It's Christmas Time and Time for a Carol

The other night I was eating dinner with some RS ladies and one of the wives said that Christmas really starts for her when she hears a MoTown Christmas song. As I thought about that, I realized that Christmas really starts for me when I hear Nat "King" Cole, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or the Carpenters. These albums were always played at our house growing up and we continue to enjoy them now in our own home. Christmas music just makes the start of winter bearable with the darkness and cold temperatures.

I love Christmas music for a few reasons:

1) We only get to legitimately listen to it for about 40 days out of the year.
2) I love the messages that it brings, for example:

From Hark! The Herald Angels Sing:
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! / Hail the Son of Righteousness! / Light and life to all He brings / Ris'n with healing in His wings / Mild He lays His glory by / Born that man no more may die / Born to raise the sons of earth / Born to give them second birth / Hark! The herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn King!

What great lyrics, to know that Our Savior came to earth to give us second birth, so we can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father!
3) It gets me in the mood for giving

I hope others get to enjoy their favorite holiday tunes this season! To you and yours, Merry Christmas!

Five years...how time flies!

Today marks the fifth anniversary of my MTC entrance. Mom and Dad were a mess, the nieces had no idea what was happening, the sisters were keeping it together nicely and I was embarking on an unknown adventure. Two months in the MTC and then to Argentina to preach the good word. Of course I need to give a shout out to my MTC compy Sarah Ligget. My experience would not have been the same without her!

A Month of Thanks: Week 3

Thanksgiving is so close, I can almost taste it! I will be busy as a bee Wednesday night making the pies. Mom taught me how to make the pies a while back and it has been my assignment each Thanksgiving since. Except the Mincemeat pie, that's still Mom's specialty; probably because it's made especially for Papa Jim and Grandma Grace. But I must say I have found a taste for it. It's actually quite savory.

What I'm thankful for this week

Great Friends. I realize this has been a recurring theme, but I have been able to spend some quality time lately with those friends that mean so much to me. I went to dinner with Bonnie, which was well over due. We hadn't seen each other since July. She's had many an adventure since then, so catching up was a dream come true. Darby gets to see Bonnie all the time since they work together at the high school. It makes me a little jealous that Darb gets to see Bonnie more often than I do. But Bonnie is a great friend and I love going to dinner with her. We were mission companions and every time I look back on our short six weeks together in Formosa, I am so grateful for all that Bonnie taught me and continues to teach me.

My house. We purchased a house this year as a family investment and it is so nice to have. I love working in the yard or the garage. My roommates are pretty great too. Erin keeps the inside nice and decorated very tastefully. I am more than happy to take care of the outside stuff. It works out for everyone.

My calling. Right now I am serving in the Stake RS presidency as the secretary. The three girls with whom I get to associate each week are wonderful girls and teach me so much about the gospel and being a true disciple of Jesus Christ in word and action. I am constantly amazed by their knowledge, discernment and compassion. They are true examples to me of living the gospel and I am so grateful for the time that I have to serve with them.

A Month of Thanks: Week 2

Thanksgiving is almost here! I can't wait to make some tasty pies. Thinking about things this week, I have my thankful list.

The Priesthood. Erin needs to have her gallbladder removed so my dad and Eric gave her a blessing tonight. What a magnificent thing it is to receive a blessing from those with authority. I am so thankful my dad and brother-in-law are able to do this for our family as worthy priesthood holders.

General Conference. I have been reading the talks this week and I love to read and reread the words of living prophets. They always give such wonderful counsel and I especially loved President Uchtdorf's talk: You Matter to Him.

Great friends. I spent some time this week with one of my best friends, Jez. We have been friends since our freshman year of college, lived together for a semester in Logan, and then lived together in SL for about 3 months. Jez is the best and I love talking with her. She's the most genuine person I have ever met and I consider myself pretty dang lucky to have her as a friend.

Freedom. With the celebration of Veteran's Day on Friday, I was contemplating the sacrifice of those who serve and have served our country. I am in so much awe of their willingness to serve and protect not only us, but our freedoms as well.

A month of Thanks: Week 1

I love Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday of the year. Yep, I like it more than Christmas. It's all about food, which I love to eat and to cook. So, I've decided to give a weekly thanks during the month of November.

