Moments

Today Harold Hatch spoke in our ward at church.  I really enjoyed his talk.  He read a quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell that really got me thinking.  

"Moments are the molecules that make up eternity."  

I just loved it.  Then I got to thinking about all of the moments this week.  

Monday morning I went on a trail run with Taffy.  I just remember getting to the end of the trail and being there with my sister and just soaking in the beautiful view.  Great moment.

I made bread this week.  As I worked with the dough I knew it was going to be good.  I pulled it out of the oven and it was the most perfect bread I think I've ever made.  Great moment.  

My dad and I got to go and watch my nephews play soccer up in Afton on Wednesday.  Owen didn't see us before his game started.  As he was running down the field after he had scored a goal he noticed us cheering for him.  He yelled out, "Hi Livi!! Hi Grandpa!!"  Great moment. 

Friday I got home from a branding (thanks again Trev!) and there was a letter for me from Tessa.  I just dropped everything and read it.  She's doing so well and I'm just so happy for her.  Great moment.

Friday night I went with friends up to a roping in Afton.  They roped well and it was so fun for me to be there and watch.  When it was over I told them great job and they were like, "Thanks Liv!"  Just a reminder of how great of friends I have.  Great moment.  

At the roping I got to sit and talk with one of my little friends, Mason.  He reminded me again how wonderful kids are.  They're just so loving and honest and real.  We laughed all night!  Great moment.

Saturday morning I got to help my mom arrange all of her lovely flower pots in front of her greenhouse.  We set them up mixed in with all of the fun, old furniture and equipment that she has collected over the years.  After all the switching pots and moving them back and forth, we finally stepped back and decided we found the perfect balance.  I love doing this each year with my mom.  Great moment.  

Kalbie and I had to take one of our riding lawn mowers to Logan for repairs.  We loaded it, strapped it down, drove there, and unloaded it all by ourselves.  No men minds involved!  It was a good learning experience for both of us.  When we finally got that thing unloaded we both breathed a sigh of relief! haha  Great moment.  

On our way home from Logan we decided to stop and hike to the Wind Caves.  Neither of us had ever been.  We had the best conversations and I was repeatedly reminded about how thankful I am for her in my life.  The hike and the view were beautiful!  Great moment.  

My life is full of moments like these.  Moments that go undocumented.  Moments that get looked over.  Moments that seem unimportant.  BUT, these are the moments that make my life so happy.  Don't get me wrong--I love the big trips, the fun weekends, the picture worthy moments, but nothing quite beats these small, everyday, great moments.  

Spring Fun!

This spring has been one for the books!  Since I've been home I've been able to do some really fun things!  Some of my favorites include (in no particular order): 

Branding with the Cornia's

Spending a day with Tami in Idaho Falls

Helping the Child's with sheep

Recovering Kelly's truck seats

(The coolest cloud over Deseret on the way home)

State track with my dad and the Micheli clan

(State Champs!)

Visiting my friends in Provo

Helping Taffy fix up their playhouse

Branding with Nate's

Walks with friends

Docking sheep with Child's

(Lunch Break)

Fires with friends

Working out with Kalbie (she's a fabulous workout partner!)

Getting the cemetery ready for Memorial Day

Sulli's graduation

Becoming an aunt again

Moab with Kalbie

Having all my sisters and their kids come for a day

Skyping Tessa on Mother's Day

Walks with my mom

Taking over the bread business again

As you can see, it's been pretty stellar.  I feel so blessed that I get to do such a wide variety of things with my days :)

Homecoming at BYU

This week was Homecoming at BYU.  So much fun!  There's a lot of fun stuff going on all week, and everyone just seems a little more excited about life.  The fun started on Tuesday when instead of devotional we had a Homecoming assembly.  It was really fun and exciting with a performance by Vocal Point (the acapella group here at BYU), and then David Archuleta.  So much talent!

Friday my parents came down and we went to the BYU Spectacular.  Here I was able to see some more amazing performances including some dance companies, choirs, the orchestra, and once again, David Archuleta.  My parents and I went together, and we were so impressed by all of the talented individuals and groups that performed.  Afterwards we went and got some blizzard's at the DQ :)

Saturday was so great!  Having my parents in town is always fun!  We started out the day with a fun bike ride on the Provo River Trail out to Utah Lake.  

The Y, the Temple, and three of my favorite people.  What a view!

