The Draught is Over & Two Weeks to Go.

This weekend was a good weekend, because after a month of separation (the draught as Zack likes to call it), Zachary and I were finally reunited on Friday. I woke up at 8 in the morning, despite the fact that I could have slept in, and since I still had about 4 hours till Zachary came. A car repair, car wash, and chat with Chris later, Zack called me as he stood outside of my apartment. I practically ran home from campus, walked inside my apartment, and there he was, sitting on my couch. Oh, glorious reunion.

First on our agenda was getting a license to wed. Which was slightly more difficult than one would expect because Zack kept saying his answers out loud while I was trying to fill out my own answers. However, we were successful, and could now run away to get married if we wanted to, but we won't because, two weeks.

After some moving, it was time to get ready for bridals. We took them at the state capitol, and it really was so much fun. I love our photographer Jalene, she is simply amazing! Here's a little sneak peek that my lovely bridesmaid, Jessika, captured. She was a gem coming to help us out all evening. 

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out at the Jarvis family reunion. I loved getting to meet the extended family and really feel so blessed to be joining such an incredible family. And a fun one, too!

They headed home today, but luckily, we only have to wait till Thursday to see each other again. And then till the next Thursday, and then we are married, because two weeks. Two weeks, people.

Love always,
Ems

Surprise Surprise

Sometimes, the best things come from the most spontaneous ideas.

Flashback to July 3rd. I was talking to my little cousin, Megan, and she was asking about my 4th of July plans. She thought for sure I would be spending it with my wonderful fiancé because, that's what you're supposed to do, right? Except when you're in a long distance relationship... Anyway, I was sitting at work when I realized I didn't have any plans, and really just wanted to be with my new fiancé for the 4th. I walked into Sophia's office and said, "Do you and Will want to drive down to Arizona with me?" After some contemplation, they said yes!

We hopped in the car that evening at 6 pm and made the 10 hour trek to Mesa without Zack getting any wind of it, which was impressive given the amount of phone talking he and I do. When we were saying our goodnights, I made him really worried because I told him he needed to leave his phone on loud because I might need to call him. Little did he know it would be at 3 am when I was standing at his front door.

The look of surprise on his face when he opened the front door was completely worth the 10 hours it took to get to him. I've never seen him so shocked or so excited! Let me tell you, if you really want to feel loved, surprise your significant other with your presence, you'll never feel better!

We spent the weekend at the pool, in the lake, and eating delicious food from Cathy (Zack's mom, and my future mother-in-law whom I adore). The weekend was just lovely. Not to mention, exactly what I needed, because this month apart has been torture.

The good news is this: on Friday, the wait is over. Zack will be here for bridals, and then the next weekend I'm in Arizona, and the weekend after that, WE ARE GETTING MARRIED. Talk about madness.

Life is beautiful despite the madness.

Love always,
Ems

p.s. For those who asked, here's a ring pic.

Engaged to My Very Favorite

If anyone has read my blog for a while, you know about my very favorite person. The person I've definitely written the most about, the person who's spent a lot of time in my life, the person who I call my very best friend and actually mean it. That person is Zachary William Jarvis, and that person is my fiancé.

Now how's that for the happiest sentence of my life?

After six long years of friendship, nintendo, soccer games, Michigan poker, teasing, and love, we're engaged to be married on August 16th in the Manti temple, in the same sealing room as my parents.

We got engaged at Lake Powell, after the most perfect weekend with his family, and he proposed with my grandmother's ring that I've been in love with forever. Everything about the evening of our engagement was perfect, including being pulled over by the lake police, because what's life without a little bit of adventure?

Lots of people have been surprised at how quickly everything has happened: Zack had only been home for a month and a half when we got engaged, and we are getting married on his three month mark of being home. Surprising people has been awesome and so fun, because we've just decided that we know this is the right thing for us, so let others think what they will. I've never been happier in my entire life, and we're not even living in the same state! However, knowing that I'm marrying the person I've loved since sophomore year of high school is an absolute dream come true, in the most literal sense of the phrase. I've waited for this for six long years and it all seems too good to be true that I get to call him fiancé, and in a month, husband.

Zachary William Jarvis is my very favorite person in the entire world. He's funny, and he thinks I'm funny (which is a plus), but he's also caring, adoring, full of service, sensitive, hard working, and determined. Above all, I know that I'm marrying my number one fan, my greatest confidant, my biggest adventuring partner, and my very best friend. Lots of people say they're marrying their best friend, but I seriously doubt they know the meaning of best friend the way that Zack and I do. We've been there for each other through some of our hardest moments in our lives, and now, we get to face those hard moments together.

I'm beyond elated to marry this goofball of mine, and I really can't express my gratitude for the paths our lives have wound to bring us to this point. Everything I've ever wanted in a husband is in that man at the top of this post, how could I ever ask for more?

Life is wonderful!

Love always,
Ems

p.s. Just for fun, here's a picture of when we (essentially) first met on my 16th birthday.

When the Best Friend Returns. . .

We party.

My very best friend in the entire world got home from his mission on May 15th, 2014, and it was extraordinary. Zac Velarde, being the good friend he is, sent me snapchats of the entire airport meeting, because I threatened to hurt him if he didn't. Oddly enough, my heart was pounding when Velarde told me they were waiting for him, and then I was elated when I got these first two snaps.

