Paper Airplanes

Yesterday, Matt and I decided to learn how to make paper airplanes--a valuable skill to entertain myself and little boys--and we had fun doing it. We found this great website that had 10 different kinds of paper airplanes and directions for how to make them. Some kinda flew in a circle, straight, or lofted down. We also found a nice balcony that gave us, oh probably 25 or 30 feet for good flying...? Maybe. And then we got to plane making. It reminded me of how much my family grew up loving planes. From Dad being the official pilot, flying helicopters in the Army and occasionally us around in little planes [the picture at the top of my blog from when I was 4, was right before my dad flew me up in a little bonanza (i think that was the plane)] to the days growing up with Jim and John playing Army and them flying their little metal planes all around the house. Oh, and it seemed like at least once on every family vacation we couldn't stop at a rest stop to eat lunch, but instead we would stop at a local airport to watch the little planes take off and land. Anyway, although Matt had all the brains at making all the right paper folds to make the planes (from previous plane making experience), and I just followed what he did; all of his planes kinda didn't fly very well...but mine somehow did great! The entire night was fun, even though I kept yawning. I cut the night short to get to bed early because I was so tired. This morning when I woke up I found this paper airplane under my windshield wiper.

 

 Needless to say, I blushed and smiled all morning.

I Must Have Wrinkles Coming

My best friend had a baby! Haydin Rae Haynie. And she's a doll! Baylee was my roommate for Sophomore year and I helped introduce her to Jared and then they fell in love, got married in April, and had a baby in March! Honestly, I think I have a few more wrinkles and reality checks now that Baylee is a real-life-stay-up-all-nighter/feeder/supporter/for-the-rest-of-eternity Mother.

Isn't Haydin gorgeous?! The picture on the bottom is the latest. You can tell she's growing! I just want to eat up her cheeks and chin! I'm lucky enough to get to spend time with her, at least on Monday nights. Her parents are in a softball league team and we kinda worked it out that I could come and watch and play with Haydin while they played ball. I love it! There teams name is a "swing and a miss", which I think is awesome. It's so fun to see Baylee get a head start at what I hope won't be too too too long for me! She's a great example and still a great, best friend.

Easter

Next week is the last days of classes, reading days, and the start of finals. I'm excited for the end of the semester, but not as excited as I am for Easter tomorrow! I was thinking about it yesterday and I think Easter is my favorite Holiday. Easter has definitely grown on me to become my favorite because of the value and meanings of everything. I remember Jesus Christ. More than Christmas, Easter reminds me of his Resurrection and the Plan of Salvation and how extremely grateful I am for what that means in my life. If I could break it down, here are 2 reasons why I love Easter so much:

1. Easter and spring are connected. I love being outside and noticing all of the small differences between each season. It's the only main holiday that I really connect to a season and to nature. From all of the old hibernating trees, bushes, and flowers comes blossoms, buds, and new growth! Every single year, and without fail. The simple beauty of new green leaves just lifts me up. It's that feeling that comes when...your heart is smiling.

And the meaning, reminds me of new life. Of Jesus Christ's life and Resurrection and  the knowledge that there's hope for me. I just find it so fun that there are so many symbols in nature that can be applied to the Gospel. Especially, the Resurrection. I know that God lived and died. And rose again. It's simple. And because he did, I can rise every time I fall. I just love Easter. It's one of my favorite stories in the New Testament.

2. His name is Levi Peterson. (Not the above pictured). In Washington, he was my neighbor and his family was very much like a 2nd family to me. In fact, they basically were. I have learned a lot from this family. Levi and his twin brother are two-years older than me and very different. Zach had cerebral palsy and had a slight learning disorder; we were best friends. Levi was mentally and physically more severely handicapped. All I knew when I was little, was that he could recognize my voice, drool, smile, moan, kick his legs, and LOVED M&Ms and visitors. Because I grew up with Levi, I never thought differently of him. People stared, and I would wonder why. My trusty 'ol father (whose notorious for asking repetitive questions to his children to always reassure himself that we knew the answer) would regularly take me aside and ask/explain that no matter what, when Levi dies, he would go to the celestial kingdom. And it was from the start of this, from the start of always saying hi and talking to Levi when he was lying on the floor and playing with his hair, that I decided that I was thrilled to see and talk to Levi. I would have this day dream of him opening the door, walking outside, and giving me a hug and thanking me for being his friend! I would get sooooo excited thinking of that special day.