The Best (Girl) Friends.

This question: "Whose Your Best Friend?"--I dislike. Everyone knows that you can have more than one bestie--basically. And that family and boyfriends and roommates (generally) at the time usually trump the other friends. Best friends become the "best" for different reasons. And when we're really close they move in and out of the bestie category. But I just decided to take the names that first couple of friends I am closest too right now who I am grateful to be me because they are in my life. They're the friends that I hope we stay in contact; if not, then I'll use my stalker skills to hunt them down. Rather than showing you how I remember them, I decided to show how they're all different and unique by showing you their current Facebook profile as of right now:

Emily Watts

Lovingly referred to as:

Emiline

Em wins the loyalty award because we have been friends since the beginning. Like Washington beginning. Like 1st mormon friend. We became friends through the years of awkwardness, HUGE changes (moving to Georgia and Utah for us both), and we have always stayed close. We just know each other. We're different--but we've grown so much. But I absolutely know I wouldn't have had half the experiences I have had without her. She's the one who is NOT the morning person but will wake up early to drive me to the airport or stay up all night editing my paper. Selfless, she wouldn't think it--but she is and she has taught me a lot about it. I know we'll always be friends. We can be friends at a distance or I can live right above her; we can go months without talking if we're living states away and then spend summers together--it doesn't matter--we just pick up where we left off. I love Em for her care-free, optimistic mood in life. No matter what, she's there for me. And her clothes. :)

Megan Wright

Lovingly referred to as:

Sunshine

I wouldn't have transitioned to Georgia very well, or at all, if it wasn't for Megan. I loathe this girl! (Inside joke) Megan is a sister. We shared High School together. Peach County. She is The Southern Girl who got me to talk with an accent, wear pearls, have Vera Bradly, straighten my hair, dress up every Thursday, love window-down-driving-country-music blaring, love a good tan, and we respect each other and our beliefs. Megan is Baptist; I'm Mormon. People told her she couldn't be my friend. But we proved them wrong! I know we'll be at each other's weddings and will always have that connection. After all, those years in High School learning about life, gaining independence, breaking ups, and countless sleep-overs just bond people together. It did for us.

Baylee Martz Haynie

Lovingly referred to as:

Bales

Meet Bales. Gah! I love that this was her photo (although her wedding and engagement photos are GORGEOUS). But, this photo shows Baylee. The Baylee who loves Marching Band and is madly in love with our Drum Major. We met as Freshman at BYU and spent 2 wonderful years together. She taught me how to be Relief Society President, knows way to much about a lot of boys--probably because she asks and then just listens--and I"ll recount the same story after story of boys I currently like. We bonded at 6:30am in the snow in COLLEGE. I love her so much until we became roommates and inseparable 'til she met 'ol-man-Jared, her husband. They fell madly in love and I was lucky enough to see it all happen. I think I"m one of the luckiest people alive to have lived with Baylee my Sophomore year, and spend as much time as I did during her short single years because I got see her change. She claims she's no good with change--but she's better than ANYONE I know. Which is why she's going to be such a great mother. She does everything before me, and then humbly teaches me how to do it! I HOPE beyond hope, we always stay in at least phone-call-friendship; she's a special one.

Natalie Hodges

Lovingly referred to as:

Natty

Oh, how I love Natty. Basically this picture sums her up! THE END. Haha, but seriously. Pictures speak 1,000 words. Natalie is one of the most talented, righteous, optimistic, color-yellow, best-pruners, best EFY-er's, best piccolo-sitter-next-to-at football games, and overall just a GREAT person. I'm so curious to see who she marries. She has no fear and can laugh with anyone--definitely a spiritual gift. Natalie and I met in BYUs Marching Band Freshman Year, pruned together on our work crew last year, and were roommates in Rexburg this summer at EFY. I miss her like crazy, even though I see her 3-4 times a week. I'm always down to having a good conversation with her.

Katherine Steinacker

Lovingly referred to as:

Stinker-pickle or PleaseSlapMyButt or WigWam Lover or RSP or Dragonfly or My Current Roommate or Chill Dog

She's going to hate me, but I had to save the best for last right? I LOVE Katherine (she's on the left). She's so chill that sometimes I see how long it will take her to snap at me. Usually, it's at the end of the day, right after dozing on some books, and I do something to really get her and then BAM! She yells or throws something and I'm just ecstatic inside. Immature of me, I know. But for some reason, she brings that out of me. I hope for and dread the day Katherine gets married. I love being her roommate. She's the first roomie I have ever gotten into long discussions at night with and NOT fallen asleep first. She's super chill and just a down-to-earth, realistic person. She just DOES when a thought comes in and has opinions, but doesn't get over-heated at them at all. Most of the time, she listens and tunes me out. But I absolutely love the days that she opens her mouth and then just doesn't shut it. I could listen to her forever, and she has an awesome laugh. And she loves sports like Sis. Watts (that's saying something). And I love being with her all the time. I love her clothes. And I love that I know she's doing what the Lords wants her to do--be with me.

