Where I Came From and Where I'm Going: March 2013

For class we were to write a timeline of our lives and write our story in a way. My timeline is for my whole life thus far, but the writing is just for the last year or so.

My Personal History

1992

o Born in Lancaster

o Family moved to a bigger house

· Put in bath tub as family moved in because the house had stairs

1993

o Turned one

1994

o Turned two

1995

o Turned three

1996

o Turned four

o Went to preschool with two other kids my age, taught by our moms

1997

o Turned five

o Kindergarten, Mrs. Raden

· Cut lip open when friends were pushing me on a tricycle

1998

o Turned six

o First grade, Mrs. Butler

1999

o Turned seven

o Second grade, Mrs. Jenson

2000

o Turned eight

o Third grade, Mr. Cline (teacher was Canadian)

o Baptized

2001

o Turned nine

o Fourth grade, Mr. Carlson

2002

o Turned ten

o Fifth grade, Ms. Dudak

o Was the only student to keep all class points

2003

o Turned eleven

o Sixth grade (same teacher as fifth grade)

· Mummified a chicken

2004

o Turned twelve

o Young Woman's

o Seventh grade, Cactus

· P.E., Math, Electives (Spanish, Reading, and Art), English, World History, and Science

2005

o Turned thirteen

o Eighth grade, Desert Willow

· English, Math, U.S. History, Electives (Yearbook and T.A. for Science teacher), Science, and P.E.

2006

o Turned fourteen

o Youth dances

o Ninth grade (high school)

· Home Ec., P.E., Geometry, English, Geo-science, and Health

2007

o Turned fifteen

o Tenth grade

· English, P.E., U.S. History, Latin I, Algebra2/Trig, and Biology

o Ward is split

2008

o Turned sixteen

o Eleventh grade

· Office Assistance, Chemistry, Calculus, AP English, Latin II, and AP U.S. History

2009

o Turned seventeen

o First date

o Twelfth grade

· AP Art History, Physics, AP Government, Calculus, Office Assistant, and SciFi English

o Mathletes, Fencing, Link Crew, and Art Club

2010

o Graduate high school

o Turned eighteen

2011

o Start college at BYUI

· Met Joanna Harvey (future roommate)

o Turned nineteen

2012

o Second year of college

· First job, early morning custodial

· Met Vance

· Vance and I start dating (first boyfriend)

· First kiss

o Turned twenty

o 5 months home, away from Vance

o Engaged to Vance

2013

o Third year of college

o Things to come

· Temple

· Marriage

· Paris

Sometime in May (I think)

Bonfire

(This event happened over seven months ago so I can't remember it completely but I will do my best)

I had just spent the day at Yellowstone with my family, which has in a way become a tradition whenever my parents come up to visit. Vance and I have only really known each other as "friends" for maybe a month. We had hung out a few times before this but not much. My family and I were going to get back to Rexburg a little later than we thought so I just let him know that. I was half expecting him to say how that’s too bad and they couldn’t wait for me. But no he said how his friend wasn’t leaving till later so it would work out perfectly even if they had to wait for me.

This was going to be my first bonfire ever. I didn’t know what to expect or how to act. This was a guy that I really liked and I didn’t want to act like an idiot. When I finally got back to Rexburg I headed over to his place, still trying to figure out how to act. I was pretty shy all the other times we had hung out which is kinda funny because I was usually the one that initiated things so you would expect me to be more open. Anyways, after meeting up with him we headed over to his friend's apartment just down the hall from him.

On the way to the sand dunes his friend had the music really loud so whenever we wanted to talk we had to get close. He always had something to talk about while me on the other hand just replied usually. Once we got to the dunes my shyness came out even more. I just stood there either near him or near the other girl that rode with us. I couldn't help myself but to watch him interact with his friends. His roommate and some of his FHE brothers were there as well as two of the FHE brothers' girlfriends and a cousin of one of the girlfriends and her friend. The cousin was a very energetic 18 year old who was looking for attention from where ever she could get it. I was able to see a whole new side of Vance that night. He was outgoing and social then you had me who was more reserved.

Things started to calm down after a while. I had sat down in a chair that was there and was just staring at the fire. Vance came and sat down next to me. Everyone was talking about random things, a few of the guys decided that they wanted to shoot off one of their guns, and afterwards we heard an animal making a high pitched noise. Well the other girls at worried that the animal was hurt so everyone went to go and see if they could find it, leaving Vance and me at the fire.