After the bike ride Tess and I had our Saturday session of Stake Conference and then a kickball game.  My parents met back up with us at the kickball game (which we won!) and then we went and caught the end of the Homecoming parade.  That was fun!  Afterwards Mom, Tess, and I went to go and hit up my favorite antique store, Block 100.  It's the best you guys.  I'm pretty obsessed with almost all of the stuff in there.  We got some fun purchases, and then met my dad for lunch (he opted to go up to campus and watch some football games instead of come with us.  After lunch we headed to the Bean Museum and the Museum of Art.  Both have some pretty great exhibits up right now.  They're both free ALL year round, and if you're ever in Provo, you should go and visit one or the other.  If you have kids, definitely go to the Bean Museum.  It's full of taxidermified (is that even a word?!) animals from all over the world and is so cool!!! Finally, Tessa, Dad, and I headed to the football game.  The Cougs won, so that was good!  And the sunset was beautiful!  

This weekend I decided that I think Homecoming week would be a good time to try and come and visit my Provo.  Although I know that I don't want to live my whole life down here, this place definitely has a piece of my heart.  When I leave here, I definitely don't want to leave here for good.  I want to be able to share some of the magic of BYU and Provo with my future family.  

National Parks

At the start of the summer I made a goal to visit three National Parks before I headed back to school, and ya know what?! I actually accomplished it :)  I visited Redwood National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Each one was very different.  Each one was breathtaking.  While I was talking to my Uncle Sam back in July at our family reunion he asked me about my visits to national parks during the year.  I told him I was so amazed at how unique and beautiful each one was.  He then said that he likes to think of national parks as "God's Gallery."  I love that.  So, here are some photos from the three "galleries."

Redwoods National Park (California)

Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

To: Dads

Dads are great.  I feel so lucky to be surrounded by men who are great dads.  

Let's start with my neighbors.  Everyday as I ride my bike down the street I see at least one dad out playing with his kids.  The kids are laughing and running, shooting hoops or throwing a baseball.  Making memories with their dads.   It just warms my heart.  

Next comes my bosses and people I've had a chance to work with.  I get to be around these men without their kids, and they still speak so highly of them.  Sometimes they're frustrated with their kids choices, sometimes they don't know what to do, but they're always proud of them.  When they are with their kids they are always trying to make the most of their time.  They are trying to be the best dads they can be.  I know these men love their kids.  

My life just wouldn't be complete without my brothers.  I have three who CHOSE to join our family?!  As well as two who are stuck with us by default.  Four out of five of them are dads now, and they are awesome at it.  They are always supporting their kids in their activities, taking them camping and fishing, teaching them to ride bikes, spending quality time with them, and just being good examples.  My neices and nephews are pretty dang lucky.

Grandpas.  Grandpas are like dads on steroids.  They know SO much and have the best stories.  Nothing quite compares to a grandpa's laugh either.  I've been blessed with two incredible grandpas--one who has passed on and one who is still here.  Both are great men who love their kids, grandkids, wives, and most importantly, the Lord.  Because of their faith and diligence, my family can be together forever.  

Being able to associate with all of these dads now, as an adult, has shed a little more light on to just how much my dad loves me.  I have spent countless hours with my dad--around the dinner table, family scriptures, in the gym, in the mountains, in the car, at the school, in the garden, and the list could go on and on...  He's been frustrated with me.  He's been proud of me.  Most importantly, he's loved me.  

So, on this beautiful day in June, I just want to say thank you to all the dads.  You're awesome, and you're all influencing my life in more ways than you know.  

22

Well, I've been 22 for almost a week now, and it's been great!  My birthday weekend was just perfect for me.  On Saturday Tess and I went over to Kamas to watch the Cokeville boys wrestle.  We rode with Jesse, Celinda, and that cute baby Jacie and had a good time visiting and laughing.  Mom and Dad came to the wrestles to and it was so fun to see them.  Three weekends in a row.  That's pretty darn good.  We went and ate lunch at Subway, and while we were sitting down to eat, Mom snuck out and back in with a pan of brownies.  These are seriously one of my favorite treats ever!  No one makes them quite like Mom.  

So, Saturday was fabulous.  Then on Monday, my real birthday, the day was pretty normal.  Just how I like birthdays.  I'm not in to all the big riff-raff that normally accompanies this day every year.  Tessa did make me some delicious pies and we had a few friends over.  I was a wind-jammer and blew out all my candles :)  haha  I didn't do any homework, and I just loved the day.  

