And She Lived Happily...

We're getting away soon...

2012-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

...and going here!

I am so excited! We're getting away in honor of Valentine's Day. This is a little 400 square foot cabin in the woods, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was having fun on groupon.com just browsing the getaway deals, and came across this one! It is a modern cabin, with rustic touches throughout, sleeps 4, and has all the amenities you could ask for in a home, but it's tucked away in a beautiful grove of trees.

What I like about it is we are only paying half the price because our good friends, the Lefoll's are joining us. They are so fun, we love them so much. Also, it's only an hour and a half away from Rexburg, and the cabin is just 10 minutes from downtown Jackson. It's going to be a relaxing weekend filled with hikes, and cocoa, and sleeping, lounging, smores, sledding, boardgames, hottubbing, and whatever else we feel like.

I'll take pictures, and post them later...

Mickey shaped scones - Its what's for dinner

2012-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

New Young Family tradition - - fried scones in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head. What's better than bread? Fried bread. What's better than fried bread? Fried bread shaped into a famous friendly rodent! That paired with homemade honey butter, and you can't go wrong! It's delicious and nutritious --scratch that. It's just delicious.

Honey Butter Recipe

1/2 cup real butter

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup powdered sugar

The powdered sugar makes a world of a difference to the consistency and taste of the honey butter. I got this recipe from my favorite cookbook, Our Best Bites - Mormon Moms in the Kitchen. It is inspired by a popular recipe blog by Sara Wells and Katie Jones. I got my book autographed by them when I bought it at the BYU-I bookstore. It was so neat to meet them.

What I like about this cookbook is that there is a picture for EVERY recipe, they give you great tips and serving suggestions, and the recipes are just more simplified and more reasonable to make than other fancier cookbooks. I've given one to my mom, sister, and sister-in-law, just to give you a clue on how much I love it!

Thoughts On Love and Butterflies

2012-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

photo by Laura

I was pondering about love and marriage today in the car, and I thought I might as well send a blog out into cyberspace about it. I'm no expert, seeing as I've only been with Derek for 3 1/2 years as opposed to 20+, but I have had a realization -- about butterflies. To experience the feeling of "butterflies" in your stomach is one of the most exhilarating, nauseating, and thrilling of all experiences! It's the precursor to love. What an extraordinary feeling of whimsy! You are happy, and your heart is pounding and you can't stop smiling. It is one of the best feelings there is.

However...

When I was in Young Women's I distinctly remember a fireside given to the youth by our bishop, Bishop Myers, about chastity. I'll never forget what he said. He was giving a statistic about "butterflies" in one's stomach. Apparently, it had been studied and determined that that feeling of butterflies in regards to one's mate last no longer than 5 years. Wait...5 years? What a let down! As a teenager, this was devastating news. Butterflies were all I knew! And they were great, and I loved them, and I didn't want them to go away.

Well, as I had mentioned previously, I've been with Derek 3 1/2 years, and I can already say the swarm of butterflies that there once was have settled down to a gentle flutter. But that's OK because, you know what? They've been replaced with something even better -- a truer, more honest kind of love. The feelings I had for Derek when we were first dating were sweet and sincere, but they have grown into deep feelings, that are all consuming, and powerful. He is my eternal companion! We will be together always, and I know our devotion for each other will continue to grow as the years go by.

Of course, I think we all still get butterflies on occasion, like sometimes when Derek smiles at me in a certain moment, or when he comes home from work, but even if they do go away, that's ok. That's not what love is about.

Mmm Cheese

2012-01-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

I've had a craving lately for cheese, but not just any cheese...fake cheese! You know that glossy, thick cheese, that has a little kick to it! I don't care if its velveeta, queso dip or that yellow stuff you buy at Taco Bell, I love it all! I know, technically it's not "fake", but you've got to admit, it has a plastic quality to it. But I don't care, and neither do the millions of other fake cheese fans. My gosh, they've built a whole cheesy empire from that stuff! I don't know about you, but I'm lovin' it!

Of course, I can appreciate a variety of different cheeses. I recently prepared a leafy salad of candied pecans, dried cranberries, and feta. Or when I put together a cheese and fruit platter I've used muenster, gouda, and pepperjack. And if you haven't tried it already, combine gruyere, asiago and cheddar for homemade mac and cheese. You'll love it!

Man, I'm in cheese heaven just thinking about it!

A new year has begun

2012-01-03T18:49:00.001-08:00

I've got a feeling there are some wonderful things in store for us in 2012. 2012...I can't believe how fast the past 23 years have gone by. I remember 12 years ago on New Years Eve 2000, my childhood friend, Mindy Fletcher and I stayed up til midnight creating choreography to the song from Disney's "Tarzan". I don't remember what song it was, but it still feels like yesterday. Of course, everyone had been talking about the end of the world, and I think I was just a tad anxious to see what would happen when the clock stroke 12. But nothing happened, there was just a bunch of pots and pans banging, kazoos, and some fireworks you could see from our front room window. Fun memories.

This year Derek and I will graduate college. I'm really proud of myself for making it this far. School is tough, and that's no lie. I've been very challenged by the classes I've taken for my exercise physiology major. I guess there's a lot more to exercise than meets the eye. ;) But it really has been a huge blessing to learn. I can apply so much of what I've learned about how to exercise effectively to mine and my family's lives.

Although school has been important, I am most excited to move away from Rexburg and begin the life I've always dreamed of - being a wife and mother. I can't wait to be able to have the time and means to really make a home for Derek. I want to expand my cooking knowledge, to practice, and create and buy groceries! Oh groceries! Why are you so expensive? I am excited to be able to buy nice ingredients. haha, I am a nerd.

I also want to eventually get an online degree in interior design here.

I've always been drawn to beautiful things in all artistic venues, but I think I've found a love for designing rooms. I guess I love the idea of the power of good interior design. You know it works when you walk into a room, and it is able to change how you feel, whether its a romantic table scape set with beautiful linens and candlelight, or a light and breezy bedroom with lots of natural light, perhaps a comfy sheepskin rug. I could go on and on. On that note, here are some curtains that I just adore...

photo found here

Derek and I would love to purchase a home. It's been so fun looking at homes online, discussing what we like, what's important to us, what we could do or change. It will be small, no doubt, and maybe old, probably a fixer upper, but it will be OURS. We will truly be living the dream when we can have our own house to do whatever we want with, to make sweet memories in, and perhaps invite a little one into.

