McKensie Naomi Wilkinson

Yo yo yo... check it!

2009-03-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

It seems I have been lacking on this blog lately, so if you want to keep up with me, check out

mmwilkinson.blogspot.com!

Have you ever....

2009-02-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

...been so offended you want to cry? That you can't sleep because all you can think about is everything you want to say? Felt so betrayed by someone close?

I HATE NEGATIVE BLOGS, but I really have felt so hurt and I am not sure what to do or say?

Then I start thinking I am the one who could be in the wrong, because I read David A. Bednar's talk.

What should I do? Have any of you been in the same place? I truly hate these feelings! Help!

Dear Sister Sarah Huber Anderson

2009-02-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

My cute little Huber. You are going to Peru soon and the Missionary Training Center in about 36 hours and you are going to knock all of those pre-pubescent Elders out of the water! You are going to be one of the sweetest, smartest, most entertaining Hermonas. I have always looked up to you and there is something about you that draws people in. Everyone loves you! You have this special glow about you that radiates through to others. You are always standing up for the under dog and for the right. You have a gorgeous smile, that most everyone is familiar with, because you use it. Continue to, even on those rainy days. You are motivated and intelligent. Grow in the gospel. Come home and show off those skills. You are a very positive woman. I don't think I can recall anything negative that has come out of your mouth. As I think about you, I think of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. She once said...

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For Beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."

You were born to a great family. They taught you very well and I know you already emulate those qualities. Remember Heavenly Father loves you. I do too! You are one of the most Christ-like people I know. Go share with the Sweet Peruvians what life is all about!

xoxox

Now, it's M & M

2009-02-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

Matt and I have created a new blog to share some of those fun memories we have and Matt can write too! (Let's hope he does!) So, continue to read my blog but also, start visiting

www.mmwilkinson.blogspot.com

Check it out!

xoxo

Don't you love...

2009-02-02T16:19:00.001-08:00

...DAYS OFF?

I had a few months of time off, but I recently got a new job as a Phlebotomist at Foothill Family Clinic, and now I love those days off! I have seriously enjoyed it so much! But I have today off and now I am wondering what to do? I have a few ideas....

Paint my nails
Bake a cake
Play Scrabble
Doodle
Watch kids play on the playground
Write letters
Dig into a great book
Google
Work on my Valentines project

I could clean, but let's save that for tomorrow when I get back to real life!

Hmmm... Any other ideas?

Busted!

2009-01-31T23:15:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful apartment! It is up in the married student housing at the University of Utah. I have LOVED living here for the past 5 weeks! We have a darling little place! We have the sweetest neighbors, we both work very close to our home, we don't pay ANY utilities (!!!!!)... It couldn't be a better home for us newlyweds!

Tonight, we had our first "oops" moment of living here. We aren't able to park too close to our apartment (the good part about that, is more exercise!) , so oft times we will park in the "Fire Lane", by the curb and run all of our million boxes and bags in, and then run and move it into a stall. After we had lugged in two large, extra heavy boxes, we forgot to run back out and move the car. And even close the doors! All the doors were open! We were expecting to run in drop it off and then go to a wedding reception. We got a little more excited about our new kitchen table and new microwave I guess and didn't come back out to the car for about 3 hours! We totally spaced that we didn't move the car.

We walk out in a hurry to get to this reception, and I look up as we turn the corner and see the driver's door wide open. "Umm... Honey?", Matt was just as surprised, "Oh yeah. I never came to close the doors." We continue getting closer to the car and look up to see a police car facing our car and the cop just getting out and walking out to the car. OH NO!

He asks us how long we had been parked there, and I think Matt tried to stretch it and say 45 minutes.

"Well, do you know it is illegal to park in the fire lane?"

He basically told us they had been trying to get a hold of us and move this car because he has had a few different people call the police on it. We just apologized and told him we had been moving boxes in and out. After the cop gave a nice warning, he was on his way.

I get in the front seat and notice all of Matt's papers and ID from his glove box out. I was still replaying what had happened and start laughing and panicking all at the same time. Such a funny night!

We are driving downtown and Matt gets a call from his brother, who is staying at his parents house, asking why we had the University of Utah Campus Police calling looking for us. I felt like such a little criminal! His brother explains the police had kept calling them trying to locate us and weren't successful, so I guess Matt's brother started to freak out a little bit, but we had several messages from the police department, and I kept thinking "Oh man! I will just move my car next time and not be so lazy!"

I guess if I ever go missing, the campus police will be all over it! They wont stop until they find me!

I am in love!

2009-01-20T21:15:00.001-08:00

It has been over a month since I last blogged and I need to pick it up,
but I just wanted to let you know
I AM IN LOVE!
I am in love with my husband!
More today than I was yesterday or a even month ago....

Yes, I am now Mrs. Wilkinson!

and I love that!

I am so blessed

2008-12-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was definitely on my list of top ten favorite sabbath's! There are those days you go to church and get SO much out of it and can't help but just love every second. Throughout the entire day, I had a reminding confirmation of why I love the gospel so much. The power of the spirit yesterday was incredible. In Relief Society, we were talking about Joseph Smith and his trials. When the Mob broke into his home and tarred and feathered him. The story sent shivers down my spine. Joseph Smith was such a strong, yet humble man. We were also talking about our own trials and we listened to a song by Katherine Nelson, entitled Sometimes He Lets it Rain. I know in the last month or two Satan has been working on me so much. He knows I am happy. He knows I am so close to walking through those holy doors, and he doesn't like that. I have felt very discouraged and worn through all this bliss. I know it's Satan and I continue to remind myself where I am going and what I am doing. That is why this song was so perfect for me yesterday. There was one part of the the song, that made to take a deep breath and just smile,

" There is no joy without the pain. Sometimes He has to let it Rain."

I left after church feeling wonderful! I know I can do it! He loves me and He wants me there with Him. It was a beautiful feeling! As I walked away feeling unstoppable and confident, I remembered I had an interview with my Bishop to get a temple recommend. These men are so inspired as well. I also got my first "grown- up" temple recommend. I have not felt happier in a very long time. I cannot wait to go to the temple. I LOVE the temple. It has always been one of my goals to go to a temple on every continent and at least 100 of them. I still have many great experiences to come. Yesterday, I KNOW my testimony grew 20 times what it normally is. I love this gospel. I am so blessed!

http://www.apeshitmedia.com/lj/2008-04-01-36.jpg

I love to see the temple. I am going there in 15 days!

Countdown to _________________

2008-12-08T10:47:00.001-08:00

December is a busy month! I really never realized how fast time can go and how busy I am in the coming weeks. I have several countdowns going right now...

1 HOUR UNTIL SCHOOL IS OVER!

6 HOURS until my next shower with the wonderful Wilkinson family.

22 HOURS until I met with Millcreek Inn to make the detail arrangements with my dad.

52 HOURS until I pick up my wedding dress!

3 DAYS until another shower with the Cresent 18th Ward.

11 DAYS until I move into our new apartment!

13 DAYS until Aaron grows one year older.

15 DAYS until I go through the Salt Lake Temple for the first time and see more loved ones!

16 DAYS until I sing Christmas carols with loved ones, eat, open pajamas, eat, go to midnight mass, eat, cuddle, eat, relax with wonderful people.

17 DAYS until we celebrate Him. (Hopefully, this isn't the only day)

22 DAYS until my father grows a couple more gray hairs and eats cake.

23 DAYS until we need new calendars and hopefully can find a midnight smooch while banging pots and pans and banjos and cow bells... Whatever is within reach!

24 DAYS until we make resolutions.. hmmm.... same ones?!

25 DAYS until some of my closest friends, family and new family visit the Lion House for some delicious cooking.

26 DAYS until I am sealed for time and ALL ETERNITY to the love of my life and the person who is EVERYTHING to me and get to wear my beautiful dress !

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season as much as I am. It is usually always a busy time of year, but this year, I feel like I am finally finding the real reason for the season. I am so grateful for everything I have been blessed with.

Enagagement Photos

2008-12-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

So... We have had a few days of engagement shoots. We went with my brother Garrett and also Mike Lyman. I still need to load all the ones from Mike> Those turned out great too! I just thought I would share the ones I already have with you.