And and and and and

I miss her!

(And you better comment Katherine, because you always stalk this blog but NEVER do!)

M5 Invites You To Our Cafe Poetry Reading

[The following haiku's were read at our Ward Prayer on Sunday as we introduced our apartment. They have deep meaning and represent the individual very well. And is best read when wearing a scarf in a fashionable manner, while drinking hot cocoa, and concluding each haiku with snaps.]

Whitney

Teaches 5-Year-Olds

Runs A Lot, All Over Town

Domestic Goddess

Carolyn

Veracious Reader

Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Master

Responsible One

Becky

EFY Crazy

When In Doubt--Don't Believe Her

Magical Fingers

Katherine

The Best Drum Major

Likes To Eat Popcorn A Lot

Caressable Arms

Dan [Honorary LivingRoomKitchenmate]

He Has A Sweet Tooth

Lover Of A Macey's Girl

Bombardment Society

Really Likes M5

And Her Nose Shall Tell Her...

That 'ze bathroom is clean.

Background: I had an AMAZING weekend minus one slight issue--I failed my cleaning check. I need to explain how it felt...like I had sat on a tack. Because my weekend was suppose to be refreshing after Rocky Mountain. Which it totally was until I got the little F,F,F,F on my portion of the cleaning check. See? My weekend was perfect:

Thursday Night: Fell asleep on Katherine''s bed. She awoke me once the Psych episode finished to go to my own bed across the room. And here's the best part, ya ready?! I got 10 1/2 hours of sleep! Yayawhoowhooyayawhowhoo! I felt like myself after that. Like dreaming of boys again, singing in my room to music as I got ready, happy, talkative, [typical becky-ness], etc.

Friday Night: After studying for hours and taking a test. I went to the Band Social Variety Show and nacho bar; which was hilarious. The Piccolos got together and did an interpretive dance. We got a standing ovation. :) Then I slaved over the bathroom for cleaning checks. I cleaned it super good. Or so I had thought. Dun. Dun. Dun!

Saturday: We woke up early at 6am and went into the Canyon (Rock Canyon Park...) and made a dutch oven breakfast. There was about 17 of us guys and girls. It was so much fun to watch the sunrise, cook, talk, and play! We found some ice blocks and some of us went ice blocking. Then we had a UP party to watch the football game at the Watts. I told Katherine she could come as long as she knew 3 things: the name of our city, University Place; the name of a ward, Sunset Ward [she biffed it and called it Sunshine Ward :)], and the high school, Curtis. Of course my Spirits were high when we won 38-28 against Oregon State--who we played two years ago for our Bowl Game. After messing around we decided to watch The Music Man.

Sunday: Church was great. I love my Ward. And my sweet Bishop who taught Relief Society and went 15 minutes over. :) But when we got home, we had left over breakfast from Saturday morning and then did the Sunday usual: visit with familia, nap, meetings, vt, etc. THEN. We went up to the mountains to see the fall colors. They were beautiful! I'll post pictures if I get the time.

Great weekend! And I spent another couple of hours today cleaning up like crazy the bathroom for cleaning check re-check for us failures. I decided I would use so much smelly goodness that as soon as crazy lady opens the door, her nose shall tell her how clean it is!

And guess what? It worked.

76 Trombones

Last week Katherine showed me the media center within the walls of Harold. I had no clue [exaggeration--I had forgotten] that you could get movies from the library. I mean--I remember the days with Mom headed to the UP Library to pick up a few VHS's every now and then; but, I suddenly grew up and didn't get things from the library when they upgraded to DVDs. Needless to say, my generation thinks the best thing out there is Redbox and Netflix. Which takes all our limited college funds. Now that I found a decent collection at the library, I think I'll go old school for the time being.