These are my thoughts. It's good to put them down somewhere. It is quite therapeutic, actually. I'll post again soon.

Part 3

2011-05-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Honeymoon!

I am truly ashamed of myself at how long it has taken me to post. I have no good excuses. Perhaps laziness, busyness or maybe indifference. My life has not ended after marriage, although I am sure it appears that way by my dramatic halt in blog posts. It is quite the contrary though. After marriage, I kind of feel my life has finally begun. Derek and I are often saying how much we love our lives and that it is the happiest we both have ever been. And I know it's the kind of happiness that only comes through making sacred covenants in the House of the Lord to your sweetheart. We feel so blessed!

Anyway, so here it is...the Honeymoon pictures! Was it real? It seemed too good to be real. But here's the proof!

When we were dating, Derek and I wrote each other "promise" notes about respecting each other and our bodies and promising to be good and chaste when together. We kept these "signed documents" in our wallets. Well, morning after the wedding night...we decided to rip them up!!

It was SO fun!!

Our first couple days of our honeymoon were spent in downtown Portland. Neither of us had spent much time in that amazing City, so it was great to see what it had to offer.Saturday Market, Voodoo Doughnuts, The Melting Pot Restaurant.

We flew to Florida for our Disney cruise through the Bahamas. This is a view from our room of the Hyatt. We loved watching the busy people in the airport.

Our first glimpse of the boat. We were so excited!

We went on a tour of a Butterfly farm in Key West. I really wanted to do it. Derek was a good sport :)

Check the sign. Neat, huh?

We took a napkin folding class

We participated in a roller derby. We were given wheels, a potato and a carrot. Look what we made!! We didn't win the race but we won buttons for the best name - the Mechanickeys (Mickey/Mechanics)

Towel art -- we still have no idea what that is

Escargot, anyone?

No booze for us, just chocolate milk :)

Oo sexy!

Unlimited soft serve, 24/7! One of our favorite places.

And they lived happily... where to next? Derek, if you're reading this, how about Fiji 2020?!

Part 2

2010-09-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Wedding

On August 14th, 2010, Derek and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Temple. It was one of the most spiritual and emotional experiences I've ever had. I'm his and he's mine forever and always! He is my sweetheart and I love him so much. Here are a few pics from that happy day:

We are very happy together :)

Wedding Trifecta: Part 1

2010-08-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Reception

Although it was a whirlwind, mine and Derek's wedding reception seemed to go off without a hitch! It was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious (well, what food I tasted) , but most importantly Derek and I were surrounded by our friends and family who love us and were supporting us.

It was beautiful. :) Thanks , Mom and Dad.

Mothers Are Special

2010-07-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

My mom is a pretty special lady. But I wouldn't say that it is her advanced scrap-booking skills, her knack for aesthetics, her consistent thirst for knowledge or her eloquent way with words that makes her so special. Those are good things too. My mom is special to me, because she is just that, my "mom".

Lately, I have been needing her help more than ever in planning a wedding. I know that this is no easy task and I wish that I could be there to help. But If you know my mom, you know that she will put her whole heart into something, especially if it is for her loved ones. She will research, plan , budget, organize, prepare and plan some more. She knows how to work. What a wonderful thing to feel her support and love for me, even though we are miles apart.

My mom gives her time as an expression of her love. She always has. I can't tell you how many times growing up my mom has stopped what she was doing to here about some story from school, or test score, or unfortunate event, or crazy idea I have had. I could always count on her to provide not only a listening ear, but an interested one as well. In that way, my mom is my best friend.

So, even though I've taken my flight from the "nest" and am making a home of my own, it's comforting to know that there will always be a place where I can go to feel loved, to feel wanted, and appreciated; that's home with my mom.

My 8:00am class was cancelled

2010-06-17T07:44:00.001-07:00

according to the note on the door. I love it when our professors surprise us like that. I know he is sick, so I really shouldn't be celebrating, but he really has given us all a gift. What would've been a 1 1/2 hour class is now free time. I'm already up and dressed so going home to sleep is out of the question. I am here at the library, reading emails, printing papers, looking at blogs, and what'd ya know, blogging myself!

Although my life is busy and full of responsibilities and callings and classes, I am so happy to be here. I know that I will look back on this place, BYU-I, with very fond memories. I need to cherish it. I only have 4 more semesters left of college, and then I will get my Bachelors in Exercise Physiology. That is so cool! What a blessing to be able to get an education! I am a lucky woman.

At the end of my yoga class, there is a relaxing and rejuvenating segment where my students lay flat on their backs, concentrating on their breathing, and think of positive and happy thoughts, allowing the stress in their lives to melt away. I dim the lights and turn up the music and they are in their own little happy world. Last class, I suggested they say a gratitude prayer for the blessings in their lives. I would suggest everyone try it every once in awhile. It really brings your life back into focus.
:)

It's a great day to celebrate

2010-06-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Laura's Birthday!

Laura is creative, beautiful, fun, funny, a great mother, thoughtful, interesting and interested, and she has a great sense of style. She is so COOL. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we all kind of wish we were more like Laura :)

Happy Birthday! What are you, 29?...

I have some news...

2010-06-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am engaged to be married, and to a wonderful man! Derek proposed and I said yes :)

This looks pretty much exactly like my ring.

He took me on a beautiful afternoon walk down a cement nature path in Rexburg. We took a detour and settled on a bridge that is also a train track and sat down on a blanket looking at a the river below. It was beautiful. He then handed me a gift (by this time I knew what was coming). I unwrapped it and it was a beautiful hardbound Shutterfly picture book. The first page were portraits of Derek and I and then a letter he wrote to me...this is where the crying began.