Enjoy!

Private...

2008-11-20T22:12:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! I am deciding to make my blog private to friends and readers only, so I would love to get your email if you would like to continue to read it. Let me know!

Thanks!

The next best thing in November after turkey

2008-11-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

The 2nd annual Hammers Inc art festival is November 15th at 7:00 pm
3384 South Oakwood Street
and it's free!

The theme is finding beauty.
My brother is an amazing photographer and has several other local artists coming
and showing off their work. We will have an auction, free food and drinks and live music.
It is going to be a blast!

Dress warm and get ready for an evening of culture.

I hope to see you all there!

Today's three

2008-11-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

1. I am so grateful for rain! Rainy days are my absolute favorite! They are perfect for getting really cozy with Matt and just snuggling up on a couch and watching your favorite romantic comedy and sipping toasty hot choco. You can hear the pitter patter on the windows outside and smell the fresh air. Everything seems so clean and refreshing! You walk outside and see a beatiful, vibrant rainbow and watch the earth worms crawl along the sidewalk. You get to wear rain boots and splash in all the puddles. You can wear bright colored rain coats while driving and see huge decorative umbrellas.... I LOVE RAINY DAYS!

2. I am extremely grateful for the Temple. Extremely grateful is an understatement. Extraordinarily blessed. I was at my niece's primary program a few weeks ago and the children all got up and sang:

I love to see the temple.

I'm going there someday.

To feel the holy spirit;

To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,

a place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young;

This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll covenant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place;

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth.

A family is forever.

I started to get a little bit teary as I sat there, I remember singing that when I was in primary and that seemed like forever away. I never really thought about it until the last couple weeks. I am preparing to go through December 23, and that is all I want for Christmas. I am overjoyed to get this experience. I am so blessed. I went with my mom to look at temple clothes about a month ago and it really is hitting me, I am going to the temple. Not someday, but now. I cannot wait. This will definitely be a Christmas to remember. I love being in the temple now and anywhere near it. I have made a goal to go to every temple in Utah within the next couple years and whenever I travel, I love going to the temple. There are experiences that happen there, that will never happen anywhere else. I LOVE THE TEMPLE! I'm going there... VERY SOON!

3. I am grateful for children. I am surrounded by them every day and oft times I get frustrated or lose all patience that I have, but I really love children. They are much more pure than I feel I ever was at their age. What sweethearts. I have one niece and three, almost four nephews, and I don't realize how special they are. They are sent strait from Heavenly Father. How could you not love something you know was sent from Him so recently?! I have been at Matt's parents house all day and all his darling little nieces and nephews run in and hug and tickle me. I am amazed constantly at how loving children are. I really get SO anxious to have my own family one day. I am sure I will get headaches every once in a while, but I can only imagine the joy from seeing your own child smile at their success and cry when they're hurt and laugh when they get tickled. Families are what it is all about! CHILDREN ARE WONDERFUL!

Part III

2008-11-01T23:10:00.001-07:00

MW: So the next day (Tuesday) I called McKensie to set everything up for the next night. This was also my plan to keep her thinking about me. That is why I didn't set it all up the night before. Anyway, I called her number and the phone rang many times. She didn't answer and her phone would not let me leave a message for some reason. I hung up wondering what to do next: I could call right back and possibly look like a crazy desperate stalker or I could call back later that night and hope to get her then. I decided to not look like a stalker.

MS: This is the first time I am hearing some of that. He is pretty smooth. I remember seeing his number on my missed calls and I was super giddy.

MW: Luckily the night before when she gave me her number I called her phone so she would know it was me calling the next day.

MS: Yeah, So I saw that he had called and I knew I needed to call him back right away or else I would start thinking about it way too much and never have the nerve to call him back. I had to act. I called him and I remember we talked for about 20-30 minutes. I was definitely excited about this date and I usually HATED going on dates. Even with people I knew. This was going to be great! One thing I remember talking to him about that night, I said, "I live by the 'S Curve', do you know where that is?" He was like " Oh yeah, it's up the canyon." I was like "Nope.", And continued to explain how to get to my house. I was cleaning his car out about a month ago, and that post it with the directions to get to my house is still sitting in his middle consule.

MW: Like she said we talked for about 20-30 minutes which is very rare for me. I'm not a good talker with most people. It was just easy conversation and I loved every second of it. We said good bye and I said I would be there by 7:45- 8 ish tomorrow night to pick her up.

MS: The next day, I spent the entire day with my friend Jocelyn, shopping. I was definitely freaking out that I had to look great for this date, and I bought a brand new outfit, got a pedicure, got my eyebrows waxed, bought some new makeup... even new underwear! I wasn't planning for him to see it. GROSS! I am not like that! You just never know when you will need clean ones:) I was trying to look awesome! I was so anxious and nervous, yet very calm and relaxed. I ran home about 7:15 and tried to hurry. I needed to make sure I did look killer. I sat in my brothers room, who's window faces the street and waited patiently for him to pull up. For some reason, I had been thinking WAY too much about the date the entire day and I needed to make sure he pulled up in a decent car. I sound so materialistic. I swear I am not! But I was so nervous he was going to be driving one of those sick sports cars or some ghetto ride. Luckily I watch him pull up and he was driving a Honda. PERFECT! I have a Honda too! He won. He was wearing these cute jeans and a green and orange striped polo. He rang the doorbell and I didn't want to run downstairs, I wanted to act cool, so I took my sweet time. I answered the door and realized he was a stallion!

MW: She was wearing a white shirt and seer-sucker pants. She looked dynamite! Her hair was down, and it had been up every other time I had seen her. I told her it looked good down and she was like, "I always wear it down." She doesn't.

MS: I think most of you can agree.... I ALWAYS wear my hair down. I need some new styles.

MW: I helped her to her door and we were on our way. I was planning to go down to The Gateway to get some dinner then just walk around downtown. We started driving and she told me that she just got back from The Gateway. I had to scrap my plan. I made a quick decision to go up to Park City. The drive up was great and like always it was just easy conversation. From day one she has been so easy to talk to.

MS: I remember getting so excited to go to Park City! This kid was great! Even with gas prices as high as they are, he wasn't going to let that stop him. That was VERY impressive to me. I asked him what his last name was and he said "Wilkinson." I then continued to ask him if he knew so and so. He said no, He doesn't have many cousins and they weren't from around there. He then continued to tell me he has 10 kids in his family! WHOA! He pulled out his camera and showed me pictures from the family reunion they just had that weekend. He has like 50+ just in his immediate family including nieces and nephews and in laws. Wow. Incredible! We got up to Park City and we went to the Pizza and Pasta place on Main Street. Yummy! We were standing in line and I was asking him if he would ever get a pedicure himself and he said no way! I don't do that kind of thing. I was trying to convince him to get one. I was explaining how nice they felt and they make your feet so presentable! He didn't dig the idea. He thought I was nuts! Oops!

MW: I am way too manly to ever get a pedicure! The pizza was good. We talked about everthing from the pedicures to hockey (she called it wrestling).

MS: Ok, I did, but not that night. It was like last week. He thinks he can get away with it... he'll see. But yes, I let him order and told him I wasn't crazy about meat and he ordered a veggie pizza with delicious squash and mushrooms on it! It was perfect! I was digging this kid. We were walking out and he didn't really have anything planned after that so we walked up and down Main Street for a little bit and talked more. I loved talking to him. He was so easy to be with.

MW: It's true, I am easy. She told me about the craziest thing she had ever done and told me about her trip to Fiji. It was great. We tried to find a place to go to U2-3D, but it wasn't playing anywhere, so we went for a little drive around Deer Valley and I showed her our sledding hill.

MS: He told me all about his friends and where they had all gone after their missions. I seriously was praying this night would never end. He was fantastic to be around. I felt very comfortable. He started driving back down Parley's Canyon, and I was thinking to myself, Is he going to take me home? I hope not! It was only like 9:45. That is too early to go home. So he drives right past my exit and I knew he lived by the U, and he passed his exit, so we obviously weren't going to his house, where were we going?! I was getting curious.