But the burst of happiness came when I got the picture of the two best friends united after two long, hard years of separation. It was always hard to hear Velarde talk about how much he missed Zack because something about their friendship just sort of pulls at my heart- they really are the best of friends. It's like at our high school graduation, I only started crying when I saw the two of them hug and tear up.

Anyway. I got to go out ATVing with Zack's family the day after he got home. He taught me how to drive, and while I'm no expert, it was pretty darn fun. Personally, I think we really rock the helmets like nobody's business. #thuglife

Then, for Memorial Day, the Jarvis family was gracious enough to invite my roommates and myself down to their cabin in Munds Park for the extended weekend, and we had such a blast. It was the perfect weekend. We played a lot of Michigan Poker (and had a game where Zack lost ALL of his chips which I have never seen happen), rode around on the ATVs, played LOTS of volleyball, and told some pretty ridiculous jokes. Oh, and ate lots and lots of good food. Which is always a big plus in life. Also, can I take a moment to say how much I adore my roommates? There is never a dull moment in this apartment, and we all get along amazingly well. We're supportive of each other, we laugh, we cry, we party, it's just the best, and everyday I'm thankful. Also, we really missed Cicily on our trip, she went home for the weekend. 

So yes, life has been a party since Zachary William got home from his mission. It's still a bit unreal that I can just ring him on the telephone and talk to him whenever I want. It seems like eternity has passed, and at the same time, it seems like he never left- we're still that good of friends.

Friends are what make the world a better place. I'm convinced of that. Luckily, I've been blessed with some of the very best and everyday, I just wonder how I got so lucky- I guess God must really love me or something. #boohya. But in all serious, I'm so thankful for these people in my life. They make everyday better, brighter, funnier, and more exciting. I'd be pretty lost without them.

Life is good.

Love always,
Ems

This is Happiness.

I must admit, I never really understood the whole missionary letter thing. Then I got my first letters from my very best friend, Elder Zachary Jarvis, and I understood. How is it that his letters make me cry every time I get one? Actually, it's usually always a craf (cry/laughing) because he's still the same old dorky Zachary. The letter I received today was an attempt at old English- it was rather ridiculous. Considering the fact that I don't get his emails (why? who knows...) the letters mean all the more to me. It's just so wonderful to know that he's doing well and that the work is moving forward. Man do I miss that boy. Here's to the next missionary letter! (fingers crossed it's from Elder Eddington!) 

Love always, 

Ems

The Latest on Life.

Goodness, I don't even remember the last time I posted about real life. So this may be difficult.


First off, my good friend Maeser got his mission call to Fortaleza, Brazil! We were very excited for him!

Maeser and I are movie going buds. Latest wonderful film we saw? Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. I highly recommend it.


Next, I went up to my Grandma's with Josh and Sarah the weekend after conference and my Grandma and I were able to find her family in the 1940's census! It was an amazing experience.

Then finals week came and I almost died. I've never spent so much time in the library. Luckily, I had this boy to help me through...

(This is my attempt at his smirk and Jacob laughing at me.. Needless to say, only Jacob can do the Jacob smirk.)

My Aunt Kelly has become quite the Instagramer and I was struck one day by the resemblance between my cousins and myself. I guess this is natural since we're related and Jacob didn't understand what was so amazing about it, I just am really in love with the fact that I have family resemblances in me. It's the good 'ole Barton blood! 

Also, the four of us girls went on an adventure to City Creek Mall in SLC and we loved it! We were especially smitten with the Disney store. Oh, Disney. 

Then, the final days of my Freshman year came to an end. We had graduation, saying goodbye to dear friends, and way too many emotions to express. 

My last night with Mr. Jarvis before the mish. 

(Yes, I tied my own bow-tie)

 My brother Josh is a college graduate! 

Still in shock over Australia. 

So happy I ran into my favorite SLC boy, 

Mr. David Robinson! 

Then we took the long drive home. Luckily I had my best friend Morgan to keep me company, oh, and my amazing book, Death Comes to Pemberley. I highly recommend it to those who love murder and the Darcys. 

I seriously love Arizona. Driving into Mesa and smelling the jasmine was heavenly. And the 102 degree weather makes me want to sit outside all day. That's why Seth and I took a bike ride then drove to the Gilbert Temple. I'm so excited for the dedication! It's going to be beautiful! 

Ah man, life is good. 

Love always, 

Ems

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow....
That boy up there will open his mission call. To say I'm nervous would be an understatement.
Tomorrow...
He and I are one day closer to saying goodbye.
Tomorrow...
I am also saying goodbye to one of my dear friends, Mr. Jarvis.

BUT!

Tomorrow,
I am done with finals and I will walk out of Vilja's classroom singing songs or pure joy!
And tomorrow,
I will not be in the library till 2 a.m. Holy. Schnikies. Thank. You.

Tomorrow will be an emotional roller coaster.
This oughta be fun.

Love always,
Ems

p.s. I guess you could say I like that boy up there. I guess you could also call him Mr. Jacob Ladd.

Dream Job.

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.

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

Oh Ya!

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