This week I'm thankful for:
Great friends. I'm very blessed with some wonderful people in my life. Be it my days in high school, college, my mission, or my time in the SLC, I have been blessed with fabulous friends. An example: Brooke and I went to see The King's Singers on Saturday at Abravanel Hall. It was a treat and we were entertained and enlightened. Brooke knows that I am always game for some wholesome entertainment or a good time up the canyon.

Great mechanics. Jim and Brandon always take care of us and our vehicles. Because of them, we are able to go where we need to go, even Erin. Brandon has told her on numerous occasions to get a bus pass. But that isn't in Brandon's best interest; Erin gives him business :) And they're honest and never jerk us around. I picked up Rigo tonight and he is running much smoother and quieter.

Great job. I like my job a lot and it has kept me busy as a bee this week. I get to do some fun stuff with it and I took a class this last Monday to hone some of my skills. It's nice to be gainfully employed in this time of economic uncertainty.

Uncle Dave

Monday night, one of the best men to ever walk on this earth passed away. David W. Rich, known to me as Uncle Dave, fought a courageous battle with cancer, but Heavenly Father needed to take him home to work there.

Uncle Dave is a second dad to me and is always happy to see me. We grew up next to the Riches and they are the best of people. I learned so much from this man and I am grateful that I know him. Although he is gone, it will be great to celebrate his life with family and friends next Monday.

I love you Uncle Dave and will miss you terribly!

Picky, Picky, Picky

I can take constructive criticism. I can. However, I feel I am not alone when I say I don't like having my work ripped up one side and down the other by someone who believes he/she is being constructive.
In my job I get to use my creative side a little bit. I am in the middle of making a brochure for our big office meeting in December. I showed the logo mock-ups to my boss and the big boss. The big boss gave me the A-OK. So, now I am making the brochures with approved said logo. Let's keep in mind, these brochures are still in the developmental stage; they are not complete. That's why they're called mock-ups.
I showed a few brochure mock-ups to another person in the office to see which design looked better: a three-fold or a two-fold. Well, the person liked the three-fold (which was all I wanted to know) and then added that the logo isn't up to snuff. Um...excuse me, the big boss has already approved it...I'm not going to redo it because you don't like it. Your vote doesn't matter at this point; the big boss has spoken.
I'm all for things looking nice and professional, which I try to do. If the big boss is happy, all should be happy. Picky, picky, picky!

I'm out like a fat kid in Dodge Ball!

Sometimes, I get to do some pretty fun stuff for my job. Not sitting at the desk for a few hours is a nice break from the day-to-day routine. Wednesday, I particpated in the ASUU vs. Administration Dodge Ball Game. We were supposed to play softball, but the rain made the field unsafe to play. So, we headed over to the Fieldhouse. I hadn't played dodge ball since junior high, so I was a little rusty on the rules and whatnot. But, after a quick run through, we were ready to play. I had a hard time throwing the ball toward the legs. I am used to playing softball and aiming for the chest. Needless to say, I got out a few times because I gave the other team a perfect strike to the chest to catch. However, I did get a few people out. We as the administration were victorious 5-1. ASUU won a game because they put all their players on the court (ten to our six). So, we let them have one :)

These are a few of my favorite things

As the baseball playoffs are starting, I realized once again that the Baltimore Orioles are not in the playoffs. But, being the true fan I am, they are still my number one! I decided to list a few of my favorite things. Here we go!

Baseball Team(s): (1) Baltimore Orioles (2) St. Louis Cardinals (3) Detroit Tigers
Color: Green
Board Game(s): (1) Trivial Pursuit (2) Smart Ass
Sport to Play: Softball
Sport to Watch: Baseball
Athletes - Male: John Stockton; Female: Florence Joyner-Kersey (Flo-Jo)
TV show: Jeopardy!
Scripture: Moroni 10:32
Movie - Drama: Dances with Wolves; Comedy: TIE - Mean Girls, Easy A, Just Friends
President: George Washington
US City: TIE Boston, MA and Washington, DC
Author: Joseph J. Ellis
Clothing Store: The Gap
Music Group: Train
School Subject: history
Book: Jane Eyre
Quote: "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." ~Oscar Wilde
College Team: (1) USU Aggies; (2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Ride at Disneyland: Peter Pan
Song: Holly Holy ~Neil Diamond
Country outside of US: Argentina
US State: Massachusetts
Play that I've seen: Les Miserables
Play that I've read: Othello ~Shakespeare
Hike: Donut Falls up Big Cottonwood Canyon
Niece: TIE Haylie and Mikaela!
Place to camp: Hoop Lake, Uintah Mountains, UT
Place to fish: Causey Reservoir with Papa Jim

There you have, some of my favorite things.