MW: Just a couple minutes before this she had been telling me that if a guy wants to hold a girls hand he should just reach over and grab it. I looked over at her and her arms were tightly folded. Was she trying to tell me something?

MS: No, I was just sitting comfortably. I really don't know why I told him any of that. I guess I was just the bold one. I was always the one making the moves.

MW: You'll here more of that later. So as we were nearing the 13th east exit I said, "I think we're going to Sugarhouse Park. Is that OK?"

MS: Dun... Dun... Dun... Dun... Duuun. I knew I was going to kiss him if we went. I don't kiss people on the first date. I started to get sweaty palms and I was dreading getting out of the car. We parked and started walking around the park. I think I was walking about 4 steps in front of him the entire time. I was crossing my fingers he wouldn't grab my hand. I was really nervous. I didn't know how to handle it if he did grab my hand. We saw a long worm on the pavement and I could tell he was getting closer to me. Eek. I was really scared! The first hand hold, kiss, etc. is always scary! We continue walking up the hill and walk over to some building and I thought it was a mortuary, and I HATE dead people. Dead people and cemetaries freak me out of my mind. I didn't want to go close to the building but he tried to get me to look in the windows. I was convinced there would be a dead person smashed up on the window, but we start talking about scary movies and he slowly grabs my arm and moves down. AH! He is going to hold my hand. Blast. It is happening.

MW: I am so smooth. We held hands while we walked over to the top of the big hill at the park. I mentioned how pretty the view was and when we got to the top of the hill I stopped walking and McKensie kept walking but I never let go of her hand...

MS: I felt like I was dragging him along. I had the strongest feeling it was going to happen. I was really nervous and was such a wimp. I keep walking and he pulls me back and into this great big bear hug.....

That is it for tonight! You will have to wait to hear what happens next!

my three

2008-11-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

1. Matthew Charles Wilkinson. I am in love and therefore am unable to stop thinking about him all day long. He is such a blessing in my life. I am very grateful to him. I know he loves me so much and I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world! He brings me flowers, Neosporin, movies, food, gum, laundry, kisses... oh, his kisses! Mmm! I am just going to say, he spoils me rotten! I love him more. No battle.

2. Music. This is a HUGE thing in my life, and I am so grateful for music. This can change ANY mood that I am in, either for better or worse. I am thrilled about having Christmas music playing already and yes, I actually turned it on about 2 weeks ago. I love Sunday music. I love being able to feel the spirit through music. I love blood pumping music. I cannot work out unless there is upbeat music. I cannot sleep well unless there is slow, calming music playing as I fall into my slumber. I rarely am able to drive unless there is music. Even when others are in the car, I need it on softly. Right now, that is Christmas music. Yay for the holidays! Yay for music!

3. Events that make me want to be a better person. There are MANY! I have been unable to stop thinking about Nienie and her family. I am VERY grateful things like that can happen to people like her, to make me open my eyes and realize life is GREAT! As horrible as this tragedy is, her family is so optimistic about everything. I am realizing through them, that I can still smile when it rains. Other events include Joseph Smith's life. He stood strong and was mocked and killed, yet did not lose faith. Watching and reading about a young handicap boy who had many struggles in his life. He was unable to walk, barely able to talk, can't eat by himself, wear's briefs... yet still finds the joys in life. He loved so much and would always want to give someone a hug with wide open arms, wet kisses on their cheeks and pay them a comliment that he sincerly meant. What a blessing to have people in this world that are truly angels! There are many people among us that can bring us smiles and have things happen to them and are still able to see the light. I admire that. I love them for that.

It's November! Are you ready for a challenge?

2008-11-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

So, it is November, and it is time to blog! I am going to challenge you and myself to blog... EVERYDAY! It's national blogging month and they encourage all of you bloggers to blog every day. I am going to do my very best. But on top of just blogging, I want to challenge you to write three things you are grateful for everyday. You know, being Thanksgiving and all.

Are you up for the challenge?

Monday, June 23, 2008... Part II

2008-10-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

MW: So we walk into screening room 2 and I'm excited to be able to screen this girl that I thought was so adorable and who a couple days earlier had been laughing at everything I said. I start the screeing process: weigh her...

MS: YES, WEIGH ME! I was definitely getting nervous and wanted to crawl under a table. Please, don't screen me. I was praying I would collapse or hoping he would be needed somewhere else. Crap!

MW: ... check her blood, check her vitals, then start asking her the donor quesetions. One of the questions asked if she had ever had syphillis of gonorrhea and as soon as I said those words she sat back in her chair and started laughing again. I liked this girl. If she thought this was funny she would love my humor.

MS: Who askes that? I realize that is part of his job, but couldn't he just have skipped over that? Meanwhile, I am watching him grab things from the shelf above him and he is dropping pads and needles all over the place. He was in a swivel chair and he kept turning around and hitting the garbage. He was definitely acting nervous. I think this was another reason I couldn't stop laughing.

MW: I was totally nervous but was trying to play it cool. I even joked that I kept dropping things because I was nervous.

MS: He starts asking me about my weekend and what I had done. I told him of the exciting adventure I went on down to the Manti Pageant. "I went with some friends and stayed down there and the pageant was great! I fell asleep for most of it, but don't worry, I woke up just as Christ was coming to the Americas...."

MW: "I'm pretty sure you're going to Hell for that."

MS: EXCUSE ME?! Who is this kid! I thought he had standards! I start laughing again and try to ignore his comment. I was finally released. I walked briskly out of the room to the back and patiently waited for my turn to donate. My mind keeps going back to what had just happened. Weird, but yes, still VERY attracted to this cute phlebotomist.

MW: While McKensie went to donate I had to keep screening people but I made sure I was back out on the floor by the time she was done donating so I could sneekily disconnect her again and get a chance to talk to her again. When she finished I made sure I was the one to get over there first. I wanted to ask her out, but I'm just not good at that kind of thing. I did get the courage to ask her if she had any plans for the week. She said "no", but I had left it at that. I had used up all my courage to get that far.

MS: I was still buried in Preach My Gospel, and he came up to me and asked me what my plans were, but I felt like a loser saying, oh nothing. I guess he didn't mind if I was. I wanted him to ask me out, but really doubted that he would while he was working. I was considering asking him to come roast marshmellows with some of my friends and me. That was our way of hanging out with boys without having to ask them out. I was seriously considering this if he didn't make a move soon.

MW: She was bleeding through her gauze a little bit and I went to give her some fresh gauze and she refused my gauze.

MS: So what does he do with it? He throws it away! Little waster! JK

MW: LOL! What was I supposed to do? It was already open.

MS: Put it around your arm. DUH!

MW: I wasn't bleeding! ( This is our first fight!)

MS: Yes, Matt, stop putting boogers on my pants.

MW: So the fight just ended in a tie, but I'm still confident I won. Anyway, Kens left the plasma center and I was left thinking about the next time I saw her and that I was going to TRY to ask her out then. Little did I know it would be later that night. When I left work I went strait to school to work on homework.

MS: When I left I went to MY phlebotomy class. How ironic. I had gone to grab some dinnner with a friend after and decided I wanted to go to this stake FHE that night. It was a movie in a park and and there were TONS of people. I ended up sitting way up on some hill that was far from the screen and wasn't really paying much attention. I guess you could say I was scoping the boys out.

MW: I finished early so I decided to go to the stake FHE where my brothers were. When I arrived I found my brothers standing in a group talking. I joined them. We were talking for a few minutes when I noticed McKensie sitting on the hill right behind us. I tried to make eye contact with her at least five times but no luck. I figured I'd wait for her to walk by and try to make eye contact with her then. In case you haven't noticed, the eye contact thing is a HUGE move for me. Then I hear somebody in the background say, "Oh my gosh, that's Matt."

MS: That is exactly what I said! I was sitting next to some of my girlfriends and I look up and see him standing there in a circle of guys and wearing a yellow shirt. I was trying to tell my friends, but they didn't really understand how excited I was. I was sitting there, freaking out to myself. "That' s him! That is him! That's Matt!" Then I decide I wasn't going to let him get away, I started yelling his name. Good thing I had just figured his name out earlier that day. I begin saying, "Oh my gosh, that's Matt!!!!" MATT!!!!", and he turns to face me. Big grin on his cute little face.

