Good Friends

It was one of my best friends birthday this week so another friend and I made her a different kind of gift.  I first saw the idea on Pinterest, then at a garden nursery, and then again on the Hidden Garden Tour I went on recently.  I knew it would be perfect for her.  My only regret is not getting a picture of it.  It's called a Fairy Garden and here is a similar picture of one.

 We got a group of friends together to celebrate her:)  So glad to have Mikaela as a friend!  As a matter of fact I am blessed with so many great friends.  I find it hard to keep up with all of them these days!  I am pretty sure I have figured out what I want in a friend, so I am striving to be that to them.  I love this quote by Elder Erying I read today, "Instead of thinking of yourself primarily as someone who is seeking purification, think of yourself as someone trying to find out who around you needs your help.  Pray that way and then reach out."  I am constantly trying to reach out to them, but they always seem to serve me!

Happy Father's Day!

I have the best dad in the world, SERIOUSLY!  It was so fun to be with him on Father's Day.  Of course when I was younger I didn't like the fact that I had some of my parents characteristics, but now I love when I am like Dad, Mom, or Janet.  One of my favorite things about Dad is that he is into details, which I in turn have picked up.  We love to know things about people.  He would tell me facts/stories about people and I would think he was the most amazing person because he could remember their jobs, nicknames, jokes about them, stats/trivia, etc...  I think when you remember the details about people it makes them feel more important/loved and I definitley love tidbits about my Dad.  Thanks for teaching me Indonesian, singing me to sleep, writing newsletters, buying treats after every trip, and now discussing topics that are important.  I love ya!

Salem Pond

When I was younger my Dad would take my brothers and I to the Salem Pond every once in awhile, mostly when we were down that way visiting family on the farm.  The last time I remember going to the pond I was in a children's parade were we decorated our bikes. 

This time I celebrated a friends birthday party with some amazing food and time on the pond  Don't get me started on the burgers, mint-honey-lime fruit salad, Hawaiian Dutch Oven Cake, and an amazing Pumpkin cake. 

I enjoyed getting out on a sail boat, even without any wind.  Others went out on kayaks and a canoe.  Let's just say I had not been on a boat in a long time and it scared me more then the thought of going skydiving, but it ended up being really enjoyable. 

Hidden Garden

I am way behind on my posts, mostly because trying to upload pictures really made me frustrated last I tried, but here goes...

I was able to go on the Hidden Garden Tour with my other two besties!  Mikaela and Mark were a pleasure to be with. A big thank you to my photographer too (Mark).  I was amazed by the private gardens throughout the valley and realized what a novice gardener I am.  Mikaela teaches me a lot when it comes to our garden though.  I had 3 favorite houses out of the 11 I went to, my favorite being the Cape Cod sytle house with the Asian garden.  Below are some of my favorite pics.

Bestie's

For years I have wanted someone who I could call a bestie (Best Friend).  I have prayed about this, sought out the best people, and tried to be a kind person (sending notes, buying treats, inviting to activities).  Still nobody stuck.  I kept asking myself, "Is there something wrong with me?"  I think I am a pretty nice person!  Well this year the Lord has blessed me triply!  That's right, I now have 3 friends whom I consider Bestie's!  I look forward to many fun times and memories with each one of these people:)

I was lucky enough to go on a quick trip with one of those besties, Lara, to the St. George area recently.  I had so much fun. I was able to lay out by the pool, swim, eat out, talk, read, and hike/explore.  The drive was so short because we were wild.  Yes, girls really do just wanna have fun!  I think my favorite part was exploring the Red Cliffs Recreation area and just talking/singing/dancing.  Loved the tadpoles and craw dads. Isn't my friend Lar the cutest?  I am so blessed to have known her for 8 years now.  She was an awesome roommate, we can trust each other with our thoughts and feelings, and she just entertains me!       

Picture this...

My weekend was the best.  I think I will summarize it in pictures.

Watching "Twelefth Night" in the Park

Finally getting to go to Kennecott Copper Mine, so cool!

IHOP, which I have been craving for awhile. 

Fireworks from Summerfest in our own location

And finally driving on the south side of Utah Lake,

which I had never done. 

Loved Lincoln Beach, the wildlife, and the sunset.  

The company always beats the activity:)   

First Comes Love

I am finishing reading the book "First Comes Love" which is about dating.  I have loved it so much I need to go buy it.  Here are the topics in each chapter...

1-A lifetime of Preparation
2-Keeping an Eternal Perspective
3-Becoming the Right One
4-Finding the Right Spouse
5-Why Marry in the Temple
6-Chastity and Moral Purity before Marriage
7-Building Strong Relationships through Communication
8-Resolving Relationship Differences
9-Temporal Preparation, Goals, and Plans for Marriage
10-Money Matters in Marriage
11-Preparing for Marital Intimacy
12-Anger-the Great Destroyer of Family Relations
13-The Marriage Triad: You, Your Spouse, and the Savior

My favorite chapters are 2, 5, and 7.  I was going to share some quotes, but there are way too many that I love.  After reading the book I also realized that the top reasons people get divorced are Lack of Communication, Money, Putting Sexual Intimacy at the bottom of the Pyramid instead of the top, and anger.  I have always believed that whatever I want in my future husband I need to improve in myself first and this book was a good reminder!