Follow Me to Happiness

Blessed.

2012-02-20T02:10:00.001-07:00

I was reading the blog of my good friend, Caroline, tonight.

She posted about the boy above, my dear friend Jonathan Lane, and how he's leaving on his mission.
All us BYU friends missed his farewell, and as I read her post, I couldn't help but cry.
She talked about how blessed we have been in not only our friends from home, but also in our friends up here at the Y.
And she's so right.

Recently, I've really been thinking about this.
I honestly can not imagine a better group of guys and girls to go through high school with.
Those crazy boys that were my best friends mean more than the world to me, they really all do.
As they've been getting calls and leaving to all the corners of the Earth, I've been realizing that life is changing so much, and I know I've talked about it a lot, but it's been consuming my life.

Yesterday night, the four of us girls spent the evening at Zack and Joey's talking and making food.
As Becca and I got ready for bed, we talked about how much those two boys mean to us.
We continued to talk about how grateful we are for all the boys we've left back home,
and we decided we couldn't ask for better boys.
Those boys are the kind of boys we're looking for.
Sure, they're not perfect, but they're all trying mighty hard, and we love them, we really do.

I just can't even express my full gratitude for all of them in my life.
As Lane leaves on his mission, I'll be praying for him, and for Aaron, and for Eric, and I'll remember to cherish all the moments I have with the boys that are left, because I know my time with them is going to slip away so quickly.

But life changes, and we all move on, and we keep growing and becoming better, and I think that's what's important to remember.

Life isn't supposed to stay the same, if it did, we would never learn anything and we would never grow.
So I'm grateful that the boys are leaving, and that we're all growing in our separate ways.
I'm grateful that I've been able to realize how much they mean to me.
I'm grateful that they've taught me what a true friend is.
I'm grateful that they've shown me what to look for in a husband.
I'm grateful that they're all going out to serve the Lord for two years.
But mostly, I'm just grateful for them.

And tonight, I am feeling so blessed.

Love always,
Ems

Life Changing.

2012-02-15T23:08:00.002-07:00

I watched Waiting for Superman tonight.
It changed my life.
I already knew I wanted to go out and teach for Teach for America,
but now, I have to go out and teach.

It's just not fair that these kids, who want to succeed in school do not have the opportunity.

Watch Waiting for Superman, it'll change your life.

Love always,
Ems

Note to the Boys....

2012-02-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Boys,

This girl....

Has made up my mind.
I'm serving a mission.
So please stay away from me till I return.
If not, I'll just leave you behind when I'm 21.
So if you're ok with that, we can date,
but you can't marry me till I come home.

Love always,
Ems

p.s. sorry about 2 posts in one day. I just couldn't resist.

Arizona Statehood Day.

2012-02-14T09:46:00.004-07:00

In the wake of all this love, people are forgetting something very important.
It is the 100th birthday of the beautiful state of Arizona.
Who needs Valentine's Day when you have an amazing state?

But in all reality, that's not what I am posting on today.
Because it is Valentine's Day, and I have a very special post today.
It's about these two people....

My parents.
The other night, as I sat in my bed thinking about love,
I immediately thought about these two, and the immense love they have for each other.

Growing up, I always knew my parents were in love, it was never a question.
My dad would bring home flowers for my mom,
my mom would be cooking dinner for my dad, and welcome him home with a "Hallelujah" just because he liked it.
There were always notes left for each other around the house,
and there was always kissing and hugging and Caleb saying they needed to get a room.

The thing is, that is still how they are.
They are still so in love, and it is such an amazing thing to me.
They have the kind of love that I want to find- a love that is enduring and constant.

I'm not saying they're perfect, heaven knows our entire family is far from that,
but they are in love, and that is what is important,
because with that love in their hearts,
they can go out into the world and accomplish anything together.

And that is truly what love is really about so,
Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers.
May your love always endure life's crazies.

Love always,
Ems

Thoughts from a week of Sickness.

2012-02-10T23:38:00.002-07:00

Guys, I got mono. How? I have no idea. Which is even worse then knowing that I got it from a make out cause hey, at least it was fun, right? ha. Anyway, obviously this week I spent 3/5 days of the week curled up either in my bed or on my brother and SIL's couch. Lots of chick flicks were watched, lots of sleep was had, and maybe some crying from wanting to better (or maybe it was the blood tests? I don't remember). So I've had lots of time to think.

As much as I love Valentine's day, I've decided it's really only fun when you have an awesome boyfriend. Few people want to be reminded that they're not in love in such an obnoxiously pink, singsongy, beautiful way. However, I really do love Valentine's day. Luckily, I had my SIL to buy me flowers and chocolates (thanks, Sarah!) and my mom to send me a package of Valentine's presents so I feel like I have someone out there! Hip hip for family relations! I really love those crazies.

And I really love those three little words- I love you. I have a quote on my wall from James McBride's, The Color of Water, that says,

"She was gone. Gone. That's why you have to say all your "sorrys" and "I love yous" while a person is living, because tomorrow isn't promised."

I can't even imagine missing my opportunity to say I love you to a person. Or even worse, I'm sorry. It's something that I want to make sure that I always say those simple things. But it's hard, ya know? There are so many forms of love that it can be taken so wrong. I love my best friend, but since we've gone through so many things does it mean something different to that person? But what if I never have the chance to say that to them? Then what? Then I'll have made a huge mistake in my life, and I don't want to do that. Those three simple words can change a person's life by changing their hearts. Sure, nothing is like the movies, but emotions are real, and maybe they're just shy. Heaven knows I'm not. But it's no fun to always be the first person to say I love you.

With all this talk you'd think I had some big plans to go out and tell someone I love them after kissing their face off. If I didn't have mono, I still don't think I'd have those plans. Maybe plans to get to know a person better, or make amends with someone, but not confess my love. I'm still waiting for love. We will see when it comes. I know it will, I'm just waiting. Call me crazy, but I think I've been in love before, and it real is an amazing thing. I know that my final love will be so much more amazing, and I cannot wait for that. Until then, I'll keep looking. It's a search that's worth the time.

Love always,
Ems

P.S. go see The Vow. It will renew your hope in true love and the lengths it will go. Amazing. Really amazing.

image via pinterest

Mission Craziness.

2012-02-05T18:52:00.001-07:00

Scott Andrews: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Eric Hill: Leaving to Bulgaria next Wednesday

Josh Coleman: Indonesia

Skyping with Adam Kent: Frankfurt, Germany
(please notice how many people are crammed in our tiny screen)

Jace Bayles: Paraguay, Joey Eddington: Ogden, Utah,

Zack Jarvis: Birmingham, Alabama, Scott Carter: Japan

My Best Friend.

The past few weeks have been filled with mission craziness. This means I attended six mission call openings and it was a bit of an overload. See, as a mormon girl attending BYU, you have a great freshman year and then, you have no friends because they all leave on missions. Which, don't get me wrong, is amazing and so good, but it's also kinda difficult.

The hardest mission opening for me was that of Zack Jarvis' last week. I told him I was going to cry and there were definitely a good amount of tears shed. It was an emotional night because I'm so proud of him and all he's done to get that call in his hands but, at the same time, I'm going to miss him like crazy. Few other people understand me in the way that Zack does. He knows every single side of me and has always been there for me and thinking about replacing him is an impossible thought. I don't think it can be done.

At the same time, I can't fully express the gratitude and joy all these boys bring me. All the mission call craziness shows me how truly blessed I am. These boys are the boys that I went to high school with and they are some of the best boys that I know- if not the very best. They have all taught me so much and I can't imagine my life without them. I'm so proud of them and I know that they will all make amazing missionaries. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them.

Love always,

Ems

Being Alone.

2012-01-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

For the three day weekend, Becca went to Park City and I stayed in our dorm room. Thursday night to Monday night, I was alone, in a sense. I was lonely when I spent time in our room, so I went up to Alex and Lindsey's room a lot, but you can only be in a person's room till a certain time of night (morning?) before everyone needs and wants sleep. So, I'd return to our room- alone. You know, I think that being alone is actually something that we need and never get enough of. Don't get me wrong, I love my roommate more than anything, and I really do not actually enjoy being alone, but the time I had to reflect on things was.... much needed. It helped that most the boys were gone too so I wasn't out till three in the morning doing random things; instead, I was up till three in the morning thinking.

I've come to realize that life isn't perfect. Shocker, I know. But in all the imperfections, it is perfect. Sure, I may wreck things like relationships, friendships, and my fingers, but in the end, it's all going to work out. It always will. There seems to be so many decisions to make and knowing that it will all work out is something that I've really started to appreciate. No, I don't know what I'm going to do with my life, who I'm going to marry, or even what I'm doing this summer, but I have faith that if I do my best and turn to the Lord in my decisions, it will all work out.

That's what I've learned in being alone. And now that I have my roommate back, I remember that I don't like being alone and that I have amazing people in my life. I'm glad she's already asleep and that I'm still wide awake and avoiding all things sleep related (who does that? Oh ya, me). It's how we work. I'm glad that I was able to clear my mind and figure out what I want from life, if only a miniature part of it. I'm glad I was alone so I could remember that I don't like it.

Love always,

Ems

Lately....

2012-01-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

1. Arizona welcomed me home only to have me leave it after a week. We have an unfortunate relationship that I miss.

2. Took a picnic with the Zac(k)s and Morgan. It was lovely.

3&4. Went roller-rink skating at the classiest joint in town: Skateland.

4&5. Welcomed in the New Year with a party at my house. Giant speakers included along with slightly upset neighbors (sorry bout that...) Not included, my dear camarade de chambre, Bexs. Missed her dearly.

6. Welcomed the snow.... and Leah's love for Bacon.

7. Enjoyed an IHop run after a night at Lowe's Extreme Air Sports with our new friend Isaac (and old friends we adore). I started the spoon-on-nose game and naturally everyone wanted to follow. Becca succeed, Dallin did not.

8. We really liked our waiter and tried to write him a message in syrup... We didn't succeed.

Life is back in the swing of things, and I'm loving it.

Here's to another great semester!

Love always,

Ems

Goodbyes.

2012-01-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today, I was able to go to one of my dear friend's missionary farewells. Drew and I have been friends since... Well, I can't even remember since when, but it's been a long time. We were on Student Council together during our Senior Year and be came even closer that year- not to mention seeing him all the time at BYU. The picture of us accurately displays our relationship.... He's calm and collected, and I'm being a weirdo crazy person. It's a good relationship.

Anyway, what I'm getting at is how incredibly blessed I am to have Drew, among many of my other close guy friends in my life. As I head back up to college, I'm leaving behind a good number of my guy friends because they are leaving on missions and not returning to BYU. As Drew concluded his talk in church, I could't hold back the silent tears that fell down my face. They were tears filled with so many emotions. Pride in the way I've seen my friends live their lives, happiness that they are giving up two years of their lives in the service of our lord, and sadness to see them go, since they've been there for me throughout my life. I never realized tears could hold so much.

As I move on in life, so many things change- I can already see it. The boys are going to places like South Korea on their missions, the girls are going to school and forging their own ways in life, and we all just keep pushing on. Pushing on to do the Lord's work, pushing on to be a better person, pushing on to fulfill our hopes and dreams. It all zooms by so fast and one second I'm texting my best friend at three in the morning, and the next, he's out in Argentina teaching the gospel- I feel like I have hardly had enough time to tell everyone how much they mean to me before they move onto their next big adventure. And at the same time, I couldn't be more proud of my friends. I can't wait to hear the stories about learning chinese from Aaron, and the crazy foods that Lane will eat. I know that Eric will be in love with the culture of Bulgaria and that Drew will be the Spaniard's greatest friend. My friends are going places, and they're place where they will changes lives and become men. I'm so proud of each one of them and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them- I know it is miraculous.