And Fully Enjoy

Being Able

To Rent...Something Named:

THE MUSIC MAN

Over the summer after a few Music Man references (which I didn't get at all), Katherine just about freaked when she did more digging and found out I hadn't seen it even once in my 20 years. Then after I quoted it in my talk I gave in Sacrament Meeting a few weeks ago, Katherine put some action to her words and we brought home the DVD to The Dwelling to watch it on Saturday night. The roomies and I had already made our social quota [boy quota] for the day so we just curled up with blankets and used our flat screen TV for probably the 4th time ever to watch a movie.

And I loved it. About halfway through I began to get antsy that it would end not the way I wanted it too, sincerely warning Katherine she would be in some big trouble and feeling some pain if little-red-headed-lisp boy got hurt. Or if handsome professor hill would just leave town without falling for librarian woman.

One theme I loved was how people can change. That because librarian woman chose to see the good that fake teacher hill brought to the city (even while knowing his fraud), he was able to have a change of heart. What an example! And that no matter how bad someone can be, you can still love them and see the good.

Now I'm antsy to fall in love with all the other great musicals that are out there...maybe Singing In The Rain will be next?

Dear Baylee

I've now just known you for a year, 15 months to be exact. I've met your family. Slept in your house. You've met my family. And now we share a room. I love you! And everyday I grow to love you more. Thanks for making me laugh, wiping away my tears, always listening to me, loving me more than just a best friend but as a sister, and learning how to deal with me. I don't think you realize how much I love you and how surprised that you still love me! Thanks for opening my eyes to my weaknesses and first and foremost, dealing with them. I open my mouth to much, say things I shouldn't and do all that junk that you know all to well. You are so beautiful! And will always be a special person in my life. Remember when you were Relief Society President our freshman year? And then remember how you passed the mantle to me? The other day we went through our history and came to the conclusion that our friendship was set up by Heavenly Father. I have grown so much from living with you as a best friend in 3 months then I did all summer!

I love you.

Becky

11 Things On September 11

1. Last night (earlier this morning really) from 12-12:30 John guarded the flag on campus for memorial of 9 years ago.And this morning I got a call from Jim from Afghanistan<3

2. I have found a new appreciation with talking to my mom on skype. Mainly because I get to see Macey. But I also love watching her face talk:)it's so cute.

3. Started an Ultimate Frisbee tournament with the Band. Go team COSMOSITYYY!!!! Of course we won 11-9.

4. Felt the heart-strings (as a friend would say) get pulled in the temple as I
reflected on baptisms for the dead and the many who have died or lost hope because of war. Thank goodness for repentance, baptism, and resurrection!

5. Watched BYU get slaughtered by Air Force in football. Go figure, we DID play with them on September 11. Which ended up giving me a fabulous 30 minute nap.

6. Realized how humble I should always be as I thought about being an "instrument in the Lord's hands". The only way we are able to do things is because the Lord does build us up, enlighten us, and help us fill our capacity. Since when did we go to a band concert and say, "did you hear that trumpet player?". No, its the whole BAND who sounds good. The trumpet player may have talent, but he's just an instrument to bringing about something much better.

7. Realized I have more weaknesses than I personally am willing to live with and now have daily confessional with my roommate Baylee who patiently listens to every little frustration that I have and listens to how I'm going to try and overcome all these nasty things I dislike.

8. Went to HumorU and died laughing at their highlight stand-up comedy dude Stephen Jones.

9. Wouldn't life be so grand if we just got rid of grades and money? Seriously, I thought I was going to go broke after buying my groceries today. And after writing a paper at 11pm on a Saturday night, I would much rather just not worry about getting a grade, but an education.

10. Accidentally got a bit confused and went to neighboring stakes adult session of conference. Loved it though!

11. FINALLY have a router where I can lie on my bed and B.L.O.G. happy days have come once more.

p.s. 3 weeks into school and have pretty done more than i did all summer: thinking, goal-setting, accomplishing, playing, crying, etc. etc.

Letters Written After Weeks of Nursery

Dear Darling Little Girl in the Plaid Dress,
You are so tiny and softspoken, I'm sorry when the big 2 1/2 year old boys come and take your toys. I'll never forget listening to your sweet little voice sing and watching you dance during music time.

Yours Truly,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Boy Who Shakes His Fists When Screaming At The Top of Your Lungs,
You are what my dad would call a biggin'. Chillax kiddo. I know you love your parents and want to be with them ALL the time, but give them a break. You climbed into my lap once and fell asleep. What wondeful peace we all had that Sunday. Go knock down some towers, you're good at that. I'm glad you stopped that biting habit.