After I read the letter i enjoyed pages of pictures of us as children, teenagers and adults as well as a collage of pictures of us on our many adventures the past several months. He also asked a lot of our family what they love about me and dedicated a page for that...so sweet :) The last section was dedicated to the many inanimate object pictures he has been collecting for months. About 7 months ago there was a popular commercial on TV of random objects that formed faces (smiley faces, frowny faces, etc.) Anyway, he knew that i LOVED that commercial because I crack up every time I see it, so he had been collecting pictures like that for a long time. It really made me smile.

On the last page of the book was a picture of a beautiful ring and a picture of a couple under an umbrella. Through my tears I looked over at Derek and he was already on one knee, asking me to marry him. I said yes! For once, I think I cried more than Derek.

I'm so excited to marry Derek and have so many new family members who I already love.Thank you to everyone for your love and support of us. We invite all to celebrate with us at our Reception on Friday, August 13th at Copper Hill Reception Hall.

More info later! Love you!

Quick Update!

2010-05-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

To those who care what's going on in my life:

- Yoga class. It is going SPECTACULARLY. I absolutely love teaching, which is a good thing because it's what I'm going to school to be. I am sore everyday, but it's ok. I workout for others now, and not for myself. I seem to have regulars so that's a good sign. And I've lost 6 pounds -- did't plan on that one.

-School. School is good, but I need to put more time into it. There have been too many instances where I quickly whip up an asssignment and turn it in. I need to spend more quality time with my anatomy book. We aren't friends quite yet. I love my baking class! Tomorrow we're making bagels, mmm. (Note to self: pick up some strawberry cream cheese)

-Derek. Derek and I are having a good semester, but it kind of stinks becuase we don't have any classes together like last semester, and we're not in the same ward anymore. But I still see him for hours everyday. We make it work. He is one of my most faithful yoga participants. He's so supportive. He even bought a black yoga mat yesterday. It is very masculine! :)

-Family. I miss my parents. I know that they are taking good are of eachother though. I pray for them every day. It's still so great having my siblings here in Rexburg with me. I love spending time with Rob and Jos, mostly randomnly, and me and my niece Evelyn have become besties! We hangout, it's cool :) Miranda and I took a spontaneous trip to Idaho Falls yesterday and had a wonderful time shopping. Jackie is coming to my class tonight and bringing a friend. She said to go easy on her...I promise nothing.

-Faith. I 'm grateful for the Lord, because I have already felt His help and strength in my life and all my many activities (yoga teaching, schoolwork, personal, etc.) I'm taking a great New Testament class and enjoying reading about the Savior's ministry. I need to remember that this is not only a University but Discipleship training program, if you will. I know I'm better because I live here in Rexburg, surrounded by so many good examples.

Ok, that's it for now. Gotta go play a quick game of ping pong with Derek. :)

Exciting News!

2010-04-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

I am a yoga instructor on the BYU-I campus :)

I tried out on Thursday in front of two judges who were my "participants" and apparently did well enough because they penciled in teaching times right after! I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 pm to 9:50, and Saturday mornings at 9:00.

This is going to be a great experience. I've never taught a class before, so this will look really good on my resume, and it will really stretch me (ha, no pun intended.)

I have been living and beathing yoga this week. I can't stop thinking about it and my class! Yesterday I went out and purchased 3 new yoga videos to get some ideas, I did 2 of them this morning, and I'm going to plan my routines tomorrow.

My goal is to concentrate on my students, their comfort, and provide them with an effective workout that leaves them feeling strong and rejuvenated. I really want to be supportive. It's not easy, not even for me.

I'll be sure to keep you updated on how it's going and everything. This is a fun but kind of scary new step i'm taking. But it's gonna be really good :)

I know I always post about school, but

2010-04-11T21:10:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to to let you know that I got my scholarship! That test grade pulled it off and I will get tuition free for two semesters until they re-evaluate my GPA, and I hopefully qualify for it again.

Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words. You guys are awesome. This really has been a satisfying end to a difficult semester. I can't wait to do it all again next week, haha.

Oh, and a little anecdote - Ivon and Nancy Young were sweet enough to give me an extra camera they hadn't been using, because my current one is dead. It is SO nice. I love it. But anyways, I'll be able to upload my pictures onto my blog now, not just one's I find on Google.

Well, I think it's exciting :)

Label: Random pic of me and Derek. Every blog entry needs a picture, right?

I want my mommy!

2010-04-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

That's really how I feel right now. Home in 4 days...

That's all :)

!!PRAY FOR ME!! please...

2010-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm pulling a Derek in asking this, but I am about to take the most important test of my college careerand I need your prayers...and here's why:

To get a full tuition scholarship I need a certain GPA by the end of this term. I know it's cutting it close but I need all A's and only one A- in a 3 credit course to get it. I have gotten A's in all my classes except...Business Statistics... (dun- dun- dun!)

This scholarship could ease the financial burden of my parents, help me reach my goal, and I get a little extra money from my parents to pay my expenses if I get it.

This test is worth 30% of my grade...ouch. But I know with your prayers I can do well on it and get my A-!! So who's with me!!?? You know I'd do the same for you :)

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree"

2010-03-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this song today. I had the privilege of singing it in my jazz choir in High school. The words have become engrained on my heart, and I often find myself singing them when I am alone, and just feel like singing (this happens more than you'd think.)

The words are these:

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree "

The tree of life my soul hath seen

Laden with fruit and always green

The tree of life my soul hath seen

Laden with fruit and always green

The trees of nature fruitless be

Compared with Christ the applle tree

His beauty doth all things excel

By faith I know but ne'er can tell

His beauty doth all things excel

By faith I know but ne'er can tell

The glory which I now can see

In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought

And pleasure dearly I have bought

For happiness I long have sought

And pleasure dearly I have bought

I missed of all but now I see

'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil

Here I will sit and rest a while

I'm weary with my former toil

Here I will sit and rest a while

Under the shadow I will be

Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit does make my soul to thrive

It keeps my dying faith alive

This fruit does make my soul to thrive

It keeps my dying faith alive

Which makes my soul in haste to be

With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

You can hear a beautiful rendition done by a boys choir here. It made me cry :)

I'm grateful for my Savior. He brings me peace in ways no one else can. He is my guiding light, and the shade under which I can rest awhile.