Love always,
Ems

The Olympics.

2011-12-29T16:50:00.002-07:00

I am so excited for the Olympics. I may have spent a bit too much time on the Team USA site today. But ya know what, I'm part of Team USA too, just as this movies says. Better believe I will be cheering on my country in July.

Love always,

Ems

Big News.

2011-12-28T01:33:00.001-07:00

Dear You,

Today is a day for the history books of this here little blog. Today, I am guest posting. Yes, guest posting. I feel very honored to be posting over at my friend, Aaron's blog, And then he Came Home. Head on over there to here me dance around in the dark about a song I think I understood, and then, follow his blog, you won't be disappointed.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Love always,
Ems

Friendship

2011-12-27T00:56:00.003-07:00

I love Harry Potter, a lot. One of the huge aspects that I love in Harry Potter is the reoccurring theme that love conquers all and friendship is one of the strongest bonds between humans. I think that oftentimes the word friend is thrown around a bit too carelessly. A friend is someone bonded to you in a much greater way than an acquaintance, a friend is someone like Ron or Hermoine, someone who will return to you even though they hated you and your glory, or couldn't take a minute more of your idiotic ways; a person who will defend you to the world's end, and will stand by you in all your hardships.

I've looked around me at times, and realized that I'm immensely blessed in friends. I've looked around at other times in my life and felt like I had no friends by my side (oh how wrong I was). But now, I look around, and I wonder if I'm being the kind of friend that people need. I've come across people in my life that have helped me realize that sometimes, a person just needs a friend. A simple friend who will talk when needed, listen when needed, and stand still and hold them when needed. A lot of the times, it doesn't matter what your past is with that person, they just want you to be there as a friend who cares about them. That's all people really what in this life- someone who cares about them. So that's what I want to do this year- care.

Love always,
Ems

Senior Year Video.

2011-12-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have been graduated for six months however, I just finished the movie that summarizes my senior year. It was a great one to be sure. Toros for life.

Love always,

Ems

Home.

2011-12-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

There is no greater word to me right now than that simple word. I've been home since Thursday and it has been wonderful. First off, I have my family and I am so happy to be with them again. Secondly, I have my bed. Thirdly, I have weather that I can love without a down jacket on. God created a beautiful world when he created the state of Arizona.

While here, I've been able to catch up with friends, sleep in, and bake bake bake! All Saturday my mom and I made about 500 gingerbread men for our neighbors.

They were so delicious. Most of them looked like normal gingerbread men... Except for the obese ones and the ones that looked like they were running away from something like this one.....

I found him rather hilarious. They all looked gorgeous and ready to be frosted but then my mom decided to hand the frosting over to my dad..... bed idea. Frosting is an art, and my dad is no artist. It's no wonder we ended up with gingerbread men in whitey-tighties and skeleton costumes.... Oh, and as cyclopses. Ya know, the norm....

Other than that, I've been in my iMovie studio finishing my senior year video and summer video, starting my first semester video, reading The Wednesday Wars, and shopping with my mom. It's been enjoyable.

We have a reunion with my ELP teacher in Wednesday and it will be wonderful.

Love always,

Ems

Wise Men Still Seek Him.

2011-12-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

A perfect start to the week of Christmas.

Love always,

Ems

Plans and Dreams Crashing.

2011-12-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

We all make plans, right? And most of the time, the small plans work. Sometimes, the big plans work, and sometimes they don't. In fact, I feel like most of the time, the big plans don't pan out the way I envisioned things.

Coming home after a semester of college, I sat on my floor and thought. I just sat, and I thought. I looked at the pictures of graduation scrolling across my screensaver and I went back to that blissful night in May. I still feel like I can remember the exact thoughts and plans I had. I could see the future ahead of me and it was bright and glorious. It was filled with lots of dates, and lots of close, new girlfriends. It was filled with lots of studying, and lots of good grades. It was filled with the moment of sitting on my floor back at home after the first semester and being absolutely content with life.

And yet, tonight, I sat, and I thought, and really, none of those things happened. Not a single one. How did that work out? Well, I can go back and point to a few things. But overall, it's just kinda... life.

Here's the funny thing about life and plans and dreams. They all crash together and end up in one huge mess on our lap. They 're not like airplanes. They don't listen to you when you're directing them from the tower. They don't even land in the right place most of the time. They just fly around, carrying all your precious things in them, and they don't care what you have to say. They don't care if you have a dream that needs to be fulfilled by Christmas because gosh darn, if that dream wants to arrive next christmas or even, well hey, NEVER, it's going to arrive then. If it decides to show up.

I have lots of dreams and plans. I think they're all currently crashing in the air, but somehow, God will be able to sort them all out and send me the ones I need and really want. And isn't that something to be grateful for? Eventually, everything will all just work out, because that's what happens in life- things work out.

Love always,
Ems

Birthday Dinner.

2011-12-08T19:12:00.001-07:00

Remember how I love Josh and Sarah so much?
I love them a lot.

They had me and my 3 Mesa girls
(we missed you, Cuc!)
over for dinner on Wednesday night.

Josh made some delicious mexican food for us-
REAL mexican food, people.

We were all in paradise.

After the heavenly mexican meal,
we had an erupted volcano cake....
long story there.

It was a beautiful night filled with lots of great conversation,
funny books about kissing with confidence,
and lots of awkward stories from Josh and Sarah about
weird people they dated.

I feel so blessed.

Hip Hip for the last year of teenage-hood!

Love always,
Ems

My Last Year as a Teenager.

2011-12-06T00:38:00.001-07:00

Today, I am 19.
This means this is my last year as a teenager.

And do you want to know how my last year as a teenager started?
By receiving a pillow pet from my three girlies.

I'm pretty sure a 19 year-old girl shouldn't be this happy
about a pillow pet....
But with a name like Pierre, how can you resist?

It's going to be a good birthday.

I love life!

Love always,
Ems

Good Memories.

2011-12-05T11:41:00.001-07:00

Well friends, another weekend sped by and I feel like I didn't even have time to blink.

The good news is,
this is my last week of classes.

The bad news is,
that means finals are in a week.

Let's pray we make it through.

Today, I feel like recounting a bit of history.

All through my life, I have had two best friends.
The kind of friends that are always there for you and
that you spend more time at their house than at your own.
The friends who's moms are your second moms, ya know?

Their names are Morgan and Jessika.

Aren't we cute?
(Morgan is the one wrapped up)
We did everything together.
Jessika was the tom-boy,
I was the girly-girl,
and Morgan was the happy medium of the two of us.

I don't really have a story to go with this...
Just some cute pictures of Morgan and me.
So ya.
Enjoy this blast from the past!

Ah, good times.
I miss being a child.
And Il one those two girls to death.

That is all.

Love always,
Ems

Epic Happiness.

2011-12-03T02:01:00.001-07:00

Guys.
This is real,
and this is epic happiness.

I applied to the program a while ago but never thought I would be accepted due to my huge failure of a phone interview. So, this morning, when I went to turn on Les Misérables for our morning music joy, my email was the first desktop open and all I saw was an email from the Disney recruiting services with the subject of: "Congratulations!"

I did a mini scream and Becca came over and we both just mini screamed together. All day I was just so happy. The fact that I have the opportunity to go to Florida and work as a lifeguard all summer at the Disney World parks.... Like really? What more can a girl ask for?

Anyway, I'm exceedingly happy.

And it's snowing, and I think it is lovely.

And that is all.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Love always,
Ems

Dad.

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'll ever be able to express how much I love my dad.

All my life, I've been Daddy's little girl-
it came with being the only girl-
and being away from him,
I miss him so much.

I called him yesterday after a rather terrible day
and he reassured me in all the right ways that life would be ok,
that sometimes, life isn't as great,
but it always gets better,
and it is always worth it.

I know that no matter what,
he will love me-
and there are few things in this world
that bring me greater peace.

I'll always be able to call him
and ask him for help with friends,
or planning parties,
or boys,
or essays,
or my own self worth,
and he'll always have the right words for me.
He'll always reassure me,
and comfort me,
and love me.

I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world,
because he is my father.

Love always,
Ems

I love Ellen.

2011-12-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

How do you not love her?

I found this last night via a video she posted on twitter

and had to suppress my laughter since Bexs was sleeping.

But seriously.

I love her.

Love always,

Ems

Why Can't the English?

2011-12-01T00:17:00.001-07:00

So I do hope you have all see this movie.
If not, you're missing out.

Today, Becca and I were discussing Professor Higgins' very true point
of how we speak English so improperly.

Ever noticed how when asked,
"How are you?"
We answer,
"I'm good."

Wrong.
It's "I'm well."

Yet, when you answer like that,
everyone just gets uncomfortable
and the you're in an awkward situation.

Same with when you say
"May I have..."
rather than
"Can I have..."

So yes, Professor Higgins,
we don't speak proper English
(Well, according to him, we Americans haven't spoken it for ages...)
but we do all get along and like each other.

So that's good,
right?

Love always,
Ems

p.s. I'm missing this man in my life....
Oh how I love me some Mr. Darcy.

The Best Class Ever (Continued)

2011-11-30T00:40:00.001-07:00

Remember how I posted that video about RMYL215?
It's the best class ever.

If I were Rapunzel, I would swing around a tree saying,
"THIS IS THE BEST CLASS EVER!!!"
But I'm not....
so that image will have to suffice y'all.

Here's why that class is the best.

Buddy the Elf came to our class today.

Yup.

It's the coolest class.

And then, we enjoyed the four main food groups:
Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and Syrup.

Well, Cameron and Mitch did.....

The girls stood around and took pictures.

So classic Team Awesome.

Love those people.

Seriously, take this class.

You can't even understand how awesome Dr. Palmer is until he's standing in front of the class singing, dancing, and acting out all sorts ridiculous things.

He's a hoot, a real hoot.

Oh man, I love that class.

I'm going to be so sad to see the end of it on my birthday next week.

Love always,

Ems

RMYL 215

2011-11-29T10:09:00.001-07:00

The next time you have three credit hours just lying around.....

take this class.

It is by far the best class on campus.

I made this video as part of the DVD committee

and I'm now super sad that it's all over.

Dr. Palmer is the craziest professor ever

and makes every Tuesday night the best night ever.

Love Always,

Ems

The Shower Caddy that Hates Me.

2011-11-28T20:03:00.001-07:00

Here's something you thought you'd never hear:
Shower caddies are evil.
At least, mine is.

First story.
Remember at the beginning of the year when my razor
sliced my thumb open?

Oh ya.
Those were some good times.
I'm blaming my shower caddy.....

Then, it broke my face wash.
Thank you.

The newest shower caddy hatin session?
Breaking my shampoo bottle.

Do you have any idea how much of a mess shampoo makes?
A big one.

So here's the story.
My shampoo bottle broke yesterday,
so, naturally, I duct taped it and stuck it back in my caddy and back in my closet.

Bad idea.

Becca and I came in last night at midnight and I open up my closet and...
WHABAM.
Shampoo, everywhere.

Shampoo doesn't just fall like water....
it gushes.
Kinda like how lava gushes from a volcano.

It got everywhere,
but somehow did not touch my cloths.
(Christmas miracle, anyone?)

