hung out at two hot springs with cool people.

4. Sat on a Rock at North beach and listened to the Rain comedown on my umbrella, while I looked over the lake and at the mountains. 

5. Met most and learned all the names of the sixty people that work here...

6. Eat three square meals of Don Food. I am not losing weight here at all.... :/

7.Got and sent letters. 

8. Met some awesome people in my Stanley Branch. 

9. Hung out at the Bonfires.

10. Worked hard and earned $400 my first paycheck!

It's been raining and the sun came out today!!! It's been so great! come visit!

Hey Everyone!!!

Well, I have enjoyed my first week at work. I have had a great time getting my House Cleaning muscles back into gear. I have cleaned 7 Rustics, 2 Kokanees, 3 Fishhooks, 4 Lake suites, 4 deluxes, and 4 pine rests... so 24 cabins in all.... It's a Ton of work to do in about 5 days. Plus I cleaned the Bar in the lodge. which took all morning... So yeah it's pretty crazy Waking this Beast called the Redfish Lake Resort. I haven't moved into my Bungalow in Sleepy Hollow. I guess I get to clean all 6 of those tommorow. It will never end. I love the staff here they are all really friendly and I hope that I am able to fit in. I played a Game of Darts with Emily and the Guys. Everyone but Matt and I were drinking so it got a little crazy after a while and I finally had to leave. But hopefully they will just accept the fact that I don't want to hang out when the drink. Well I better get some shut eye. Night!

Mother's Day 2010

Had my last temple prep class yesterday. I am going to miss the last lesson but it's just about getting the recommends from the stake and branch presidents and getting your temple gear and such... I am so excited about going to the temple and being able to feel the love of my heavenly father even more at the temple. I am kinda glad that I am going through in october cause I need the time to prepare... 

Had my Last sunday in the singles branch... They had me talk in sacrament meeting as a farewell gesture... how nice of them. :)  I had the chance to talk to about my two mothers in honor of mother's day. I was surprised that I could cry and talk at the same time... lucky for me they had the tissues handy. The Spirit was really strong and everyone seemed to like my talk... which of course is the goal of giving the talk... 

My sister Jill came to J-Town. She brought me a Mountain Bike so that I will be able to ride my bike to work... She is the Coolest sister ever! Now all I need is to get some thorn poof tires and finish packing for Redfish. I have so much to do still... and of course i've been procastinating...

but I do have a lot of my clothing packed... 

Elder Land called my house and was able to talk to my Family. He was very sweet to Mom and Dad and he where like best friends. He had Myron laughing and smiling... Dad and Mom did finally agree and they let me say Hello to him. I got One minute. :) That was all I needed. It was so nice to hear his voice and make sure that he was doing Ok.

I am so Happy that he is doing well and that he is happy there in Georgia. I can't wait to hear about Dan and Ben's mission's and be able to experience the mission life for myself. It is going to be the best two years!!! I can't wait to find out where we are all going!!! 

Just going to be taking one step and one day at a time. :)

Just Right

So I went to the burley distribution center with my sister in law to see if we would find anything that we liked there. It was interesting, just cause it was my first time actually going there for myself. They don't have a very big selection so we looked through the 15 dresses that where there and picked out a couple to try on... 

The first one picked was beautiful. I tried it on and it was tight... I must have football shoulders or something... cause I couldn't even hug myself... It was too long but very uncomfortable to move my arms. So I asked for a bigger size in the petite... Again... shoulders not very comfortable... and this time the skirt was too short. No happy middle ground.

So I tried on this other dress for kicks and Giggles... It was called sunflower and had lots of different tiers to it. Kinda like a layered cake... It was fine. Except I would never be able to take myself seriously. I felt like a cake... if cakes had feelings...

Then I tried on the one my sister in law had tried on at first. She said she didn't like it, so I felt free to try it on without hurting her feelings. 

I slipped it over my head, and zipped it up... the feeling was amazing... Like Falling in love at first sight should feel like... I just knew that this dress was made for me. I walked out to show Brittney and she stared at me... "That dress looks amazing on you."

the more I walked around in it the more I grew attached to it... the sleeves fit comfortably, it was a little long but nothing that couldn't be hemmed... I just knew that it was the dress. I wish that I had a picture... I just felt like a princess in it. Plus it made me even more excited to that day when I can go to the temple... 

Parents

I am a tad upset with my Parents... I love them to death... Honestly. But This is Unfair... 

Adam had wrote me and told me that he was going to call my house for mother's day. Normally He would call his mother and not me, but his mother is in a postion where she can't be reached. So that puts me second on the list. I told my parents that he was going to be calling and they said quote:

Mom: Sure He can call here and talk to Me. 

Dad: But it wouldn't be appropriate for you to talk to him. 

End of Discussion

My heart is torn in two... I Normally would feel ok with just doing what my parents tell me too. But On the other hand who is writing him? Who cares to even find out what he is doing and How his spirits are? My parents haven't written him. 

(sigh) this makes me sound like a snot-nosed little kid who isn't going to get her way... 