I haven't blogged in awhile, but I just

2010-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

really feel like posting something.

These are the things that have been on my heart lately:

Utah. I went to Utah last weekend, and hitched a ride with some folks that were headed to Vegas. They just picked me up on the way back. I was able to surprise my two best friends, Gayle and Jessica, and visit other people I hadn't seen in too long. Can I just tell you, I think that it really revived me, and gave me the will to keep going here at school for the 3 weeks that are left. I also ate really yummy food, went bowling, and bought my first pair of stillettos...and they are red....and 5 1/2 inches tall. Wow!

3 weeks...I can't believe how this semester has flown by. In fact, it seems my life is flying me by. I know, I know, I'm only 21. But there are times where I still feel like the awkward 15 year old who's trying to figure out who she is. But then I remember, I am an adult, and I'm relieved I'm not 15 anymore.

Derek. Derek and I have been dating for almost 15 months. People never know what to say when I tell them that. It's very unique. But you know what? I wouldn't trade these past 15 months for anything. I have learned so much from him, and had so many experiences, that I know I am a different person than I was. I like 'me' now better than 'me' then.

Today is clear sky's and a blistering 48 degrees. I love sunshine. I think, I am vitamin D defficient, but I know that will change as the season does. I think the Lord has blessed the little town of Rexburg this semester with a mild winter. It has just made life easier.

I've got to go read now. Thank you everyone for being so awesome. I mean EVERYBODY. You have all touched my life in someway. Catcha later

This post goes out to the man of the hour --

2010-03-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

Mr. Derek Young.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , DEREK! You are such a wonderful guy.

Derek has a way of making hard things look easy, noticing nice little things most people miss, and overlooking bad things that some people choose to never miss.

He is a near-perfect example of love and devotion.

He is so good. His roommates even changed the words to a familiar primary song; "I'm trying to be...Like Derek...." and sing it every now and then, haha.

Derek is so smart. I'll spend hours on the same reading assignment that will take him 2o minutes to look over... and he still scores higher on the quizzes! But I'm proud of him. He's a great study partner, too :)

He is handsome and has these charming crinkly old man eyes that sparkle when he smiles. Yes, just like Edward, ladies.

He is loyal and trustworthy. I'd trust him with my life.

I'm so glad Derek was born. I tell him he's going to change the world. I'm gonna stick by that.

Happy Birthday sweetheart. Love you.

Please pray for my parents

2010-02-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

They arrived in Waikiki Beach last night and are staying in a high rise hotel on the coast. If you've looked in the news Waikiki is due for a tsunami. I don't know how high it will be when it hits.

A lot of people are evecuating, but my parents are choosing to stay in their "tsunami safe" hotel. There is food and water and a bed there.

I talked to my mom on the phone and she feels safe. So I'm not pannicing . However, your prayers on their behalf would be appreciated. The tsunami wil hit in a bout 3 to 4 hours.

Thank you for you support.

This is a little late, but

2010-02-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

about a month ago Derek and I saw Kristin Korb in concert in the Kirkham auditorium here at BYU-I. She is an amazing Jazz musician. It was really really good. I was so impressed with her vocals, but even more than that, her base playing skills! They were out of this world. Her fingers were a blur, she played so fast!

I heard about her from my friend, Kim. She went to high school and sang in the same choir as Kristin. Isn't that cool?

It was great to hear some familiar Jazz tunes that I sang in choir, like "I'm beginning to See the Light" and "Green Dolphin Street." I miss singing that style.

After the show, Derek and I waited in line, and then talked with her. We mentioned how we knew Kim Lamphier, and a huge smile came on Kristin's face as she recalled the fun times in high school with Kim. It was really neat.

So Kim, if you read this, Kristin says, "Hi." :)

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

2010-02-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Well, if that's true, my wishes aren't that great.

For a great majority of my life I have not enjoyed falling asleep. It's not that I don't enjoy the comatose state, or how rejuvenated I feel afterwards. It's not that at all. It's because I have bad dreams almost every night.

I know, pretty awful, right? I don't understand it either. Some say that when you dream it's a mixture of your subconscious, desires and perhaps the events of the day manifesting itself. I can't believe that is true.

This is a painting By Fuseli entitled "The Nightmare". I remember studying it in Art History in high school. Isn't it a creepy image?

When I dream one of four things usually happens - there is a natural disaster, someone is pursuing me and trying to kill me, something terrible happens to someone I love (illness, death, etc.), or I do something I am ashamed of (getting all F's, doing something mean/immoral.)

Let me tell you it really bites!

But you know what? Sometimes I do have a real dream. A dream where when I wake up, I feel serene and happy. Sometimes I'm a hero. Sometimes I can fly. And sometimes, I'm just doing something I love.

I often wonder if my dreams are a trial that I have been given. Perhaps, because at times I feel I lead a charmed life and I need to go through these hard things in my dreams. Maybe it is to test me, or to allow me to feel empathy for others. I don't know.

I've also had the thought that the adversary is affecting my dreams. But I do have this hope, however fruitless it may be. I hope that someday, when I am married, and have a worthy Priesthood holder sleeping beside me, perhaps I won't have bad dreams anymore.

A girl can dream, right? ;)

Fudge Pudge

2010-02-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

I am addicted to the fudge they sell on campus. It is amazing!!! I heard about it in a really cool way. My aunt Jody, who lives in Rexburg, was telling me how SHE makes the fresh fudge every morning for the BYU-I Convenience store herself! So, of course, I had to try it. I didn't know they had fudge. But don't worry, we are now very well acquainted...

I get a free sample almsot every day. They have these delicious candy layers that add such a great dimension - snickers, mounds, peanut butter, cookies n cream, pecan caramel...should I go on? I particularly like the peanut butter. :) It may not be good for my waistline, but my grades are benefitting from it. I often buy a dollars worth, set it buy my computer, and give myself this ultimatum - "Erica, when you finish this assignment you can eat the fudge. And only then can you eat the fudge...hey, don't even think about it!"