We rushed like madwomen, getting paper towels,
using all our mini hand towels,
clorox wiping (bad idea),
and pretty much everything else to get rid of the mess.

Finally, it was all cleaned up.
This was the after math......

Ok, this picture does it no justice....
Our trashcan was brimming with paper towels,
all soaked in shampoo
and that caddy had about an inch of shampoo covering it.

Five shampooy towels,
100 shampooy paper towels,
and a very bubbly sink later,
it was all cleaned up.

Thank you, shower caddy,
for giving me such comical stories to tell;
however, I'd appreciate it if you just stopped
hatin on me.

Love always,
Ems

Comfort.

2011-11-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

This message was a perfect fit for my week.
It's good to know that I can always turn to the gospel for strength,
to know that I do not have to be perfect,
but that if I work,
the Lord will be there to pick up my slack.
I'm grateful for his endless mercy to me,
and for my knowledge of this gospel,
and especially for the knowledge that
I am a daughter of God.

Love always,
Ems

These Two...

2011-11-25T22:52:00.001-07:00

I love them.
Mr. and Mrs. Barton.
I love spending time with them
and helping them move in
and eating at Cafe Rio with them
and laughing at their weirdness
and talking with them about chemical weapons
(we're normal people)
and being energetically hugged by them
and rearranging couches with them
and finding bugs
and rolling my eyes at their pda
and seeing how in love they are.

So happy for them and to have them in my life-
in my life together.
Sarah makes Josh so happy,
and I like that a lot.

Ah, love is so happy.
Not always perfect,
but happy.

Love always,
Ems

People Make me Happy.

2011-11-24T02:35:00.001-07:00

I really like people.
They just make me happy.
I like how in love my brother and his wife are.
I like being with people who make me smile.
I like when people let me nuzzle them.
I like people who like me.
I like my friends.
I like strangers who are nice.
I like silly boys who try and race me in my mustang on the I-15.
I like people who sing in the showers cause they think they're the only people in the hall during break.

You see, I've decided that people in Utah are just super nice
(except when they're driving....)
and actually, I don't think it's just Utah.
I think that people in general like other people and would prefer to be with them.
Nobody likes loneliness.
That's why we always play music and watch movies and read when we're alone...
we like to pretend we're with other people.
Don't you agree?
That's what I do, at least.

So, for all the bad in the world,
there's a lot of good people.
And I like that about life.
A lot.

I also like other certain things in life at the moment,
but that's a story for another time slash
another place... aka my journal.

Make the world a better place today
and smile and be nice to a stranger.
Show them that the world is good and people are nice.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Safe travels and happy turkey eating!

Love always,
Ems

Ms. Pesek

2011-11-22T13:12:00.001-07:00

A week ago, today, Morgan texted me with the devastating news.

Our second grade teacher, Ms. Pesek, had tragically passed away.

I was in schock all day, and broke down crying as I recorded my thoughts that night.

Today was her funeral in Mesa; not being able to be there has been hard for me.

Ms. Pesek was a teacher that I loved and cherished more than I can express.

She created an eagerness for learning in my heart that shaped who I am today.

She taught me confidence in myself the day I came in with road rash on my face by giving me a hug and telling me that everyone in class was still going to be my friend.

She showed me charity by organizing a huge book drive for children in the Philippines and teaching us that there was nothing better in the world that we could do than help those in need.

She exemplified patience to all of us by loving the kids in our class who were mean and hard.

She exuded happiness and joy with her classroom colored in yellow paper, suns, and flowers.

She fostered our creativity by telling us that our second-grade drawings and stories were some of the best she'd ever seen- and we all knew she meant it.

She loved us as her children, because, we were, and that meant the world to our little second grade class.

Ms. Pesek will forever be missed from our lives,

from the lives of the hundreds of students she touched in her teaching,

from everyone who knew her and loved her.

She was an amazing woman.

I'm so grateful to know of the plan of salvation,

and to know that someday,

I will be able to give her a hug again and give her the thanks I never did here.

She deserves more than the gratitude I can express.

We love and miss you, Ms. Pesek,

and we will take all you taught us

and spread it through the world,

so that you will never be forgotten,

because we could never let you fade from our hearts.

Love always,

Ems

Bliss.

2011-11-20T00:38:00.001-07:00

A lot of things make me happy. Being home, being surrounded by friends, having a person who's single goal of each day seems to be to put a smile on my face. Today, I am overwhelmed with those feelings of happiness- they've exceeded happiness and turned to bliss.

I think that bliss may be a simpler concept than happiness. Happiness can be found in sorrow, happiness can be found mixed in with five million other emotions, and happiness can just be happiness; however, bliss is pure. Bliss is peace. Tonight, I feel bliss. I feel bliss knowing that there's only a few weeks of school left. I feel bliss knowing that last week is over and that I only have two days of school stress this week. The greatest bliss though, came through the people in my life. Coming home and being embraced by the people I have missed so much, seeing church teachers again who are so eager and happy to know that life at BYU is going well, knowing I am missed and loved in Provo- those people have filled me with bliss today.

Bliss, is more than just happiness. It's happiness and contentment, and for me, it is indescribable. I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people and to feel the love that people have for each other. I'm especially grateful to know that there are so many good people in the world because there are, there really are.

Doesn't that knowledge just make you feel blissful?

Life is a wonderful thing.

Love always,

Ems

Becoming a Jet-setter.

2011-11-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

So, this has been a month of madness.

Exaggeration.

A week of madness.

But it will soon become a month of madness.

You see,

I left Provo on Wednesday for Ogden so that my grandma and I could fly to DC.

Upon arrival in Ogden, I realized I left all forms of ID in Provo...

So, we drove all the way to Provo and back to Salt Lake Thursday morning so I could get on the plane.

It was a bit chaotic.

BUT

I made it to DC!

This weekend, I am heading home to Mesa,

which I am so very excited about.

Then back to Provo for the two days of classes

and a wonderful thanksgiving with my Kendrick side.

I will soon be an expert at the SLC airport.

Onto to the good stuff!

Last week....

What a fun week.

I spent lots of time with my favorite ward boys.

They like to cuddle with each other...

Odd?

I agree.

But I still love 'em.

Here is Scotty's new favorite pastime-

taking pictures on my iPhone.

Not just a few....

50-100.

Exhibit A.

Scotty by Scotty.

Exhibit B.

Emma Cries for her Phone

(An excuse to hold a hand)

by Scotty.

Exhibit C.

An Experiment in Blurriness.

(Emma and Jacob thumb waring)

By Scotty.

And what's even better,

my little brother loves doing the same thing.

Exhibit A.

The many faces of Seth.

Face number 586

By Seth.

Don't worry, he really is a cute boy...

look!

In other news, we Mesa kids experienced a new thing....

SNOW.

You can't see it in this picture but I promise, it's there.

During the weekend, we celebrated this new white fluffy stuff with my beloved Mesa boys in Heritage.

I love those guys.

Now, a look at DC via Instagram.

It was a blessing to be in DC on Veteran's day.

The men and women who those monuments are dedicated to mean so much to me.

Seeing the Veterans at the memorials was something I will never forget.

Their faces full of sorrow, pride, and remembrance were truly humbling.

Everyday I thank God that I live in such a blessed country and that there are so many people who are willing to go and fight and die for my freedoms.

I know that I will never be able to thank them enough.

The whole reason for being in DC was for my oldest brother, Josh's wedding.

I love my brother.

He has always been the most caring and kind brother I could ask for.

I remember being about eleven when he would come in "late at night" and sit on the edge of my bed and just talk to me.

He always took time out of his life to take care of me and make me feel extra special.

I'm so thankful that he has finally found someone who is equally as wonderful.

Sarah is joy and happiness wrapped up in a person, and the way she looks at my brother shows me that she will always stand by his side, loving him and supporting him.

They will be a loving, kind, and exuberant couple together and I am so happy for them.

I may have teared up during their first dance.

And while dancing with my dad...

And while dancing with my brother....

It was a beautiful night,

brimming with love and happiness.

I'm so grateful to know that life and love will go on forever.

God's plan is wonderful, and so good.

Through all the misery around us

and all the hard times people face,

if we but look around,

we will all see how wonderful life is.

This much, I am sure of.

Love always,

Ems

Lots to Talk About.

2011-11-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, people of the blogging world.

There is a lot to talk about, just as my title says.
We have....
boys
weekends
pictures
adventures
music
school
school
school.
And, some more school.

Let me tell ya, I love school, but it's gosh darn hard.
But still, I love it.
I've switched my minor...
in my head....
I never actually declared it with the officials.
I've decided, for now, on communications and possibly a double minor in French.
We will see how that works out for me.

As I told Becca on Saturday,
I think I'd rather clean houses all day then go to school.
Something is wrong with that sentence.

So, here's a quickie update on life in the room with a view.

We spent a weekend up in Park City a while back and Kassie about broke Caroline's finger in our adventures in baking. Kassie was traumatized. The rest of us were just trying not to die of laughter.

This was the night of technology overload. I was on the phone with my dad, texting Jacob, and also on goggle docs with my dad editing my essay. It was a lot to take in. Regardless, please just be so amazed at this conversation Jacob and I were having. Really, I'm still trying to figure out if this kid is real or if he's just pretending....

One of my favorite things?
Smart Water.
Especially when I get the otter.
Not so much when I get the lobster.

But really, how can you refuse to recycle with such a cute thing encouraging you?

One night, as we were sitting at dinner, Asa calls Alex and Alex sprints out of the Cannon Center.
Next thing I know, I'm getting a call from Alex who tells me I need to smuggle out food because they have a kitten and he's starving.
I, of course, made the boys do it.
So Jacob made this nasty meat sandwich....
And then he had to throw it away because you cannot take food out go the Cannon Center.
Operation Food for Kitten: fail.

I've never seen boys so in love with a kitten.

Here's another tragedy.
Mr. Collins got knocked off the window sill....
We replanted him in Javert's pot.
Hopefully that doesn't kill him.

One night I walked into our room and found our sink a war zone.....
Who knows what happened;
however, now I am an expert light fixer.

HALLOWEEN TIME!

We had an awesome Halloween.

We dressed up as 80's rockers,

and our favorite ward boys had the most creative outfits.

Exhibit A.

Dallin and Michael dressed as Michael and Dallin.

If you knew them, you would be laughing a lot harder.

All our ward boys.

Included in the array of outfits are Winnie the Pooh, a Utah fan, thugs slash mobsters, a pirate, and a Hunter (because his name is Alex Hunter.... it's puny...)

Our very favorite Salt Lake City boy came and visited us!
We were so very happy to see him even though his costume was a bit pathetic....
And Nate is excellently photobombing in this picture.

So yes, that is the life from the room with a view.

Life, my friends, is good.
I love being up here at the good 'ole BYU.
There really is not a better school, and most definitely there are no better people than the people I have been able to become friends with.
Isn't it great to look around and realize how blessed we are?

Love always,
Ems

The Weekend in Review.

2011-10-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

Bonjour, les amis!

Let me tell you, this weekend was beautiful in so many ways.
It made me really want to be in love.

No worries, Mom and Dad,
I'm not getting married anytime soon
(although, I wish it was the future so I was...)

Regardless of that desire, I'm loving being a freshman,
promise.

Here's why this weekend made me want to be in love.

My cousin, Shawnee, got married and my family and I spent the weekend in Salt Lake enjoying wedding stress and festivities.

Here's the thing,
it rekindled my love for weddings more than anything before.
There's no degree for wedding planning though,
and therein lies my dilemma.