I want him to be the best missionary he can be... and I want him to keep doing what the lord wants him too... But will my parents crush his little heart when he calls my house and gets the punch in the gut when they don't hand the phone to me? (sigh) Will he fall apart? 

I am just praying that whatever happens on Sunday... It will be for the best and that Adam doesn't fall apart. 

or that I don't.

Mission Interviews

I had my missionary interviews yesterday with both the Branch President and Our Stake president. And it happened to be pouring buckets of rain. So trying to get out to the car without messing up my hair or my clean outfit... Yeah... that was fun. I was a few minutes late due to the rain. 

President Lott was very kind (as he always is.) He told me that the Glitch in my paperwork was fixed so that we could send it in to the stake so that the president could look at it and then send it in to the First Presidency. 

That thought sends the good goosebumps down my arms... that someone in the Twelve actually pulls up my papers, looks at my face and thinks, "Sister Faith Peters, Where does the Lord want you to go?" And then he listens to the spirit and writes up my paperwork and hands it over to the Prophet to sign his approval. It's so amazing! 

President Lott asked me if I had any questions and He answered them and didn't belittle me... That was such a nice feeling... Not to feel stupid when I asked maybe a not so important question. For example, My skin was my only abnormality on my doctor's papers... and I asked if it was going to be a problem. He didn't laugh or scoff... He just explained that my skin is fine and that most missionaries just need to worry if they have medication that needs to be sent to them. Which I don't have... so I am good. 

I then met with President Tateoka. It was kind of Nerve wracking as He looked over all of my Doctor's paperwork... It seemed like he took forever to look over all of it. He smiled and said "it looks like you have everything in order... and your healthy as a horse... We both chuckled... He asked me Why I wanted to serve a mission, and where I wanted to go. Then he asked me if I was Ok with working, walking and going up to complete strangers. If I had a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Bible. It was a nice heart to heart talk with him. I think my favorite question was "Are you serious with anyone?" Ha... ha... ha... I answered honestly, "I really liked Adam before he left... but that isn't going to be a problem... :) "

He looked at me and he said, "I've known your family for a long time... and I knew your Mom. And I know that she would be proud of you." I started tearing up, and said thanks. 

The Feeling after both of my interviews was incredible. I felt like it was Official. I AM GOING ON A MISSION!!! kind of feeling. It's a nice feeling.... I felt at peace. I even walked out of the Office and the sun was shining... but just for a little bit. 

I am so grateful that I have the Gospel of Christ in my life. That I am able to have the spirit in my life. I love the Book of Mormon and the many voices of the past that teach of Christ. I am grateful to those prophets and those faithful who kept the records throughout time, those who watched over them, kept them from those who would have destroyed the messages, and kept the world from progressing. I'm grateful for men like William Tyndale, who spent a life time translating the bible from hebrew, and made the books therein accessible to the public, when those in power forbade it. He was betrayed by a friend and then was strangled and burned at the stake, because He knew that what he was doing was right. I love the simpleness of the gospel. That we don't have to jump through circus hoops in order to obtain blessing from our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for my friends, my sisters and parents for all the love and support that they have shown me. 

It's just a great time to be alive.

(sigh) I am so ready for it to be the weekend... I kinda wish that the weekend was longer. Right now... I feel really lonely and I miss Adam. Every time I look at his first letters and compare them with the ones he just sent me I can see how he has grown. But I do know that he is serving a mission and that he is working hard and has no time for me. And I sound like a love sick puppy. grrr.

I am uncertain about what lies ahead. It's very exciting but I also feel apprehensive about all that the future holds. Honestly, I am scared to death. I don't want to have bad roommates at redfish... and I want to be a great missionary.

I realize that a mission is no bed of roses... and that it will be one of the hardest things I have ever done, But I do feel like this is right.
I just feel inadequate... I have forgotten so much. I am not sure that I will be able to share the gospel with those who need to hear, because I am finding it hard to speak to people. I don't go anywhere. I don't interact with strangers... (sigh)
I just hope that the lord will help me in my weakness as he promised Moses and Moroni.

I am excited for my little excursion with my sister in law. We are both going to Burley to go try on some temple clothes. I hope that I can find a dress that I would love to wear over and over and over again. I hate getting something that I do not feel is me, cause then I get it and I never like to wear it... Unless I absolutly have to. So I am hoping for the best.
But I don't have any money so I guess I have nothing to worry about. :)

Thoughts, Impressions and Plain Excitement

I have been reading Jesus the Christ by Talmage and I have had an interesting time reading it. It's really inspired.

I was reading about how Christ was tempted by Satan the three times in the wilderness. The fist temptation If you are the Son of god... turn the the stones to bread and feed yourself... I never realized that Satan was really tempting him to use his god given powers for himself.

The second temptation was to throw himself off the temple pinnacle or battlements. IF he was the Son of God His father would save him. Could you imagine? The temple was always surrounded by people and he would show that he was invincible... he would have become quite the object of discussion, but it was blasphemous... Only Heavenly Father decides when and where his powers shall be used and Christ knew better.

