last ward activity

On thursday night we had our last ward activity up in the canyon at this amazing cabin-mansion-coolest-house-ever. There was a full inside-basketball court, tree house, playground, 3 huge family-living rooms, ping-pong and air hockey tables, and a beautiful kitchen! I had so much fun. Our ward had a talent show/last ward movie premiere with all our fhe movies, which all turned out amazing.
Here's bales (my future roomate, going down the slide)
And the treehouse.



More pictures will COME!! :)

tunnel singing :)

A group from my ward decided to go tunnel singing last sunday night.
BYU has a ton of tunnels!

It was so much fun to be singing our favorite hymns with 4 part harmony.

I love my freshman ward! :)

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

learning about myself

Today was crazzy...seriously. I have so much to do in so little time. Its like I could have a panic attack and flip out on everyone and everything if I wanted too. Luckily, I feel okay. I know it'll all pass....hopefully.

So, where to start? I didn't get much sleep last night--i was tired for the most of the day. I realize that when I'm tired, I tend not to think very well, I get distracted, and am more stressed. Which is why I am GOING to try and finish this up as soon as I get my mind all settled.

I got a text message today from someone who was really worried about one of the girls in my ward. I knew that she was having some trouble...I found out that she tried overdosing twice!!! And every time her boyfriend found her and made her throw up. That's serious. Freaky serious. I didn't know what to do. So, I texted my Bishop and prayed during my scheduled "nap time" (devotional). The bishop was really glad that I texted him and called the boyfriend and talked to him. Anyways, its all a mess. I need a hug.

Then I lost my water bottle. AGAIN. I swear, why is it that I lose things all the time? I'm beginning to think that I'll never grow out of this breaking-losing-thing syndrome. I prayed and guess what...found it! Yea, its a miracle I inherited my Oma's faith. Campus is HUGE. :)

I was in one of those stressful, pity-me moods. When I knew that I needed to think of others and pray. So I prayed as I walked home. It was a REALLY LONG prayer. I realized a lot of things:

1) I have no idea why I got into BYU. Even Fall semester!! I have no earthly idea WHY I'm Relief Society President. I'm definitely not the cream of the crop.

2) Apparently, I'm suppose to be here at BYU and the RSPrez. You know, my patriarchal blessing says that I'll "attain many notable achievements in the fields of education and training". Sometimes, I want to say HA HA!!! I have about the same memory as someone who just was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And that I'll "preside in various calling's in the Church". Of course these quotes come with a lot of other information. But the point is that if that's what is meant to be in my life then alrighty, I'll live faithfully and it will be a miracle if I'm blessed with even HALF of the things my patriarchal blessing says. I won't complain any longer. I don't doubt the power of God. If he wants to help me, then I will gladlylet him!

3)When I was 16 I made a commitment to myself. I have always been blessed spiritually. Moving from Washington was the hardest thing I had ever done in my LIFE! I went through heck those first several months away. (for a future blog entry). But my Savior has always been there for me. I have always felt my Heavenly Father's love and Spirit. So, I was 16, sitting on a mountain at trek, singing to myself. I realized how much others sacrificed because of their testimonies. And then I realized what I wanted to give. What was at the heart of everything I have ever wanted (and what I find A LOT in my patriarchal blessing) is to serve. I want to give my time, my talents, my money, my children, my knowledge to God. I want to do his will. I want to do go where he wants me to go and be the person he wants me to be and say the things he wants me to say. The best thing I can give him is my agency. Since then I have always remembered and st rived to do that. I'm human. But I love serving.

4)So, let me tie all this together. I realized today why I really want to be a nurse. Not only do I think our bodies are just about the coolest creation ever, but I love serving people. Its something that had to grow inside me of me because i was definitely a rude, prideful, and selfish kid. And then I changed. I want to help heal people. Being RSPrez somehow helped me see this. I want to serve anyone and everyone.

I went running. Its my destressor. I'm still out of shape, but John promised he would buy me a Mac if I as healthy as I want to be by his birthday! And I love to run. I ran to emily's on just a slim thought that maybe it would help my mood. Tiffany (emily's sister-in-law) had just found out Oliver is autistic. He's 2. She was so sad and helpless, talking to me about it. I am becoming to realize that my little thoughts are more often promptings than not. Even though I needed a boost, I knew my Heavenly Father needed me to help someone else. I was glad to be there to listen. I think I'm going to surprise her with something tomorrow on my run.

That was part of my day. I feel like I grow so much everyday and that I really should start tearing it up typing away in my blogs! I just can't seem to stop though. Emily and my mom says that boys will stop falling in love with me if I am not so much an open-book. Maybe I'll start typing more and talking less...who knows.

Tomorrow i take my Nursing Essay. I'm gonna need to write about qualities that would make me a good nurse and why I want it. I'm scared to death. Should have gotten a blessing.

