Kalista

I've been working on some portraiture and was doing film photo yesterday but ended up doing some digital as well, and this is how they turned out. I'm thrilled with the results :)

Expressing Thankfulness [Day 14]

Today is an especially good day. I just love it. I'm grateful for one of my best friends who got called to the Alpine German speaking mission - I'm grateful for his upbeat and happy attitude all the time. Love this kid :)

Expressing Thankfulness [Day 13]

Well, I'm not staying caught up very well, but I would like to express gratitude for my institute classes. They're freaking awesome. Mission prep AND Teachings of Joseph Smith. It's so fascinating. I love all of the spiritual uplifting that I get from them. They're magical. I also love the people that I have met at school. They definitely make it worth going to.

Today I'm especially grateful for Clayton and the intellectual conversations we have (haha, if you could call them that) and the merciless teasing even though we've only been friends for a short while. I enjoy listening to his opinion and look forward to getting to know him better. Granted, I can't answer a lot of his questions - but I enjoy his company nonetheless.

I also love Scott - we're like BFFs. He sits in front of me in my Joseph Smith class. My ginormously tall friend has the sweetest smile and always makes my day when I see him. He's just fun to mess around with. I know you'll get married some day Scott ;)

Of course there's Devin. He sits next o me in my Joseph Smith class. He shared his candy with me today. And I can't forget to mention the cheesy grin on my face when he shared his Sour Patch Watermelon candy with me today. It was fantastic! :D

And last, but definitely not least, there's Lexi, who I've been friends with forever - we finally have a class together! Mission prep! Yay! :) We even joined it around the same time. It was fantastic. And I'm looking forward to going into the MTC with her next week as an investigator. It'll be an amazing experience, I already know it.

Now I'm going to go and suffer through some homework and quite possibly work out how I'm possibly going to work full time now that I have a new job. Woo. Wish me luck.

Expressing Thankfulness [Day 2]

Today I'd like to express gratitude to my friends who always make me better and love me for who I am. Especially when we laugh uncontrollably at movies or when we get together and just make memories - kind of like trespassing while longboarding and hiding from them like a two-year-old in a grocery store. You guys are seriously so wonderful and without you, my life would be boring. You rock :)

Oh, and if you haven't had the chance to go see "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", you need to. That is all :)

(Don't worry if you're picture isn't here, I love you all the same. These are just the pictures that I have on my computer currently :))

Expressing Thankfulness [Day 1]

Today I am grateful for my ability to find the good in people. I played a game (and am continuing to play) on Facebook and the main idea is for someone to send a random number of their choice to my inbox on Facebook and I post a status using that number to write to them. The idea is to tell them the good things about them. It's fun because it forces me to think in a certain way and sometimes it's hard for me, so I like to find the good in people and share it with them. Some friends I've known for a long time and I some I don't know as well, but I still did my best to be genuine.

Here are a few things I said about some people:

5,000,000,000: hey there little brother :) you are so fun and spunky and are always looking for a new adventure. You're so lively and wonderfully fantastic and I love all of your witty jokes. They make me giggle. I wish we lived a little bit closer so that we could hang out more often, but of course you are closer than you used to be :) miss you booger :)

13: Well, we've had our ups and downs in the last few months, but they were all worth it. I love how close we are and I love spending time with you. I'm sorry I've been so crazy lately. You've been a good friend to me and I love you. I love that you're so open with me and that you're so comfortable around me. I also love how funny you are and when I get you on those random tangents about things that you love. It's fun getting you to talk a lot because it doesn't happen very often. I also love that you're so spunky and full of life when you wanna be. It's magnificent. I love that you're so passionate about what you love and you treasure those that you love. You're incredible. Never forget it :)

2: You are, no joke, one of the FUNNIEST people I have ever met. And by far the best story teller. How do I know this? Because of how you made our ENTIRE group of like 20 people bust up laughing and die while rolling on the floor because we were all laughing so hard at your stories. One of the best dates ever. You always have a smile on and are doing your best to make everyone around you feel better when they're down. You are a sweetheart. You are going to be a wonderful missionary. Always remember to keep smiling and lifting others up, because that's what you do best. Love you kiddo :)