The third was to bow down and to worship Satan to gain personal wealth... as the Devil promised to give Christ the Kingdoms that Christ could see from atop the high mountain. This is mind boggling cause Christ helped the father organize and create the worlds. The amazing part is that Christ had the veil over his eyes... just like the rest of us... but maybe he had some knowledge of the preexistence. It just amazes me that he was able to thwart the plans of the devil.

I know that this is pretty old news... but I finally got what the devil was trying to tempt the Christ with. It's amazing that you think you know the story and then something jumps out at you after the 60th time. Lol.

Well, I guess I will update on my life too. I just found out that I can send my papers in 120 days from my birthday... Which means that I can send them in on the 23 of June....Yay!!! I am so excited to be able to have them sent in so that I can finally find out where I am going...

I am taking temple prep and my heart pounds with excitement that I may be going to the temple soon!!! There are almost no words to describe the joy. It's like my heart wants to explode out of my chest. I am just very thankful that we have a temple here in the valley and that I can see the blessings in my life because of it. I really can't wait to go.

My address at Redfish is

Faith Peters
C/O Redfish employees
P.O. Box 307
Stanley, ID 83278

Just in case I forget... :)

Letters from Family

So I got two letters yesterday in the mail and I must say that it was a nice SU-PLIES!!! lol.. I was quite happy to have them both after a long day watching kids. Adam is doing great and he and his comp answered almost every question on the sheet I sent them. Elder Anderson seems like a great comp. He drew a picture of a Cheesy smiley head that made me laugh Out loud. It kinda reminded me of the Turnip head guy from Howl's Moving Castle... which made me laugh even harder. (that movie is a riot... )
Anyway... I thought I would share the Questionaire cause I love the Answers... The elders remarks are in bold if they had a side note.

Favorite Type of Candy: Twix
Favorite Type of Cake: Confeti
Is Elder Anderson...
A) The Nerd
B) The Annoying Elder who wants power (ZL, Dl, etc.)
*C) The Cool Dude who works really hard?
D) The Slacker
Is Elder Land....
*A) The Hardworking Dude
*B) The Slacker
*C) The Nerd/Greenie
D) Just an Annoying Elder
(Elder Anderson: JUST TAKE IT!!!)
(Elder Land: ok whatever...)
Favorite Hymns or other music you like to listen to: String Quartet and MoTab
How Long has Elder Anderson been out? 18 months
favortie memory so far: you didn't leave me enough room...
Any other cool stories: same thing...
Weirdest Food Eaten so far: Okra
Favorite Cookies: Oreos and Snickerdoodles
Favorite Idaho Food Missed: Jamba Juice
Favorite Gal? JK!!! ME- You
Elder Anderson- Loni Burrws

OK, maybe I just think it's funny... Hope that you guys are having a great day and that everyone is happy and healthy!
With lots of Love,
Lainey

This is Rich.... Ben Just Delete this. Trust me.

My sister's requsted that I post pictures of my brother's prom pictures on my blog... (sorry ben.) They wanted to see what his date looked like and see what she was wearing... this is the result of that... I bet mom had a Cow!!! Internally cause she would be nice to her.



Here is the group he went with.



Here are the two of them.



Her dress is pretty... On the bottom... Mom said that it wasn't so bad cause she had straps. (insert a disgusted roll of the eyes from mom and you can figure out the rest.)

And for the piece de resistance'



Yeah My jaw dropped when I saw this... I was shocked. I felt kinda bad for myron cause he had to go to prom with a really immodest girl... I thought she would have a strapless... But Myron got more skin than I even bargained for.... No back!!! I can only imagine what went through our mother's head. (insert a guilty evil chuckle...) Maybe next year he'll ask an lds girl.

The Waiting Game

I am really excited for My new job at Redfish Lake Lodge. I leave for Stanley on May 11, and start work on the 12th. I cannot wait to be there and start working. I feel Like I am beating a dead horse but I am so excited!!! I can't wait to spend time up in the mountains and spend lots of time meeting new people and having new roommates!!! I sent in my contract today, along with all my doctor paperwork for my Mission. It feels great to have it all done. But now I am just waiting for time to pass so that I can actually do it. It seems like I am doing a lot.

I had a great weekend. I got to hang out with my Sister who lives in Washington, and my Awesome nieces. My brother in law and my niece Addison was in a Bike race called the Barking Spider. The both placed first in their groups! I am really proud of my niece cause she was the only girl brave enough to race. She didn't beat the Boys but I bet if she keeps working on it she could be really great one day!!!

My sister Jill, Christina and I where riding home to get everything ready for our picnic on the greenbelt. And then we heard a weird sound.... Her tire had a broken stem and it had gone flat. We pulled over and got into the trunk for the spare. Christina and Jill jacked up the car and I loosened the lug nuts. It was pretty funny. Two women pulled over and must have thought that we where City gals who didn't know anything, cause they started telling us what to do and we where pretty much done with getting the tire off. I finally said, "I am sure glad that we had to change a tire for 4H. Otherwise we might not have known how to change this tire." And then the Ladies where like "Oh!" and they just Left.... they where kinda rude, but at least they where not being bossy anymore. And then a Dodge pickup pulled up behind us and we all kinda groaned underneath our breath. A nice Man came up to us and asked us how we where doing. We looked up from our tire and saw the Les Swab tire store logo and we said that we where doing just fine. He asked us if he could finish for us and We let him.He was very impressed with us farm girls and was very kind as he put the spare on and tightened the Lug nuts. He told us our spare was flat and called his buddy to come air up the spare and escort us to the tire store so that we could get our tire fixed. They where really nice.