MW: As soon as she yelled my name I knew it was her. I turned around and ever so suavely walked up to her. I didn't really know what to say, then out of nowhere her hand shoots out and she says, "Hey buddy!" while shaking my hand.

MS: I am convinced that last little bit is a lie. I swear I am not that awkward. Oh dear. I am sorry if I have ever done that to anyone. Please forgive me and my weird habits.

MW: We started talking about random things and she fed me some of her dinner. I used chopsticks nervously but got through it. I asked her if she had any plans for the week. If you remember I asked her the same question about three hours earlier. Anyway, she giggled and said no. Then I asked her if she wanted to go out on Wednesday. I was freaking out a bit because this was the first time I had ever asked a girl out face to face. To my great relief, she said, "I would love to!" (pay attention to the noticable excitement; this gave me excess amounts of courage for the night)

MS: He finally asked me out! Yay! I was freaking out and afterward, it was a little bit of an awkward goodbye. I didn't know if I should just run like a gazelle, shake his hand ( again?!), or give him a hug? I was very clueless. I gave him my number and leave it to me... we just walked away. I can imagine it was pretty awkward, except I was twitterpated as a 13 year old girl getting her first phone call from a boy! I ran back to the blanket my friends were sitting at, and shouted, " Oh my gosh! He just asked me out! Oh my gosh!" I sat there for a while, but was not able to contain myself. I asked a guy friend if he wanted to go play frisbee. That was perfect to help release some of the jitters. I was getting rather thirsty and remembered I had a huge bottle of water out in my car and ran across the lawn and as I got closer, I recognized that Matt was standing right there with another guy that I had never met. I was really nervous to walk past. I thought he had to leave?

MW: I was talking to my friend Jason when I noticed McKensie walking toward us. I asked her where she was going. She told me that she was going to get water and that she'd be right back. We had actually been talking about how I asked her out a few minutes earlier. She came walking back and we went to give each other an awkward high five she kept walking but grabbed my hand and pulled me over to where she was. We talked for the rest of the activity about totally random things.

MS: When I went to give him a high five, I grabbed his hand and kind of pulled him with me. I wanted to get him away from his friend. Just like boys always complain girls are always in pairs, I needed him by him self. We were standing for most of the time and ended up getting yelled at by some other people that actually wanted to watch the movie.

MW: Losers!

MS: We sat down on the grass and began chatting and I didn't want that moment to end. It was WONDERFUL! He was such a stud, and I loved talking to him. I was thrilled I was actually going out with him. Yay! His brother was just finishing up talking to someone, and Matt pulled me over to introduce me to his brother. His brother, Dan, asked " So what do you do?". All I could think was .... come on... finish your question. So me, being the great example that I am, said "Heroin, mostly."

MW: The whole time we had been talking she kept laughing at everything I would say, whether it was funny or not. She made me feel like I was much funnier than I really am. We went to say our goodbyes and I sneekily pulled her in for a hug. This was big for me. Then it was goodbye for real.

MS: I really didn't want him to leave, but the thoughts "Always leave him wanting more" just kept running through my head. Lame. Ok, I guess I will see you on Wednesday!

MW: I told her I'd call her on Tuesday to make plans for Wednesday. As Dan and I were driving home, I was telling him about this girl. I told him that she laughed at everthing I said and he said, "Maybe that's what it's all about...finding someone to laugh at your jokes." Prophetic words from Dan!

That ends day two... Tune in next time for day three and four:)

Grab a tissue

2008-10-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

My cute friend Shanna just blogged about a woman named Stephanie Nielson, who also goes by Nienie. She was in a plane crash back in August with her husband and was burned very bad. She is still in the hospital recieving surgery after surgery.

I started reading Shanna's blog, and shanna was explaining how she sobbing by the end of it. She was home alone and could not stop crying. I am always up for a great inspirational story, and I decided to check out this woman's blog. I did not expect anything to come from it.

I began reading her blog and was immediately drawn in. I couldn't stop. Her sister, C Jane, was posting updates of her sister and brother- in- law and I ending up spending well over an hour reading about this woman I have never met. This family has so much love for their daughter and are very anxious to have her back.

I don't want to spoil this, but I do want you to read it for yourself if you have any free time. They are chalk full of the Spirit. They have their priorities in place. They love each other and know the gospel and are not shy of telling people they are members and they have been blessed by their faith. I would HIGHLY recommend this blog, and hope you enjoy it just as much! You might want a box of tissues within reach.

8 DAYS OF BLAH!

2008-10-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

* WARNING! NOT FOR THE WEAK STOMACHS!*

I am sorry if this pictures makes you want to vomit, You might just want to skip this blog if so. Last week I had strep and ulcers in my throat, and boy oh boy, it was nasty! I started feeling sick Monday night and had the chills and woke up the next morning with a very sore throat and flu- like symptoms. I figured I was just getting the flu. I would get over it in a couple days, and meanwhile I was nannying for close family friend. She has 5 kids all under the age of 14 and I was not able to play and entertain them much. I was stuck in bed all day. I was praying I wouldn't get any of them sick, but Matt came to the rescue! He came over ever morning and made them all breakfast and got them ready for school and took care of me while the kids were at school. He would make them all dinner and help them with their homework and basically played mom and dad for those few days. That Thursday, I was still pretty miserable. It was the last day that we were babysitting, so I decided to call and make a doctors appointment. It was only getting worse, My lips were starting to bleed and get pretty gummy from all the puss caked on them. My gums had become very sore. they were pretty swollen and bloody as well. I had tons of little white dots in the back of my throat that were pretty cool looking, but felt really weird. I could barely talk. I couldn't swollow, I knew I had to have lost plenty of weight, it was NOT fun. I went in that afternoon, barely able to stand, after many tests and needle sticks, I was told I had strep along with many ulcers in my throat! OH DEAR! They handled me a handful of prescriptions. I went home that night and laid in bed. They gave me Lortab, Amoxicillin and some mouth wash that "numbs" your mouth. I instantly became VERY sleepy, but was in so much pain there was no way I could sleep. My mom was out of town and I was home, alone, to fend for myself. Matt was able to come over right after work and tried to watch a movie with me, but I was so uncomfortable in every position I layed. I needed to numb my whole body, but the Lortab was not touching the pain. It seemed to only be getting worse. I ran to the bathroom and started bawling. I didn't want Matt to worry, but of course, he is absolutely amazing, and runs in after me. He sat there holding me on the bathroom floor while I was gagging on this numbing mouth wash that wasn't so numbing, and spitting it out, along with plenty more spit. I am a mess. I was sick and nasty. I was in the worst pain of my life, next to when I had Kidney Stones. Needless to say, I slept maybe 2 hours that entire night and decided it really shouldn't be getting worse AFTER I went to the doctor. I went back the next morning and saw a different doctor. Just like the doctor from the day before, her jaw dropped when she looked in my mouth. She was like "OH. MY. GOSH. Girl, Have you seen your mouth? " I was definitely dopped up, so I am sure I just starred at her blankly. But it still freaked my out. I needed an answer. This was AWEFUL! She perscribed more pills. ( REALLY?! More pills? I HATE taking pills, and I could barely swollow anyway! The size of the amoxicillin was the size of a nickel! HUGE!) I just went home and lived through the weekend and not seeing the end of the tunnel, but still had my man to stand by me and give me a couple blessings, Monday rolled around and NOTHING was relieving ANY pain. My mom told me I should go back, and I did. I definitely should not have been driving by myself, but I made it! And after three more days, many sweet visitors, spoonfuls of soup later and bloody towels later, I finally forced myself to get up and get out! I was slowly losing any sanity I had left. I had lost 12 pounds in 9 days. That was kind of nice as I am preparing for the wedding, but definitely not healthy. I was unable to drink water even. I was completely anorexic that week. I am glad I can say I don't want an eating disorder. I am just so grateful for my health and to smile and laugh and not have to take a single pill! It is wonderful! And I really pray none of you get strep! I feel your pain!

thank heaven for girls

2008-10-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of some of my favorite memories.....