Anyway, here's the happy couple enjoying their first dance.
It makes my heart melt.

True love.
It's very much worth the wait,
I just keep saying that to myself.

In other news,
I had this frustration the other week about how sad it is that little children in other countries cannot enjoy Dr. Seuss because his wit and rhymes would not translate well.
Lo and behold, I found this in Anthropologie.

Green Eggs and Ham in French.
French, my beloved language.
I added it to my birthday list the moment I saw it and I am now satisfied to know that children in other countries can appreciate Dr. Seuss as much as I do.

Here are some other pictures from the weekend. I was so happy all weekend. Nothing better.

Sunday afternoon, Bexs decided to be a hippster for .5 seconds.
Doesn't she look like a genuine hipster?
Fake glasses, obscure band t-shirt, jean jacket and all!

Scotty, Bexs, our home-ward friend Alisha (she was visiting from Idaho) and I decided to go on a little walk after dinner.
We got stuck outside the Marriott center because the grass looked so lush that I just had to lay in it.
It ended up that Scotty became our photographer for a bit.
Scotty rocks, needless to say.

Bexs wanted to creepily crawl towards Scotty....

The reason for our walk was to delivere a package to Morgan, but she was in church.
So, logically, we hid the package in a bush outside the Marriott center while we went to the temple.

The temple was beautiful.
I actually would consider getting married there if my dear Mesa temple were closed. (a very real possibility)

See all the missionaries behind us?
It was temple visiting time for a large portion of the MTC and it was crazy how many missionaries were there! I named it the missionary invasion.

On our way home, we ran into none other than Elder Conrad Nicole!
This is our super confused picture.
It's a classic, obviously.

Last, but most certainly not least, a plant update.

Javert, unfortunately, died.

We were going to have a proper funeral for him last weekend by throwing him in the river, but, he was left in Alex and Lindsey's room.

So, last night, as we created our Scale, this package slides into our room.

I just about died of laughter, as did Bexs and Scotty.
Night, made.

Life is so wonderful, my friends!
Keep on keeping on!

Love always,
Ems

How to Spend a Sunday Correctly.

2011-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today, as we sat at dinner with Scotty Andrews,
We decided that we needed a scale to rate guys by.

Originally, we were going to use real guys we knew with code names.

That wasn't nice though, so we went for the fictional aspect of things....

Disney Princes. Here's what we came up with....

Pretty self-explanatory.

Then, since the princes have weak-sauce personalities, we came up with a personality scale using only our very favorite chick-flicks.

Here's that one....

This one calls for explanation.
So Noah and Darcy are the best fictional characters invented.
Thank you, Mr. Sparks and Ms. Austen.
Noah is just a bit more forward, which we love.
Plus, we don't know how P&P ends, so.... Where's the rest of their life to judge by?
(Although secretly, I love Darcy maybe a tad more than Noah...)

Next, we have the self-sacrificing lovers.
Gerry, from PS I Love You.
Tears. Every. Time.
Need I say more?
No.
And then Landon Carter from A Walk to Remember.
Heart breaking story of love and a man doing everything he can to make his one love happy.
Even marrying her when he knows he will only have her for a little.
(Scotty thinks Landon is better than Gerry, but we're undecided so we left him where he is...
pretty much, all the top guys are amazing and we would marry any of them)

Anyway...
Then we have the Toms.
Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle.
"Just a good guy." -Becca.
And Tom from {500} Days of Summer.
We love Tom, but he needs to wear the pants a bit more.

So, here are the less desirables.
The ones we still love but can't quite handle: Rhett Butler and Heathcliff.
Rhett Butler loves Scarlett to the moon and back, but....
So much arrogance.
Dislike.
Heathcliff, is a passionate lover.
A bit too much passion and um....
maybe just a bit too vengeful,
but just a bit.

Then, the two VERY undesirables.
John Willoughby, heart breaker.
He should teach a course on it.
Thank you Colonel Brandon for saving Marianne.
And....
Mr. Collins.
Need anyone say more on this matter?
I protest not.

So, there you have it.
Please refer back to this if you ever are lost on the blog about guys.

Love always,
Ems, Bexs, and Scotty Andrews.

p.s. this may be our biggest accomplishment of college yet.

So Goes the Life.

2011-10-10T22:51:00.001-07:00

Life over here in Ptown has been stupendous.

Since I cannot remember the last time I blogged,
I'll just upload some pictures of what has been going on.

This was our view during conference. It was so beautiful. And not cold.

Now it's cold.

Representing the 108th ward at Tunnel Singing!

Ryan, the boy in the picture, is going to Germany for his mission.

He was waiting to announcing it right then.

On Friday, my Book of Mormon friend, David, ate lunch with Maeser and I! We convinced him to forego homework and go with us to Morgan's to make cookies. He said he was only going to stay for 15 minutes. He stayed for 2 hours. Rylee and Drew joined us and it was so much fun! Even if our attempt at cookie bowls was an utter failure.

This is an extremely awkward picture of everyone. But a keepsake, nonetheless.

It rained for two days straight last week.

Cold.

So much coldness.

On the upside, there was so much fun umbrella and bootness that went on.

Hence, this picture.

Then, on Saturday, we ended the night at the football game.

We won, and we froze.

Again, so cold.

What are we going to do when it becomes winter- a real winter, with snow and negative temperatures?

I think I shall just become an ice cube.

As we walked home, we noticed the Y was only half-lit,

so odd.

So I snapped a picture.

Today, was a productive Monday. I already have my humanities reading done for Wednesday. That is something that never happens. So, I am very happy. Tayla came over to our dorm after FHE and we all did homework. And yes, we really did do homework. Then we celebrated homework with photo booth. Of course.

Oh, life is so good.

Love always,

Ems

Oh Hey.

2011-10-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Can somebody find me a southern gentleman, please?

Thanks.

Love always,

Ems

p.s. thanks, Shae, for the video!

School.

2011-09-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny story about class today.

I was sitting in my Book of Mormon class today and Bro. Merrill asked us what we do when we're feeling down in the dumps.
One girl says she runs. I thought that was acceptable.
Another girl says she plays piano. Understandable.
Then I realize I'm in honors because people start saying,
I read the book of mormon.
I go outside and pray.
I go serve others......

Ok, really?
My Book of Mormon friend, David, looks at me and says,
"Well I must just be a horrible person because I don't do any of that..."
I replied,
"Ya, neither do I. I just watch a chick flick and cry."

I totally agree that those things are great to do when you're feeling down;
however, I rarely ever do that as my first resort.
Which is probably bad, but hey,
none of us are perfect.
I'm far from it.

Anyway,
School is stressful.
It's just crazy busy and last week I became aware that I may switch to English Teaching rather than the English major.

It's a problem.
Here's the difference.

English Major= 45-65 credit hours.
English Teaching= 75-94 credit hours.

Ya.

So, life goes on.
And we keep figuring it our slowly.
And for all the stress,
life is so completely beautiful.
In every way.

Love always,
Ems

Life is Grand, so Grand.

2011-09-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
Life over her at Helamen Halls is going well,
of course.
This week was a bit stressful between sickness, homework, and midterms but, we pulled through most successfully and then had a most wonderful weekend!

Last week, we took a trip to Costa Vida after our Friday classes. We really miss our weekly Cafe Rio trips so we had to settle for the second best- Costa. It was satisfying, but not as much as Cafe. Someday we'll get down to Cafe.

The Gang:

This weekend was started off with a bang! We went to the BYU vs. UCF game which BYU won! Oh happy day! And we had 4th row tickets! FOURTH ROW TICKETS PEOPLE. It was awesome!

Here are some happenings at the game. We love BYU football. Especially when they redeem themselves from the game that must not be named.

I don't know what's going on in this picture....

Becca and Sean know a secret, apparently.

Yup, Cosmo came up to us. Becca screamed so loud every time he was close. (oh an ps please love the girl in the background... it makes me laugh every.time.)

Yesterday, after the Alumni lunch for Arizona kids (which we won stuff at!), Becca and I went to take some tests- the testing center was CRAZY. Then I came home to study and she went about doing Sean things. Anyway, as I was walking in the hallway, Alyssa, the RS president from upstairs asked if I was going to the Marriott center for the RS broadcast then gave me a ticket to got to Salt Lake to see it in the conference center! It was an AMAZING experience. And Pres. Ucthdorf's talk was astounding... it brought me to tears.

After, the five girls I was with went and walked around Temple Square. It was so lovely.

I came home, Tyler helped me with my French homework, and then got his guitar and played for me. Yup, I spent the rest of the evening being serenaded. Ya know, the norm.

So life is grand.
We love most everything about it.
Except the stress, but with chocolate milk, it's all ok.

Becca's words of advice for the week are,
"When you're having a hard time motivating yourself, just use a green pen. It's more fun!"
Thanks, Bexs.

I hope everyone has an amazing Sunday!
I'm quite certain we will!

Love always,
Ems

Break.

2011-09-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you need a break from school work.
After I finished my french homework, I did just that.

I snuggled up in my bed and watched Vocal Point own like Mormon boys do on the Sing-off.

Then Becca and I went to the vending machine and got chocolate milk.

Best. Thing. Ever.

And I really like this song....

I think my headache and I are going to sleep.
Becca is learning the countries in the EU.
She says that, "Creamery Chocolate milk always makes you feel better..."
and she advises, "Don't stay out till three am."

Not like we ever do......

I am excited tomorrow is Thursday. Thursdays are my favorite.
And Tyler bought tickets for he and I to go see the choir showcase tomorrow night.
I'm very happy about that.

Have a wonderful day!

Love always,
Ems

We're Just Two Really Happy Girls

2011-09-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

That's what Becca said to me last night as I told her how happy I was and she expressed that same amount of happiness to me. College life is treating us so well.

Lately, I've been studying with this boy.

Obviously we purely focus on studying....
His name is Tyler.
He's from Oregon and he's an amaizing classical guitarist.
He's won competitions in his state- he's that good.
Plus, he can play anything else but especially enjoys playing and singing John Mayer.
Which is good, cause I like John Mayer and so does Becca and he'll just come play for us sometimes.
And who doesn't like that?

Well, Lindsey's birthday was last week, so we celebrated this weekend.
We kidnapped her....

(It seems to be tradition with us)
And took her to Provo's nonalcoholic bar, Spark.
We loved it...
I would say too much but I don't really think that is possible...
The Drinks:
Lindsey: Margarita which was spilt in .03 seconds because she wanted the sugar off the rim (hence the wet patched on he pants in the below pictures)
Alex: Something that we all swear really had alcohol in it.
Caroline and Becca: Something Limey.... Can't remember.
I got a Shirley Temple with Cotton Candy in it. it was delectable.

Alex was spilling right as this picture was being taken...

Moral of the story: With all the spilage going on... We should never consume real alcoholic beverages because I think we would all end up covered in some kind of drink....

Lindsey really enjoyed the night....

So much goodness.
Especially the fact that the waiter put his number on the top of Becca's check.
True story.

Don't mind Alex and Lindsey in the back.

Seriously college has been so great.
And we love to party.

This weekend we're planning a game night on Friday (for any wardies reading, you're invited. Talk to me or Becca or someone and we'll give you the details.)
The BYU v. UofU football game- SO EXCITED.
And maybe some homework...
Ya know, if we feel like it.

Speaking of, I'm going to go study French.
I kept spelling actors acteurs today....
At least I know parts of the French are sinking in.

Becca's not here.. Or I would give you her words of advice....