We finally made it back to the house and we grabbed the Meat and went to meet our brother's family. We played hard with the Frisbees and on the playground. we had a great birthday cake for my sister and we had lovely walk on the green belt. the Kids even saw a beaver... I was tying my shoe or something.

We went home and then watched a movie! the Girls watched the princess and the frog in one room and We adults watched Howl's Moving Castle. It was very weird and very entertaining at the same time. My favorite character was Calcifer... he is a fire demon that is controlled by Howl. He seems very grouchy but he is a pretty nice guy. I wouldn't mind watching that movie again. It was a riot to laugh with my family! I am glad that we get along so well.

Mission Papers and the Redfish

I am proud to announce that I have my mission papers are done! At least on my end. I have this tiny glitch that needs to fixed but that is the last little detail. I am so excited! I cannot believe I have them done. It seemed like just last month I was only dreaming of it. Now I just have to study and prepare.
I also have my contract from Redfish Lodge, I am so excited to be on my own again and living the life of a young single adult! I have missed being responsible for just myself. (Don't get me wrong. I love watching my Brother's and my Sisters children.) I can't wait to be able to work hard for my room and board, my mission and just live in the outdoors and enjoy the lord's handiwork for three months straight. I'll have to take my camera with me and take a ton of pictures.

My life has been richly blessed with the love from my Parents, My Sisters and My Brothers, Some awesome friends and an awesome missionary. (here is the part where you all roll your eyes into the back of your head and think "gag." But I really do like him and there is nothing you guys can do about it. ) I am thankful for the influence that my sisters have had on me and for the love that they give me. (even though they will never let me live down My Blonde At Heart moments.... ) We had a Blast this weekend and just enjoyed each others company.... I am glad that they are older and can help me with any problems I have.

I am grateful for my friends and the way they keep tabs on me and keep me on track. They always seem to know when I am about to crack. I think I would walk through Hell and Back for them. I really don't they will ask me to, but I would. They keep me going with their strong personalities and their willingness to serve one another. It's amazing to me that no matter my faults they still want to hang out with me. I love that. I get a feeling of belonging, even though we aren't family.

So I guess that All I am trying to say is thank you. thank you for giving me purpose in this life, for being a shoulder to cry on, a hug, Hot coco on a late night, a goofy sarcastic remark, a light, a love, and above all, for just being a person who has touched my life in a personal and meaningful way. I Love You all.
Lainey

Little Miracles

My Dog, Tanzee, had her puppies on the 3rd of April. She had a rough time and lost two of them, and had we not gone to the vet we probably would not have the three we do have. I went to bed that night about 10. I thought I can't really sleep so I'll read a bit... Bad Idea. I got caught up in my plot and the next thing I knew, I heard the three stomps to the floor above my head. (That is the signal we use to get one to come upstairs so that the other person doesn't have to come down and get you.) I crawled out of bed and went upstairs to see what was up. Mom told me Tanzee had a Puppy and it had died. She asked me if I would stay up and watch her so that if needed we could hurry her to the Vet's office. I took care of the puppy so that my little sisters wouldn't have to see it. Tanzee then had another puppy. I got her all cleaned up, and then Tanzee had another one... only this one came half out... Then Tanzee did the unthinkable.. She broke the Placenta. That will kill a puppy if the head isn't out. Which happened to be the case... So I tried my hardest to help the little guy get out.. but he was stuck. I had to wake up my Dad and have him do it... It had died. I was a wreck and was crying my eyes out. Dad took care of that puppy and I took the live one inside to warm her up... We wrapped her up in a towel and cranked up the heat. We then put her on top of our vent and let her lie there to get warm. She was really cute... I kept checking on Tanzee and no other puppies where coming out. I could see her pushing but it had gotten stuck inside. We took her to the Vet Saturday morning and Dad decided to have a C-section to get the little puppies out and then have Tanzee spayed so that this couldn't happen again.
The vet had me hold her as they shaved her and as they gave her the shot to put her to sleep. She looked so funny after a while, cause her tongue was half a mile long hanging out of her mouth. Lillian was with me and she didn't want to watch and part of me didn't want to either. But We did want to see the puppies that where coming out. The little Nurse was kind and had us come and wake the puppy up and get him dry. Lillian liked that part. Then the Vet pulled the one out that had gotten stuck and said I have no hope for that one. The nurse went to work anyway and gave him a little something to wake him up. She also did this cool thing where she held the puppy in her hands and Like a ketchup bottle, Flung him towards the ground to get the gunk in his mouth and nose to come out.
I felt like I was in the Movie 101 Dalmations as the nurse had instructed lillian and I to rub the puppies with a towel to get thier hearts to pump. I was amazed to see the little dude suck in air every once in a while. It took me about 45 minutes to get the little puppy to cry and clear his lungs. The Vet came back into the room and asked how the little guy doing and He got a surprised look on his face to find that he had survived.
I guess we can thank the Lord for little miracles. Tanzee is doing great and the puppies are getting really fat. The fattest is that little one that the vet said that wouldn't live. Oh and guess what? His name is Lucky...