9 hours wasn't enough!?

Last night, I was exhausted! It has been a busy, stressful week. Last night I had a night off from everything. I got home and decided to watch an episode of The Office and an episode of The Kennedys. After that, I made a sandwich and read for awhile. I struggled to keep my eyes open and it was only 8:30. I decided it wasn't worth it to try to stay up and in true "Grandma Cowles" fashion turned my light off at 8:54 pm. I didn't wake up until my alarm clock began chirping at 6:45am this morning. So, nine and a half hours of sleep! Not bad, but as I sit here at my desk on a Friday afternoon, my eyes are twitching, I'm still exhausted and can't wait to get out of here. One more meeting to go and then I'm home free to go to Logan and enjoy the Homecoming festivities.

I love sleep!

Summer Happenings

Well, we bought a house. It's awesome and fun and lots of work and so nice to have our own space and not have gross roommates! I love mowing the lawn and working in the yard...I feel so productive out there. It's so nice to go home to everyday.
I went to my ten-year high school reunion. Go Royals! I can't believe it's been ten years since I was in the halls of Roy High School. Time flies. HS was fun, but college was better. It was fun to see a few faces that I haven't seen for awhile. The twenty year might not happen....

I spent Memorial Day in Vegas at the Tahitian Village. Very fun: company and activities. The Lazy River was pretty sweet and it was a nice way to kick off the summer festivities.

Darby bought me a Lagoon season pass and I used it a few times. Does it get better than Lagoon? Well....
I spent a little time on the lake wakeboarding. I successfully made it across the wake without falling. A big accomplishment for me.
I went camping with my sister, brother-in-law and nieces to Hoop Lake. We cooked in the Dutch ovens, shot the flower-stickered Red Ryder BB gun, played Speed and Gin Rummy, went on walks (well, the kiddos rode their bikes while I walked), took a day trip to Flaming Gorge, and fished a lot. I am proud to say I caught four fish this year. I don't think I've caught one fish in the last 3 years; a fishing record for me.

I also went camping with the SWAT gals (single women alone together!) and made them a Dutch oven breakfast that I am very proud of.

I frequented Seven Peaks SL three times. I had to get my money out of the season pass that I bought. Last run of the summer: down the giant slide, basically a free fall.

Maybe this is lame, but I saw The Help. I loved the book and the movie definitely lived up to the expectation. I saw Def Leppard with special guest Heart at USANA Ampitheater. I LOVE HEART! I have been a fan since junior high and they’ve still got it! It was very cool to see them live. Ann, Nancy and Company definitely put on a great show! Def Leppard of course was fun to see again.
We ate authentic Greek food at the Greek Festival last weekend. Yum!

So long sweet summer! I’ll be watching for you again next year, but hopefully you won’t take so long to get here. Around May would be stupendous. Keep it in mind.

Good over evil!

It's over - finished, done, ended, completed, concluded, terminated.

Our hero Harry Potter has triumphed! I saw the final installment of the HP series last night with Erin. OH MY GOODNESS! LOVED IT!

Thank you JK Rowling for bringing such an amazing story to us all.

It's what fun is...

This summer, thanks to Darbara, I am the proud holder of a Lagoon Season Passport! Holler! Yesterday was my first trip to the asphalt playground and it did not disappoint. Kirton and McConkie provided dinner for us and the lines weren't too long. Double holler!

I went on most of the rides with Mikaela. We had lovely rides on Dracula's Castle, Puff, Bombora, the Jumping Dragon, the Dino Drop, the Lady Bug Drop, the OdySea, Tilt-o-Whirl, the Space Scrambler (twice), the Bat and the Carousel (twice). We spent a lot of time in Kiddie Land :)

Now that Haylie is tall enough to go on most of the rides we also shared some rides together. We went on the white roller coaster, Wild Mouse, the Spider and the Log Flume in Pioneer Village. Aunt Ewee gets motion sickness, so she passed on a few rides; otherwise, Haylie would have gone with her :) I didn't think Erin was going to make it off the Jumping Dragon. It goes one direction and then switches. When the direction change was announced, Erin shouted "WHAT?!" We were laughing pretty hard. It reminded me of the teacups at Disneyland.

We're headed back next week! Season Passport = FUN!

Things are looking good...

Within the next week: Easter Sunday, we will be closing on our house, classes will end (hallelujah!), and moving into said house.

