Girls Camp 2011

Surprise, surprise I was asked to go to Girls Camp. I was told a couple of months ago that they needed people to help out especially on the hikes, so I decided that I would help. A few weeks later I saw the staff roster and I was assigned to be a level leader. Boy was I in shock! I was very worried about all the responsibilities that I would have. Thankfully I wasn't the only leader over the 3rd years. We had a great week that started out with backpacking to one of my favorite places on earth, Blue Lake. We had a lovely dinner and a warm fire to battle the cold wind. We made it safely to Treasure Mountain the following day to a camp full of girls. I forgot how wonderful Girls Camp is. The spirit is so much stronger when you can get away from all the distractions that surround us. I couldn't believe the number of times adults thought that I was one of the girls or on Junior Staff. They were surprised to hear that I was a level leader and told me that I was lucky to have such a young looking face. One of the highlights for the week was when I realized that I was a Laurel when the Big Sisters were Beehives and that we were in the Sacramento Temple Celebration together. I loved spending time with the older girls especially since we were so close in age.

Why yes, I do blend in with the girls.

Hannah's broken down car.

The girls all gathered together for a devotional.

A beautiful sunset.

Gathering around the camp fire for 'smores.

Poor Hannah rolled her ankle, so Victoria and Maddy helped her back to the car.

Paper lantern chandelier for our cabin. 

"We ain't nothin' but 3rd years..."

Getting camp news from the magic mirror.

The Priesthoods' version of the Seven Dwarfs.

I am so grateful for this experience that I had. I love the spirit of Girls Camp and look forward to going again.

Independence Day!

I love the 4th of July. When I was young, my mother would always plan the best parties for us and our cousins. Her love of this holiday has definitely rubbed off on me. While my parents were out of town, Jonathan and I got to house sit for them and I got to decorate her house. It was so much fun!

Every kitchen needs some red, white, and blue!

Paper fans to dress up the mantle.

The library needed some pompom garland.

One of the many printables around the house.

Sparklers to play with at the Nelsons!

It was so strange not having my mom around for the 4th, but it was still so much fun! We had a wonderful dinner with the Nelsons and then found some fireworks in Roseville to watch. I am so grateful to live in a country that offers so much freedom. I love this country with all my heart.

Hermana Leshelle Hoer

I like to think that I'm a pretty good friend, well at least that I try to be. Before Jonathan and I started dating, I was in the Roseville YSA ward and met some wonderful people. I was able to become really close friends with Leshelle Hoer (it's pronounced her) especially since we were in the Relief Society presidency together. Before we finished our presidency meetings, I would have to give an update on what was going on with Jonathan. I would usually saying I wasn't sure about how I felt and Leshelle would always ask when are you getting married. At the time, it seemed like she wasn't listening to what I was saying. I was wrong! A few months later I was engaged and she was called to serve a mission in Chicago, IL. Leshelle left for her mission the same week Jonathan and I were married. I wrote a letter to her a few weeks later and it's still safely in my possession. Luckily, I found out today that she has a wonderful blog and now I can send her that letter and many more. She is an amazing woman and great story teller.

This is from Halloween 2009.

It is so great to read about her wonderful experiences in Chicago. I am so grateful for her friendship!

Good morning!

Nothing like cake batter pancakes for breakfast! By the way, can you tell that I'm so excited for Independence Day this year?