Brand New Friend!

On April 5, 2010, Bransen B. Thacker was born to Nikki and Bostin Thacker. Weighing in a 6 lbs. 9 oz. he is sure a cute little guy! Nikki was surprised... She didn't even have anything packed in one of those Survial Mom bags that should be packed a few weeks before they are born. Bransen was born three weeks early... He is so cute. He has Dark hair like his Mom and his father's nose and lips. He also is stubborn, like his parents. He hasn't been wanting to learn to eat, but Nikki isn't going to give up on him yet. He just can't seem to grasp the concept that he has to work for his dinner. :) I went to see them all yesterday at the hospital, and ended up staying way too late. But it was fun to see them all. Hopefully Bransen gets to go home today! Hpefully if the little guy learns to eat... If not it might be another day.
I looked on Facebook at Adam's Page and he was excited that he was an uncle. So does that make me an unoffical aunt? I'll have to ask his parents...

Last night I was feeling so depressed. I felt like the world was on my shoulders and that I was drowning in impossibilities. I had received my first bill/receipt in the mail and I still owe $900 dollars to the oral surgeon and Mom and Dad. I knew what I still owed, but for some darn reason it hit me in the gut that I am in way over my head. I felt Panicky and I started to feel really emotional. Then I started thinking about the other part of filling my tooth... I still have to do that and still pay for gas to drive, and other stuff like that. 

And then Katie called to tell her kids that Jake was going to come pick them up. I asked her how she was feeling. She and I started crying and couldn't even talk. She said that she was doing ok and that she felt like she was going to be Ok. I had recently given her a book to read calledPoison Study. The heroine is constantly finding herself in impossible odds and is constantly fighting old, and new wounds. Katie told me she felt like she could relate to this character and like Yelena, we can overcome our battles, heal, and survive. 

I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants last night and one scripture also hit me like a ton of bricks. Even though we have our struggles and go through all of the trials of this life, We are not alone and the Lord knows all that we are going through. He will remember us and make us his. Which is why we are going through the struggles in the first place... We have to know the bitter in order to know the sweet. And like a block of marble and the great master that worked it, God knows us with our Faults, our Strengths, and he knows how much pressure he can put on us without us breaking. He is shaping us into the people that he wants us to become...  So with that little thought in mind, I Know that my Redeemer lives! He Lives and He is watching over all of us and we can become the masterpiece if we follow his counsel and continue to grow and learn. I know he is watching over me and will help me in my quest to become the daughter He knows is underneath the trouble and work. I am looking forward to that day when I can see the finished masterpiece.  I just have to remember to stay strong. I am strong. I am Strong!

P.s. I recommend this book.

Genealogy

So I promised Elder Land that I would help him with his Pedigree... well it sounded like a good idea. Dad has shown me how to do the group sheets and how to get the names all temple ready. BUT I had no Idea that it would be so hard to find the rest of his family without paying to go through some service. I know his parents names, his Dad's grandparents, and his grandmother's name... I need to find all the dates however... It is pretty discouraging. I just thought that if the dates where pretty recent like in the last 20 years it would be a cinch to find the information. I don't want to join an expensive genealogy site... I just want to be able to find his family. (sigh..) I am thinking that I am doing it wrong... I looked at the town that Adam was born in and I was able to find the newspaper that his Grandma's obit was in so I am thinking I can send for that. That was my only luck today. Hopefully maybe I can hit the Genealogy library sometime and maybe I'll have a little luck.

wisdom teeth and other oddities...

Feeling very tired, but I know it's gonna be worth it. I got all four of my impacted wisdom teeth removed and it's been about four days since the actual extraction. It really wasn't as bad I as I thought it would be. Dr. Williams took great care of me. And my nurse was really nice too. She let me crush her hand when they put the IV in... lol.. She was the mother of a kid I went to high school with so she got to hear that I thought he was a great kid. lol... I just remember saying "Woah... that's weird," as I went out... Next thing I knew my Nurse was walking me carefully into the next room to lie down and wait for mom. 

Yesterday I came home from Nannying and I talked to mom about five minutes and then I went downstairs to bed and CRASHED. Mom was knocking on my door this morning and was kinda scared cause it took me a minute to wake up. I am still really tired and I might crash again tonight. Good news however, I am not even taking Ibuprofen. So I should be back in the swing of things hopefully soon. I just have Monster breath and can't really open my mouth yet. I had to move my dentist appointment to next thusday... boy. I am not excited for that one... That is going to be really expensive. But again it will be worth it. 