Oh yes, things are definitely looking good.

The Argentine Way

I love hamburgers. It's true. Last night I made hamburgers for dinner, but I made them like I did on my mission in Argentina. We didn't have grills, so we normally just cooked the patties on the stove. While cooking them, I decided I wanted to make it the Argentine way - a fried egg on top! This is very typical of Argentine cuisine and a feature that I miss every so often. While I was in Formosa, we as a zone would eat at Pizza Mario on P-days. Although the pizza there is great, I love their hamburgers. The only place I've been able to find a hamburger with an egg on top is Red Robin. It takes me back to Formosa and all the good times I had there.

House Hunters

Erin, Darby and I need a new place. Erin because her roommie is getting married; Darby and I because our roommies are gross. Ten years of random roommates is much too long in my book. We have been on the house hunt for the last few months. We have seen some very nice homes and some homes that are downright frightening. We put an offer on a house last month, but unknown to us, this gem had a pending offer. We were disappointed. However, maybe it was for the best since it was a short sale. "Short sale" is a completely false term. There is nothing "short" about this housing transaction. It can take months and then you might not even get the place. We don't have months...Erin needs to be out by May 1. So, in a way, I'm glad the first offer really didn't take. I think it would have been a huge hassle. On to the next!

We were searching diligently yesterday with Melissa (Sister/realtor extraordinaire). We had about 8 places picked out to see. Well, that morning, we found out three went under contract and one doesn't want to show the house (good luck selling that one). That left us with four houses to look at. Two on the west side, one that was a pain to find ("we'll never be able to get home!" Erin said as we searched for ten minutes for this house) and one right by our friends' house in the ward boundaries.

The first house was tiny and kind of a disaster. It's amazing how pictures can make a house look awesome and then you walk in the front door. This house was quickly rejected by all parties involved. We saw the second house close to our friends and really liked it. It's newer with spacious bedrooms and is completely finished with a massive garage. The paint was a little much, but an easy enough fix. We left this house with good feelings. The other two were nice and new but on the west side of town which we want to avoid at all costs. Bottom line: in one, too many stairs; in the other, overcompensation in master bed/bath and no eating/family area and no storage.

House Hunters makes it look so easy! We ended up putting an offer on the second house. The listing realtor actually called Melissa back (a rarity). I hope that it goes through!

Decisions, Decisions

About three months ago I was asking myself "what have I done?" Grad school was the route I had chosen...but turns out, it hasn't chosen me. HA HA!! I was politely rejected by the program, probably because my application was rushed and I'm thinking somewhat incomplete. Now I'm stuck in a freaking hard Stats class that I don't need! Oh the irony! At least my cousin Michelle is a math genius and can help me when I get stuck.

Why do life decisions have to be so difficult? Why can't I figure out what the heck I want to be when I grow up? Why can't history be a more prolific career path? All questions that have been hammering in my brain lately. Of course I haven't given up on grad school; it's just on hiatus. I am decisive on other aspects of life. After some careful contemplation I make a decision and stick with it. So, why in the hades can't I decide what to do with this thing called a career? Why can't I choose one? Am I afraid of missing something else, something better?

I wish I knew....

March: the month of weddings

Bonnie and Greg
I was Bonnie's trainer on the mission. We were together for six short weeks in Formosa Capital, Argentina. We have continued our friendship since the mission and she is truly an incredible person and friend. Saturday, I was privileged to witness her sealing to such a great guy, Greg. I wish them luck in their new adventure together! Te quiero amiga!

Sarah and Erwin
Sarah and I were companions in the MTC. She went to Ecuador and I went to Argentina. Like Bonnie, we too have continued our friendship after our missions. Sarah is the best of people and such a treat to be around. This Friday I will get to see her sealed to her eternal companion, Erwin. Felicitaciones amiga eterna! Te quiero mucho!

$0.00 - All Zeros!

Today is a great day! As shown above, my balances are $0.00. I paid off my car today! Rigo is officially mine. I have loved driving him around, showing off the A-Plates and Aggie pride.

Here's to many more miles Rigo!

Susie Lee

Today is Mama Sue's birthday. I affectionately refer to her as Mama Sue. She is a wealth of knowledge. Seriously, if you're ever wondering about something or somebody, chances are my mom knows something about the subject. Since my mom loves trivia, I've found some interesting facts. I love that she shares her birthday with the likes of these famous persons:

• George Washington - also known as the father of our country and first president


• Drew Barrymore - actress


• Charles VII - King of France


• Frederic Chopin - composer


• Julius Erving - also known as "Dr. J" on the basketball court


• Steve Irwin - AKA the Crocodile Hunter - Crikey!