I just want to send a little tribute out to some of my dearest friends. I know we all are all growing up right before my own eyes, but as I reflect on my life, I could not have gotten through any of it if it weren't for my friends. They will never know how special they really are to me, but I want them all to know I love them. I have spent hours laughing until the crack of dawn, crying on many of their shoulders, having deep, heart felt chats with them, bearing our testimonies to each other, planning out our futures and dreaming up the perfect life. These girls are priceless. I know I have been busy the last few months and haven't spent as much time with many of them, but I want you to know you will all be in my heart forever. Yes, forever. Thank you for all your love and support. I adore and love you!

The story... Part I

2008-10-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

I decided it would be fun to tell the story of us together. This is going to be from the very beginning and it may be long... so enjoy!

MS: It was June 19th, it was my second time donating plasma. I was very nervous about being there, because I had several friends tell me how ghetto donating plasma was.

MW: For the record it is ghetto!

MS: But I was desperate! I needed money! So I walk in and layed down in the bed. I originally wanted to stick my right arm and layed there while waiting to get stuck. The sweet girl who was sticking me, missed. It hurt! I layed there while they were trying to fish around and just wanting to scream to take the needle out. Eventually they decided to stick my other arm. I was just laying there and I was buried in my Preach My Gospel, as I had recently decided I was dead set on going on mission. I was going and I needed to start preparing. I look up just as this tall brunette in a white lab coat walked in and I couldn't take my eyes off of this fella.

MW: I had just called back a donor named "Rod". I was looking for a bed to put this donor on when I noticed this pretty, new donor with an open bed next to her. I figured I'd put "Rod" next to her. That way I could use what little charm I had to get this girl to notice me. I noticed that she had been stuck two times that day and I saw the note saying that it was her second donation. I started talking to "Rod" about a show he was watching. I made a couple of lame jokes and this pretty girl just kept laughing at every dumb joke I told. It was like I was comedy gold.

MS: He was SO cute! He was just goofing off talking about this show I had never seen and the way he said "That is so not funny", made me chuckle pretty hard. He was definitely winning me over. In the mean time, one of his young, blonde, california style coworkers came up and starts blabbing about his mission, and all I thought was this kid was very friendly.

MW: After I said the aforementioned "That is so not funny", this pretty girl let out a loud laugh. I turned to her and said, "Somebody's having a good day.".

MS: After that comment, I turned to him and tried really hard to not snort. I was trying really hard to hold my loud laughter in and not make an absolute fool of myself. Another thing, I was trying really hard to talk. I couldn't though! I get really nervous whenever I am around people that I find attractive, and it makes me unable to speak. And when I do try to speak, I just stutter. It's ridiculous. So I am nearing the end of my time there, and he had walked away and came back a couple times to check on me, etc., and he came up to disconnect me and said our goodbyes. I was just thinking, ok this place may be ghetto, but I AM coming back. I have had a great time here and can't wait until the next time I could come.

MW: What she didn't know was that I should have been disconnecting another donor instead. But I inconspicuously hung out by her bed as I had noticed she was almost done. To my dismay another donor finished first. Luckily I am a sneaky little guy and I yelled at Josh to get that disconnect. I was free to get to work on the pretty girl. She finished and I noticed that her name was McKensie. I finished disconnecting her and as she walked away I remember leaning around the corner and checking her out as she left the center. She had left an impression on me for sure. Not many attractive girls laugh at my dumb jokes.

MS: Right after I left, I was driving home and called my friend who had told me how classy the plasma centers are, only to tell her Ihad met one of the cutest boys! I recommended that she come with me next time, that way she could meet the other kid.

MW: I left the next day for a family reunion. I was gone all weekend and on multiple occasions I thought about this new donor. I wanted to ask her out, but I wasn't even sure if I would see her again.

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2008

MS: It was the next week. I could finally go back! I was really nervous, yet excited to go back into the plasma center. I walked in, signed my name and sat down. I anxiously waited my name to be called, while sitting in this stark white room. I notice my tall brunette walk out and read someone's name off the list. He took that donor back and noticed me as well. I look up, starting to sweat just a tad, and say "hey" and start laughing. OH DEAR! He is screening! CRAP! I might just walk out right now. I really really dont want him to screen me. That is where they check your blood pressure, temp., weight, etc., and I DID NOT want this cute kid screening me. I notice that there are two other employees that are screening and I did the math and with three screeners, and 5 more donors waiting to be called back, I would not have to go back with him. Thank goodness! That would have been extremely embarassing.

MW: I noticed McKensie's name one the donor list and realized that I needed to hurry if I was going to screen her. I saw her sitting in the waiting room and said hi as I walked on by. I FLEW on the next two people I screened. Then I rounded the corner and saw she was still waiting. I called her name and took her back to the waiting room.

MS: OH! Did he really just call MY name? Shoot. Are there any other McKensie Smith's standing up right now? Shoot. I could jsut say, Sorry. I really don't want to donate, or even worse, I could say, I would rather have someone else screen me. But I got the nerve to stand up and follow him back to room 2.

This is a pretty long, detailed story, and my yawns are getting larger and larger. It is late, and I would rather keep you on edge for the next chapter.....

.... to be continued....

Who is supposed to pick on me?

2008-10-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

My brother, Garrett, being the adventurous 23 year old that he is, decided to travel to Guatemala for 6 weeks with a couple of his friends to take pictures. I really never thought I would EVER say this, but I miss him like crazy! I really cannot wait until he comes home. I have had several great talks with him in the last month and I hate to admit this, but who is going to pick on me? I miss it. I am so grateful I have G as a brother. He has been a great brother and always has good words of wisdom. He threatens that he is the alpha male in my house, just as we all turn and chuckle. He made it a clear point to Matt that before he ever considers popping the question, he had better ask Garrett. He did. And for the record, Matt asked my dad as well. I was pretty excited to have the house to myself for these six weeks, but I already miss my 6'6'', smelly, bean pole brother.

He has been gone for just over 2 weeks... only 4 more to go! I can't wait!

I love you Garrett! Please be safe!

My life at the present....

2008-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese

2008-08-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

If any of you are fan of sushi like I am, I have a GREAT recommendation. Last night I went to Happy Sumo at Gateway and got two of the most delicious rolls I have ever had in my life. I get sushi pretty often and I have only had one roll that I hated, but with that, These two rolls are absolutely scrumptious, divine, heavenly, savory, mouth- watering bites! We got the FIRECRACKER and SUNSET rolls. Both got 5 stars. I really enjoyed the Sunset, it was a very light, fresh taste, whereas Matt LOVED the Firecracker. With it's name, it had a little bit of a zing to it. It held on to the flavor with it's spice. Mmmm... My mouth is watering as I am thinking about them. They were very reasonably priced and well worth every penny. Sushi is a work of art, but when it hits your mouth, it works its own palate. I am quite a sucker for plain ginger as well. I love saving some of the ginger for the end to just nibble on that to finish it all up! If you want to listen to this good advice, head down to Gateway and get ready for one of the best meals of your life!

Try any of these... It will be a big hit!
http://www.happysumosushi.com

My Mr.

2008-08-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in quite some time, and I figured while I am sitting here at school, waiting for my next class to start, I might as well.

I am copying my cute friend, Emily, for this blog. I just wanted to let you know why I am feeling like I am the luckiest girl in the world. I don't know what I have done in order to become so blessed and loved. I have a new best friend. I never would have guessed I would feel like this 3 months ago, that I would be in this position today, but I am in love. His name is Matthew Charles Wilkinson. He is absolutely amazing. I have become "busy" on most weekends now, actually, most days now, because of him. I want to spend as much time with him as I can. It is always hard at the end of the night, before our curfew, to say goodbye.

I am going to try to cut this list down to ten things that I LOVE about him, because the list could be a mile long.

