Why not celebrate?

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time as my friend knows that I love a good party. In fact, I was recently reminiscing with my good friend, Zac, and he reminded me that I threw him an awesome 18th birthday party our senior year (granted, I very much wanted to date him so I probably put in EXTRA work at the point (p.s it paid of)). Going away to college, I don't have an awesome back yard to throw mega parties like I used to- the kind of parties that are complete with Just Dance on the huge projector, swimming, tables for games, and a warm, crackling fire- but I do still find lots of reason to celebrate- like a good test score or a cute boy posting on my FB wall. I think that you should celebrate anything that is 1. Semi-related to to you in some sort of way or 2. A giant cause of happiness.

That being said, since Jacob's birthday was on the 20th of July, and considering that it was his GOLDEN birthday, I called up Morgan and told her that we had great cause to celebrate. But since I don't really have any friends here in Mesa (yet alone friends  in Mesa that know Jacob- except Morgan, of course) we decided that the best celebration was whipping up some good 'ole Oreo cupcakes (oh, deliciousness in a cupcake). It was a wonderful evening filled with plenty of laughter and a few almost-fatal mistakes (in her defense, Morgan doesn't bake as much as I do). We stuck 20 candles in 4 cupcakes, because we figured that 20 candles in one cupcake would probably be a major disaster, wished Jacob happy birthday with a smiling, glowing,  picture, and blew the candles out before sharing the cupcake love with my family.

I will always love celebrations. So if you have a reason to celebrate, let me know. I'll have a party of my own- I'm not kidding.

Love always,
Ems

A Golden Birthday!

Today it is the golden birthday of this cute Elder- Mr. Jacob Colton Ladd. How can you resist that smile? I find it impossible. He is 20 today, and seeing as it is the 20th of July, it is his golden birthday! I was always jealous of people who got golden birthdays when they understood what a golden birthday is. I had no clue about golden birthdays when I turned 6!

Anyway, seeing as it is his golden birthday, and seeing as I always love to celebrate and make cake, Morgan and I will be making a cake in honor of this great day and sharing it with my family. Who knows, we may even add candles (who am I kidding, of course there will be candles). I love a good birthday celebration, don't you?

Anyway, I'm sure he spent his day (since it was yesterday for him since he's in Australia and time is a weird thing like that) working really hard out in the field and enjoying the not-so-cold Australian winter. Hopefully somebody sang him Happy Birthday because as embarrassing as that always is, everyone needs it to be sung to them once. My bet is he didn't get it sung to him, because he probably didn't even tell anyone it was his birthday- because that's what Jacob does, he's a no fuss kind of person. Which I guess is part of the reason he's serving a mission and I'm not, because gosh dangit, I like my birthday to be celebrated! The Chinese speaking people of Australia sure are lucky to have such a wonderfully caring, loving, selfless, and kind person; I know he is loving every second of his service!

Happy birthday, Elder! You are very loved and missed over here in the states!

Love always,
Ems

Happy Birthday, Dadio!

I would just like to publicly announce that I have the greatest father and wish him a very happy 48th birthday. I feel okay announcing his age to the internet considering that all day at the office he continually told people that 48 was his greatest year and that's he's never felt better. If he wasn't feeling so great about his age, I wouldn't parade his age around, but apparently, it's great to be 48!

I've really loved working with my dad this week and am excited to spend the entire summer working with him at least once a week. He's just a joy to be around- really, he is. First off, he rarely gets mad. I think I can remember two times when I saw his temperature rise. Secondly, he enjoyes laughing- but not just the normal laugh that most normal people do... the big, boisterous, everybody in the building will hear laugh (he sneezes the same way, but that's a different story).  The point of his laugh is to reinforce the idea that he just spreads happiness- kinda like a sneeze spreads germs (weird analogy? totally). Third, I have always known how much he loves me. I've never even begun to question his love for our family. He continually supports us in all of our adventures and aspirations and makes sure that we know we have his support and love. He also gets a bit over-enthusiastic about our exciting adventures, but that just makes you know that he really does love and care about whatever it is that he's trying to be a part of by living vicariously through you (if that makes sense). I also love that he leaves me notes and writes me poetry- I fully blame him for my romantic ideas and determinations in life, but I'm also really grateful he taught me to appreciate that because romance and chivalry are not dead in the world and I think I have a right to expect that from someone I love.  :)

Mostly, I just love that my dad has always stood by my side and been my hand to hold when times get tough. I love that he has shown me what a loving father should be like. I love that he pursues his dreams and helps me pursue mine. I love that he never stops loving my mom. I love knowing that he will forever be mine and that God blessed me by making me his daughter.