I got to talk to Elder Land for a little bit Monday. That was Awkward/nice at the same time. 

He told me that he wished that he could make me feel better and that he could give me a big hug. He was so sweet. I sure miss that boy. 

All I need to get my Papers done now is to 

Fix my Cavity

Get my Hepatitis series of shots 1,2,3.

Drivers License... Gotta up load it somehow...

Ask President Lott about the Payment system. For some strange reason I can't get that to finish even though I am pushing the Finish Button... :(

I am very excited to be getting my Makeup!!!!  My sister-in-law offered to get me some Mary Kay products when I graduated. I however was not schooled in the ways of How AWESOME this makeup is... and haven't taken her up on the offer... Well I am now. My sisters say that it lasts forever and it will last my entire mission. Plus it will be cheaper cause I am ordering it through my sisters. (that includes you Carrie...)  I can't wait to see how great it's gonna be to have a great look and be so Cute on my Mission. Cause No one wants to look like a Grandma on your Mission when you are only 21.  :)

Just so that everyone knows I am currently filling out mission papers. I am very excited and nervous about it all at the same time. I am trying to figure out how I am going to pay for it all but I'll find a way to. I know that I want to do this and everything seems to be working out, like puzzle pieces going together. I haven't felt this happy about something in a long while and I am happy that my family seems excited about it. 

I am really nervous about going to get my physical and shots though.. I haven't been to a real appointment since kindergarten. I went to the ER and got a tetanus shot two years ago, But that doesn't really count. Lucky me however that my sis is willing to drive down from Boise to hold my hand... :) 

I just need to call the insurance company and have docs check me out... And I will be done! I just hope that it works out. 

I went to the Twin Falls Temple on Friday the 26th of February.  It was a wonderful time to relax and to just listen to the inner feelings of my heart. I wanted to be with a group so I had a good long hour and half wait. But I really enjoyed talking with the temple worker's and reading my PB and Adam's Valentine's Day Letter. They both had a soothing spirit. I am helping Adam with some genealogy and I had the chance to take Adam's Dad to the temple. I sent Adam his Dad's Name in the mail so that when he has the chance He can do the work for his father. I felt so happy and nothing can describe the peace I found. I haven't felt that peace in a long time. I felt like the World had nothing on me. The fears about the Future swept away and there was no worry. Only the Love Heavenly Father had for me. I Know that he has helped me through so much. He certainly helped me by giving me Parents and Family that loves me. 

I cannot wait for the Day when I can be Married in the Temple. When I can celebrate my love and happiness with all of my family. To be able to look at my photo album and see my Siblings all there... (except for Myron cause He might be on his mission.) :)

Random Thoughts

OK... this is going to be totally random.. 

I just got Skype. which is a cool video/chat/ free application that connects you to people around the world. it has Privacy settings so that You get to choose who you talk to... Mine must not work because I got two different calls from a Sex on Call, and A SEXI BOY. I declined both and blocked them so they could not contact me again... AM I Scared? Yes.... Do I like this No. But I do love talking to my Best friends from all over. Like Leeci who moved to Oklahoma... where sweeping down the plains... :) She and I had a nice Chat about life and how people make it worthwhile. 

I guess I will have to avoid the Calls and Chats with strangers. Gag... Or figure out the Privacy settings... which I checked Twice... 

On a Brighter note. I called the Lodge and talked with the manager... so I might be working at the lake this summer! WAHOO!!

I got Two cards From Allen and loved it. He is so darn cute, and very sentimental. He takes great care of me. He is doing well and I will hear from him on Monday!!

Can't decide wether to go to the dance or not... I have mixed emotions. I don't have a date... but it's a singles dance.... So I don't know... 

I have to sing in singles ward on the 27th. Any Ideas on what to sing? I am thinking Come thou font... but I have been singing that one for a while. 

Love FireProof. Good movie...

Well I am going to wrap this up with a little thought from Allen....

"Love never fails. It stands strong even during rough times... "

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR...

So I wanted a Job... I guess I have one. My Grandma Fell in her basement and cracked a rib. It's painful for her to sit down, or lie down. So I have been "hired" to come take care of them. I also agreed to watch my brother's and Sister's kids. SO I am babysitting 24/7. I watch four kids from 8:30- 3:30, then I have to be "home" at my grandparents at 5:00. Lovely. I do hope that I am able to take the job at Redfish lake during the summer... but so far I like my jobs. I just have to learn how to be able to help grandma without causing her more Pain... yay. 

Wish Me Luck!!

Happy Endings?

Why am I so afraid of being alone? I am really scared of always living in the distance. My parents asked me what I would do if I Never Married. I told them that the Military would be a good option because I beleive that it would keep me busy, but It was like they sent a dagger into my heart. I don't want to ever be alone. Who does? 

If I never married I would probably get a Big Dog, a small house and find a podunk job and try to live as painlessly as possible. If that could happen. I could join the military. I would travel, see places. but what could fill the empty ache in my chest? I don't know. 

there is always the opposite effect. being married to someone that uses, abuses, and hurts you. With my luck I could end up in one of these.  I think I would rather live with the Big Dog alone. 