1. I LOVE his testimony. I have come to him asking for a spiritual thought to share in meetings. He always has something really great brewing. He loves the gospel and he isn't affraid to stand up for his beliefs. I have always said one of the most important things for me to find in my future companion, would be that they are temple worthy and that he would honor and respect his priesthood. About a month ago, Matt got a phone call from a friend of his, Justin. Justin was in need of a blessing. Matt didn't hesitate for a minute. He was eager and willing to help him out. I sat there thinking, this was one of the best times I had had thusfar with Matt. He was worthy. He loves Christ. Something that I have honestly looked forward to everyday is reading scriptures with him. Every night before we retire for the night, we will pull out our scriptures and read. I have asked him questions as to what this meant, or what is trying to be said, etc., and he always has an answer. I hope to have a knowledge of the gospel like he does.

2. I LOVE his friendliness. He is a friend to everyone. I honestly don't think Matt has a single person that he doesn't like, or anyone that could call him an enemy. He is very friendly. My brother and Matt have become friends and it is so funny to watch them talk to each other. They totally goof off and joke around, but at the end of it, they just start laughing. It is always fun to see your family and your boyfriend hitting it off. Like I mentioned before, he has a friend named Justin. Justin is mentally challenged, but Matt doesn't think twice about the 5 phone calls a day from Justin. He is always positive and happy to talk. He has told me many times that his brothers are his best friends, and I know that they all love him. He is a good friend to many. He won't say a bad thing about anyone. People trust him. They respect him. They look up to him.

3. He is MY best friend. This goes with #2, but I think it deserves its own comments. He and I talk for hours a day and I never get bored. I have told him EVERYTHING about me and yet, he still hangs around. He knows all my secrets and I can trust him with all of them. He doesn't judge or laugh. Just gives me tighter hug. Some of my favorite memories of him are the nights we lay in the hammock and just talk. He came to Chicago for a couple days with a friend of mine and me and I thought I would get sick of him after, and that is not even close! Ask Jessica or Matt, I did not want him to leave. He is such a good sport with all the adventures I want to go on. He is very supportive of all my crazy ideas. I love that we have such similar tastes and likings. I think we both love the same things, except when it comes to BYU/ U of U football games. I LOVE being with him! I never get sick of him, and I know I will never.

4. I LOVE his family. He is the youngest of 10. He has 1 sister and 8 brothers. His family is large, but they get together all the time and love to be around each other. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandkids.... MANY OF THEM! I love every single one that I have met. There are 50+ just in his immediate family and they are all very close. They have family reunions every year, that I hear are quite the occasions. I only have a couple more to meet and I can only imagine that I will love them just as much as the others. His parents could not have accepted me more. They welcomed me in with wide arms. He has superb parents. I now know where he gets it! His dad built his own airplane and goes flying often. His mom is the ideal grandmother. She loves her grandkids so much! Not to mention, she makes sensational cinnamon buns. I have never met such a happy, loving family. I hope he never takes them for granted.

5. I LOVE his random acts of kindness, concern and love. It is the little things that really count. I am spoiled rotten. I get little text messages or random phone calls in the middle of the day from him just to say I love you, or just to say good morning. I get the sweetest messages from him that I had to finally delete on my phone, because my inbox was too full. He knows exactly what I need, and when I need it. I still get butterflies when I see him and I hope that never stops! He has surprised me many times with cards that put the biggest smile on my face. Something that has happened a couple times now that is evidence I am the luckiest girl in the world is, when he works graveyard shifts on the weekends, He will be coming home around 7 am, as I am waking up, and I get this phone call from him just to say hello and good morning, and right before we hung up he said, "Oh, there is something for you on your front porch". I go running downstairs and open the front door to find beautiful flowers! He knows how much I LOVE flowers. A few weeks later, I had been away on vacation, and hadn't seen him in 5 days. This was the longest he and I have gone without seeing each other since we met. I had gotten home late Friday night and wasn't able to see him because he was already working. So the next morning, I woke up bright and early to go to work and he was just getting off and he calls to say the sweet things he does, and said, "Oh, p.s., there is something on your front porch for you, call me when you find it.". I ran downstairs, but not without some sadness. I didn't want flowers. I wanted to see him! I wasn't really sure of what would be waiting for me, maybe a puppy, some candy, who knows! I swing open the door and see nothing. I was thinking to myself, What the?! I walk out on my front porch and look around and see nothing. I was starting to think he can't tease me like this. That is so rude. I had missed him like crazy and now I will have to wait until later that day to see him. Right then, I get a phone call from him asking if I had found it, whatever it was. I didn't want to sound silly, or like I was expecting anything, so I just laughed and said no. When no later, Matt walks around the side of my house. With flowers in hand. He knows what I need, when I need it. He is such a thoughtful, considerate, caring guy.

6. I LOVE watching him. Especially with children. Who doesn't love watching a man play with kids? With all his nieces and nephews, he is a busy guy. Sunday dinners have become a time for me to watch him play with kids and see what matters most to him. Family. He gets on the ground and wrestles, makes pancakes for the girls, plays tag until he can barely stand. He cannot wait to have his own family and I know he will be such an incredible father. He LOVES kids. I am intrigued with him. I could watch him mosey about all day and never get bored. He hates to sit still. He always has a smile on his face and loves to laugh. I had the opportunity to go watch him at work many times, and I am so entertained. He loves to make other people laugh and wants to make sure people are having a good time. Something is always going on and he can make anything enjoyable.

7. I LOVE that he watches chick flicks. I am spoiled. I love that he doesn't have that tough guy mentality and isn't afraid to show some emotion. He is sensitive and that makes him sensitive to others. He isn't a sissy. He just knows that romantic movies are good for the soul every once in a while.:)

8. I LOVE laying in his arms. I found a card once that has a picture of a couples legs bent, and intertwined into each other. On the inside of the card it says, "My favorite place in all the world is right next to you". I can't agree more. I have said this a few times already, but I LOVE BEING WITH MATT! The first few weeks all we really did was go on walks. I highly recommend those. Especially around parks, but I love laying with him the most. I can't wait until the day we can lay there all day and just laugh and talk from sun up to sun down. He is the best teddy bear.

9. I LOVE his drive. He is motivated with many things. He is planning on taking the MCAT next summer and he has plenty going on. School, two jobs, family, me:).... he is busy, yet still finds time to make goals and do things to make himself better. He is smart and loves to learn. He wants to go places in life. He is a hard worker and everything he does, he kicks butt at.

10. I LOVE HIM! Matt is such a stud. He is charming and cute. Extremely good looking and fun. Smart and driven. He is great! He loves to cook, and I LOVE THAT! He treats me like a lady. He is such a gentleman. He has never let me open my own door. Watching his parents, I know things like that will stick for life. They still walk around holding hands and he says that is what he wants. He doesn't stop giving me huge hugs and kissing my forehead. Something that I truely admire about him, He won't burp, toot or any of the other gross things men do. I grew up with 4 brothers and so things like that aren't too yucky, but he says no, you deserve more. He has manners!

I am seriously the luckiest girl around! I have found the man of my dreams and I can't wait! I love him! Everyday is my favorite day with Matt.

Happy Birthday!

2008-05-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

As a tradition in my family, When it is someone's birthday we always go around and say one nice thing about that person. It can be a good quality, a good memory, a thought, basically anything that is positive about that person. It was my sister- in- law, Deborah's, birthday yesterday and Sarah Anderson, a dear friend, today.

Deborah is a very thoughtful person and likes to show that she cares. She loves children and is very patient around them. She has been a blessing in my life and my brother's. I enjoy being around her because she can always make it fun. She is creative and has many fun traditions started from her own family that I know she will carry one. She has nice taste in things. I can talk to her about everything and anything. She and I can talk for hours! She is great!
Heather (Deb's Sister), Jade (My Dear Missionary), Me and Deborah

Sarah is one of the happiest people I know. She is always looking for a good time and never says anything bad about anyone. She is such an example to me of what I want my life to be like. She is thinking about serving a mission and I couldn't think of a better woman to go out and preach. she laughs at me when I act like a fool and no one else around me can understand me. She makes AMAZING food and knows of lots of delicious restaurants around town. She comes from a wonderful, loving family and is very cultured. She loves to laugh. She always has a smile on her face and definitely has class! You can ALWAYS count on her. She is energetic, responsible, friendly and spontaneous. She is totally adventurous and carefree, yet sweet and enjoyable. She loves to give service and she even rubbed lotion on my legs for me when I was in a formal dress and couldn't bend down to do it myself. I love Sarah Huber Anderson! She is simply amazing.
Kate Weed, Sarah Anderson, Me and Jade Ozawa

Happy Birthday to two special ladies in my life! I love you both!