3212333: First of all, what you wrote about me - you SERIOUSLY made my day. In fact, you made my week. Nope, scratch that, my LIFE. That is seriously what I hope everyone will see in me. Of course I say stupid things sometimes, but I'm only human. Okay, this status isn't about me, it's about you. Whenever I think about you or see a post written by you on Facebook, I always subconsciously wish that we were better friends. I watched you all through high school wishing that I had gotten to know you better, but the opportunity just never came up. We never crossed paths much, but I know that people look up to you. I don't know what kind of challenges that you've overcome in your life thus far, but I can tell that you didn't make it to this point in your life by giving up. Keep on smiling and remember who you really are. Thanks for looking for and seeing the best in me (and everyone else around you). You are absolutely wonderful. If you ever need anything, I'm here for you, even if you just want to talk :)

 

Now with this girl ^^^, I need to post what she wrote about me, because well... you'll just have to read it...

 

7: You mentioned that we don't know each other very well. You're right - but let me share with you what I do know about you. You want to be good; you have a desire to be good and to spread good. You are one of the least judgmental people I know. You're friends with so many people; so many entirely different groups of people who are all so diverse. You have goodness within you that attracts so many others because you make them feel welcomed and good about themselves. I think you are darling. Thank you for accepting me.

 

Doesn't that just make your day? I almost started crying and the amazing thing with that, is that I hardly ever cry. I mean, I cry a lot more than I used to, but I usually don't get too emotional in that way. I don't know how you feel about people cloggin up your newsfeed with a bunch of random people that you don't know who they are, but in all seriousness, it's better than that crap that people have been posting now-a-days. It's positive, uplifting and I am so grateful for that. The more time we spend on being positive and optimistic, the less time we have for being negative and destructive of others. I'd say it's a good trade.

 

"If you look for the good in people, you'll find it."

Switching Roles

Tonight is kind of weird. I should be studying for my Art History Exam tomorrow... but I'm not. I know, I'm sUUUper disciplined. I'll just be glad to have this test done and over with.

So you're probably wondering why tonight is weird... well, it's not because of procrastinating... it's cause I'm emotionally unstable currently. I need to get myself in check! It would just be nice if a certain someone would just go on his mission already. Yep, that would be good. Then I could more fully focus on mine. That would be nice. But he helped me work through things. And he helped me feel better. It was weird because usually I'm the one comforting him... odd. We definitely switched roles tonight. The world is turning upside-down my friends. Run for your lives!

Three Hours Worth of Waiting

I woke up to a text message this morning from my good friend, Kiara. She asked what I was up to today and said that I had something going on this evening but just planned on lounging around the house for the rest of the day. She then asked if I wanted to go to the temple. Of course I said yes and asked her what time she wanted me to come and pick her up. She said 9:30. Brilliant. I went to pick her up at her apartment in Provo and we headed over to the Provo temple. We were expecting to have to wait for a bit, but I did NOT anticipate the morning ahead. When we got there, we went downstairs and got our jumpsuits. I started heading to the locker room when they stopped me and told me that there was another room full of kids waiting to do baptisms.

They took us around the corner where there was a small chapel that was about halfway full and they were all singing hymns. AWESOME. I'm glad that we could sing while we were waiting. After a few hymns, someone else needed the room, so they transferred us over to the cafeteria to sing while we waited. It was magical and the little old lady that was there was so feisty. I told Kiara that I wanted to be like her someday :)

After a little over an hour, it was our turn to go into the locker rooms to change. We then came out and waited to do confirmations. That only took about 20 minutes, but then we waited another hour and a half probably to get into the baptistry. Kiara decided that we were in there for about 3 hours. Was it worth it to only do 2 confirmations and 3 baptisms? Absolutely. Anything to help.

I find it to be a bit frustrating when people (like the ones that left early) are frustrated with the long wait. Well, in all honesty, I make it a big deal to not go to the temple unless you have the time to be there and to be there patiently. If you're in a hurry, you tend to focus more on where you are going to be rather than where you are. It's okay to go other places; we're all busy people in this busy world, but the temple is a place for peace and NOT contention.

