EFY: "Might Be"

This week was amazing! I always think it can't get better and it does! Each week I learn how to teach better and get to know my youth even more. I'm completely in awe of these kids. They know how to have fun and do it in a way that is in line with the spirit.

Banner/Cheer off/Games Night

Ashley's Birthday CakeMe and the co co's Aimee Jo, and Kip Aimee Jo and her girls

Just the counselors being awesome

Me and my lovely girls

Kip and the boys GQ-ing it

Just some new things I learned this last week...

• Your life experiences are more interesting then random peoples stories
• 8 girls cannot even finish 3 pizza's
• Kids like to be in their element when they teach
• The green fan rocks my socks
• I LoVe ASL (I re-learned how to do my abc's)
• Straightening my hair is a waste of time
• Yay for Polka Dots
• Cruiser duty is the best!
• Set an alarm for head count
• John Hilton the III is basically awesome
• Girl drama doesn't have to be drama if you don't give it attention
• My brain has a limit when it comes to learning new names...
• Pray, pray, pray
• Getting to bed on time will make a world of difference
• I still can't do the PB&J properly
• Slow dancing is over rated
• Dance duty is bomb
• Using different kinds of media for devotional is fantastic
• I can live off Wheat Thins and Beef Jerky
• Dasani water is the best water
• Uncrustables are still gross
• Wear aviators and Converse and your instantly cool
• Sticky notes and note cards are a must have
• Everybody loves colored pens
• It's a small world after all

This week was basically magic. I wouldn't say it was better than past weeks, but it definitely was a lot of fun. Only three more weeks left, my heart is already breaking a little on the inside. I sometimes wish I could do this all the time... then I remember I would die of lack of sleep, but the desire is still there. I love teaching and realizing the words that flow out of my mouth are often not mine. I love seeing the image of Christ in my girls countenance as the week progresses. I love listening to their insights and learning how far ahead they are of me in spiritual maturity. I love seeing the change of heart they have. I love seeing them excited to read their scriptures. I love listening to their testimonies and having mine strengthened in the process. I do wish I could do this all the time, and then I realized I get to do 18 months of this. The desire I have to go on my mission has intensified 10 fold. The urgency I feel to have my papers in is surmounting. I'm excited more than words or pictures can express :)

Manti, Miracles, and Midnight

Notice: This is me being a slacker blogger and attempting to catch up :) A few weeks ago, my wardies and I trekked it down to Manti to watch The Mormon Miracle Pageant. This awesome two hour event takes place on the hill of the Manti Temple in Ephraim County where people from all over come to enjoy music, history, and culture.


The Mormon Miracle Pageant takes place on the hill seen here where locals re-create history. With stories intertwining from Joseph Smith, to Samuel the Lamenite, and a sweet story of Robert and Mary. It was really fun. I haven't seen the pageant in full since I was really little and couldn't remember hardly anything. Despite the fact that I laughed a little at some of the dancing and funny moments with the pre recorded audio it was a great activity.




Some of highlights of the trip:

• Learning how to play contact
• "Kick trash yo... did that just happen?"
• Having the torrential rain stop minutes before we arrived, a true miracle
• Playing jello in Casey's back seat
• Rocking out to Weezer for over 100 miles
• Hanging out with Besties, Wardies, and Roomies :)

Ode to the lost Chaco

The other day started out as most weekdays do. I arose in the morning slightly late for work. Clearly, I wasn't particularly excited to be working a 10 hour shift, go figure. However I managed to make it to work on time by skipping breakfast. By lunch time I was about ready to die of starvation and thought Noodles and Company sounded delicious... So naturally during my lunch break I went. I parked my car and proceeded to walk in to Noodles and Co but suddenly stopped dead in my tracks when I saw what I had parked in front of, there sitting in the bush of the parking median was a size 12 mens Z/1 Vibram Unaweep Cactus Chaco sitting in a bush.

If you look closely at the bottom of the picture you can see me in my Z/2 Unaweep Black Chaco's :)

I tell you no lie, there it sat. My eyes searched feverishly for it's match in the surrounding area but came up fruitless. My heart broke a little inside for the owner of this poor lost Chaco. These babies retail at a cool $94.95, making this single Chaco worth $47.48! I snapped a quick picture and walked away from the poor lost Chaco, suddenly not as hungry as before. A real Chaco tragedy.

Why I'm a Daddy's Girl

My dad is basically the best dad in the world. I know, I know, your thinking, 'Sara your a little biased'. But truly my dad is the greatest, what an amazing example he has been to me for 21 years. The world could use more people like my father. Growing up my dad taught me many things, some of which I hold invaluable. The precious moments I have with him will always be cherished.