So, this one goes out to you, Jody-The fudgey queen of the world! And I mean that with all the love in my heart.

I WON! I won, i seriously won it!

2010-02-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

I won the worst date story!! Dinner for two at Jaker's in Idaho Falls. Sweeeeet. I'm so giddy right now. My ridiculous, made-up, worst date story won it! I was hoping.

I just remembered this afternoon that they were announcing the results of the winner's on the 11th, and I got this email:

Erica,

For sharing your worst date experience with us, you and some lucky guy who hopefully won’t talk about his Pokémon collection, will also enjoy dinner for two at Jaker’s! We’ll leave it up to you if you want to take a “family” member or not. HA! Funny Story!

Hooray, Hoorah! I'm going to Jaker's!!

And guess who I'm taking with me...

I could win

2010-02-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

a dinner for two by submiting a 'worst date' story to a panel of judges at BYU-I. I want to win that dinner! So, of course, I'm going to make a story up. A GOOD story. A prize-winning story.

A story which I am about to share with you:

"For privacy's sake, let's call him Derek. Derek was the new guy in my ward. I had just turned 16 and was a towering 5'10" tall. Derek was 5'2". After Sunday school class, Derek pulled me aside and, quite abruptly, asked me for dinner on Saturday. This was my first date and my mom taught me to always give the guy at least one chance. I said "yes".

Saturday came. Derek came to the door and I allowed him in. For the next 20 minutes Derek talked non-stop about his pokemon collection. I didn't know this about Derek. When I asked about dinner, he simply replied, "what do you have?" We ate Eggo waffles from my freezer that night. I was fuming. After dinner, my mom came in the kitchen to meet my date. He said,"Hi, I'm Derek Stock." My mom mentioned how we have some Stock's in the family. I cringed and prayed that what happened next was just a bad dream. But it was in fact a reality.

Derek's grandpa was my mom's Great Uncle. We were cousins-- close cousins. I felt my face burn and my stomach got queezy. We quickly walked to the door to say good night. When we got there Derek was acting funny. He then blurted out,"Im not who you think I am!" Derek then continued to tell me his 18-year-old Priest identity was merely a facade. He was actually 25. I never saw Derek again."

There it is. We only had half a page of space to write. I hope I win... and I hope the dinner is yummy like at Olive Garden, TGI Friday's or Chili's :)
To see another fictional 'worst date' story entry, click here

It's near midnight and I'm too lazy to

2010-01-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

make a real midnight snack, so I'm chewing on saltines. Most people would probably never on their own accord eat numerous plain saltines straight from the plastic tube like this. But ya know what. I like how they taste. And yes, my calories may be completely empty, but at least i'm enjoying them.

I'm not gonna lie, these would be a million times better if they had some Light Creamy Swiss Laughing Cow cheese on them. Oh baby, that is the best! I think Derek told me that one of his sisters, either Laura or Stephanie loved it, so I thought i'd give it a try.

It is now my favorite thing. :)

What's your favorite midnight snack?

ATTENTION ALL READERS!

2010-01-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Laura Peterson is having an awesome giveaway and YOU could win! Click on her name for more details :)

I dyed my hair

2010-01-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

DARK. It was really starting to bug me that I had this weird mousy brown at the top and then reddish tips. eww. So I took the plunge. I've liked it when I dyed it darker in the past.

The other day I felt this compulsion to dye my hair blonde. It took me about 10 seconds before I remembered I don't want to be blonde. That was so high school :)

Sorry I don't have a picture of my hair. I need a better camera and I need to learn how to download pictures to my computer. Yeah, I'm pretty helpless when it comes to that kind of stuff.

But anyways, yeah, it turned our pretty well! I like it.

I love the Rexburg Temple!

2010-01-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

It just takes my breath away. I love that I live less than 2 blocks away from this beautiful building. It looks over the little town of Rexburg, and adds a good feeling to this place. I love that I was there when it was dedicated. It's the best thing that could ever happen to Rexburg, Idaho.
Did you know that President Hinckley passed away only a couple weeks before he was going to dedicate it? There was a one month delay and then President Thomas S. Monson had his first temple dedication as President of the church here in Rexburg. It was so neat!
This building is pretty in all types of daylight. An especially breathtaking view of it can be seen outside the boundaries of Rexburg on the freeway. It is this pillar of light on the hill. I'm surprised there aren't a bunch of wrecks , because it is certainly eye catching.

Rexburg really has been so blessed with the addition of the Rexburg Temple. Going there weekly has been a special blessing in my life. It is a source of peace in mine and a lot of my peers lives. It really is wonderful.

Last Week. Math Class...

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

My peers and I took a survey so the teacher could show us an example of a histogram using our data. She asked for our resting heart rate. When she created the histogram, comprising all of our heart rates, I was surprised and even embarrassed at what I saw.

Mine was 104 beats a minute. Little did I know that the average persons resting heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats a minute.

Not only that, but an athlete's should be significantly lower, so that was strange too. Needless to say, I was a major outlier on the graph, and not in a good way. Ok at first it was kind of funny, but as the class period went on I grew more and more depressed.

What was wrong with me? I try so hard to live a healthy lifestyle, and I have nothing to show for it?

Moments after class ended, I made an appointment to see a physician.

I went to the appoinment, they took a blood test and found that an overstressed lifestyle paired with Anemia was the diagnosis.

Anemia (iron defficiency) can raise the pulse to unnatural levels, which explains the occasional breathlessness and tightening in my chest. I think I've gone untreated for a while. 6 weeks of iron pills should help significantly.

The doctor asked when and how I relaxed. What I did for me? The only answer I could think of was exercise...it's not enough. I found myself getting teary eyed as the sweet, matronly physician urged me to find time for me, to bring down my pulse a natural way.

Today, I have
1. read the newspaper
2. painted my toe nails
3. looked through a mgazine
4. taken a nap
5. written a letter

No more overscheduling, no more pushing myself to the limits, no more thinking I can do everything I need to no matter how much time I have. And no more scheduling relax time. It's going to be daily and it's going to be spontaneous. Oh, and no more lists! (for awhile at least...)