While I was waiting to perform the ordinances, I sang, read out of the Book of Mormon, pondered, meditated, prayed. . .all of which are great things to do. So if you're in need of some great pondering and meditation and are more than willing to be patient, Saturday is a great day to go to the Provo temple. :)

A List of Gratitude

This is what I'm grateful for from yesterday:

I got to. . .

• sleep in.
• write a blog post about Elder Erekson.
• do my scripture study in the morning (which I've been working on)!
• pick up the chub and head on over to the campus.
• get my textbook reading done for the week.
• go to class and sit next to my twin, Hannah :)
• finish my homework and go eat lunch at Sensuous and chat with one of my childhood besties, Lexi, while doing so.
• go pick up Drew, take him home, and rush to my house to hurry and gather everything for a photo shoot.
• take pictures of the most wonderful family EVER, the Youngs (here's a sneak peek) :)

 

 

Aren't they wonderful looking? I thought so :)

 

• Then I was able to enjoy dinner with them and their kids. It was delicious... I'm kind of wishing now that I hadn't given my leftovers to Dad when I got home last night... ah well. What's eaten is eaten. I won't ask for it back!

So I would vote that yesterday was a successful day and all in good company. As for today... I would consider it equally as brilliant. Today I...

• had a midterm in my English class and it was pure extra credit. 29 points of extra credit and I got to choose which category the 29 points went in to and divide it however I wanted. It was freaking sweet!
• got to sit and chat with Hannah, cause let's be honest, she's my favorite, before my history class. It's so great :)
• got to listen to a lecture in my American Civ class about Mormons. The teacher told us that no one was allowed to proselyte during class. I laughed because that sounds like something I might consider doing. Okay, maybe not so much preach, but of course correct. ;)
• got to hang out with Brit and Kinz for a little bit. After my last class and before institute I headed over to the grandparents where they were hanging out and started making spoon rings with them. (Shh... don't tell grandma we used her old silverware ;)) And just a shout out to Neal for helping us. I can't wait to see how they turned out!
• went to Institute. I'm currently in a class called "Teachings of Joseph Smith" and let me tell ya, it's freaking awesome. I love it. Sometimes it's hard to go, but it's worth it every time.
• signed up for TWO more institute classes. I feel as though the adversaries are fighting against me since I've been proclaiming my desire to serve a mission. Therefore, I shall fight back. Go. Fight. Win. I signed up for "Teachings of Thomas S. Monson" and it only seemed appropriate to sign up for a missionary prep class. Besides, every mission prep class is different and the one that my stake offers is only once a month. A girl needs a little more than that.
• picked up the Drewmeister, took him home, and then made my way to the temple with my lovely neighbors. It's such a blessing to go every week. And it's super hilarious whenever they call Dallin "Sister" Openshaw. Seriously, at least four times in the past two weeks. It never fails. It was the funniest when the elder said it in the prayer without realizing it during the confirmation. Seriously, I had to cover my mouth because I was barely able to hold in the giggles. Of course after the prayer, both his sisters, as well as myself, busted into laughter and they asked what was wrong and joined in our laughter with us. They then redid the prayer, but seriously, SO funny.
• got to see one of my best friends before he got set apart as a missionary. I rushed over there after the temple in order to catch him before he left. I knocked on the door and when they said to come in, I rushed in to meet Izak and ask if he had been set apart yet. When he said no, I rushed to give him a hug. Seriously, the best hug ever. I'm going back later in order to visit with him, along with other friends, but gah, I'm gonna miss him so much. He's my first CLOSE close friend that is leaving. It's so hard, but it's totally worth it. So about an hour ago, I got my last hug from Elder Erekson for more than 2 years (because I won't get home from my mish till a few months (give or take) after him). Love you buddy.

Dear Elder Erekson. . . (A Tribute/Condensed Memory Book)

Disclaimer: Because there are so many pictures, I only included the ones with Elder Erekson in them. Of course there may be a few others if I felt they were important, but I had to minimize. . .

Dear Elder Erekson,

Oh, how the years have FLOWN by. I remember going through elementary school thinking you were weird but really smart. Then in 8th grade I laughed at you because you knew where every hymn was in the hymn book. The summer after 8th grade is when I feel like we really started becoming friends and then we just hit it off really well and since then, I can't even imagine what I would do without you! I don't even know where to start. . .