This week has been pretty darn awesome as well.  We decided we were going to do something scary or new every week this semester and we started off this week with snowshoeing.  So. Much. Fun.  It was a good workout and a good time.  The perfect combo.  

While we were up at Stewart Falls (our destination point) I whipped out my handy dandy JetBoil and made Tess and I some Chicken Alfredo for lunch.  Worked slick as a whistle.  I mean, it wasn't the best meal I've ever had, but it'd definitely keep me alive!  And that JetBoil is just about the neatest little thing.  I'll definitely be using that more in the future.  

So many other great things happened this week as well.  I'm excited to be 22.  As of right now, 21 was the best year ever.  I might never top it. (If you don't believe me, look at this past year of blog posts!) This week though, 22 definitely showed some good potential, and I'm excited to see what this year brings!  

Oh, and yes, I'm feeling 22 :)

My Dear Ol' Dad

It was just my dad and I for 10 days while my mom was in Alaska, and not only did we survive, we had a pretty dang good time!  Well at least I did.  While all I cooked was a frozen pizza, he was able to find enough food to get along just fine!  My favorite things we did were get wood with the ward for a service project, 

mountain biking, 

and building our hammock stand.  Dad and I have a unique relationship--full of sass (from me), complete bewilderment, and love.  He's never had a kid quite like me, but I know he loves me anyways :)  Thanks for the fun 10 days Dad!  Love you!

Livi's Logic #5

I love my parents.  The problem is that sometimes I take them for granted.  I saw this quote a couple of days ago and I decided I need to do a better job of making my time with my parents count.  

This weekend I was able to spend quite a bit of time with my parents.  I went to the state basketball tournament where my dad was coaching his high school girls' basketball team.  Tess and I stayed with my parents and had a grand ol' time!  His girls did so great and pulled out an upset in the semifinals to play in the championship game Saturday afternoon.  They played so well but ended up taking second.  I'm still so proud of them!  

Mom, Tessa, Violet, Sedona and I got to do some shopping and swimming and sit together at the games.   We had so much fun just being together and visiting about life.  It was so great!  My mom is just so loving.  I know she cares about me so much and I love being with her.  Nothing makes my day more perfect than a being with my mom.  She's the bookkeeper for the team, so she travels with them and my dad.  I thought it might end when Tess was graduated, but she still keeps going!  She loves going and watching the girls and supporting my dad.  

I had a lot of great moments this weekend, but my favorite one was with my dad.  It was pretty personal, so without going into too much detail, Dad basically told Tess and I how he knew we had worked so hard to be the best we could be and how bad he wanted us to accomplish our goals.  I almost cried.  My dad's not a one to dish out compliments or really tell us that he's proud of us.  I just always pretend he is :)  So, this moment had a big impact on me and I am so glad I was there to support him in his coaching.  He loves basketball, and he loves these girls.  They work hard and he was so proud of them this weekend. 

Summer's just around the corner, and I'm heading home!  I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous…  I feel like I'm heading into social Siberia.  I have great friends here and it seems like something is always going on!  When I head home there's going to be like no one my age!  I've been kinda bummed about this and wondering what I'm going to do.  Even Tessa is going to be gone!  I've never spent a summer home without at least 2 of my siblings home.  This week though, I decided it's going to be awesome!  I'm going to get some quality time with my parents.  I'm excited to spend some time with just us three.  Hopefully they don't get too sick of me bugging them about doing stuff with me…  I guess it'll keep 'em young :)  

Anyways, so all of you out there, love your parents.  They need us.  They need our friendship.  They need our love.  Just like we need theirs.  

Happy Birthday Uncle David!!

Today has been a special day.  My Uncle David had his first birthday in Heaven.  I haven't written about my experience with his passing yet because I've been having a hard time with it.  I just kept asking myself why it had to happen to him, why it had to happen to his family.  He passed away from complications due to lung cancer.  He always kept the Word of Wisdom to a "T," so it seemed so strange that his body would fail him in this way.  The only way I can make sense of it is that Heavenly Father needed him up there more than we needed him down here.  I can only imagine the marvelous work he is doing up there!  

Tonight Mary, Tessa, and I had a birthday part for him.  It was so great!  We made a cake, lit up the candles and sang our little hearts out.  When the candles were out and there was that birthday candle smell I was flooded with memories of birthdays around their table, David at the head.  He always made sure we sang the song quick and with gusto!  No song was ever finished without the follow up phrase: "What a windjammer!"  