Memories

2008-05-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

This last week I was cleaning my room and started to flip through some old journals and I got SO excited. I was sitting there with a friend, and I was reading her my entries from Fiji back in August '06 and couldn't help but get excited to re-live all the stories.

One entry was about going to this private exclusive beach. We somehow lucked out. I believe the stake president was friends with this older lady and he asked her if she wouldn't mind taking us to her property. We went to pick her up and on the way out there we stop a market to grab some picnic food and I am somewhat picky. So walking through this small market with about 4 aisles of food to choose from, I wanted to cry. I was going to starve! I finally decided on an apple, water and some crackers, I believe.

We continue to drive in this old, run-down, metallic taxi that looks like a small van. The road was very bumpy and basically just dirt. Tall grasses are on both sides of this highway, with not much else in sight. We finally come to this large group of young students and find out that each student was given the opportunity to pay $1 to cross a brand new $30 million bridge that they had just finished. There were many kids partaking of this opportunity. I sat and thought, I really do take so much for granted. I don't EVER get excited enough to pay money to cross any bridge. Only if I am required to pay, like the Golden Gate, or whatnot. I am sure most of these sweet kids have saved that dollar for a while and they spent it on that! AWESOME!

We arrive at this elderly lady's bright blue home with freshly cut green grass and we wait for her in the van. She is bent over and looks her age, yet seems extremely friendly. I have noticed that all the Fijians are such amazing people. We head off to this small dock with about 6 water taxi's lined up along the shore waiting for the next customer. We hop in this small, handicraft style water taxi with just planks of wood across it to sit on. As about 5 grown adults sit down in it, the water rises to the very top of the boat and small splashes make their way into the boat. We have to be very careful with the times we decide to go out and come back, because this river is ocean water. So as with the tide coming in and going out at night there will be no more water to sail on. We would end up walking a good couple miles in mud. I kept imagining that an second I would see an alligator swimming right past. Who know what was under us. The water was muddy, but I sure there were some sort of creatures just under us. We make our way into this jungle. Just like the Jungle Safari ride at Disneyland. I could picture hippos pop out of the water to squirt water at he boat or look up in the trees to see boa constrictors dangling off a branch. Lucky for me, my imagination just kept playing games, we were safe. Everything was so beautiful and green. Very lush and tropical.

We make it to this house and walk in to this shack. I thought that if I were to sneeze, I would fall through the wood floors. We start walking out, I was expecting the beach to be right out the back door, but all I saw was lots of tall grasses and we ventured out on this walk to find the water and I could slowly hear the waves crashing. The sky was a powerful blue, and I look around to see many coconut trees. Lots have fallen and there were coconuts all over the white sand. Camille and I instantly rip our clothes off and run for the water. It is warm! We just continued to swim out and out. We were out about 200 yards and Camille's mom and this older lady kept yelling at us to come in and we would just pretend not to hear them. We could still touch and we were having a blast. We continued to body surf and goof off in this beautiful water. Once we had worn ourselves out, we went back in to snack on our crackers and apples.

We couldn't spend too much time sitting there and relaxing and enjoy the water because we had to get back before tide went out. We jumped back on this ragged boat and cruise back to our van.

We arrive back at this womans house and she gives Camille's mom these potato egg cakes and raves about how delicious they are and says we need to try them. I rip a small piece off and stick it in my mouth and realize, this is so gross! I wait for about 5 minutes while this womans just stands at the door or the car talking to us, my mouth full of chewed contents, and turn quickly. Just in time before it started to ooze out of my mouth to spit the contents into the back of the van. I was fortunate enough to be in the back seat with no one else behind me. Camille looks at me strangely and starts laughing.

I do not remember this being funny at all at the moment, but as I sat and read back on this day, I couldn't stop laughing.

Such a fun trip! We traveled all over Fiji and went to different resorts, sailed to different islands, went to a concert with some locals, drank Kava, visited and welcomed by the village chief, kayaked out in the blue ocean, hiked into these huge waterfalls and pools and jumped off the waterfalls, went to church at a college, went to the temple, bartered with the locals, snorkeled, had a REAL luau, visited the site where they filmed Anaconda, hung with locals, rode in many taxi's, waited for luggage for 4 days, shopped in the humble stores, met some surfers, read some killer books, got a gnarly cool tan- OH! All the memories! I love Fiji! I recommend that anyone that is considering it , DO IT! GO!

2008-05-07T13:31:00.001-07:00

I have been tagged and I guess I am supposed to answer these questions too... Now you can learn a thing or two about me! Hope you enjoy!

a. attached or single? single, but LOVING life. I would prefer to be single right now. So much to do and I don't think I could get everything done if I were dating someone.

b. best friend? I have many. I love all of my friends! I love my mom, even though she thinks I only enjoy my friends. I love her.

c. cake or pie? I would prefer better- than- sex- cake or neither.

d. day of choice? I love Sundays. Sundays have become one of my favorite days especially because the weather is warming up and I can sit outside and read, nap, snack, have fires/ smores ( Mmm!), enjoy family, see friends, have a delicious dinner (hopefully on the patio soon!), venture around on walks, play games, the list continues... Sunday is AMAZING. And that doesn't even begin to talk about church and the good Sabbath tunes I always listen to on the way to church.

e. essential items? Gum, Chapstick, Phone, Clean Underwear, Camera, Keys

f. favorite color? It depends on what the object is. I love sage green and kelly green, I love red, black, white, pink, blue,purple, yellow and brown.

g. gummy bears or worms? Yogurt covered pretzels. Gummy things make me want to gag.

h. hometown? 801 (Salt Lake City)

i. indulgence? Soymilk, Peanut Butter, Music, Flowers

j. january or july? JULY! 4th of July is one of the best holidays.

k. kids? I don't have any. I have 3 nephews and 1 niece that suffice me for now.

l. life isn't complete without? Laughter and Friends

m. marriage date? Next Thursday! Just teasing, I don't know!

n. number of brothers and sisters? 4 older brothers. They are wonderful!

o. oranges or apples? Apples

p. phobias or fear? Snakes, Cemeteries

q. quote?

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

r. reasons to smile? You have a family. You are not sitting in a hospital near death. You are loved. The sun is shinning. You have an education. You are independent. You have responsibilities. You freaking kick butt!

s. superman or wonder woman? Can we say Batman!?

t. tag 5 people: Brittany, Emily, Sarah, Isaac, Garrett

u. unknown fact about me? I love veins!

v. vegetables? LOVE THEM! Right now I am on a mushroom craze!

w. worst habit? Procrastinating

x. xray or ultrasound? Ultrasound. Awesome!

y. your favorite food? Soymilk and Kashi with Bananas

z. zodiac sign: Aries

GYC

2008-04-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Gamma Yacht Club
Last night was the annual Lambda Delta Sigma banquet. I think the anticipation for this was extremely high. Many of the girls talk about it weeks in advance. There are many "guesses" of who the next president will be for each chapter. This is a night I have been thinking about and looking forward to for well over a month and a half now. I was made President of Gamma last night and I will just tell you right now that I am having some serious feelings of "I have BIG shoes to fill." I think of Missy and marvel at her strength and dedication to this calling. She has been one of my favorite Gamma girls since I have been in and I have always been able to laugh when she is in a room and I continue to look up to her. She is such a sweet, caring, beautiful, creative, admired, entertaining, fancy woman! She glows! I know the times comes that every calling comes to an end, but I wish that she could be Gamma President forever. She is nothing short of fabulous! I love Missy so much and I think change is always an adjustment.