We didn’t talk much at first he was playing with some roots he pulled out of the ground. After a bit he had made a bracelet from those roots. He took it and put it on my wrist, he then proceeded to tell me how in Celtic times that was a way for showing that they were tied to one another. Right after saying that he quickly added that he didn’t mean anything by that. Afterwards he made a ring out of more twigs for me.

By the time everyone got back I was much more comfortable than I was before. We were one of the last ones to leave. Once back to his place we talked some more and even ended up telling each other our testimonies and how we came to them.

Saturday December22-25, 2012

First Christmas Together

After having been in California for 4 long months I was finally going to see Vance again. It was Saturday December 22 around 4 PM, Vance was going to meet up with me and my family in Pocatello to get me. During the ride up there I was still in denial that it was actually happening. But as we started to get off the highway and head to the gas station where he said he would be I got more and more anxious. I search the parking lot until I found his car. We had barely stopped and I was already out of the car headed to his door. HE WAS REALLY REAL!!! I must have been in shock because the time it took for me to get my stuff for the weekend at his families from my car to his felt more like a dream than reality. We didn't say much to each other just smiled. After getting gas we headed out on the 2 hour drive to his brother's place in Twin Falls. Little by little we both convinced ourselves that we both were really real. When we got to Twin it was already dark but he still showed me some places as best he could. He kept saying you changed, and I really did. I wasn't as shy or quiet as I was the last time we were together. It made me happy. We went to the store to get some stuff and well to just be able to spend time together before we were around family. But after a while we decided to head to his brother's place. I was a little worried that I would be shy when I got there, and I was a little at first but then I slowly got out of it. I was able to meet his brother Thomas and his sister-in-law Heidi, as well as their children Gavin and Ruthie. I didn't see much of Gavin that night but Ruthie came up to me and started to talk to me. She would sit on the couch with me and talk, then curl up on Vance, who was next to me, then start talking to both of us. After an hour or so the kids went to bed and Vance and I started to get our stuff situated up stairs where we were going to stay, him on the couch and me in Gavin's room. After getting all situated we went down and talked to Thomas and Heidi for a bit. I knew that I was going to like this family.

Well the next day was Sunday so Vance and I were going to go to his old ward with Ben, Vance's old roommate. At church I was able to meet many of Vance's friends and old church leaders. Almost every single leader told me about what a great guy I had and all I could respond was that I knew I was. After church we dropped Ben off and ran into his Ben's dad. His dad then proceeded to tell me the same thing that everyone else told me, that I was getting an amazing guy.

When we got back to Thomas' we staying in the car for a bit. He had gotten me many Christmas gifts and would give them to me randomly, well this was one of those times. He gave me one and when I took the wrapping paper it was a box.

I had some suspicions, but I kept them quiet at first. I open that box and inside it is a smaller box wrapped up…

Now I was pretty sure what it was, I just kept saying "Really?"(in a sarcastic tone).

I unwrap that box and inside it is ANOTHER box wrapped up. And that box turned out to be a ring box, I open the box and find it empty except for a piece of paper with ";P Really?" written on it.

I just glared at him and jokingly called him a Jerk. We talked for a while after that. He told me how he was saving it just in case I was shy around his family, he was going to have me open it in front of them. After some more talking he go quiet and basically said "Well I know that I love you, why not". He takes his coat that he would not let out of his sight before then and took a small paper pouch out of a pocket and slid a small gold band out of it. He takes the ring a slips it on my finger. I just stare at him with a smile on my face. I knew it was coming, we already had the day with the temple all set up but it still made me as happy as can be. After a bit I asked him if I needed to say yes, and he just replied, "yeah". So I said yes:)

After we talked for little while then decided we should go inside. We got changed and next thing we know people start to show up for the family Christmas party. This is the first time I met his mom in person, I have met her before on Skype but nothing like this. We talked a little and she told me how Ruthie was excited for her to meet her new friend (me). I didn't talk too much, just randomly here and there. A little later his other brother's family came, Jared, Trishann, and their five daughters. Before dinner Vance started a big card game with all the kids and me. After dinner there was some gift opening and pie. Once Jared's family left Vance and I went upstairs to play Brawl with Gavin. Twlonie (Vance's mom) came upstairs to say goodbye to everyone. Vance made her give him a hug (she had been sick the past week) then she came over to me and gave me a big hug too and said, "I love you". I knew that I was going to like his mom. Everyone left soon after that so Vance and I decided to go out and about. He took me to the canyon where there were hundreds of huge icicles hanging. After that he took me to the bridge down to a spot where he would go and think.