But even with my Luck, my dog would get run over. 

Proms- Is the Third Time the Charm?

My Handsome Prince And I

So we all know that going to prom with a cute guy is the highlight of a girl's High School experience. They hope and Pray that they all get asked and by someone who isn't revolting and or a down right jerk. At least I did. Luckily I got a handsome prince who took me to not one, but Three proms. It is something I will never Forget the rest of my life to say the least.

My First Prom

So when I was a Junior I had a Huge crush on a guy (Allen) who seemed like he wanted to ask me but he was afraid of the Rule that Only Juniors or Seniors could ask younger class men. He was a sophomore. So I waited and I waited and Finally a Week before Prom I asked him. He told me that he had to Ask his Parents. Not what every girl wants to hear. So after a very Painful weekend of sitting on pins and needles... Allen told me he could go and we started trying to make plans. Mom wasn't able to make my dress for this prom because she twisted her ankle and we couldn't go shopping for material, but Luckily I had borrowed a dress from my cousin during spring break just in case we couldn't get it done in time.

Prom Morning 

Allen called me and said that his family was going fishing and that he was sorry but he couldn't hang out with me till The dance. I was perfectly ok with his fishing and told him to call me when he got back... I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned that day trying to make our house look great when he came to pick me up. With mom being laid up it was kinda hard to do everything myself and I learned how much she really did everyday. It was hard not to panic. Mom said that I had better shower and put on a shirt that I could take off after she did my hair that wouldn't mess it up. I was in a purple longsleeved button up shirt and a pair of gym shorts... it was pretty funny and I wish I had a picture. Allen called and Mom hadn't finished my hair yet and so I was giving him directions to my house so that he could pick me up and I was still in that ridiculous outfit and not in my dress!!! Mom finished up my hair and I ran into the bathroom and hurriedly slapped on some makeup.. which I hardly ever wore. Allen arrived while I was putting on my dress.... my sister was helping me thank goodness. I slipped into my shoes and grabbed my stuff and took a deep breath.

I walked into the living room and there he was... Looking very very nervous and very handsome in his Tux. His breath caught and he said, "You shouldn't be going with Me!!!" He turned around and tried to get out the door teasingly and I came to his side and said, "Yes, you should," As I slipped my arm into his. He helped me put my corsage on and it was prefect with my dress. I put his boutonnière on and then we took pictures real fast and we went outside to hop into a really dirty pickup... I was just grateful that we only had to ride to my friends house in it. His friend was nice and told Allen that he had to be home by Midnight. I was shocked and really sad. I had to be home by 12:30.
We took pictures at my Friend's house and had dinner. It was so good.
Then we went to Tany's date's house and then went to the dance. Amy didn't have a date so Tany and I shared ours. It was a Magical night to say the least. theme: Titanic, and they had a huge dock in the front. It was just beautiful.We got Allen home by Midnight... two minutes early. I walked him to his door and I half expected him to kiss me... but all he did was throw his arms around me and gave me the biggest bear hug. We said goodnight and I went home to tell my mother of the night, before going to bed.

Second Prom

Allen And I grew pretty close the following year and He asked me to be his girl on November 17, 2007. So I pretty much knew that he was going to ask me to prom....it was all a matter of when. He asked me to Prom as I was headed to my art class, after I had a really really Bad Day. He said "i know something that will cheer you up!!!" and so He asked me and I put him through the agony of waiting for my reply.  I did reply the next day saying that I would with a note that said "I would be a Lucky Duck to go with you." I bought a small rubber ducky and I found a penny to go with it. He loved it when he found it in his car. Mom and I went out to search for a pattern and fabric and we came up with a blue satin dress. It's really heavy and it took mom all night to make it. I stayed up with her and she did a fabulous job. My friends Kris, Britt, Leeci, and I where excited to go with Boys Allen, Ben-J and J-wolf. Britt didn't have a date, but we shared!! It was fun. We had all planned to go to Ben-J's house and Watch conference and play games. They made us Dutch-oven Eggs. It was really good. It was amazing watching morning conference cause Allen was looking into joining the church. He got to watch President Monson be sustained. It was a first for all of us. Kris had an appointment to get her hair done, so she had to leave early. Allen and Ben-J had promised Two Girls from school that we would meet up and we where all going to see balanced rock and take a Picnic. Well, it turned out that One of the girl's dates took a wrong turn and neither wouldn't make it. Let's just say that it made the boys mad. We packed up in the car and we couldn't find the road to balanced rock. Kris was trying to catch up and it was VERY frustrating for all of us. We just decided to go home and stick with the boys original plan. My Mom was gone with the kids on a trip and Dad was busy working all day. so I was on my own. We went to pick my stuff up and we went to Leeci's House to get ready. It was fun cramming four girls into a Bathroom.

Leeci curled my hair and glued little pearls into my hair.