Life is the Best.

Love always,
Ems

Free Monday.

2011-09-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Having the second Monday of school off is great. Except I want another weekend already... 60 pages of the Book of Mormon need to be read and I'm not sure I can handle it.... Is that bad? Anyway, here's what Becca and I did today.

We went to Jump On It today with Sean, Tyler, Max and Joey; however, we arrived a bit early (let's say an hour before it opened) so we had time to spare before we were able to exhaust our four hours of sleep... So, Becca became a tree hugger. Nothing new there.

See that crown on Becca's head? Max made that for her.

Max and Joey being the typical Eddington brothers.

After a long day... all the wristbands.

So now, we're sitting in our sweatshirts and shorts trying to do homework and largely failing. Now I'm really going to go read, don't even worry, Mom and Dad.

Oh, and Becca's insight of the day is that anyone can look good in a picture. Think about it- it's true.
(or with enough money- she just modified it)

Love always,
Ems

First Day of School- BYU style.

2011-08-29T21:14:00.001-07:00

I'm about to buy a hundred dollar online French program (thanks mom and dad) for my French class so I thought before I got frustrated by how much money these darn textbook people are making off all us college students, I'd blog about the first day.

Here are our first day outfits! And no, we did not mean to match... We're just such good friends that it happened.

Other exciting news is that we have plants, and they're named. After fictional characters. Yes. I'll tell you how this came about. You see, we wanted plants for our room to make it feel more homey so Becca's Omi, the very wonderful grandma that she is, brought us three plants. Now, obviously the plants have personalities so it was only a matter of figuring out their personalities and naming them. And then..... finding "Hello my name is...." name tags. So, when we walked into our ward social tonight and saw that our bishop had "Hello my name is..." tags, we jumped in happiness and asked him if we could have three name tags to name our plants. He kindly obliged us, while wearing his Converse All-Stars (which gained him 20 cool points). Needless to say, we love our bishop, and our plants, and our bishop's wife who heard our plant story and had a plant story of our own to tell us. So, I introduce to you tonight, (from left to right) Heathcliff, Javert, and Mr. Collins.

Obviously, Heathcliff is the wild one, Javert the strong one, and Mr. Collins the weakling that we're not sure will survive very long. We love our literature.

In other exciting news, Alex sneaked caffeinated DP onto campus today. We love her.
Looking unsuspicious....

Inside the BYU bag... So heathen.

And, Becca's aunt brought us a First Day of School package- from the Sweet Tooth Fairy. I haven't tasted anything yet but it sure looks delicious. And greatness of the day, the second counselor of our bishopric knows the owner! Very exciting.

And here is the most exciting news- I'm not kidding. In our ward social, we played speed dating. As we went around, Becca and I were partners (because there are twice as many girls in our ward as boys- boo) and we got to a boy named Seann. We asked him his favorite chick-flick and he said.... PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. It is possible. And if he were taller, I'd be in love. But guys, it's possible: men can like Pride and Prejudice.

And that warms my heart.

Love always,
Ems

School.

2011-08-28T21:39:00.001-07:00

Well, school starts tomorrow. Becca and I are heading to sleep soon because we are super scared slash just tired from the day. We had a wonderful Sunday, by the way, filled with walking around campus and attending our new ward (which we love) and hanging out with our new, wonderful friends named Jacob and Eric during open hall hours. It was a good day. Here are some pictures to prove it to you.

A corner of my desk. Random, I know.

Lindsey, Becca, and Jacob enjoying peaches and Uno.

Alex and I are bad at photos on the front camera....

Caroline, Eric, and Lindsey

The Uno game that lasted an hour... Yes, an hour.

Becca and her tiger picture from an undisclosed location. (She did not steal it from our hallway....)

Let me tell you something, this college thing is wonderful. And BYU, I can't even express how amazing it is- from the beautiful grounds to the friendly people, there is really no comparison. I'm beyond words of gratitude for the opportunity I have to be here at college and I hope to be able to soak it all up.

Maybe one day Becca and I will do a vlog... that sounds exciting.

Love always,
Ems

ps thank Anson Crum for making me post more regularly.... we're exchanging pictures of our college life and it's making me actually document my life. Three cheers for Anson!

A Whole New World.

2011-08-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I am now officially a BYU Cougar! We are all moved in and enjoying the selective parts of Freshmen Orientation that do not require us to be outside in the ridiculous heat wave that Utah is having. (I thought I came to Utah to escape the heat....) Anyway, I am super happy that my Y Group leader happened to be Anna Toone, one of Caleb's good friends and just an awesome person in general. So awesome that Becca ended up joining my Y group because she lost hers then just liked mine so stayed in it. So... Let's get on with the pictures.

This is my life packed away in the back of my mom's Volvo. There was not an inch of space that we did not utilize.

This is a really lame picture but I was reading my book and loved two things about this. 1.) It says haha 2.) It is punctuated Ha!Ha!Ha! Funny, right? Moving on.....

This is my college's building: The Joseph F. Smith Building which is home to the College of Humanities. It is a beautiful place.

And here I am rejoicing in my college. YAY!

Becca and I met some new fun friends (imagine that) and this was our phone family at dinner. My Mamma phone, Tim's Dada phone, and Becca's baby phone. (presh).

Tim and Becca acting oh so fancy at dinner in the Cannon Center.

The girls this morning before devotional by the beautiful flowers of the ASB (aka the X building, the building with Brigham out front or the Administration building.) BYU really loves acronyms.

HA. Inappropriate book in the Periodicals section of the massive library that I will get lost in.

Becca's a rebel. Watch out. She reshelves books....

The giant world. Oh, and don't mind that Christian and Caleb just decide to be super awkward in this picture.... We still like them. Even though they live in Wyview.

The three amigos finally got together! I was so happy to see these lovely girls! So crazy to think that we finally have made it to college!

Becca and I are loving our life in Helamen and are meeting so many great people! College is going to be great, I can just tell. We haven't even started anything yet and I am already in love. Cougars for life!

Love always,
Ems

Dreaming

2011-08-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I get sucked into pinterest.
So I turn on this song.....

And just go with it.
Happy dreaming.

Obviously there was a theme tonight.

Love always,

Ems

A Good Man

2011-08-17T18:52:00.001-07:00

Today, I went to the temple with my good friend, Naomi. The sweetest old man did our confirmations and he reminded me a lot of my grandpa Barton. Then, a little later, I was stalking my cousins and my aunt on Facebook and looked through my Aunt Debbie's album with pictures of my grandpa. He passed away in October, and I know we all miss him dearly, but I can honestly say that I know that he is with us a lot more than we think.

There was a comment on one of the pictures of Grandpa with a bunch of the little munchkin cousins and it said something to the extent that nobody could say the Bartons don't spend enough time with their grandkids. As I read that comment, I thought about how true it was.

Although I grew up very far away from my Barton family, I never lacked in love from my grandpa and I always knew that he loved me. He's always been one of heros, and looking through pictures, I realized it was not because he was an extraordinary man in his earthly possessions or notoriety but because he passed down to every generation three things: hard work, the power of faith, and love. And nothing, no wealth and no fame could ever match the value of those three beliefs.

I'm so grateful for his example to me. I'm grateful that I had the chance to know him and learn from him. I'm grateful that he showed me the true meaning of a good man.

Love always,
Ems

Soul Surfer

2011-08-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Here comes an advertisement.
But really, you should see this movie.
We watched it tonight for family night and it really is very inspiring.
There's really nothing else to say other than it's excellent and needs to be seen.

Love always,
Ems

Summer, Part 2.

2011-08-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, summer has been treating me well.

I have one more day of nannying left and I am so excited.
And, two weeks from today, I will officially be living here....

With that girl, Becca Udall.
Am I excited? Oh heck to the yes.
In other great news, the two other lovely ladies in the picture below will be in our ward!

May I explain the greatness of this picture to you guys?
1. It's on the escalator to the show rooms of Ikea. (EXCITEMENT!)
2. Alex's face. Her squishy face is how she attracts all the boys.
3. Lindsey glaring at Becca. That spritzer girl.
4. Becca just looks great and so it makes the picture wonderful.

Here are some exciting things that happened these past few weeks.
Alex and Lindsey got bedding at Ikea. Success!

We mad delicious oreo brownies at Alex's house. They were pretty much heaven sent.

I made cinnamon rolls and my mom discovered Instagram.

We had a wonderful Girl's trip to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge last weekend.

We pretty much spent all our time watching movies in the King-sized Bed all cuddled up in our wet swimsuits. This picture of Linds and Bexs is just too great for description.

We ate an entire Pazookie platter at BJ's in under five minutes.

We swam in the 4 acres of pool that they offered us.
And we had the most successful Last Chance trip ever.

However, to my disappointment, we did not find cute boys to spend time with at the resort.
But still, it was a grand trip! And everyone assumed we were college students which was new...
I guess we really are moving up in life!
Hoorah for college life!

BYU here I come!

Love always,
Ems

A Favorite Poem Rediscovered.

2011-08-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

I was reading through my favorite poetry book today and kept flipping back to all the dog-eared pages and I found this poem. I love it.

All That Time
By Mary Swenson

I saw two trees embracing.

One leaned on the other
as if to throw her down.
But she was the upright one.
Since their twin youth, maybe she
had been pulling him toward her
all that time,

and finally almost uprooted him.
He was the thin, dry, insecure one,
the most wind-warped, you could see.
And where their tops tangled
it looked like he was crying
on her shoulder.
On the other hand, maybe he

had been trying to weaken her,
break her, or at least
make her bend
over backwards for him
just a little bit.
And all that time
she was standing up to him

the best she could.
She was the most stubborn,
the straightest one, that's a fact.
But he had been willing
to change himself--
even if it was for the worse--
all that time.

At the top they looked like one
tree, where they were embracing.
It was plain they'd be
always together.

Too late now to part.
When the wind blew, you could hear
them rubbing on each other.

***

I promise I will post about my life sometime this week.

Love always,

Ems

Mom

2011-07-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

I watched this today.

And this was my favorite snippet: "Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless. It objectifies them and disrespects them and then suggests that they are able to leave their mark on mankind only by seduction—easily the most pervasively dangerous message the adversary sends to women about themselves.

And so, my dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord’s standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. She may not be a whiz at texting; she may not even have a Facebook page. But when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever."

As I watched, my thankfulness for my mother swelled. I'm so grateful for the way she has taught me to grown up and appreciate motherhood. She has never complained about being a mother or staying home or cooking dinner or putting up with all four of us kids fighting and whining and crying, and it is something that I truly admire and aspire to. She has always taught me that it is important to be a mother and that there is no better gift or joy than motherhood. She has shown me that celebrities aren't who I should look up to but rather, my grandparents and people who have had family life success, but not necessarily worldly success.

I'm so grateful for her in my life and I'm grateful for her never ending love. Truly, she is a mortal angel.

Love always,

Ems

Growing Up.

2011-07-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

Our good friend, Blake Savage was called to serve in the Chili, Concepcion mission today.

Slowly summer is drifting by and adulthood is commencing.
The moment I've anticipated is looking more and more uncertain
as I realize all that it entitles.

Saying goodbye to home as a place that I reside in
and saying hello to it as a place I visit.

Seeing boys off who have been so wonderful to me,
and remembering the hours spent talking late at night,
texting an unfinished story back and forth, and asking if they know what love is.

Perhaps, for myself, discovering that, "to die for love? what could be more glorious?"
is a real concept that still exists today
and maybe finding a boy who feels the same.