Ok, is it weird that every time I say or hear the word 'anemic' I think of a frog ribbitting?

(...ribbit-ribbit...anemic-anemic...)

Not only is Brooke White beautiful...

2010-01-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

but she really does sing so well! She came to the BYU-I campus this last weekend and I saw it with Derek. It was so fun!

Brooke was a contestant in American Idol, the same season as David Archuleta, and she came in 5th. I rooted for her that season. She is so cool. And she's LDS, which is even cooler!

I had forgotten how strong her voice was. She can really belt it. She's kind of my American Idol. She sings, plays guitar, is completely gorgeous, and she's kind of a laid back, hippie personality.

I want to be like her when I grow up.

I am so bad....

2010-01-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

Here I am on the second floor of the library supposed to be studying and I'm doing what??? Blogging of course. I literally have hours of studying ahead of me today and yet I have been looking at other people's blogs the past half hour. I am so bad. No, maybe it's other people's fault. Yeah. Hey, everybody! Stop making these amazing, creative, interesting blog entries ok!!! I'm really busy here!!!

Well, anyway, college life has begun again. This time I have all my siblings here with me. It's wonderfully comforting. Instead of looking at all their pictures this semester and missing them, I can just stroll on over to their apartments. It's an incredibly unique situation, and I love it.

I have five classes. The goal is a 4.o so I can get a full tuition scholarship. Derek is in two of my classes so he'll be a great help in that.

I love 3 out of 5 of my roommates. The other two are a little scary/mean. But I'm bigger than them, so no worries.

I will post pictures of my room later when it's all unpacked. I know, Derek, is all done, but girls just have more "stuff".

Ok, I really got to get back to work now. LATER!

To sum it up

2009-12-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

my Disney Christmas trip was exciting, warm and cold, exhillarating, tiring, new and old, and so fun. Thanks Mom and Dad, You made it happen Capn'!

We made it...babeh!

2009-12-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

We got in at 2:30 last night to our resort Vero Beach .

We were delusionally tired, but we were greeted by Jackie who was very welcoming and kind. Rob and Jos and Evelyn were already asleep, which is completely understandable.

They all also had cards on each of our pillows for us along with a piece of chocolate. Inside the cards were these poems.

Derek - "Mr. Young.......We're glad that you could come....You never are a grouch.....We hope you like the couch!"

Erica - "Little Miss Erica....You've traveled across America....We're glad you are with us.....And didn't have to take the bus!"

Miranda - "Randa-Roosie.......We sure love YOU-sie......Well my dear............We are glad you here!"

Mom - "Dear Mama-cita.......You're so hot we have to turn down the heat-a....These days were filled with stress....Now lay down and get some rest!"

Dad - "Big Daddy Haws.....You make a great Santa Claus.........Thanks for footing the bill.....So we can come and have this thrill!"

They were all signed "Love, RJJE" for Robert, Josalyn, Jackie, and Evelyn.
It was fun! But the best part was waking up to my niece who I haven't seen in 3 months, which is more than half her life..

It's very possible to love someone who you barely know. She is a beautiful, patient, observant baby. I love her. I'm her favorite aunt...at least that's what I keep telling her.

Today we swam in the pool, played a game of family football and won! jumped in the ocean, played a round of mini gold and celebrated my dad's Birthday. We also had our traditional Christmas fondue dinner since we wouldn't be later. We had some nice family festivities after dinner and I can't wait for more fun to start tomorrow. It's been so nice to have Derek here with us. He is so great :)

My dad is 52 tomorrow, but we decided to celebrate it today. He is a good guy, and I love him. I tried to upload a picture of him but it wouldn't let me! Oh well, have a good one dad!

What a day!

2009-12-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the Portland airport at 8:00am on the shuttle. We left the Portland airport at 3:00 pm on the shuttle....that's right , our flight was CANCELLED!!!!!! I saw a whole lot of this those 7 hours.
and this...

and this (Derek) :) So it was ok. But it was the craziest thing, because the weather was just fine and we even heard on the radio on the way to the airport this morning that there was only one flight cancelled so far. I wonder if ours was second. And of course it was for technical difficulties.

But ya know what?? A Christmas miracle happened. Most of the time "cancelled flight" is the worst possible thing you can hear 4 days before Christmas. Because flights are booked or often overbooked. But my mom somehow got through on the Delta reservations phone line, and found a flight for ALL of us just a day later than scheduled. Crisis averted. That's one less day at Vero Beach, big deal :)

I couldn't believe it. I myself tried calling that line 4 or 5 times and was booted off because of all the busy signals. And the line for new flights was a mile long and took a half and hour a person.

We are lucky duckys...
And I realized something today... No offfense guys, but Mom, you look an awful lot like Mrs. Clause would, and Dad, you look like a jolly Santa...and Don't ya think "HAWS" sounds an awful lot like "CLAUSE?"

I'm just sayin'...

We leave tomorrow

2009-12-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

and I have a Christmas wish list for this trip. If I were cool like Derek, I would just write a 14 stanza poem about it. But that would take me a year. So I'm going to make an acronym using the word "Disneyworld".

I think acronyms can be quite poetic.
Oh, the other day Erica Marley told me they leave Santa a Coke
instead of milk. I thought that was so cute.

Dear Santa,

This is what I want to see for Christmas:

D erek, in swim trunks, relaxing on the beach

I ndescribably yummy food

S now in Florida, even if it's fake

N o weight gained between 12/21 - 12/29

E velyn, my baby niece, preferring me over Jackie (this would be a first.)

Y ear after year traditions repeated

W orld peace

O ggling children trying to get an autograph from a certain "Alice" (aka Miranda in a costume)

R obert losing the golf tournament so he has to wear that embarrassing shirt with Mom

L owest outside temperature being 60 degrees

D erek saying in all sincerity, "This is the happiest place on earth."

Thank you! And if world peace is too much to ask for, family peace will be good enough.

Love,
Erica

How much wood could a wood chuck chuck...

2009-12-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

if a wood chuck could chuck wood? Well, I don't know about that, but I do have my own personal "wood chuck",if you will,who is working with a wood project for me as we speak!