I am still thinking about this last month and a half that I have known. I was called back in the beginning of March, but I had a strong feeling for a few weeks before that this was coming. I have been getting powerful feelings like I need to stop thinking about boys and start focusing more on my testimony. Was this really happening? Was this possible? Yes. This has been an extremely rewarding experience, even up til today. This has been such a blessing to have that need to look at the bigger picture and wonder what I want out of life. What do I want to be remembered for. I feel like a different person from two months ago. One, I believe, is a much better person.

This is a secret, that I knew if I could keep, I could do ANYTHING! As my friends and I would talk and they would start guessing, I was not trained in how to say no, and be honest. I know I lied to a couple girls when they asked. What was I supposed to say to " You are the president, Aren't you McKensie?"? Yes, You're right. You caught me. NO! I needed this to be a surprise for everyone! So eventually I started saying, "I think it is Jessica." That way I didn't say yes or no. Kind of. There were only about 10 people who know about this and I told all of them they could not say a thing. One of them being my missionary Jade. I made her promise me she wouldn't tell anyone. I believe she kept her promise. ha ha I was actually out for dinner on my birthday with my family and a close friend, Sarah, and Deborah, my sister- in- law asked " So when are they going to announce it?". Sarah looks and me and I am sure I started turning a bright cherry color as Sarah asks "Announce what?". I had to come up with something quick, even if it meant my my sister- in- law was going to get it back. She looks at me and acts like OH CRAP! I am SO SORRY! So I leaned over to Sarah and whispered, "Deborah is pregnant and she is waiting to tell my family. She wants to wait until we are all together to tell everyone." Luckily for the sake of keeping this a surprise still, Deborah quickly tells Sarah that was in fact, true and she was one of the firsts to know. Good Job Deborah. We hopefully covered it up. Sarah left it alone the rest of the night, so I was hoping. Just for the record, Deborah IS NOT pregnant. Not that I know of at least.

As I arrived at the banquet last night, I was really happy. Really anxious and nervous. I was wondering if people would stand up and start to "boo" me. There were plenty of emotions running through my mind. We had dinner and they started the program and I was starting to shake. Eek! They start in alphabetical order and they announce the presidents for the 2008- 2009 year.... Alpha.. Beta... Delta... Epsilon.... and I look over at Sarah and her camera is just pointed at me. She just keeps it ready to snap, flashing a few every couple seconds. Cheri leans over to Debi and whispers who she thinks it is and I ask who she is thinking and she won't tell me. Hmmm.. I wonder! I just smile and continue to wait. They announce "Gamma.... McKensie Smith" I felt like I was going to black out! This entire room waits as I stand up and give my advisor, Debra, a hug and she handed me beautiful flowers.

I was so grateful for all the support from all the girls. I kept getting hugs from so many of the wonderful girls in Gamma. It meant so much to know that no one stood up to throw tomatoes or anything. ha ha I really am SO blessed to have such wonderful friends and peers. I got hugs from many girls I don't know very well and girls from other chapters. Many "Congratulations!" and " I knew it was you!" from many girls. I still wonder how people knew?!

We sang Be Of Good Cheer and I almost started to cry. I held it in. Once I gave Missy a hug, that is when I couldn't hold them back anymore. I couldn't tell her how inadequate I felt. I can't imagine Gamma without having her be in charge. I continued to get hugs and felt much more at ease. I just want to tell everyone thank you very much for the support. I really appreciate it. Thank you for acting excited. I am thrilled about this calling and I hope I can be half the president Missy was. Thank you everyone! I love Gamma and I can't wait for the coming year!

I LOVE GAMMA!

"We had some elders in the hot tub"

2008-04-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

As most of you are aware, Spring Break was a couple weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about Gene and Yvonne. My grandparent's. Me and 3 other girlfriends stay at their house for a couple days before heading off to Zion's to meet up with a bunch of other friends. Gene and Yvonne are the classic grandparents. The clocks that buzz, ding, bop, hum on every wall. The Cadillac under the carport. St. George. The rocking chairs on the front porch.

So, being the young, adventurer's that we are, We don't go to bed at a decent hour. It's nothing surprising to most. It is just the facts. Saturday night, or should we say Sunday morning around 2:30 a.m., I got the genius idea to invite some guy friends of mine over to Gene and Yvonne's to go hot tubbing. This is Dan Jones and his posse. They are from Salt Lake and so we know them from home. I promise we weren't just looking for a good time with just anyone! Dan Jones and his sidekicks had been long boarding around St. George for the last two hours and supposedly were worn out. Before I invited them over, I went in and asked Gene, who was still wide awake watching a football game, if I could invite some guy friends over to hot tub as long as we promised to be quiet. Gene was completely game. So I go pick them up and drag them back to the humble abode. The boys went into the back and jumped in the hot tub while we were getting into our swimsuits. Next thing I know, I am hearing Yvonne walking around asking Gene who was in the hot tub and what they were doing there. Gene must have been oblivious when I was asking him for his permission, because he went and woke Mrs. Smith up to tell here there were boys in the hot tub. The 5'2" white haired woman went outside and clapped for these young men to go home. She came back inside to ask me what I was thinking having them over at that hour and that they needed to go home. I respect her, so I took them home.

I thought that alone would make for a good laugh when we thought back onto this trip. Little did I know that That was only the introduction to the story.

The next morning, Yvonne, Nancy, Jessica, Sarah and McKensie all venture to church. It is the classic "retired" ward. I would say 98% of everyone in that ward is older then 65 years old. We walked into Sunday School not knowing we would never be the same again. The teacher, just as any teacher would probably have done, asked if there were any visitors and Yvonne stands up and introduces us, "This is my granddaughter, McKensie and her friends. They are here from Salt Lake for Spring Break, so watch out! We definitely had some elders in the hot tub last night!". I am sure if you looked at any of my friends or me at that exact moment, we all were probably in awe at what this woman I call my grandma just said! I kept repeating those lines over and over in my head, wondering if any of my friends caught on to the word, elder ? I started to chuckle to myself. After the lesson was over, I leaned over to my grandma and started laughing. I was like, "Your neighbors aren't going to invite us back! They are going to think we are corrupting these poor missionaries." She just giggled and replied that she didn't mean anything by it and that she calls all the young boys are elders. She didn't want them to think they were bad boys! I turned around to my friends and we all started laughing. Oh heavens!

Next came Relief Society. I look around the room and notice all the hearing-aides and white and gray hairs. Us four girls were definitely the only ones younger then 60 in the building. You would've thought they did this lesson just for us! They start talking about having personal contact with people nowadays and that all the young people in the world only text. Texting is such a bad thing because young people never have contact with each other and they never write hand written letters. The young people in todays world are not dating anymore because they only text. We need to help the young adults see how important personal contact is. They will never get married unless they start having personal contact with one another. Yvonne leans forward to me and whispers, " In my hot tub!". No! Sister Smith did not just say this to me in the middle of Relief Society. I could not control my laughter at this point. I burst. I laugh, what is my normal, loud howl and the lesson stops. Completely stops. I guess I was loud enough for the old folks to hear me. My friends look over at me and start giggling to themselves and I am pretty sure I had the most horrified look on my face. They definitely heard me! Lucky for me, if you would even say that, Our instructor had been in the last class with us as well. She heard Yvonne's introduction and says, " That's right! These girls here had personal contact with the elders in the hot tub last night!". Us four girls were about to wet our pants! All I could do at this point was pray church would end ASAP!

We all laughed about this this entire block home and continued to laughed about it during dinner, Which was Yvonne's birthday dinner and we made her "Better-than- sex- cake"!

Little did Dan Jones and his crew or my crew know that inviting Dan Jones over to hang out would end up getting talked about so much!

the things that make me smile

2008-03-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

soybeans
rain boots
hands
thunder
sunsets
summer drives with the windows down
soy milk
the first signs of spring
scriptures
smiles of children
fresh laundry
the smell of fresh cut grass
roasting marshmallows
missionaries
flowers
deep conversations with good friends
Dakota
peanut butter
Autumn
the temple
GYC
dancing
Kashi Autumn Wheat
sea turtles
summer fruit
sweating after a long run
quotes
water
yoga
learning
apples
bananas
successful cooking
Sunday evenings
afternoon naps
music (especially new goodies)
watching people write or doodle
fireworks
lace
San Francisco

There will be more.