Sincerely,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Girl With the Same Hair-do Every Week,
I love watching you play house. You go to the play kitchen, open the microwave, stick something inside and "hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm" and then you say "beep beep" and get out whatever you just cooked. DO you realize that you're only 2? AND you have more motherly instinct in the kitchen than I do?? I admire you!

xoxo,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Blond, Happy, Dimple Newbie,
Everyone knows we favor each other. You're just too darn cute. And I like those parents you come from. You're always the first to give your toy away when someone's unhappy. AND you LOVE nursery with a passion. You're such a cute, good boy. Never change.

Love,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Smartest Kid in Nursery with Messy Hair,
I've figured you out! You may be small, but you are SOOOO smart! Keep manipulating the other adults. You ROCK!!

Regards,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Oldest Girl in Nursery,
You have quite the spunk. I like you! Everything you do reminds me of myself at 3. You can manipulate and try and play the system by getting what you want. You also like to be in control of your sister. But I love, love, love your tender sweet moments when you find your younger sister and make her smile or show her how a toy works. Or, when you find the newest little boy and make sure he's always included in the fun. You're a born leader. You convinced every kid today to climb under the table and 'hide'. Kodak moment!! I'll miss you!

Best,
Becky Rhoden


Dear Nursery Class,
All of you are special. Thanks for keeping me away from Sunday School and Relief Society this summer. I don't want to go back to a college ward where its much to quiet. My earliest memory is from nursery singing that Alligator song. We sing it every Sunday. I'll miss you.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO,
Becky Rhoden

top ten memories from my wonderful weekend celebrating 7.4.10.

1. Spontaneous trip to visit amazing-beautiful-MMSYO flautist-friends at USF, University of South Florida.

2. Wonderful pictures of the beach that won't load where i swam, played soccer, ultimate, built sand-castles with 9 year-old friend from minnesota.

3. Chilling with native Puerto Ricans and eating amazing food!

4. Of course, having yet ANOTHER becky-stupid-irresponsible-car moment [killing car battery]

5. Pillow talk.

6. Drinking Coke [which i NEVER, EVER, EVER DO]

7. Celebrating bdays:)which includes: good food, movie hopping

8. Bearing a patriotic testimony in random ward in Sacrament Meeting AND getting blessed by a Priest at Catholic Mass.

9. Sparklers in the hot tub!!!

10. AMAZING QUOTES; all said with good intentions. i promise. multiple meanings.
"I read the entire Bible when I was younger..............because I was bored."
"There's a flat tire on the mellons!"
"Do you not feel me? Do you not feeeeeeeeeeeeeel me?"
"My dad wants to marry me."
"She wet my bed."
"Oh, I'll be scared..........and giddy."
"So all you can do is hug, kiss, and hold hands?".....new person, "Well, what else is there?"

Nathan Patrick Garlock

This picture cracks me up every time I see it! hahahaha. Meet Nathan. One of my best friends. Hmm...to sum him up: he's fetching, scintillating, facetious, and genuine. Ok-so i through in some big words from dictionary.com. But i figured i wouldn't want to blow up Nate's ego or anything if he ever later reads this.

Nate grew up in Washington with me. We didn't know each other all that much before I left for Georgia, but we've always remained friends. Sometime I'll write out our interesting friendship in one whole story, but for right now, Nate is going to Tolousse France on his mission. He plays around like he's a little rough on the edges, but has a huge heart. Nate can be goofy, serious, and spiritual. He knows too much about me and some (including my moods). He makes me happy (which is so confusing to emaily). And I know that I love him to some degree...its a good thing he goes to BYU-I. :) There's too much to say and I know you mom--that you're reading this because you love to stalk me.... :) so i'll save it for pillow talk this summer with you mom<3. Haha :) Anyways, I love the frienship I have with this kid. He's going to be a great missionary.

eight years

This was a letter i left on emily's blog for her birthday in October. I realized earlier today that I wanted to keep a copy of it. She has been my best friend for quite some time. :)




Dear Emily,

By now I am sure you have observed your room and some of the notes that Katie and I left up for you. I just wanted to do something special since you are special to me. Happy Birthday Emily! You have been one heck of a friend and I have never loved a friend as much as I love you. I know we're different--but I like it that way. You are a great friend and i love you.

After elementary school I was suppose to go to Narrows View but some things didn't work out and the school district let me pick between the two UP middle schools. I decided to go to Drum even though my heart was set on being with my elementary school friends and following after John (who went to Narrows View). I prayed all year that I would find a good LDS girl who would be my best friend. Then I met you. And now look at us. You are an answered prayer.