The boys came and where waiting on us. It seems Allen is always waiting on this woman. I came out and Adam helped me put on my Corsage. WE then went to the dance and got in line for pictures. we stayed there for a little bit and the boys decided that the dancing music wasn't appropriate. So we left and went to a Church parking lot and cranked up a radio. We had a lot of fun... even if it was cold. allen gave me his tux jacket and we danced until it was time to go. He took me home and he kissed me in his car and then gave me his class ring to promise me that that he would be there for me always.

 "I wished for nothing beyond her smile, and to walk with her thus, 

hand in hand, along a sun-warmed, flower-bordered path."

--Andre Gide

Third Prom....

So I graduated and went off to BYU. Allen invited me to go on a date for Valentine's day. We went to Shoshone Falls and the Girls of the group where sent on a Wild goose chase over town. Then we met back up with the boys and they had prepared a special dinner for us.

 They had a White rose for each girl and tied to to rose was a note saying, "Hey I need a Date for Prom.. Would you like to go with me?" I said yes of course.... Mom made me My Green Dress and Of course I Love it. My sister Nina did my hair and I felt like a princess when he came to pick me up. Dad took photos of us outside the house in front of the "Smiley Barn," the tree and on the small bench. 

We went to Ben-J's house and met up with Kris, Boss, Britt, Danny, Ben-j and Leeci. We took pictures and had Dinner made again by the Guys. They each had a rose in our favorite color...

We took tons of photos and laughed at all the funny things the Boys where saying. We then went to the dance. It was hot and crowded... but we got in line for pictures and had a blast dancing... We then went to the Temple Parking lot and Danced with the Radio cranked up.. It was very cold, but we had a great time. My favorite Part was just being able to Spend time with Allen and all my friends before heading back to School.  Allen took me home, kissed me goodnight and it was the end of a perfect night.

Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice but falling in love with you I had no control over!

Thank you Allen, for everything.

I guess I could call this my "Simba Phase"

I was thinking about Life and then the Lion king popped into my head... After Mufasa is killed Simba is exciled into what I shall call the wilderness of Life. He Met Timone and Pumba and they lived Quite happily until Nala showed up and reconnected with Simba and tried to get him to see what he Truly was. "A KING." Then that messed Simba's head up and he was in the "Confused and What Am I going to do Next?" Phase. I feel like Simba. I am in this similar phase. But then I came to the conculsion that I Need to Realize that It's ok to figure out what I am going to do for myself so I can get to where I truly belong. It's ok to focus on my life and what I want. I mean I only have so much time here on earth and then my learning here is all that I will have to go on in the Next phase.. whatever that may be. As the Famous Elton John says in his song in the Lion King,

"From the Day we arrived on the planet,
And blinking stepped into the sun.
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done.....

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars

There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps the great and small on the endless round"

Forgive the Disney reference, But It's true. This life is about Learning and growing and just figuring out what We as individuals can do. Simba had to figure out that by wanting to be a King and deciding to act by helping his pride regain the balance that he would Find himself and continue to grow. ( I love Disney parallels. ) I love the fact that people can do that. They have figured out who they are and where they are headed and just keep learning, by serving. I know that I am a Child of God, and He has a Plan for me.(just like Mufasa had a plan for Simba) I know the basic/general/wish that Heavenly Father wants me to achieve. He wants his children to Learn of him and to trust him. I know that he wants me to find a person who enhances my weaknesses and values my strengths. But my question right now is What am I supposed to be doing right now? What does he want me to learn and develop right now, until that person comes along? I am on a quest to discover what Lainey wants in this phase of life. I guess I better put on my running shoes and set off, cause I am bound and determined to fight for the prize. Even if it means getting beaten a few times by Scar.

Good Bye 2009!!!

I guess I will start off my Blog with a Recap of 2009's events that made me into the girl I am currently in 2010.
I started my first year of College and fell in love with some amazing roommates; Cindy, Kels, Britt, & Ali. They were all fun and bubbly. We had some crazy adventures and some struggles but We acted like a Family and kept each other strong.
I had my First Breakup, and have had a few adventures trying to find a replacement, but my love for my best friend never went away. I came back from college with self inflicted emotional bruises... which my Family and closest friends, including that best friend, helped me heal and pick myself back up. Thanks Guys! I owe you one!
Two Crazy Friends fell head over heels for each other and I had the honor of being my friend's bridesmaid. It was great to see how they were crazy they were for each other. They took the plunge into the Married Life with a great start and are now expecting a baby boy. They aren't saying any names but I am sure that they are going to be a great family.
My sister and her husband had an unfortunate accident which gave me an opportunity to get out of town and see the other side of life. It was great to reconnect with a sister that I so dearly love. It gave us some much needed quality time to spend together. They have recovered and recently took a trip to the Republica Dominica. No scuba diving but they had a blast!
I sent my best friend off to the MTC where he learned all he needed to know about serving the lord for the rest of Two whole years. He Loves serving the Lord and he has encouraged me to be the best person I can be. I really miss his smile and his loving personality, but I know that we are always going to be the best of Friends forever. lol.

I guess I will have to see what 2010 holds in store for me. I am hoping that it turns out to be a great year!!!
With Love Forever and Always,
Lainey