Derek and I were just at Goodwill looking for cheap frames, and we stumbled upon a great deal...just not a frame.

2 wood bowls, the perfect size for cereal and such! They were $0.99 a piece and we got two of them. I am in love with wood bowls. They are so luxurious and such beautiful works of art. I've always wanted one.

Derek is so sweet, he offered to take the bowls to the LongBoardLarry Shop, and sand and clear coat them so they will be functional. He is so handy!

They look a lot like this:

I'm going to have two beautiful new bowls for college, and beyond.

Thanks for the gift, Derek!

45 minutes left of work...

2009-12-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

There is a lull and so here I am just quickly updating.

Today has been a fun day at work. It's the big Holiday potluck and work gets out two hours early for yummy food, awesome raffles and chit chatting. There is also a gift exchange. Today is extra special because it's my last day. How nice of them to throw a party because I'm leaving...haha just kidding they do this every year.

My dad is going around to all the sewers right this minute passing out Christmas Bonuses. They work hard, they deserve them. It's been a profitable year becuase of their hard work.

My tummy is growling because all I had for breakfast this morning was eggnog. Did you know there is 440 calories in one cup of eggnog?? That's worse than a whoppper!! But it's oh so tasty. I made a special trip last night just to get it.

I hope I win a gift certificate in the raffle. If my name is drawn my dad, who announces the winners, will discretely set it to the side. There would be some people who wouldn't be very happy if the "Boss's daughter" won.

But we've got a deal. If it's drawn he will later reimberse me for my winnings. What a guy!

I'm feeling so excited and filled with the Christmas Spirit. I just needed to blog about it.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and God bless us all!

Derek...

2009-12-16T07:58:00.001-08:00

Roses are red
Violets are blue
My poem is lame
But I love you!

Happy One Year Anniversary!

Thrillertastic!

2009-12-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

I just made that word up. For the Halloween party Derek and I put on we performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance spontaneously with a group of 8. It was awesome! When the music came on everyone turned in to zombies and we hobbled to the dance floor. It was like something out of "13 Going on 30"! Unforgettable!

My friend, Jason Christensen, who was in the original group, has invited all his friends on facebook to join him in performing the Thriller dance at his house this week, then putting it on YouTube. I'm so there...

Check out the 80's video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

When I grow up I want to be a ...

2009-12-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

...fitness instructor. Who knew? My whole life I've come up with such career ideas as a nurse, a singer, a pilot, an english teacher, or just a mom. And I wasn't sure what I was going to major in as I started college. I decided Exercise Science. Nothing else was obvious. I like to sing, but it's really just a hobby. But I still wasn't sure. Was it the best of the best? Was it my calling?

So I took career explorations a year ago and I came to the same conclusion....exercise science.

And I wouldn't say exercising is my calling in life either. It's not even like I'm super athletic or anything. I've only casually pursued sports in Middle school with 2 years of being on the "B" team for girls Basketball. In High school, I did Lacrosse one year and track the next, and was only mediocre.

But I think that's why I want to be a fitness instructor. To prove that you don't actually have to be athletic to be physically fit. Plus I love working out.

I know, I'm such a nerd. But, to me, the feeling of being in a gym and running on a treadmill surrounded by other people doing good things for their bodies is the best! It's empowering. Sometimes I catch myself smiling. It's like, we're all in this together :) (humming High School Musical...)

I do want to be an involved mother someday, and this option would be great if I wanted to work around my kids schedules. Or I may not end up doing this at all, which would be fine too :) Time will tell what I decide to do.

But if I do end up teaching classes, I would invite all to attend! I plan to make it a safe and inviting atmosphere, where exercising will be fun!

I believe

2009-12-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

in the magic of disney. It's a real thing!! I feel it every time I enter a Disney park. I get excited and I'm filled with wonder at the amazing place it is.

I've been going to Disney parks a good majority of my life, and the memories made there are treasures.

I don't know what it is about these places but they bring my family closer together. We're kinder to eachother, and we laugh more together.

It's not about the rides either. It's about a wholesome atmosphere, where dreams are made real. It is SO FUN.

I can't imagine my life without the influence of Disney. I have watched the movies over again, sung the songs so many times that they're forever engrained in my mind and heart.

You feel like a Princess there!

That's Mickey butter! I love the attention to detail Disney takes in everything.

We got to go snorkeling on a Disney cruise. I remember in preparation, my sweet Mom bought us snorkeling gear, and we practiced in a swimming pool a good number of times before.

Although money was tight, my parents still found a way to take us to Disneyland when we were young.

There's nothing like the happiness you feel when you get to meet your Disney Heroes in person!

They're flirting with the camera.

The Queen in her Kingdom!

I'm so excited and grateful to be able to go again this Christmas.

Of coarse the best part about Disney is spending time with the people that you love most.

Oh, and we're bringing someone else along, which will make this trip particularly wonderful

It's Icy

2009-12-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

today, and I don't think my parents are going to let me venture into town, or anywhere today. Not Even Derek's house :(. Which is wise since it would be too dangerous.

However...I still want to have a fun and productive day.

So, here's what I'm gonna do:

1. Finish wrapping presents

2. Clean my room

3. Do laundry (see #2)

4. Go in the hot tub

5. Watch "The Santa Clause"

6. Bake AT LEAST 3 Christmas goodies

7. Do a yoga tape

8. Catch up with at least 3 friends on the phone

9. Make flyers for church tomorrow

10. Spend time with family (throughout #'s 1-10)

Ok....ready....set.....go!

Today is a good day

2009-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

because I'm spending it with my Mom, and not at work! No, I'm not faking sick, and I wasn't fired.

There just isn't much to do at work today, and so I slept in without an alarm, and it felt amazing. I stayed in bed as long as I could-- 8:15am, haha.

My mom and I have had a nice time together packing up the tree to send to Florida where we're spending Christmas, delivering the packages, dropping my sister Miranda off at work (sorry Miranda), and then going shopping. I got two new winter coats for Rexburg's chilly climate. They're both early Christmas presents, and I'm so happy with both of them. I've pretty well worn out my couple other coats, and I think my Mom started noticing when I was wearing Miranda's more than she was.