Christmas Eve

We were going to leave Thomas' and head to his parents place today, but before we did Vance helped his brother with some stuff so I hung out with the kids. After we packed the car up we went back down to the canyon where we were the night before. This time since it was light out you could see even more icicles.

After much convincing Vance finally got me to agree to go down to the waterfall. We slipped and sled the whole way but it was worth it.

Once we got back up the ice, we headed to Shoshone. Before we went to his place we stopped to eat at a place called the Snack bar, which is where, when in high school, he would wait for hours after school was out, they had some of the best tater tots that I have ever had.

On the way to his parents house we ended up sliding into a ditch, it took a little but we got the car out. A little after that we got to his parents place. It wasn't weird at all. I was a little quiet but I got out of that quickly. At first we were just going to stay a few hours then head to Rexburg but after texts and a call from a worried mother (my mother) we decided to stay the night and not chance running into bad weather. So we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" with his family. It was my first time really watching it and I loved it. One tradition they have is opening one present on Christmas eve and to my surprise they had one for me. It was a Boise Broncos shirt, his dad simply said, "Now you're an Idahoan".

CHRISTMAS!!!!

This was my first Christmas not with my family. We were the first ones up so while we waited we decided to read about the first Christmas in the scriptures. For breakfast his mom and dad made blueberry waffles and eggs, they were delicious. After eating Vance and I went out to the horses so he could feed them. This was my first time ever really close to horses. Vance had me take a handful of hay and feed it to the colt. Once he was done he took me in and showed the horses to me. We were both freezing so we decided to go inside. Right before we left everyone got together for present opening. I looked at the gifts and there were two gifts for me and one for Vance. I was shocked by this. His sister had gotten him something as well as something for me. He got a food basket thing and I got a body butter gift set. His family opened some of their presents then it was my turn again. This time I got a super soft blanket (Vance had gotten his the night before, his mom thought I was cold so she told him to open it so I could use it). Once presents were all opened Vance and I started to get ready to go, and during the time his mom took the opportunity to take pictures.

After getting off the icy roads we realized that the car was having problems. Vance had to hold the steering wheel crooked to go straight and there was a weird noise coming from the back. We decided to take it slow and steady with "A Christmas Carol" to entertain us (we want to make that a tradition of ours, to listen or read that story every Christmas)

After driving for an hour or so a van drove past us but before they past completely they told us that our back tire was wobbly, we told them thank you and they went on. We decided to stop at the next gas station and he was going to try and tighten the bolts on the wheels. I could tell he was getting a little frustrated. While checking the tires he saw that the rims on the driver's side tires were bent.

We stopped at a gas station to try and tighten the wheels hoping that would help. While he worked on it I went into the gas station store and got a mountain dew and a Hershey's cookies and cream bar for us to share, hoping to lighten his frustrations(which it did). I tried to hid them from him but the bar slipped out so I got the soda out too and said, "Merry Christmas!". He smiled and gave me a kiss, saying thank you. Once back on the road we started listening to the book again and talked. We decided it was a good thing we had waited for today to leave because the roads were pretty bad for a car that has problems.

We had finally made it to Idaho Falls so it was time to get on the highway. After driving a bit Vance tells me to take the wheel, right when I do he does this high pitched scream making me jump. He just starts busting up laughing and of course so do I. We are laughing so much we start to cry. For a moment we forgot about the car problems and just enjoyed the time. After about 3 to 4 hours total of driving we got back to Rexburg. We decided to have my dad pick us up at Vance's place because we were worried out his car not making it to Trulee's place.

Yes we may have ended our Christmas with something that should have discouraged us, and at times it may have but we stayed strong and were able to enjoy the time we had together with family and each other.

Thursday February 7, 2013

Pamper Dianne Day

After waking up at 3 for work then 4 1/2 hours of class I was dead tired. So Vance took it on himself to pamper me. He didn’t have to do much he just let me sleep and made me food, but if I ever tried to get up to help him he would kindly walk me back to the couch, wrap a blanket around me and go back to work.

Friday February 7, 2013

Day Long Date

The day before Vance and I had a conversation about what defines a date. He said that what he thinks of basically every day we spend together a date, which in a way I agreed with but I then told him how to me a date is more of an escape of everyday life. We talked some more then that was that, I wasn’t expecting anything.