I love you, Dad!

Love always,
Ems

A Progression of Friendship.

   

 

As you may be able to tell from the photo dump that is currently all over your screen, Morgan Davis and I have been friends for an incredibly long time. I believe that it started long ago in nursery. We were probably two and a half when she, Jessika Bodrero, and myself met for the first time. I bet nobody could foretell that we would be forming an everlasting friendship in that fateful Adobe Ward Nursery room. Since that time, we've remained the best of friends. Growing up, there was nothing that Morgan and I did separately   We were on swim team- together. We danced- together. We were in ELP- together. We played the violin in Southwest Stringers- together. We read Jane Austen's Emma without understanding a word of it- together. Our ward eventually got split, and then Morgan was pretty much a part of The Greenfield ward with Jess and I. The three of us continued to be friends until those separating Poston Jr. High cheer try outs. They became cheerleaders and I became the student council nerd (a position that had been my fate since the fourth grade student council). Morgan and I were still friends, but we started to discover ourselves by doing different things- imagine that, becoming your own person! 

Anyway, eventually, student council would bring us back together for good. I became Jr. Class Spirit commissioner and she was Jr. Class President. We were once again doing things together and my life was once more complete. Granted, we had to put up with the ornery Ms. Scott,  but it was well worth it. We spent countless hours at Hobby Lobby, Toro Stadium, covered in glitter while decorating for dances, painting new posters, and avoiding Ms. Scott.  

It was bliss all over again, kind of like being a kid again and you know your best friend will be your best friend forever.  I loved every second of planning Jr. Prom with her, even though we still think that it would have been a lot cooler in the air hanger than Lavender and Old Lace. That's a different story, though. Senior year our old friendship continued and we graduated as best friends- the three amigos (Morg, Jess, and me) reunited at the end of our public education career. 

I could not have ever asked for a better best friend. I mean, who else is willing to play piranha popcorn with you- ya know, where the burnt popcorn pieces are piranhas and you can't touch them as you sit stranded in the middle of the tramp. Who else will try and clean up your dishwasher that has bubbles flowing out of it before your mom gets home because you put hand soap in it instead of dish soap and you just know it will be the end of the world if your mom comes home to find her kitchen floor is now a bubble bath. Few people would put up with my need to be the youngest girl when playing house (thanks Jess and Morg) or my awful Nintendo 64 skills (thanks Jess and Morg, again). Even fewer people will always be there for you no matter how old you get, how many dumb boys you date, or how many times you lick their face on accident (now that's a long story). 

However, somehow, through all those things, I still have my very best friend by my side. I cannot even express the immense gratitude I feel for Morgan. Through thick and thin, she's been there. She knows every part of my life. She knows the Barton family secrets, she knows the names of all our former pets, she even knows our garage code! She's been to California with my family more times than I can count. She's seen my mom singing into corn cobs, she's gotten in fights with Caleb, and she was an excellent support in making Seth and Shan kiss when they were four (which we got in trouble for). 

My life without Morgan would be boring. I wouldn't have someone to make up emoji stories with. I wouldn't have someone who loves Wii Party as much as I do. I wouldn't have a friend who is an expert "Emma shopper" and I wouldn't have someone to run to Last Chance with when we only have an hour left till it closes. Essentially, I wouldn't have anyone who is always up for spontaneous  crazy, sometimes idiotic things.  She doesn't stop me from being idiotic, which I guess is a good thing? Well, I mean, she stops me from doing really idiotic things, just not from making a full of myself in public. 

So, Morgan Davis. I hope that your 20th year is filled with lots and lots of good things. Like funny videos, and lots of photobooth pics, and funny letters from our good friend Maeser. I have no doubt that we will continue to stay best friends for life, I don't think it'd be possible for us to stop being friends- it'd be like taking away all the air in the world. Maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point. I love you to the next galaxy and back! 

Love always, 

Ems

Birthday Girl, Bexs!

This, is the lovely Rebecca Udall outside of the Louvre. She is my roommate, my dear, dear, friend, and I really just adore her to the ends of the earth.

I've known Becca since she moved back to Arizona in third grade. We had the same teacher through sixth grade and we've also been in the same ward since she moved. These 12 years (isn't that crazy?!) have been filled with countless memories. Like the time we pretended to be pirates in her front yard with our IBC root beer bottles. Or the time that we made a Ms. America movie. Or when she introduced me to the Movie Uptown Girls. Or the time we listened to Ingrid Michaelson as we sat on the second level of our tour bus driving through the Greek countryside. Or the times we had singing and dancing parties in our dorm room. Or our fabulous Waffle Saturdays in the Cannon Center.