They were on sale at TJ Maxx. Awesome deals:

This one is so warm and fuzzy. More of a pleasant " lazy walk through the snow" coat.

Classic Black coat that I've desperately needed.

And this is my Hot Mama in her new luxe coat

Thanks again Mom :) This was a nice treat. I love you

So, Rexburg. I'm ready for ya. Bring on the 20 below weather!

I LOVE this time of year...

2009-12-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

I love that people are nicer drivers and let you into lanes more easily. I love that there are more mugs in the dishwasher because of all the cocoa consumption. I love that sometimes you get "Last Christmas I gave you my heart" stuck in your head and you don't know how. I love my pine tree scented car freshener. I love buying that gift that you are sooo excited about because you have no doubt the receiver of it is going to adore it. I love Christmas Claymations!

I am so cuckoo for Christmas this year, and i don't know why! I have been so filled with the Christmas spirit since the day after Thanksgiving. I don't remember the last time I was this excited. Maybe 6 or 7 years old. :)

I've watched almost every single christmas movie we own, i've been done with my Christmas shopping for a week, i'll only listen to Christmas music, and I've had one too many cocoa comas already! What power does this season have over me?? I mean it's taking over MY LIFE!!!! AND I LIKE IT!

Oh, and I've watched 4 different versions of A Christmas Carol already, and I have the lines memorized.

Oh well, my fanatic ways are better than being a Scrooge, right? :)

In the wee small hours

2009-12-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

of the morning, I get up to go to work. Well, 5:20am. And to me that fits into the "wee" category. I've been working at my dad's production factory, Summit Sportswear. Throughout my adolsecence I've been able to count on this place to employ me in times of need. I've worked here a little and there a little. Probably all together I've worked there 1 and 1/2 years.

Production is tough because you're expected to work real fast on what can be pretty physically taxing stuff. And you CAN'T stop. At least until the 10 minute break every 2 hours. Boy, do I love those. I'm not kidding. I've done tasks such as sewing buttonholes, heat pressing, ironing, threading pant laces, cutting, stuffing, and even some janitorial work.

But my time at Summit is coming to a close. After today I will have only 7 days of work left. Maybe my last ever. (fingers crossed.)

And Dad, if you read this, I hope I don't sound ungrateful. This job has helped me so much time and time again. I just don't think I was made for production work. I like sitting down too much, taking breaks too much, working closely with people too much.

But I do have the best boss ever! I won't forget the Cake Days every month, the drawings for prizes, the Christmas tree, the Christmas Bonus, and your patience with me when I keep coming into your office because I have ideas or questions, or basically anything I can think of :)

8 days!!!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-12-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

So the other night Derek and I were in Red Robin sitting at a booth waiting for our waiter to greet us. While we were waiting a waiter bursts around the corner, sits at our table with us as if we've known him forever, and starts venting about the song that's playing over the restaurant, "Ok, who ever said that 'raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens' could be called a Christmas song? You know, that song from Sound of Music? Seriously, what whack-o thought it meritted being on the radio with other Christmas classics?

Derek froze. He didn't know who this guy was or what the heck he was talking about. He's so cute. I, on the other hand, was right there with him! Who DID say that was a Christmas song anyway? Weird.

Anyway, he ended up being our waiter. Great guy, we liked him a lot. :)

So this little blip from my life serves as a pre-curser to a few of MY favorite things. A few being 3, and the things meaning tangible items.

Here goes!

Numero Uno:

My Cruiser

I love this bike! I've had it for less than a year, but it served me well last summer in Rexburg, ID where I attend school. There is nothing like meandering through the streets of this quaint little town on your bike. I felt like a million bucks on it, and it is also my favorite color, I might add.
I got firm thighs, an escape from homework, and a lighter wallet. (My parents paid for a lot of it too. So, there's a plug for you guys. Thanks! )

Number 2!

My GUITAR!

My guitar is my friend. We get along pretty well. I've had it since I was 16 and have gotten to the point where I can accompany myself when I sing, which has been really fun. I love music, especially singing, and this instrument has been a great tagalong on some great memories.
Oh, and can you tell I like turquiose?

Last, but not least...

Number trois!

My Boyfriend...Derek. aww shucks :)

Not to say I own him (ladies, hands off.), but he is MY boyfriend, and he is amazing. I love him because he is the kindest person I know. He can do basically anything he sets his mind too. And he can keep up with me. I also really love the deep creases around his eyes when he smiles real big. I don't know why, but they do something to me.

Next Wednsday will be our one year anniversary as a couple, so I just wanna say- "Happy One Year, Boo!" XXX

I did it!

2009-12-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Haha, wow I can't believe this. I got my first blog today, December 6, 2009. Of coarse I'm familiar enough with blogs to know you can find that date at the top of this post if you wanted to :)

It's a Sunday morning, and the house is quiet. My family is still sleeping (except my Bishop father who is at the church already.) And they have no idea what I'm up to. Although, I think I can anticipate my mother being very excited that I've ventured into the blogging realm. I'm so much like her. And for those who have read my mom's blog, you may find some similarities in our writing style, but maybe not. My mother is a much more accomplished writer than I am.

I love mornings like this...I have the house all to myself. It's so quiet and peaceful, just the way Sundays should be. I feel like I'm the last person on earth on mornings like these, but in a non-threatening kind of way. But then I roam back upstairs and find my mom and sister sleeping peacefully in their beds and I remember. I love my family. They are the best!

S0...why blog? Well, I could say it's because I don't have a facebook page, and I'm in need of some kind of cybergroup connection. But that's not it. It may be because I've felt left out when I have so enjoyed peering into other friends lives via their blog...their own personal website. That is pretty cool, ya know. But I think the real reason that drove me to do this is the want, even the need, to let others peer into my life if they wanted to. I'm a listener by nature, not a talker, and I've always preferred it that way. But I think that it has kept people from really getting to know me. And I think I'm worth knowing

So, who is Erica? I guess you'll have to wait and see...