After work Vance and I went to the temple, there were a lot of people so it took us a good 3 hours but it was well worth it. We were able to sit quietly with each other and then when the time came to it he was able to do the baptizing for me. After the temple I was going to go home to shower and pack because we were planning on going to his parents for the weekend. After some conversation Vance asked me if I wanted to go on a date later that day and I just said only if we have time since we will be going to his parents. Then he decides to tell me the truth, that we weren't going to his parents and he was telling me we were so I would dress up and he could surprise me with a date. Well of course I get mad at him for a little bit. I finally calm down and got ready for the date. We were going to go see a movie then go to Applebee's. I got to his place a few hours before the movie was going to start so we made cookies.

When the cookies were done it was time for the movie. He had chosen "Here Comes the Boom" which I absolutely loved. We weren't too hungry when the movie was over so we walked around town, going into candy shops and clothing stores just enjoying the time. After some time we got hungry and headed to Applebee's. There we had a wonderful meal and got every flavor of lemonade they had. Once done we got a dessert to go and didn't have to pay because his parents had given us a gift card for Christmas.

After dinner I thought we were going to go back to his place and the date would be over but instead he surprised me by heading to the temple where we sat in his car and talked. To end we watched movies at his place, where of course I fell asleep)

We may not go on these big extravagant dates, but we still find time to make each other feel special even if it may just be spending time together as we work on homework.

Friday February 15, 2013

Our Valentine's Day

Because Thursdays are such busy days for me we decided to do our Valentine's Day on Friday. Earlier that week I had gotten things to make dinner for us and Vance had made a loaf of bread for me to use for our "fancy" dinner. We had gotten home later than I wanted so I let Vance go home while I worked on dinner so it would be a surprise for him. After hours of cleaning, cooking, and getting ready he ended up coming over before it was ready so I made him sit on the couch and not look in the kitchen. Finally when it was done I let him see. We had chicken lasagna rolls, cheese stuffed bread, and broccoli. The bread didn't turn out exactly the way I wanted but it was still delicious.

Right when we started to eat my roommates come busting in loud as can be, they start putting their groceries away, and since our kitchen really isn't too big our dinner turned into a quiet yet noisy meal. I was mainly excited for dessert and Vance gave the idea to go to his place since basically none of his roommates were there, because he could tell I was getting upset. So I grab dessert, without him seeing, and we head to his place. Well it turned out one of his roommates was there so we had to wait for a bit for dessert. Almost ever since I met Vance he had always talked about Timtam Slams, where you take this cookie, Timtams and bite two corners off and suck hot chocolate through it and quickly put it in your mouth for it to melt there. Well Timtams are hard to find but I got lucky earlier that week and found a store that sold them so without him knowing I got some, and then got a thermos to put hot chocolate in. Once we had dessert I couldn't wait. He opened the bag and saw the Timtams with a smile on his face. He quickly opened them and got the hot chocolate out and had a Timtam slam, then he had me make one, which I failed at. Only half the cookie melted.

Even though there were bumps in the road I would not have changed it in the end.

Wednesday February 27, 2013

The Tempest

For my Humanities 250 class I had to go to the play The Tempest to write a review of the performance.

I hadn't gotten much sleep lately because of work and having to stay up the previous night for a symphony orchestra performance, so I was very tired. But regardless Vance and I got dressed up for our "Date night" to see The Tempest. It was in a small theater that was packed. I was doing alright during the first half of the play but once I started to get tired I got uncomfortable. My body started to ache trying to tell me to lay down and fall asleep but of course I couldn't do that. Vance noticed my problem and had me lean forward and started to rub my back to try and help relieve some of the pain. Having him there not only to help me remember things that happened in the play but also to give me that support that I needed to get through the pain was a great deal to me. With everything in my life I know that he will always be there to love and support me through it all, through the happiness and the pain.

Saturday March 2, 2013

DUCK!

After a busy day in Idaho Falls we came back to Vance's place to put groceries away and watch a movie. Just like usual I fell asleep during the movie but instead of being woken up by Vance at the end of the movie I woke up to him saying, "Is that a duck?" in my half asleep daze there I saw a duck in the front room. Vance quickly goes outside and finds four of his neighbors standing outside the window watching our reaction. All I could do for a while was just look at the guys then back at the duck. After a few laughs they took the duck and we went back to our movie

Where I Came From and Where I'm Going

Sunday, March 31, 2013

The First Five Generations of My Family

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Family Fan Chart

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Life Goals

Friday, March 8, 2013

Personal History (Kinda...)