What I love to do with my dad

• play golf
• go to California
• be at the beach
• go on drives
• watch Jazz games
• walk along the coast
• special time ;)

What I love about my dad

1. He tells me "I'm proud of you." The 2nd sweetest words a daughter can here.
2. He gives the best hugs.
3. My dad is definitely a lifter, not a leaner. I've leaned on him many times in my life.
4. He is generous with all aspects of his life; time, money and talents.
5. He's an amazing teacher, whether its a church lesson, life lesson, or his example.
6. He is always willing to compliment me when I succeed.
7. My dad is a great conversationalist and gives honest and valuable advice.
8. Dad can find the positive side and laugh when times get rough.
9. He's never made me feel stupid, embarrassed, or humiliated at my expense.
10. I never questioned if my dad loved me. He tells me "I love you" everyday. The sweetest words a daughter can here.
    

What my dad has taught me through love

• Traveling with family is one of the most valuable uses of your time
• Mercedes Benz suck and Toyota's never die
• You should always be progressing in life
• It's always best to swallow your pride and apologize first, no matter whose fault it
• Prayer and scripture study are a vital part of everyday
• Speak kindly and speak softly
• Love can be unconditional
• It’s okay to cry
• The gospel
• Conserve in everything you use
• Be patient with those who are not patient with you
• Always have a Book of Mormon on hand
• Making goals, striving to achieve them, and attaining them
• Read as much as you can
• Attend the temple as much as possible
• Always say I love you
  

My dad has been one of the greatest examples in my life and one of my biggest heroes. I hope to be more like him some day. I'm grateful to have him as my father and as my friend. Happy Father's Day. I love you dad.

EFY: "Judges"

WEEK TWO

Games night and our lovely banner.
My gorgeous and MODEST girls.
My studly and stunning boys.
Me and the co co's (Jac and Paul).

Not even going to lie, my second week was pretty amazing! EFY is such a spectacular experience. I'm learning more than I ever imagined and I feel like it is awesome preparation for life in general. Not only am I learning from the session director and the teachers, but I'm learning from my peers, my co counselors, and my youth! These kids are so amazing. I never imagined what this experience would entail but its definitely better than anything I expected. Some things I learned this week.

• do not tell your 14 and 15 year old girls your REAL counselor crush
• Mormon kids love their slow dances
• who knew boys actually liked to slow dance
• 9 girls cannot eat 4 pizza's.... impossible
• its good to be prepared to teach, but even better to be prepared to testify
• it really does hurt when boys step on your feet in a slow dance
• dance duty really isn't fun
• a flower in your hair makes all the difference
• uncrustables are gross
• water is still the elixir of life
• chaco's are bomb
• sticky notes are basically magical
• when your stressed, praying is the best possible solution
• prayer works
• sometimes no matter how much hand sanitizer you use, people still get sick
• a camera is a priceless investment
• Jonas Brothers is like instant bonding music
• spandex rocks
• I love efy more than I ever thought possible

Currently I only have two more sessions of EFY for the rest of the summer and I'm a little more than slightly heart broken. Even though its the most exhausting job I wish I could be there all the time. I hope I get more. Cross your fingers!

The whole company :)

EFY: "Do Not Suppose"

WEEK ONE

All the studly boys

Jackie and me looking excitedMike and the company playing lightening

Me and my co co's (Mike and Jackie) Me and my girls :)

So this past week was my first week and boy was it a doosy! Full of good times, little sleep, and HUGE scissors... some of my favorite things this week.

• my co counselors rocked


• my girls were awesome
  
• I loved the cannon center
  
• Helamen Halls are where its at


• aviators are officially the coolest


• lightening and jump are awesome games


• loosing keys isn't fun


• getting 4 hours of sleep for 7 days straight is not good


• 14 and 15 year olds like to hold hands


• there is such a thing as too much dancing


• 4 carrots and a bottle of ranch is not nutrious


• otter pops are miracle workers


• water is the elixor of life


• everyone knows the words to Miley Cyrus' songs


• I still hate wearing khakis, darn oly jr.
  

This week was really so much fun. I had a great group and we all had a really good time together, I hope to stay in touch with my girls. This next week should flow a little smoother since now I know what I'm doing... I hope ;)

Shooting Stars and Magic

At first look my third floor balcony has very little appeal. It looks over the back ally of a bookstore. Next to the book store there is an auto body shop that often makes awful noises at early hours in the morning. Across the street from the auto body shop is a Sinclair gas station. Electric wires are strewn every which way from our roof to the auto body shop, making it look like a blind bird’s worst nightmare.

But first looks can be deceiving.

I wouldn’t trade my balcony for anybody’s in the complex. I think it’s a special balcony, dare I say even magical. My balcony is jetted out more than any other apartment in the building giving it quite a bit of seclusion. If you can look over the Sinclair station and past all the other buildings, there is a great view of the mountains and sunset. At night the moon rests just above as a personal nightlight for the balcony.

My favorite part…

At night before the ally street lights come on my neighbor’s horizontal antenna catches the lights of passing cars giving off the effect of a shooting star in the corner of your eye. In fact, it’s so believable as a shooting star that every time a car drives by I look to the shiny black antenna thinking it must be a real shooting star. And every time I’m shocked to see the piece of black metal in the air instead of a dark blue sky with burning stars.

It's definitely magic. Make a wish.