I suspect that life will be frustrating,
but magnificent and full of happiness
and the same old contradiction it's always been.

I'm expecting to see changes in myself,
and in others,
that I thought would never come.

And I know,
that no matter how hard I try,
things will never be the same.

And that's all right by me,
for life is a glorious story,
that I can't wait to have told.

Love always,
Ems

Better with Each Replay.

2011-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Morgan tweeted this video. I watched it once and laughed. Showed it to my little brother and teared up I was laughing so much. Watched it a third time and couldn't breath. Maybe Morgan and I just have the same odd sense of humor... But I don't think so.

What a great close to a Monday!

Love always,

Ems

p.s. I promise that sometime I will actually start to blog for real.

Not writing in my Journal.

2011-07-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

This is what having my computer on my bed rather than my journal does.
It works, doesn't it?

Anyway, Bexs, Alex, and I sat up tonight talking.
Of course.
And an interesting question was posed- who are you, really?
What accomplishments and characteristics of yourself can you claim as purely your own and not your circumstance?

And as I drove home in silence from dropping off Alex, I was thinking.
So hard, in fact, that I sat at a green, empty light for about 30 seconds waiting to turn left.... But that's far beside the point.

I thought about God, and who he has created me to be.
He has placed me into very blessed circumstances where I have learned to love education and religion and family. He has given me resources to attain any dream I could ever want. He has shown me that I am far greater than I can ever comprehend or bring myself to believe. And he has given me traits that are inherently my own- that are not part of me because of my circumstance, but because he has given them to me.

I think that sometimes I let certain traits slip by as, "Well, I'm like that because my parents taught me and I was raised like that." But when I really stop to think, I see that my parents have guided me towards, rather than taught, my own certain ways to act and be. I think in different circumstances there are still many aspects of my character that would stick. Not that I could point out any traits specifically, but I know that God has given each person traits that will bless them in this life.

Isn't it interesting to think of how much he gave you? What certain gifts he blessed you with because that is you. Not because you were raised that way, but because you are you. Everyone has qualities that make them a wonderful person.

Or so I believe.

Just a thought.

Love always,
Ems

Oh, Summer.

2011-07-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Summer. Such a beautiful thing, and so surprisingly busy. Nannying has kept me busy and sleep deprived at times and family vacations have kept me entertained. Life has been moving on quickly but BYU is coming much too slow.

Since I've been pretty M.I.A. since the end of June, here's what's happened.

Cali's Birthday.

The young 'un finally turned 18! We celebrated by kidnapping her.

Dressed like this.

Then we took her to see that fabulous movie, Midnight in Paris, which I am absolutely in love with. All the 1920s culture and authors and artists mixed into Paris? Couldn't get much better.

We then re-bandannaed her and dropped her off with her quote on quote "friend boy" Tate Boy.

Happy Birthday, Clasta! Love ya tons!

My family spent the 4th in Utah. Going to the Oakley Rodeo made me really want to find myself a cowboy up at BYU. They're so darn attractive. We camped up the Ogden canyon and found snow! Yes, snow. I am going to die in Utah during the winter.

The most exciting thing of the summer happened on Thursday night. MY BROTHER GOT ENGAGED! So very happy for him! I adore Sarah and am beyond excited to have her as a sister. I FINALLY HAVE A SISTER. It's the best thing ever!

So very happy for them!

I worked all last week but that did not deter my attendance to the final Harry Potter, although it almost did. I just worked with two hours of sleep. But let me tell you, I loved the movie and it was so woth two hours of sleep the next day. I cried through the entire movie. Especially Alan Rickman's performance. Heart-wrenching is the only way I can describe it. I love Snape. And I love Alan Rickman. And now all my Harry Potter watching combined with my watching of Pride and Prejudice has put me in a mood to read Harry Potter and Jane Austen and it is quite the odd combination. I don't know what to do about it. But I love Harry Potter so very much and cannot believe it is over... It took us about an hour to leave the theatre because that meant it was really over and none of us wanted it to be really over. It's kind of official now, my childhood is over.

But life is still wonderful.

Love always,

Ems

New Video!

2011-06-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

So, it took me forever to decide on a song for this video and that's why the video took so long to be made. But here are all the memories of graduation conjumbled into threeish minutes. Enjoy!

Graduation from Emma Barton on Vimeo.

Music: Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John

Love always,

Ems

Personas.

2011-06-25T01:18:00.001-07:00

I wish that I could be like Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennet.
Women who stick to themselves and know who they are and aren't gallivanting about the world for the favor of those who hardly know them.

Tonight, I spent time with two of my closest friends, Alex and Becca. After watching and crying through Wuthering Heights then being uplifted (yes, uplifted) by the reality of (500) Days of Summer, we laid on Alex's couches in the near dark and discussed the movies, life, and moving onto real life with finances, boy's missions, efy jobs, and future (three years at least) marriages.

Then we came to an interesting topic: personas we put on. We were discussing internet personas and how you try so hard to put out your best self for the world of strangers that know about your life through blogs and facebook. How it takes meticulous work to make sure you're saying the right thing and that you appear like the person you want to be... even if it may not be you.

And it got me thinking as to why I write a blog. And I'm still trying to figure it out. For as much as I love getting comments on posts, and knowing what people think about my blog, it takes away the genuineness of what I write. It's still me, but I often wonder if it's just a different version of me- a version that wants to be a "hip blogger" with thousands of follwers and hundreds of comments per post, but also, the real version of me that wants to just blog- to write- not caring about the number of comments I get or the number of followers I have... Or maybe not even a blogger but rather just end my blog and keep my journal open more.

It's an interesting concept. Your persona. Why do we put them on? God created us, personalities and all, to be who we are, yet we always try to reshape his work- it's really quite ridiculous when put into that perspective.

And now I'm rambling.

Anyway...

Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought: Father's Day.

2011-06-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I think it should be noted in history how awesome my dad is. Really, he's great. I'm currently reading The Color of Water by James McBride and as I read about how terrible Ma's father was, I couldn't help but be completely grateful for my dad.

Here's why. My dad is my number one supporter. I know that no matter what I do, he will be right next to me believing in me even more than I believe in myself. Take, for example, my {unsuccessful} run for Student Body President during my junior year. He helped me put together planning parties, hang up posters at six thirty in the morning, keep my morale up, and fight really hard {but unsuccessfully, again} for the election date to change so that all my choir friends could actually be there to vote instead of in California. And then, when I lost, I got off the plane from San Francisco and he gave me the greatest hug ever and told me how proud he was- it was never about winning, it was just about trying.

Now, as I sail off to college and hit all the nay-sayers who ask, "Well what are you going to do with an English degree?" My dad has jumped in the boat right along with me and defended my decision as well as encouraged me to pursue it with all the gusto that I posses.

And that's the one thing I can never thank him for enough- teaching me to jump into whatever I love with all energy that I have. I have learned, because of my dad, that there is no dream too big or far-fetched.

And that is why I love my dad.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

I love you.

Love always,
Ems

Here's a little something he wrote for Father's Day

Clean Sheets.

2011-06-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

My completely clean sheets are sitting one foot away from me....

I don't quite feel like making my bed, so I'm going to blog.

So here's the joyous things that have been going on. Whoever said that summer nights were long and boring did not hang out with my friends. We've been fully entertained till midnight every night and spent a grand total of about two bucks. Mega added bonus.

Here's some stories and pictures.

My family took a trip to California. Jake met us down there and we spent a fabulous day on the beach and in the ocean. Oh, I could live in the ocean.

While there we took Sarah (my brother's girlfriend) to see the famous Hollywood sign. This is what entertained us more.

I started nannying. My bag constantly holds my book of recipes, an apron, sugar cookie making necessities, five Dr. Seuss books, a plethora of movies and a prayer that nobody will kill each other during the day. (they never do- they're good boys)

We played the flour game at Joey's. Zack and Joey had a flour-off at the end. They were jealous of my awesome tic-tac-in-the-flour finding skills and had to try and beat me. Unfortunately, only everyone else has pictures of my entire face (not kidding) covered in flour. It was exciting.

We also played Badminton at Joey's. This is Zack trying to teach Caroline how to hit the birdie. It was... semi successful. Let's just say, I rock at Badminton. And Caroline... well, she's getting there.

That's a snippet of our adventures. Hopefully I'll become a better photographer over the summer and then you'll hear lots of exciting stories.

Isn't life lovely?

Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-06-12T00:00:00.001-07:00

My counsel to you tonight is do not lose your faith. Go forward with faith. Faith is a principle of the gospel. Faith is one of the greatest powers that you and I have in this sojourn of mortality. Fear is one of those principles that the devil uses. He likes to seed in your minds and in mine doubt and questions. He’s the father of all lies; he lies to us, and he can confuse us if we allow ourselves to be caught up in fear. So replace any fear or apprehension you have now with faith: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in your fathers and your mothers. Stay close to them.

-Elder M. Russell Ballard

Love always,
Ems

Dream Job.

2011-06-09T00:35:00.001-07:00

There are two summer jobs I've always wanted....

An EFY Counselor

and/or

A Nanny.

Considering I could still (technically) go to EFY this year, obviously that's not possible for me to be.

However, I did land a GREAT Nannying job today and I could not be more excited! I start on Friday and am going to be nannying every other week for a family of three boys. I met with their dad today and he hired me on the spot.

Hip Hip Hooray!

And I really love summer and bike rides and deep talks with my best friend, Zack Jarvis.

(this is an A-typical portrayal of our relationship)

Aren't best friends the greatest?

Who cares if we can't name all 50 states when looking at the giant map at my elementary school.

Life is wonderful

Love always,
Ems

My Theory.

2011-06-07T18:47:00.001-07:00

I don't think that 90 year old men who cannot walk should be going to the gym.....

just saying. But hey, way to go to try and increase your ever decreasing time, right?

In other news, I'm currently in love with this band.

This isn't even my favorite song. And I'm not sure I understand the music video but that's ok, right?

And here are some super funny pictures of what my friends and I do for fun... We call it body art without tattoos. Well, that's Zack's name for it that everyone decided was stupid. Sorry, Zack.

Zack as a greek-pirate-angel?

Scott as his Asian self saying

"Where's my Rice?"

(No, it does not say whore... Zack has bad hand writing)

Lindsey's a witch

And Jordynn has an abusive monster boyfriend...

I'm getting eaten by the Craken...

And Joey is Abe Lincoln....

Super Abe -even though his cape has a J on it.

This is how the night ended...

A battle for the blanket.

I won.

And please notice Lindsey under THREE boys....

Oh, and this is my friend Zac....

Life is good.

Love always,

Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-06-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

"What a wonderful, warm, and reassuring thing it is to know that the primary objective of the very God of heaven is... our eternal happiness and joy. Sometimes I wonder if we really appreciate what that means and how it should affect our lives."

-M. Russell Ballard

Had a great chat with some of my closest friends tonight about happiness. We all decided to choose to be happy-no matter what-because sometimes life is hard, but there's always some good in it. God wants us to be happy, so we're going to be.

Love always,

Ems

Hey.... Hey you!

2011-06-04T00:48:00.001-07:00

Do you like my lame titles recently? Good. But guess what? I've found a new love. And it's fabulous. Let me show you a picture........