The cake :)

A quick memory of cakes with Uncle David:  When Tess and I were in jr. high we were up at David and Sally's when he asked us if we'd ever made a cake.  Neither of us had… So he promised us that each time we made a cake we would get more good lookin'--that's why his wife was so pretty!  Obviously I haven't made enough cakes yet…haha!  I'm sure he was proud at how quick I whipped up this cake :)

This next picture is one of my favorites.  It was the first time we went to visit him at the hospital after his stroke.  I remember talking to him as he squeezed my hand.  As I was about to leave he brought my hand up to his lips.  I started bawling, but was filled with so much hope!  I knew he was going to recover and be back to his normal, happy self.  

We went and visited him again after he was transferred to the rehab unit.  This visit we actually got him to laugh!  It was so exciting!  I told him a story that my dad had just told me about his football days at Ricks.  My dad's coaches had gone to one of Snow College's games and watched David play.  They were very impressed with David and brought my dad in to talk to him.  The coach asked my dad if he was as fast as David.  My dad replied: faster.  They asked if he was as big as David.  His reply: 10 pounds bigger.  The conversation went on and my dad was so thankful that his brother played so well because after that he became the punt returner.  This story now has a special place in my heart because I heard Uncle David laugh for the last time.  

As the semester went on and I was down here at school I called my mom everyday for an update on David.  Most of the time I was in tears.  It was tough on his family and my heart was breaking for them. I was having a hard time dealing with this reality and as I tried to put myself in their shoes I couldn't even imagine the heartbreak they were experiencing.  Sometimes things just don't work out the way we want them to, but the Lord is in charge and He knows what is best for us.  Healing definitely didn't happen overnight, and I am still receiving comfort each day.  It seems though whenever I think of him, a picture of him laughing pops into my head.  He was always the happiest guy and I imagine he's even happier now that he's back with our Father in Heaven.

Uncle David and his sweetheart.  What an amazing woman she is!  I can't think of a stronger, more loving and caring person.  

Aren't they perfect?!

I know that Uncle David wants us to be happy down here.  He wants us to love one another.  He wants us to find peace.  I know we can find that peace through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He knows exactly how we are feeling.  He can comfort us and help us find peace if we will let Him.  So, Happy Birthday Uncle David!  I hope I made the right wish for you :)  I love you!  

21!!!

It was my birthday yesterday, and it was the best birthday of my life!  The whole weekend was so great!  Definitely better than I could have asked for.  

I'll just start with Saturday, the day leading up to my birthday.  I had Insanity and work nice and early, but I got to go and work on some of my personal skiing before the lift was open (another nice perk of being an instructor--instructor clinics). Then I had a fun lesson in the morning with two cute little 4-year olds who had never skied before.  They did great!  Then after I signed them out to their parents I turned around and my parents were there!  I was expecting them, but I was still so surprised to see them!  We visited outside in the warm sun while I ate my lunch.  They were able to meet some of my co-workers and bosses and it was just so fun to have them there and have them meet some of the people who are having such a huge impact for good on me.  Then my lovely boss let me off early to go with Mom and Dad.  So, we came back and went to the BYU Women's basketball game and then out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse!  It was my first time ever, and of course I got the ribs :)  Ribs are one of my favorite things, and these ones were especially delicious!  Then we went to Target where Mom and Dad "gave me" two super cute sweaters for my birthday.  Then we went to the Creamery and got some good ol' ice cream :)  I'm so blessed to have such a great family.  I love them so much and I'm so glad they chose to spend their day off down here with Tessa and I.  Thanks again Mom and Dad!  I love you guys!

My real birthday was Sunday, and boy was I spoiled!  I woke up to texts full of birthday wishes and they kept coming all day long!  My roommates cooked me breakfast.  French Toast even!  My favorite!  I seriously live with the best girls!  

Then church was great, and after two guy friends from my ward came over and sang 3 different renditions of Happy Birthday accompanied by an accordion.  It was so fun!  