However, my favorite moments with Becca (aside from the crazy fun moments that constantly happen) are the times that we are able to havec meaningful conversations about life, our concerns, and anything else that intrigues our curious minds. I indeed miss our setup in the dorm room- perfect late-night conversation setting. It's good to know that I can always count on Becca to understand my thoughts and feelings and listen to everything without judgement.

I love lots of things about Becca; her humor, her voices, her wanderlust, her studious nature, her dancing, her well-read brain (yes, I love her brain), and her love of memorizing all the countries in the world. She is just such a well-rounded person, how could you not love her?

Becca, I have the highest wishes for your 20th year! I hope it's filled with lots of cute elephants, happiness (I know, super vague), lots of amazing times spent among friends, and plenty of Miranda Sings.

I love you tons, Becca!

Love always,
Ems

Happy 20th, Ms. Alexandra!

I have this really great friend named Alex.
It's her birthday today and she is now 20.
The big two-zero.
Alex and I met in our sophomore choir class at Mountain View. We were both altos. We sat next to each other. Apparently my first question to her was if she knew Ashli Bear- why? Neither of us will ever know. However, we talked and became friends at a pretty good rate but, it wasn't until my phone went off in class that our friendship was cemented. You see, my ringtone was India Arie's "There's Hope" and Alex, being an India Arie fan, instantly recognized it and accepted me as her friend. Thank goodness- I dunno what I'd do without this girl in my life.

Alex has always been such an amazing friend to me and through the years, our friendship has only grown. It's been so fun to live with her this year and I'm so grateful for everything she does for everyone in the apartment. She makes us laugh, cooks yummy food, puts on crazy dance parties, and keeps us up to date on the happenings of the world. Not to mention her mad tap skills that keep us all moving and grooving (yup, I just said that). I seriously love Alex with a large majority of my heart. I'm glad she always has my back and talks sense into me when I'm being totally nonsensical. She is the Elizabeth Bennett in my life.

Happy Birthday, Ms. Alexandra! Hope that this 20th year of life is everything you want it to be!

Love always,
Ems

The View from Twenty.

I've now been twenty for a grand total of two and a half weeks. Let me tell you, I love it.
Mostly, I love the people who made my birthday magical- yes, magical.
Over the years, I feel like I've always been blessed to have wonderful, wonderful people in my life and that has not changed as I've gone away to college. I've found more and more that the Lord puts amazing people into my life to change my life and make it oh so wonderful. Let's take an examination of my birthday to prove this point.

Garrett. He started off my day full of 20 love notes hidden in my apartment AND at work. He involved my friends and made sure that I got all of them before coming over for the final part of the present- with flowers in hand. He wanted to make sure that I felt special throughout the day, and boy howdy did I. Not only that, but all the little notes that he gave to Sophia to hide at work kinda made Nan begin to start to approve of him. Good work there, Garrett, you sneaky boyfriend. His gift was also extremely thoughtful. He knew I had been looking for the Anastasia soundtrack for ages and so he found it for me! Gotta love a boy who keeps track of the little details of your life.

Next, we have Ms. Sophia Giler. Hi, I love her. Sophia is my work friend who became my real friend that I text almost every day. We love each other. She convinced Nan to let her make a cake for me and then invited Alex over to our office for secret family pictures in order to document my birthday. She is the reason that my roommates and I love Pretty Girl Rock and the reason that I love work so much. The fact that we are working almost all 20 hours together next semester makes me ridiculously happy for our lives. She's been such an amazing friend to me and made sure that I felt the love on my birthday- even if she forgot one of the notes that Garrett had written to me. I still love her.

Last, but most certainly not least, we have my amazing roommates. They took me out to Ihop on my actual birthday and all bought me books and then, on Saturday, they absolutely surprised me by planning a surprise party for me that included all my favorite people, bowling, and ice cream cake. Can a girl ask for much more from her best friends? I don't think so. I adore those girls.


So yes, the view from twenty has been magnificent and I feel incredibly blessed. I'm also incredibly happy to be home with my crazy family- it's funny how much I just want to be around my family now that I don't live at home. I can't wait for a fabulous twentieth year of life and feel very grateful to have made it this far surrounded by so many fabulous people. I am one very lucky girl.

Love always,
Ems

Birthdays are the Best.