Um.... Hi, melt-my-heart-goodness-i-think-i-cried-100-times-movie: Masterpiece Theatre Wuthering Heights. It is beautiful and heart breaking and so well made. Alexandra and I had a movie night tonight while writing Thank You cards and we were stunned by this movie. The actors play their parts perfectly and did I mention I cried so many times? And yes, I have read the book but honestly, I need to reread it because I was so confused the first time around that I think I will very much love it this next time. But first I have to finish my other pile of summer reading- I love summer reading. On my list this summer is This Side of Paradise, The Count of Monte Cristo, Water for Elephants, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and either Persuasion or Mansfield Park- the two Jane Austens that I have not read. I also may be revisiting Pride and Prejudice- how could I not? Any other book recommendations?

Also, is it bad that I already bought the Wuthering Heights movie from Amazon? I couldn't resist. Now I just need to buy Masterpiece Theatre's Emma..... I love that movie.

Guess what else? My best friend comes home tomorrow!

Oh, happiness.

Love always,
Ems

Oh Ya!

2011-06-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

I graduated! ............. A week ago.... I know I'm slow on the posting but sometimes, I just would rather read other people's blogs than write my own. Anyone know that feeling? Well, here comes a slew of pictures and stories behind the pictures so.... "Seat belts everyone! (honk, honk)" (that was a magic schoolbus reference if you missed it)

First off, we have the Choir Banquet.

(captions will be below the pictures.

I am always confused about where to put the captions...

so i'm clarifying ahead of time... ONWARD!)

Calista Brianne Whipple. Love her.

My phone calls her Calista BRIAN Whipple...

Gets me every time.

My life Support through High School.

Becca, Lindsey, Alex, Caroline, Me and Calista.

The Girls.

So lucky to be have 6 (Hannah isn't in choir but we still count her)

Girlfriends who are all so close.

NAMOI!!!

Choreographers of the year!

What an adventure it was to that award...

Three am choreography sessions not advised...

Ever.

The parentals.

Gotta love them.

ONWARD!

Baccalaureate!

Oh... You get one picture I guess.

Be thankful- we took hundreds.

The Party Gang!

Me, Zack, Morgan, and Zac

(it's a Zac(k) sandwich!!)

ONWARD!

Seminary Graduation.

Ya know what's funny?

My seminary diploma is bigger than my actual diploma.

Is that supposed to mean something?

Three Amigos:

Jessika, Morgan and Me.

Been friends with this girls since Land Before Time was cool.

I'd do anything for them.

Family!

YAY!

The Former Greenfield Ward Girls.

We were ward buds from age 4 until April and then we got separated.

It was tragic, but good.

All of old Greenfield!

Love that second family.

Three Amigos and Madres.

I really love this picture.

ONWARD!

Actual Graduation (Finally).

My Daddy.

Words can't describe how much I love him.

But I think this picture does an almost successful rendering.

The Movie Watching Friends.

We like to watch chick flicks together- a lot.

They're great and living a floor above Becca and I at the Y!

(With the 32 inch tv Lindsey won at the bowling party- boohya)

The attack hug from my very best friend,

Mr. Zack Jarvis.

I love this picture.

Still hugging....

Oh, the cheese.

How precious.

Zac(k) Sandwich!

Again.

I love both these boys.

Such amazing friends.

I interrupt this slew of picture for a story about these two.

Here's how this worked. I grabbed both of them before they had really seen each other and we took the above picture. Right after, they turned to each other and gave the biggest hug and both started crying. I was fine (no tears) until I saw this and then I cried. It was so sweet. They've been the greatest friends to one another and since Zack is going to BYU and Zac is staying her at ASU, they know it's kinda the end. But true friendship isn't ruined by milage so I know they'll always be friends.

Continuing...

The Girls.

My Little Sister- Jordynn.

Second time I cried that night.

(hence my funky eyes)

I love Jordynn with all my heart and not being able to see her every day next year is going to be so hard. However, I know that her senior year will be everything amazing and wonderful and then she can join me up at BYU. Love her.

Jonathan Lane Sanders.

My Carl at Sadie's and one of the greatest guys I've ever met.

And my secret crush (not really so secret, actually) all through Jr. High and High School.

He's so stink cute and nice.

Allysun Taylor.

My poster prodigy child and poster nazi team member.

I'll miss her like crazy

but neither of us will miss Ms. Scott.

muwahaha

Morgan!

Did you know that we had matching night gowns when we were little?

Both our grandmas got them for us and we didn't know we had matching ones (no our grandmas didn't plan it) until we had a sleepover one night. Just proves we were meant to be best friends for life.

My all-time favorite teacher: Tdag, Tmaster, Tswizzle, TdiggityDawg

Dr. Temme.

I had to go hunt him down in the orchestra room to get a picture with him- he's the only teacher I wanted one with. He has made such a difference in my life and I'm seriously going to miss his lame yet funny jokes and super dry humor.

He's on my wedding invitation list and he better come.

Wow. Sorry that was the longest post in the history of posts.

I'll reflect on everything later.

(possibly)

Love always,

Ems

I Couldn't Resist.

2011-06-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Reading Blogs this morning and came across this beautiful except. There is a long list of who it came from at the bottom but this is just pure poetry and I feel that it is so true.

Date a Girl Who Reads

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by God, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Written by Rosemary Urquico
Emphasis added by

Originally read via
Recommended by
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Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-05-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

“You enter a world caught in a steep, slippery slide of diminishing moral values...If you are true and faithful, you will stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding masses mired in mediocrity. . . . You, your families, and your homes will become beacons of hope in a darkened world.”

-Russel M. Nelson

------

My hope, as my classmates and I step out of the shelter of high school and into life, is that we can be that beacon of hope. May we stand out for good because we are honest and kind. May we be who our Heavenly Father wants us to be. May we have enduring faith to follow him in every situation we encounter.

Love always,

Ems

If I Could....

2011-05-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Were it possible,
I would bake all summer for my summer job
I would read every book known to man
I would have a beautiful summer romance
I would spend weeks on the beach
I would spend those weekes with my hand in someone else's
I would make all mean people nice
I would teach little girls to believe they are princesses
I would dance ballet professionally
I would live forever in a beautiful, enchanted place

And life would be perfect.

But life is quite as perfect as it is ever going to get, currently, (although I would enjoy some romance....) And I do adore it. Sometimes, I find that dreams are best left as dreams- for although they are wonderful to wish for, it is always nice to have a little dream land to escape to. And although some people are just horrid mean, I find that some people, like Dr. Temme, can take all the mean, negative energy out of the day by being so utterly wonderful. And that, truly, is a blessing.

Isn't it nice to look around and realize that life is wonderful?

Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-05-15T17:39:00.002-07:00

Powerful.
What an example this young thirteen year old is.
May we strive to live with more Christ-like attitudes and love in our lives.

Love always,

Ems

Joseph Tyler.

2011-05-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

I remember in seventh grade when Becca suddenly became friends with some cello players in her orchestra... and one of those friends was Joseph Tyler Eddington. (And I believe he was in my student council class...) He was the coolest kid I had ever met. He was indie in seventh grade (I kid you not) and we all instantly loved him. And thus began our friendship....

Six years later, Joey is one of my greatest friends. This kid can make you laugh no matter how you feel and he is always trying to make your day better. He's sweet, funny, musical, humble, energetic, ingenius, artistic, and intelligent. I always know that I can count on Joey to be the perfect example to me- he reaches out to everyone and always looks for the good in people. I don't think that I've heard an upset /mean word issue from his mouth ever. Always one for adventure, he will continue as the motor behind the adventure gang. I'm so very happy he is heading to BYU with me and that I will be able to party it up in hi kitchen next year.

Joey, plain and simple, is wonderful and I'm so happy he's one of my closest friends.

Happy 18th Birthday,

Joey!

Love always,
Ems

The Chief.

2011-05-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

I got to go to prom with the chief. He's the chief because he planned everything and so now that's what I call him. You've probably heard of him as my best friend, or Zack freakin Jarvis. Whatever you call him, he's great and I can't think of a more perfect prom night- cliche? Yes. But who said I wasn't allowed to be cliche?

And then, after spending the entire weekend with me, he came and saved my life today by tutoring me in math and doing half my project file. I'm not quite sure where I found this boy and how we became best friends, but I'm glad I did. And actually, that's a total lie. I know where I found him and how we became best friends but that will have to be disclosed some other time.

Regardless, I am grateful for him and all the time and money he put into making prom perfect and then making sure that I don't cry from stupid things like project files.

Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought: Father.

2011-05-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Father creates the vision of many things:
Some envision anger,
Some envision emptiness,
but I envision love.
The blessings of a father
Who's always there for me,
Who lifts me up when I can't stand,
And prays, each night, for heaven's light
To guide me on my way
is something I will never
find the words that do convey
my full amount of gratitude
for all that I am blessed.

-----------

Today is my father's birthday. He truly is the greatest man that I know and I could not be luckier to be so close to him. My dad has taught me a lot of things: to shoot a gun, ride a bike, love good literature, enjoy poetry, and rappel down a cliff- but most importantly he's shown me how to be a good person. How to love other people, and always look for the good. How to forgive those who have offended, and seek out those who are lonely. I've never seen my dad upset, and his patience with us is astounding because we're far from perfect... but I know that no matter what happens, I will be able to turn around and run to my dad who's waiting for me with open arms.

I love you, dad.

Love always,
Ems

Best Friend.

2011-04-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

Today, I spent the day with my best friend.
We made dinner.
He made the toast
and I made the ravioli.
Then we ate it- with my little brother.
{Anticlimactic, I know}

Anyway, here's the thing with my best friend.
He really is my best friend.
Yes, I have girlfriends and I've had boyfriends but through
the ups and downs, the happiness and sadness,
he's always been there.
Sometimes he sticks me in my place by making me realize I'm overreacting,
and sometimes I seriously can't stand him
so sometimes we don't talk...
But as he best said today,
"It's always resolved by the end of the night."
And it always is because he'll stay up till
two am making sure that everything is ok between us.

The people in my life are the most amazing people on earth.
I really am blessed by who surrounds me because in all honesty,
I have about ten friends I could say this about and it'd be true.
And I don't think that's common...
But I'm glad I can say that because the world is a much better place
when you have a best friend to share it with.

Love always,
Ems

Bliss.

2011-04-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Life has brought upon itself a whole new meaning just by continuing on.
In a chat with a dear friend last night, we discussed the beauty of the world.
With Easter on the mind, beauty easily appeared in everything.
We talked of the beauty of this planet,
and how it is the simplest, yet greatest, sign of God's love for his children.
We talked of how it's hard to forgive people and love everyone
and decided that the struggle of getting over your own pride and forgiving is worth the joy that you feel when you really truly love those who surround you- no matter how they differ from you.

As I walked through my day, I was able to enjoy every minute of it.
I enjoyed helping my peers on math problems.
I enjoyed reading kind notes of appreciation to teachers.
I enjoyed the sweet sounds of symphony.
I enjoyed coloring in English class.
I enjoyed teaching all 86 members of my choir
But mostly, I enjoyed escaping to seminary and driving home singing EFY songs.

The beauty of the day was so plentiful.
What a blessing spring is- the Earth just breaths of goodness and rejuvenation.
It defines my bliss.

Love always,
Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-04-24T01:58:00.002-07:00

"My thanks to all you wonderful members of the Church—and legions of good people not of our faith—for proving every day of your life that the pure love of Christ “never faileth.”⁴No one of you is insignificant, in part because you make the gospel of Jesus Christ what it is—a living reminder of His grace and mercy, a private but powerful manifestation in small villages and large cities of the good He did and the life He gave bringing peace and salvation to other people. We are honored beyond expression to be counted one with you in such a sacred cause."