Remember in the fifth grade when we first got to know each other? I came home with you from Drum every Wednesday (i think) when my mom was in Europe. We were devastated when I moved out of Mrs. Lewis's (you know my memory, i hope i get this all right) class and I can remember pushing my desk all the way to the portable thinking we wouldn't be together anymore. You introduced me to Pride and Prejudice that year. I loved having someone like a sister around.

Then our Girls Camp adventures started. I specifically asked to have you be in my cabin. You woke me up that first night with a flashlight in my face asking me to go to the bathroom with you. Of course I went and we started traditions. From Cows to Lady Bugs, Washington to Utah, we had a blast. Pajama pants, stargazing, girl talk, and friendship bracelets all come to mind when I think of our years of Girls Camp together. My least favorite girls camp years would have to be every one of my Georgia ones. Can you guess why? I'll never forget being sad and almost depressed one year and you listened to me, then took me to a vacant picnic table, and we both kneeled and each said a prayer out loud. You gave me a hug and I cried. My week was a turning point from then on and I had some amazing experiences. You mean the world to me!

Seventh and Eighth grade rocked our socks! We thought our seventh grade year was great from hiding Blaine's saxophone to reading the same book on the portable patio. FUDGE. When I got cut from the volleyball team my eighth grade year I went straight home and would not cry in front of my family. I immediately called you on the phone and cried. Or the time when we went on a field trip and I had a dizzy headache and you took care of me. Once again, you were there for me. Do you remember our switch offs for lockers, from swimming stuff to books? Or how we passed notes in Powell? New Years Eve was a giggly fest. THE ORANGE BALL. Man, how excited we were for those first couple of dances (that were way lame) that we went to. 2b^2. Its funny that it's always me that becomes obsessed with boys.

I was beyond crushed when I found out for sure that I would be moving to Georgia. Finally, i had found a friend who I loved and I was heart broken! I cried cried myself to sleep for several nights. I remember praying for the determination to keep our friendship going and not to lose contact with you. We would practice talking on the phone (so you could get good at it), I would fill you in on all of my new friends, we would plan visits, and go to to EFY and girls camp every summer together. I was determined to always have one friend even if you were going to be 2000 miles away.

Our first EFY was a parting and began our EFY madness. Too many jokes, memories and boys! Toad and frog (???), Sean, David, Heath, Ben, Shane, Matt, Petey, and ..... We grew so much during those weeks! Remember how we always said a prayer together every morning and night? Just between the two of us. Tacoma #2 was out of this world but Georgia was pretty tite too.

I did move to Georgia and everything turned out all right. I made friends, but it was hard. I remember being sad in the way that I just never ever laughed. I fake 'laughed' about things that were not funny in Georgia at first. But I would talk to you on the phone and would have laughing attacks. No kidding how many hours we have spent on the phone together or just laughing with each other! It never once was awkward talking to you after a few months. We always picked up where we last were and filled each other in.

I loved my trips out to WA all by myself. I would be so giddy with excitement to see you at the airport! I even missed my first solo flight at Thanksgiving. My summers were beyond spectacular. Sure we got on each other nerves but, but I grew so much! I would be an only child in GA for 10 months and then fly out to your place and become a twin! It was amazing. I wish I could truly express how much I loved every minute of those trips. We read, watched, dated, talked, went to concerts, ate, and walked. Trek was great and I was there to help you kinda move. I loved your family reunion. In fact, I didn't want to go home one year. I just wanted to move with you to Utah and enroll at Timpview. But I'm glad I went home. You were there for me when I had my first break up. Slept with me and held my hand. I am who I am today because of you.

You could see how sad I would have been if I wasn't right back at your side for college. I fretted over not being at the same University with you and am so grateful that God knew what was best and that we are together once again here at BYU. So many memories. You understand me. Very well. I don't know who I would be like if I would have never prayed for a best friend and then treated you like one. I do know that I would be different. I love you. Happy Birthday dearest! Happy 8 years.

I love you!
Becky

These were taken from my high school summer's with emily. When her family was moving, we chillaxed in the bathroom because 1) we didn't want to get in the way of the packers and 2) the packers smelled really bad! Haha... so we enjoyed reading. I lucked out with the most comfortable spot...the bathtub! :)


Michael, is one of Emily's nephews! He is so smart and lovable! I will always love playing this cute little guy! We sure do love him<3