So, remember in 9th grade when you and Craig ran for president and vice president in the last election? I seriously think that you should have won. . .

 

Remember when we all dressed in the same color for election day.
Thanks for photo bombing our really nice picture Alex. . . haha

Don't forget all the cheesy campaign posters :)

 

And remember when I took a TON of pictures at choir concerts festivals? We had way too much fun, let me tell ya. . .

 



Haha, okay, random memory - do you remember me wanting to use your bowtie as a bow in my hair and you thought it was weird because then that would mean we were "dating"? HAHA, sorry, I randomly remembered that, and found it to be hilarious!

Oh and please don't forget about walking home together. We always had a blast with that :)

 

And let's not forget your love of cats. . .

 

And of course your "high" voice. . . (this video is golden).

 

 

OH! And remember when you, Jordan and I went bowling? THAT was fun times and you totally kicked butt! :)

 

 

 And remember when the field outside was completely untouched still and you, Kallie and I went and played in it? Heck to the yes!

 

 

And of course don't forget about some of the best days of our lives! The end of freshman year: sad, but good. :)

 

I have a video that goes along with this picture, but it kind of
drags on forever, so I decided that the picture would suffice :)

 

Oh, and remember when I used to steal your glasses and pretend like I was taking cool pictures? I really wasn't. I look like an idiot... haha!

 

 

Remember when you filmed this and took these photos? :)

This was definitely the good life.

 

 

 

Please don't forget about these :)

 

 

Stake dances were a blast!

 

 

So it currently just crashed my computer and deleted a whole bunch of stuff, so here's a condensed version of what I just did... #frustratedbeyondbelief

 

Here I am jumping to high school, which I need to condense anyways or else it will take me DAYS to finish. Haha, there are just so many memories!

 

Sophomore Year:

 

Your Obsession with the Beatles:

 

 

Geneva Carnivals and monstrous amounts of food!

 

 

 

Coincidental Color Coordination :)

 

 

Alex's House

 

 

 Our very first Spirit Bowl!

 

 

Don't forget the various football games:

 

 

 

Junior Year:

 

Of course, the one thing I remember the most of us is Homecoming. Not only was it my first dance date, but I was lucky enough for YOU to take me. It was marvelous. And we take pretty awesome pictures if you ask me :)

 

 

 

Remember how I didn't want to wash my hair till
right before the dance to do my hair and so my hair
was still green for the day date from the game the
night before? Yeah, I remember that... :)

 

Haha, this picture makes me laugh every
time I see it. And it's hanging up in my bedroom
as well. It's just epic.

 

 

Our senior year, we didn't do anything extravagent together, but that doesn't mean that it has to be discredited at all (even if I don't have nearly as many pictures than from years past) :)

 

 

 

I'm gonna miss you buddy. Have fun in Mexico and I hope that I'll be able to write to you and support you. I wish you the best of luck and I love all the fun times we've had and the wonderful memories we've made. You seriously have influenced my life for the better.

 

P.S. Here are a few more things that I didn't have pictures for that are definitely worth mentioning:

 

Remember when we made a private blog to send messages through? I wish we still did that, but obviously that's not gonna work out now. I guess we'll just have to communicate through snail mail! It's the best kind anyways. It's authentic ;)

 

And remember when you asked me to Homecoming through the blog with bold letters? And I didn't catch on until Kallie said something about it? How did I respond anyways? Or did I? I actually don't think I did!!!! GAH! I'm a terrible friend! If I did please remind me...

 

Remember when you, Kallie and I went to the movies for my 15th birthday? I had just gotten my braces on and I could only have a smoothie, but I bought you guys a sandwich and then we walked down to the dollar theater. And then remember the picture (that I have evidentally lost) where you and Kallie were both in Orem and Provo. Obviously we were so cool.

 

And don't forget about riding the bus every day in 10th grade. That was always a party :)

 

 

And one more picture of us, just for good measure :)

 

(insert picture of us the night before you leave - here)

 

I'm sure that there are plenty more memories that I didn't mention, but I'm sure that this will more than suffice. I love you buddy. Remember that God is mindful of you and that he loves you more than anything. See you in two years (give or take, considering I'll be leaving on my mission within the next year as well). Til we meet again,

Love, Savanna <3 font="font">