P.S. I saw LLAMAs today on campus!! And after my run these boys pulled their love seat outside their apartment into the sun and were eating goldfish and root beer. They asked if I would join them. It was beautiful outside, and I sadly denied two guys! Haha...can't get much better than that. :)

ten minutes

for ten minutes, im going to type. nate is studying tonight and i really wanted to talk to him. yes, he's one of my best friends. and yes, he got his mission call!!! hello TOULOUSE FRANCCCCEEE!!!! :) i am so excited for him. he has no idea.

my weekend has been fantastic...in so many ways! but for my future children's sake, i'll keep it to the boring and menial things i have learned recently. i love love love being relief society president. and no, its nothing i expected-and im trying not to be cocky-i promise. in a few weeks i'll be released from my calling. i know whats coming, im dreading my last meeting where the bishopbric asks what i have learned. i keep thinking, pondering, and wondering what i have learned and how i have grown. because i have in so many ways.

there are 70 girls in my relief society. i love, care, and know each one of them. i love them more than i ever realized was possible for such a diverse group. last semester i was quick to judge and justify "she's cute, but...". i feel horrible for some of the things i have thought and said. joseph smith said once that you should "hold your tongue" and "do not injure the character of anyone!". I want and need to be more kind. wouldn't it be great to be known for never saying anything negative about anyone? for everything you say about someone will only build them up?

sure the girls in my relief society are not perfect. i see them texting in church or wearing immodest cloths and i can't help but still fill love for them. at least they made it out to church i think, or im grateful they just have cloths. just seeing them smile or hearing their comments makes me feel so much LOVE. its insane! i am so astonished and amazed by the power of God. today during my welfare meeting the bishop asked to talk to me afterwords to let me know that one girl (a friend of mine, we're not close, but we're friends) can not pray in public for any meetings. i related some other news to the bishop about two girls who are agnostic. it basically broke his heart for a moment. bishop robbins just began rambling and had his head in his hands. he cares for them and loves these girls more than i do. i felt so prompted to just listen to him. my heart went out to him. how hard it must be to be a bishop. to know so much and have to be so strong. for the love that you feel that you had to pray to receive. sometimes i just wish i could help these girls make right choices, to share some of my faith or testimony with them. i went to the bathroom and said a prayer for my bishop and myself. my heart breaks, but the Lord always heals it. the power of God is so powerful. i've learned that as a leader you shouldn't be asking the question, "how can i teach so-and-so a lesson", but "how can i bring this person to Christ so he can heal them." i don't know if i'll ever be cut out to be a bishop's wife or anything, but i know i love our priesthood holders. i honor their faith, happiness, and strength in keeping confidences.

my ten minutes has been extending...but,

i said a prayer in front of a 1,000 people tonight. sister sherri dew spoke to us in commemoration of our relief society birthday on march 17th! :) it was wonderful and i was terrified! i was amazed at the peace i felt as i sang our closing song before i prayed. "true to the faith that our parents have cherished". i remember who my real parents are, and that i could be true to them. i didn't even trip over the cord at the podium! afterwords sis. dew gave me a hug and asked me to be a good girl. it was a wonderful meeting.

life is good. i love God. i love my family. and i love my friends.

I love you MOM!!!

Last night I was able to talk to my mom and it meant a lot to me. Just to know that she was listening. We have always had the best of relationships. She's definately one of my closest and best friends. Eventhough we don't talk all the time, its how you feel when you DO talk that classifies true friendship. I'm so grateful for her and everything she does for me! In fact, she will now be one of the few that can read my blog! I LOVE YOU MOMMMY!

Life-->Sharing It!

Life is officially crazy. Yes, I have not blogged in ages and this is me, making one of my many statements or goals that I will probably continue to make: I am going to get into the habit of blogging!

Isn't that exciting? I have so many experiences and memories that I want to share. This semester I have made it a point to go to the temple and do baptisms weekly. I'm glad to report that I've been going. :) I know some people are always saying that you can't do everything, but the temple means a lot to me and I really need the spirit that I feel there. This year I have really taken a turn with my temple work. I consider, pray, and ponder the lives I'm serving. It makes me really interested in the people who I do the work for. I know some lived wonderful lives with hardships, talents, and blessings. Wouldn't it be great to hear all their stories? I hope I get to one day.

But because of all this thinking that goes on pretty often in my mind, I really got to thinking about my life and how I was living it and recording it. I realized that Facebook not only was my most current "journal" but that it was also very pitiful to me and my purpose's of using it. So I packed it up and deactivated it for a time. I figure that I can always pop it back up--but for now, I want to go in a bit of a different direction where I can share my picture's, memories, thoughts, and one-of-a-kind, only-would-happen-to-becky stories. So enjoy!