-Jeffrey R. Holland

I hope that on this Easter day we can all remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, and live in emulation of him by being the greatest example of him through charity, servie, hope, and faith.

He lives.

Love always,

Ems

This is the Story of a Girl....

2011-04-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Named Naomi.

Or, in my world, Namoi.

I seriously think I peed my pants when I saw the picture above...

Once upon a time, two girls sat next to each other in a choir of about oh... 84 people. The choir was being voiced and one of the girls asked the other girl why there was a pencil in the clock (the girl is blond, forgive her for her weird/awkward/ridiculous/stupid comments and/or questions.)

The other girl looked at her and said, "I think it's just the wall reflecting onto the silver thingy at the bottom of the clock...."

And so, a friendship was born.

You see, the girl who clarified that there indeed was no "magic pencil" in the bottom of the clock turned out to be the blond's practical soul mate (practical? yes. I don't know why- but yes.) They created a fan club in choir, and got "the look" for talking, and discussed ~~things~~ boys.

They realized that their lives were so very similar and that they would always love certain things. They traveled to San Francisco and went to crafting stores and rode around town with the top of the mustang down.

They played in fake rain, they played in real rain, they talked of kissing Mr. Yup-That's-Who in the rain, and of marrying Mr. He's-The-One in the future. They went to the temple monthly and tried to remember their journals every time.

They ran around town in Ruckah. They ran around town in Roxanne. They learned that Ruckah does not do well on the freeway. They also learned that maybe Roxanne should just take them places most of the time.

They deiced to choreograph 86 people to Michael Jackson. They sometimes regretted that. They mostly loved it though. They laughed at Michael Jackson in Slow Motion. They ended choreography sessions with Root Beer Floats and singing songs to strangers at the top of their lungs.

But mostly, they loved each other as best friends do. They realized that no matter what, they would always be friends and always love that "certain someone".

They learned that life is about the little moments.

They learned to cherish those moments in every way possible.

---------------------------------------------

Happy birthday, my friend. Life would not be the same without you.

I love you to the moon and back and then to Michael Jackson's grave.
And that's a whole heck of a lot.

Love always,
Ems

Ten Things I Know You Don't Need {want?} to Know.

2011-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

{yes, this I've posted this picture a thousand times but FB dislikes me and won't allow me to steal another one so... I'm stuck with this one. Plus, it's adorable.}

Here, learn ten things about me.... GO!

1. What did you do ten years ago?

I was definitely in Ms. Pesek's second grade class with that girl above, Morgan. We probably were busy with about eight million hours of dance as Jeanne's Power Force Dancers and our soccer team, the purple dolphins. Along with spending all the other hours of the day at the home of the third essential to our trio, Jessika Bodrero. And I may have been taking piano lessons from piano Paul... But that's a different story.

2. What were you doing one year ago?

Went back and read my journal... and a year ago, I had just broken up with Ryan. Don't know how to follow that one up so it'll stand as is. haha

3. Five snacks you love...

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Apples, M&Ms, Oh's, and...... Slushes. Yup.

4. Five Songs you know all the words to....

This is embarrassing. Belle (opening song to Beauty and the Beast), A Whole New World, Just Haven't Met You Yet (slash all MB songs...), When Will My Life Begin (from Tangled) and Can't Wait to See You Again (yes, by Miley Cyrus). Moving on....

5. Five Things you would do with a Million Bucks.

Open my bakery (em's) in Northern California. Travel across Europe with my best friend. Fly everyone to Scotland for my reception. Have a dream Kitchen. Hire people to clean my toilets and tubs and baseboards and fans for he rest of my life ( I was only going to say toilets and tubs but the list of chores I dislike kept growing...)

6. Five Bad Habits....

Blogging instead of Homework. Reading too much too late. ~~Watching~~ Starting movies at one a.m. Excessive hand movements while speaking. Being Ignorant of the ways of the world (aka talent show moments)

7. Five Things You Like to do...

Be a Beach Bum. Ride my Bike. Read. Write Poetry. Spend hours with my family and friends.

8. Five Things You Would Never Dress in or Buy...

Jeggings. Cow Print. Snake Pants. Heels higher than 3 inches. Wonder Woman Get-up.

9. Five Favorite Toys.

My books (Does that even count?). My laptop. My piano. My brother's mustang. Roxanne (my truck).

10. Five people you tag... No pressure.

Haylee, Morgan, Alisha, Lauren, and Karli.

Love always,

Ems

p.s no editing went into this so... sorry.

Sunday Thought.

2011-04-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

When we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelicis the only word that comes to mind.

-Elder Jeffery R. Holland

Love always,

Ems

HP Madness.

2011-04-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone else has noticed.... But Tumblr is having a Harry Potter Frenzy... and It's making me have a frenzy. I'm dying for some Harry Potter. Here are some of my favorites that I snagged off various tumblrs....

Holy crap. I need to read the books now. In fact, I think I'm going to go do that.... again. Is anybody as excited as I am for the last movie? I cannot wait.

Long Live Harry Potter.

Love always,

Ems

The Perky Hello.

2011-04-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today, I walked past this random kid during class. I smiled, said, "Hello!" and was greeted with a gigantic smile and equally as cheerful, "Hello!"

As I finished waking to my destination, I though of what a perky meeting that had been. I have no idea who he is, but it made my day that he and I had the same happy face as we walked to wherever we were going. And then I saw him after school, and it brought a smile to my face, yet again.

I tried to have that same happy greeting with the other random people I walked past after school and I got coldly walked pass oh... every time. I guess everyone isn't as open to hellos... But change comes in small steps, right?

Give a perky hello to a stranger for me, will ya?

Love Always,
Ems

Sunday Thought.

2011-04-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

"Let your families be filled with love as you honor the Sabbath all day long and experience its spiritual blessings throughout the week."

-L. Tom Perry

I do love Sundays and the blessings that keeping the Sabbath day holy brings throughout the week.

What a beautiful and simple gospel this is.

Love Always,

Ems

Life is Good.

2011-04-08T17:06:00.001-07:00

Ordinary Life

-Barbara Crooker

This was a day when nothing happened,
the children went off to school
without a murmur, remembering
their books, lunches, gloves.
All morning, the baby and I built block stacks
in the squares of light on the floor.
And lunch blended into naptime,
I cleaned out kitchen cupboards,
one of those jobs that never gets done,
then sat in a circle of sunlight
and drank ginger tea,
watched the birds at the feeder
jostle over lunch's little scraps.
A pheasant strutted from the hedgerow,
preened and flashed his jeweled head.
Now a chicken roasts in the pan,
and the children return,
the murmur of their stories dappling the air.
I peel carrots and potatoes without paring my thumb.
We listen together for your wheels on the drive.
Grace before bread.
And at the table, actual conversation,
no bickering or pokes.
And then, the drift into homework.
The baby goes to his cars, drives them
along the sofa's ridges and hills.
Leaning by the counter, we steal a long slow kiss,
tasting of coffee and cream.
The chicken's diminished to skin & skeleton,
the moon to a comma, a sliver of white,
but this has been a day of grace
in the dead of winter,
the hard cold knuckle of the year,
a day that unwrapped itself
like an unexpected gift,
and the stars turn on,
order themselves
into the winter night.

---

I hope that someday I can write about how beautiful my ordinary life was in such breathtaking words.

Because really,

ordinary life is wonderful.

You just have to look at it that way.

Life is good.

Love always,

Ems

A Dress Haiku

2011-04-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Pure happiness: The dress
Unique jem, vintage beauty
And here it is: mine.

Yes, I just wrote a crappy haiku about finding my prom dress because let me tell you,
I have never had a more perfect dress.
I want prom to be next weekend.
My best friend, Zack Jarvis, will be the perfect date and I'll be clad in the dress of my dreams- literally.

Totally Cheesy?

Yes.

But that's how my happiness comes out.

Love Always,
Ems

Happiness.

2011-04-03T00:30:00.001-07:00

Do you ever look at life and realize that you're blessed?
Realizing that really, you don't have it all that bad because
your best friend, the family next door, or that kid you met last year,
is going through life with a smile on their face but a darker battle underneath.
Sometimes, I forget to look to all that is beautiful in my life-
not just the immensely beautiful things like family, and the gospel, but the little things
like the singing birds, and the dazzling sun that fills my body with warmth the
moment our paths cross.

Joy, I have found, cannot always be found in the same place.
Families aren't always perfect, and the gospel blesses, but it also tries
in ways that, quite simply, are tough to endure.
However, I know that life was meant for us to find joy,
and even though I sometimes have to escape into that joy
through poetry or books, I know that I can always find glimpses
of it somewhere because God intended me to be happy.
Happiness isn't always easy, and sometimes it slips away all
too quickly, but it's always hidden somewhere in life.
You just might need to prepare for a bit of a dig, because it,
like all good treasure, may be buried deep.

Love Always,
Ems

To a Friend, from a Friend.

2011-04-02T00:49:00.001-07:00

Two simple words,
that's all I needed.
The proof, that you,
like I, were struggling.

"I'm struggling." Why,
So am I, but do you understand
the strength your words lent?

I knew I could do right
because you showed me I could.
I had your faith, and we both knew,
that I knew what had to be done.

And so, I thank you with sincere
gratitude of everything I am.
Because, I, like you,
am struggling too.

----

My best friend is one of the greatest blessings I have.

Love Always,
Ems

Suffering.

2011-03-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm suffering from extreme wanderlust right now.

Anyone care to take an adventure with me?

Love Always,
Ems

Goals.

2011-03-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

I have lots of goals. Let's see some of the really ambitious ones:

Be on Broadway
Open a Cupcake Shop
Be a Wedding Planner
Go to Paris on my honeymoon

But here's a goal that I just decided I want to achieve.

I want to be a member of the Teach for America Corps.
Teach for America sends great teachers into underprivileged schools with the goal of making the education gap smaller.
I went onto their website after hearing about it from the girl behind snippet and ink (well, on her wedding video, actually) and everything about it made me ecstatic to become a teacher.
Anyway, I want to be part of this program after I graduate.
The good it does can really change lives, and I want to be a part of that.
I want to help kids gain the best education possible because nobody should be denied a good education because their living circumstances place them in a terrible school.

Now I just have to figure out how to declare my major....

Love Always,
Ems

Here's How it Is.

2011-03-29T21:00:00.001-07:00

For the record, vocalists have nothing on instrumentalists.
Let me tell you...
Camelot.
Fie on Goodness.
Six flats.
Please, just kill the violin section, including me.
There's no hope.
I think throwing our instruments across stage would sound better.
And I'm serious.

So to all you vocalists,

( I can rag on you cause I'm one of you too)

Don't tell me it's harder to sing then play...

I will tell you

YOU LIE!!!!!

That is all.

But I'm pretty sure Camelot is all the same tempo.

And that Freddy's new strings will be pointless after next week.

Now that's really all.

Love Always,
Ems

Mud.

2011-03-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

This one time, the Adventure Gang {yes, we have a name} took a trip to the mud caves.
Becca and I led the way through the caves....
but the boys had never been there so we gave them a break on not being able to be manly.
Here; let me share the joy because boy,
it was joyful.

Clean!

Dirty!

Sign?

After three attempts, we finally got the real Adam and Becca pose.

This is my prom date... It's a good thing I love him.

Classic Becca and Emma pose.

Yes. These are my friends.

And I love them.

One whole heck of a lot.

At least they protect Becca and I from the creepy drunk smokers in the caves...

Love Always,

Ems