• Ted Kennedy - Massachusetts Senator - although I don't think she'd be thrilled about sharing a birthday with him :)

Important events that happened on Mama Sue's birthday:

• The Miracle on Ice - USA wins the gold medal in hockey against the USSR at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games


• The Tet Offensive ends in 1968


• Milli Vanilli wins Best New Artist Grammy 1990
  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA SUE! I love you lots and hope you had a spectacular day!

Best Concert EVER!

I like going to concerts. I feel it's worth it to go and listen to some quality music from a quality artist. Notice I used the word quality; that's what we're going for, quality, not quantity. I have been to a few concerts in my time. I don't think I've been disappointed with one yet (or at least not with the featured artist, the openers on the other hand, well...).
My first big name concert was the Eagles with my parents. From there I was hooked. I have seen Train (2 times), Maroon 5, John Mayer (3 times), Colbie Caillat (2 times), Ingrid Michaelson, Guster, David Gates (of Bread), Glen Phillips, Jimmy Eat World, Jack Johnson (2 times), Mat Kearney, Def Leppard and Poison (2 times), and Brandon Flowers. Monday night was the one I have been waiting for.

Two words: Sarah McLachlan.

I have been a Sarah McLachlan fan since junior high. Erin introduced her to me with the song "Ice Cream" and I was instantly addicted to her music. Sarah and Friends graced the stage at Kingsbury Hall on Valentine's day. Sarah came to Utah in 2004 or 2005 and I must say I was so disappointed that I chose Jack Johnson over her. I mean what was I thinking? This is where the quality over quantity comes into play. Sarah McLachlan is a true entertainer. She knows what the people want and she gives it to them. She sounds AMAZING live. She hits those high notes with her signature voice. She played for three and a half hours. She interacts with the audience and lets you know about her life. It feels like you are sitting with a friend who sings to you.

Some of my favorites that she played were: Sweet Surrender, Loving You Is Easy, Illusions of Bliss, Hold On, The Path of Thorns and Ice Cream. She played a lot of old stuff which was awesome.

I didn't want the concert to end. It was so good. All I know is whenever Sarah McLachlan comes to the Beehive state, I am going to her concert. If you don't know Sarah, check her out on iTunes.

My vote for Best Picture

Being the history geek that I am, I was so intrigued by this story of Albert the Duke of York, also known as King George VI, and his stammer. With the help of Lionel Logue, an early speech therapist, he was able to master his stammer, give a war-time speech and provide his people hope in a time of need. Colin Firth is a gem in his role and Geoffrey Rush is spectacular. I loved watching Bertie swallow his pride, win his little battles and gain the confidence to do what a king is born to do: lead.
I loved it. Four Stars! If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do.

Hot Head?

Church basketball season is in full swing. Our first few weeks were a little lacking on the participant side, but with Abby's recruiting efforts, we now have a full team, subs and all. It's nice to have subs. Last week we got the "W" because of the stellar practice we had on Monday night with Coach Kellie. Our ward is very supportive of both the men's and women's teams. Most of the wards in the stake probably loathe our fans...they are Rowdy! It makes for a fun atmosphere.

Last night on the other hand was a blah night. We played a ward that I hate. Yep I said it, I hate them. They treat every game like it's the high school state championship game; probably because that's the last time anyone cared about them playing and they can't move on. It's hard to leave those glory days behind sometimes. Anyway, the game was OK. I mean we scored points and it wasn't a complete blowout. This is the only team that seems to get under our skin. Kellie always keeps it together, but she definitely shows more fire when playing this ward. I have a temper and really the only place that anyone gets to see it is on the basketball court. I can get irate. Val pointed this out to me last week. She told me she loves to watch us play basketball because it's the only time she sees me upset or mad. Am I a hot head? Part of me wants to say no, but I know deep down inside that, yes, yes I am a hot head. I kept it together last night, mostly because I was so tired and worn out. I have been sick, otherwise I probably would have had steam coming off my forehead from the lack of propriety of this team.

Oh well, you win some and you lose some. High school is over...for most of us :)

Gearhead?