I love birthdays. Like really, I love them A LOT.
So yesterday, when it was my roommate Lindsey's birthday,
we left nothing to chance.
The morning started out with a decorated apartment,
german pancakes, presents, and happiness.
We then spent the day dipping fruit,
watching Lord of the Rings, and enjoying the beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Finally, we ended the day with birthday balloon wishes,
an adventure at Outback that included a free appetizer and dessert!
(we had the best waiter- thanks Tim!)

Lindsey is the greatest girl ever and I am so incredibly grateful for her in my life.
She's always so happy and caring and will help you with anything you could ever ask.
I hope that her 20th year of life proves to be fabulous and that she loves it as much as
her 19th year, if not more (hopefully more).

I love you, Lindsey!

Love always,
Ems

A Belated Birthday Wish.

Jacob is going to be upset that's the picture I chose, but I'm quite in love with the pure happiness that it seems to capture. 

Onward. 

So, July 20th marked a most wonderful day. It was Jacob's birthday and he is FINALLY nineteen. Thank the sweet heavens above, I'm no longer the old lady. Anyway, Jacob is grand, wonderful, stupendous, marvelous, out-of-this-world, awesome, etc. He's definitely one of the greatest guys I have ever met and I owe him a heck of a lot. Here's the thing, Jacob is a waiter. Or at least, he's a waiter when it come to waiting on important things, let's say an important thing like... me. He waits for me a lot. From dating him, to going on a date with him, he always is waiting for me yet, he never ever complains. It really is quite the miracle, if I do say so. But golly gee, am I grateful that he waits. 

Jacob is one of a kind. He's intelligent beyond belief, and yet he's incredibly humble. He's musical, and artistic, and he can write poetry (dunno if he wants the world to know that, but....). Plus, he's tall, dark, and handsom. (I make myself laugh so hard, but really, he is.) He also is very logical which drives me insane sometimes but is something that I need in my life considering I'm one of the most illogical people I know. 

So, for his 19th Birthday, I am wishing that my birthday package makes it to his temporary house in Virginia, and I'm wishing extra hard that somehow the stars align and we get to see each other before he enters the MTC on August 15th. I also wish that his 19th year proves to be one of the best years of his life, and that while he is out serving the people of Australia, he is able to work miracles in the lives of the people there. I wish for his success in the mission field and know that at the very least, that wish will come true because he's going to be an amazing missionary. 

Happy (late) birthday, Mr. Jacob Colton Ladd! 

I miss you!

Love always, 

Ems

Birthday Dinner.

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.

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

We're Just Two Really Happy Girls

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

Joseph Tyler.

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

Sunday Thought: Father.

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

This is the Story of a Girl....

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

14 Days of Love: Day 10

Today, I love

Morgan Ray Davis.

It is her 18th birthday today. (I've decided February is the most popular birthing month- awkward sentence much? I think so...) Anyway, she is definitely the my best friend in every sense of the word and she she gets an awesome post.

Here are the top ten Reasons why I love Morgan:
1. Morgan doesn't mind that I'm possibly the most awkward person in the history of awkward land. No, I'm serious here. I really am the awkwardest person: like the whole refriderator shannanigin... it was bad. Anyway...
2. Morgan like to go shopping with me. Last Chance or Hobby Lobby, it doesn't matter. We just like to shop Emma and Morgan style: too long in one store equals unhappy Morgan and Emma.
3. Morgan sleeps over with me on the weekdays- it's awesome.
4. Morgan is seriously funny. I pretty much pee my pants every time I'm with her because she's so dang funny. I love it.
5. Morgan and I love California equally. We would jump in a car and drive there in an instant if we could. I'm not even kidding.
6. Morgan lets me borrow cloths. Our closets are semi-interchangable. Only semi because we don't live in the same place... that'll change next year.
7. Morgan has always been there for me. Even though we hit some SUPER rough patches in our friendship, we were able to become best friends instantly once we started hanging out again.
8. Morgan is super smart. Like really, she's always been smart (she could read before me- yes, I remember) and she hasn't stopped loving school and learning and it taking AP CALC! That deserves mega respect in my book.
9. Morgan is pretty much the sister that I never had, and we both belong to each other's families- we can interchange which parents we want. It's nbd.
10. Morgan is the most caring and loving person I know. She has listened to al my rants and "But I like Him!"s and everything in between. I know that I can always count on her to be there for me- even after a few years apart.

I'm so incredibly grateful for Morgan in my life. A girl could not ask for a better best friend and I cannot wait for all the crazy experiences we are going to have up at BYU. It's going to be so incredibly fun and wonderful.

I love you, Morgan!

Love Always,
Ems