Walmart

Sometimes I think I can brave this ridiculous store. I think, oh it won't be bad. But then I walk into the store and have a mini heart attack. So many people. So much stuff. I came in for two things but somehow I feel ADD and feel the need to look at everything. Although I don't buy anything I look at, I always feel the need to just look. This happens everytime I walk into a store.
This is why I hate shopping.

Missionary boys

This past Wednesday, I had two awesome boys I know leave on missions. My very first cousin to go, and one of my absolute best friends from college. I am so proud of these two boys.

My cousin Dustin, my sister, and I.

Dustin is headed to the Cochabamba Bolivia mission. Tyson is headed to the Tijuana Mexico mission.

Shoshone falls

 Since both of the boys' mission farewells were the same day, I was only able to go to one. But I didn't want Tys to leave without me saying goodbye first. So a couple days before he left, I went to Twin falls to see him and say goodbye. We went to Shoshone falls, played some frisbee golf, and just hung out and chatted.

With this whole missionary post, I have to mention my best friend Titus. July 2011, he left on his mission to Argentina. He came home in September, for medical reasons. About a month ago, he made the decision to go back out, and I am so incredibly proud of him for that. I love him, and miss him a lot. I know that he is making a difference in Argentina!! Emails from that boy make me so glad that I have so many friends who are serving the Lord.
"Two years is nothing in the eternal scheme of things!"

Pocatello

I love Pocatello. Most people don't understand, but it is just such a great place.
Probably because of the memories and friends that are there. I absolutely loved my first year of college there, and I look forward to moving back in four short weeks. This next year is going to be filled with so many great memories, and I can hardly wait.

But first, Miranda and I took a trip to see some friends a few weeks back, and here are a couple pictures from that day. I need to get better at taking photos.

I love this girl. I have no idea what I'd do without her!

 

 

 

 

Kelly! We love him!

July

Wow. What a month. I'm sure glad it flew by, and it doesn't seem like it even came to begin with.
I've been meaning to blog about so many things the past few weeks. But I just haven't had time. Working these two jobs, sleeping, and eating are pretty much what I have time for. I do have a few things that I want to document though, but it is going to take a few posts.

I got a letter. About two weeks ago. I checked the mail that day, and it was sitting on top of the stack right inside of the mailbox. Before I reached into grab it, I just wanted to cry. Almost six months of waiting for it, and there it was. Part of me was worried it would confirm my worst fears, or that it would be better than I had hoped for. It made me realize just how much I love him. It didn't say anything too significant, but it was a letter. And, that in and of itself was significant enough. My favorite sentence, "I hope because of my neglect that you don't think my feelings have changed towards you, because they haven't one bit. I love you Mariah. I know that I haven't showed it recently, but I do. I love you." He is such an incredible missionary. I love when he shares his experiences, struggles, and successes with me. Knowing all of the great things he is doing makes this time so much easier. "I am definitely not the same 19 year old boy that arrived in the MTC 18 months ago. It is hard for me to notice the changes because I have seen the whole process but I can tell that I am different." I am so incredibly proud of him. He is learning and growing so much, becoming even more amazing than he was when he left. He loves sharing this gospel, and I can tell just by reading his words that his testimony is growing.
He comes home pretty soon. One whole semester, and then he will be here. That is the weirdest thought, I am getting so used to him being gone. But, boy, am I excited!! :)

Lucky

I am such a lucky girl. I've got so many people who love me and who help me out constantly. I don't know what I would do or where I would be without any of them. Also, I love my job at domino's. For the most part. It is
I started this post on Sunday July 1st. And then fell asleep with my laptop open, so there were about a trillion f's across the screen. I think I wanted to finish that sentence with fantastic? Who knows.

All I know is, on Sunday I didn't really know how incredibly lucky/blessed I really am. I could only fathom a very small portion. I have so much to be grateful for, and instead of telling you all about my past week, I am just going to make a list of things that I am SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR:

1. My life. I am so blessed to be here today. It is amazing

 how one experience can change your outlook on

 even the simple things like having more time here.

2. My family. I am so grateful that families can be forever,

 and that my family will be together forever. With that, I am 

grateful for the temple and my ability to go there often.

3. Isaac DeMar Wood. I can't even explain this one. 

The impact he has had on my life is not even explainable. Even though

 I haven't seen him in 18 months, the impact he has on me continues to 

grow. I am a better person because this man loves me.

4. Miracles.

5. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no idea

 where I would be without it. It means the world to me.

6. My jobs. In this economy, there are so many that don't

 even have one job, and I am lucky enough to have two. To help me

 pay for college, and also all of the things along the way that come up.

7. My loving Father in Heaven. Who knows me, loves me

 unconditionally, and is always watching out for me.

8. My parents. My dad is the most incredible man ever.

 He would do absolutely anything for me, and he loves 

me so much. My mom is amazing, and does 

a lot for me. I love them both so much.

9. America. Not only am I grateful for it, but I am grateful to live here. 

There are so many freedoms that I have that I have taken for granted in the

 past, that so many men and women have fought to protect. I am also

 grateful for the founding fathers, and that they were led and 

guided to write an amazing document such as the Constitution.

10. The power of prayer. Not only am I grateful that I can pray 

to my Heavenly Father, I am also grateful that He answers 

our prayers with so much power behind them.

 

One year, six months

 One year and six months ago last night, I said "see you soon" to my best friend. I cannot believe that it has been that long. I love him more today than I did yesterday, and everyday before. And I will love him more tomorrow than I did today. This song is definitely right, I have been falling into so many memories and things I used to do with my sweet boy. And what is even better, the future holds so many more memories and fun things to look forward to.