Tevas, Columbia, Dakine, Marmot, K2, Burton, and Scott. What do all of these names have in common? They are all name brands of products that can be used in the great outdoors. I have at least one item of each of these name brands. Be it hiking gear, skiing gear or camping gear. Am I a gearhead? I want to say no, but part of me wants to say yes, yes Dallin you are a poser. Erin explained to me that a gearhead is one that has all the gear, name brand items, but really isn't that into the actual activities that come with the gear. In other words, posers.

Most people who know me, know that I do like to do things outside. I just don't do it all the time like other enthusiasts. So, I guess that makes me a semi-gearhead. For me it is making the time to do activities outside. Saturdays are precious to me to get certain tasks done, so I don't like to use my time frivolously. However, I always do feel better after spending some time in nature. Especially cousins hikes, or snowshoeing up the canyon.

Well winter has been around for a few months in Utah. With the snow in the mountains, I figured it would be a good idea to go skiing....until I actually got on the mountain. I headed to Snowbird with my friend Justin (who is a much better skier than I) and we made it to the quad chair lift. It was a slap in the face of how much skill I lack; not to mention my stamina is around zero. I feel like I have good mechanics, but I don't quite trust myself to hot-dog it down the mountain. I have a nice slow pace, but it can take a toll on my quads and knees. I guess I need to go more often. It's just so expensive to go skiing! I'll need to start a skiing fund so I can go more often. Snowshoeing on the other hand is free. :)

I don't want to be a gearhead. I want to be a valid owner of all these outdoor products and gear. I'm committed to making 2011 an outdoor year!

My motto in life: Others have done this, I can too.

Well, I did it. There's no going back. I sent in my departmental application for graduate school yesterday. YIKES!! What have I done!? Erin read my personal statement and said it was fine. Oh man, I have wanted to go to grad school for a long time. I chose to go on my mission before attending grad school because the mission was only going to hold its luster for a short while. It was go then or not at all. Grad school would always be an option. So I set it aside to go run around Argentina with a skirt, a name tag and a book for 18 months.

But now, I am on the education track again. I love school and feel it is something that I am good at. I have always been the type of student that cared about class, being prepared and grades. I think I can be a good student and focus. I had some pretty awesome professors and an advisor write recommendations for me. They think I can do this, so why not?

I don't want to put limitations on myself because of my own insecurity or perceived shortcomings. I too will survive grad school! "I will triumph!"

They say it's your birthday!

Everyone has a special day. One that is significant only to her. Today is Sarah Ligget’s birthday!



You know, they just don’t come better than Sarah Ligget. We met four years ago in a magical place called the MTC in Provo, Utah. At that time we were both Hermanas and were the greenest of the greenie missionaries beginning our 18-month LDS missions. We would be together for two months in Provo and then we were headed to South America – Sarah to Ecuador and I to Argentina to preach the gospel. We escaped the MTC a few times – once to the emergency room and then two more times to the doctor’s office. Let’s just say we made the whole district green with envy! We had been to the outside world!


Our adventures in the MTC were quite fun and I learned so much from her. Sarah has an amazing testimony and a great sense of humor. We hit it off from the start! Both of us Aggies and sporty. She laughed at all of my quirky comments and jokes. I loved teaching with her and our walks around the track during gym time. We became such great friends in our short time together.


January 29, 2007 – the most depressing day of my mission! Sarah had been packing all night to get ready to go to Ecuador. I was done packing and finally went to bed, but didn’t really sleep, dreading the goodbye that would soon ensue. About 4:00am, Sarah told me she was leaving. We hugged each other in the hallway and I watched her walk with her luggage to the door and leave with Hermanas Savage and Hatton. I went back to my room and broke down and cried for a good two hours. If that is comparable to losing your eternal companion, man, I don’t know if I want one. I finally had to pull myself together and get ready to go to Salt Lake to get on my plane. It was a rough day…


Luckily mail is not obsolete and we exchanged letters throughout our missions. Oh blessed days when the letters finally arrived! I devoured them and read them each about ten times. I missed my companion more than words could convey.

May 18, 2008 – Oh happy day!! Reunited! Listening to Sarah give her mission report filled my heart with joy. She had mastered Spanish just like I knew she would. Listening to her infectious laugh that I had missed for 16 months was the cherry on top!


Luckily, we have been able to see each other since our missions and I have loved every laugh! She is the best of people and I feel privileged to know her and that she is mi amiga eterna!


¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti Sarah! ¡Te quiero un montón! ¡Que el dia sea todo lo que mereces!