Celinda and Jesse had Mary, Tess, and I over for birthday dinner, lasagna!  Once again, one of my favorite things! Then when we came back to the house the side door was locked!  I was trying to get in with my key, I pounded on the door, I even cussed a little (I think I said stupid…) and then Mary convinced me to just go through the front door.  When I went through the door the living room was FULL of my friends and they all yelled, Surprise!  I really was so surprised!  I had no idea that they had been planning this?!  I still don't know how they kept it so hush-hush… Then we had cake and candles, and played a game and it was so great!  Mary even made a chocolate roll?!  When we sat down to play the game I looked around and said, "Wow, I'm so lucky to have such awesome friends."  But really you guys, there were so many good people in one room, and I considered ALL of them my friends.  I love every one of them.  One of my friends took video of blowing the candles out.  I can't figure out how to upload it, but it was good!  

I don't know if awesome birthdays are precursors for an awesome year, but I think we're off to a pretty great start :)  I can't wait to see what the next 364 days have in store for me :)  Thanks everyone for making my day so great!  Thanks for all the phone calls, texts, voicemails, Facebook posts, and wishes in person.  You guys are great!  

The sun was bright...

...but we were at Kneader's! 

Mom and Dad came down to visit this weekend and it was such a good time!  It was mom's birthday Friday, and it was so great to be able to spend some time with her on her day!  She's so great!  She's the best mom ever!  Dad came to the football game, but sat by himself, because for some reason, standing in the middle of a couple thousand BYU students didn't sound that fun to him... So Tess and I sat with some friends.  They played Middle Tennessee and won!  It was a fun, cold time!

I ate GOOD this weekend!  Mom brought down a bag of cookies, cinnamon rolls, and 2 loaves of zucchini bread!  Don't worry, I'm sharing with my roommates :)  They also took us to the Creamery for dinner, Kneader's for breakfast, and Cafe Rio for dinner again!  I hadn't eaten out yet since I'd been down here, so it was kinda nice!  Needless to say, I didn't eat a single thing out of my fridge/cupboard all weekend!  Thanks so much Mom and Dad!  

Saturday morning we went on a bike ride out to Utah Lake via the Provo River Trail.  It was a great time!  If any of you are in the Provo area, or ever come down, I would definitely recommend a bike ride or run on the trail.  It's great!

I did mom's hair, as in highlighted it, which is always fun for me!  We also ran a few errands and went to the Relief Society Broadcast.  It was so much fun to just spend time with Tess and my parents!

Taffy and Tony came down Saturday afternoon as well, saw our places, and then we met back up with them to go to the BYU Women's Volleyball game vs. Pacific.  It was so great to see them as well!  Thanks for coming down!  

Life's pretty darn good down here in Provo!

Hello Eugene!

I have one word to describe the trip to Oregon: Love.  I seriously loved it!  Dad, Tess, and I headed on our adventure Tuesday morning (the 4th).  The drive there was great!  Got to see Kenz and Kyler :)  We also stopped and stayed the night in Prineville and got a nice little tour of the town.  

 Outside of Prineville, OR

 The Cascades

We passed through multiple towns I decided it'd probably be okay for me to teach school in someday.  They were all cute little towns.  My favorite was probably Sisters.  It was cute, pretty small, ski area pretty close, surrounded by beautiful mountains as well as green fields.  We hiked up to Sahalie Falls (about an hour outside Sisters), and it was gorgeous as well.  

Sahalie Falls

Our final destination was Eugene which was where the NCAA championship track meet was held. The track meet started everyday at 4, so we had all day to do stuff and it was great!    The bike trails there are sweet!-and Dad and I made good use of them.  I could bike 10 hours a day for a week and still not bike every trail!  The two highlights were probably finding a gorgeous rose garden and an open gate to Autzen Stadium! (Oregon Ducks football field)  I loved spending the time with Dad.  

Friday we took the 2 hour drive to the coast.  Well worth the trip!  It was so gorgeous.  I definitely need to go back.  

The track meet was amazing!  I love watching these athletes preform.  We sat right in front of the winner of the men's 100 hurdle champion, and the  men's 400 hurdle champion (2 different guys), so I felt kinda like I was sitting in VIP seating.  It was pretty exciting :)  We also got to watch Amber Henry run.  She's a friend from Mt. View and she took 3rd in the 3000 Meter Steeple Chase.  Almost 2 miles with 5 hurdles per lap, one with a water pit on the other side...yea, I'm pretty sure I would die.  She was amazing and it was so fun to watch her!  We sure loved every second of the meet and the stadium was great for spectators as well.  

 Amber racing

The adventurers :)

I'm pretty sure I would recommend Oregon as a vacation destination for all :)