All I want for Christmas...

First of all, I got a new editing program and I'm having WAY too much fun with it. It's like my journalism days all over again.

The best part of the season for me right now is that chance I get to talk to Hudson. Elder Gunther called Christmas Eve during the day. My rule is that he has to talk to his family first and then whatever time he has left he can use to talk to me. By the time he called me, it was like 3 in the morning - his time. I felt bad because he sounded pretty tired, but I guess he loves me or something because he was willing to stay up and talk. I love him so much and it was so good to talk to him. Can't believe only 6 more months!!!

As you can tell from Jon's face here, we had an AWESOME christmas. It was just a little group. And we told Santa to come early because we left early Christmas morning for Florida. So, we did all of our Christmas opening on Christmas Eve. My big present this year was a Hope Chest. I was dumb and forgot to take a picture of it, but it is GORGEOUS. It's black and a little antiqued. It's got tons of storage room and even a few secret compartments :) Then I got a few other things.... definately more than I even expected.

I made out like a Bandit!!! SO much good stuff there!

Let's just say that Edward fills part of the Hudson-void I'm feeling right now. This is a GREAT soundtrack for anyone who hasn't gotten it yet.

Jon finished his Eagle Project before we went to Florida so he got to get a new cell phone. He pushed so hard to get it done because he needed a way to stay in touch with Lindsay (his girlfriend) while we were gone. He was absolutely glued to in.... and he still is.

He did find a little time to to put his phone away and entertain us. He and Lucian make quite a pair.... Oh my little brother just makes me laugh.

Amy and Sam.... Oh I love them. Don't tell anyone, but I helped Santa put up and play with her lifesize barbie playhouse. I WANT ONE NEXT YEAR!!!

Jon and Sam competed over who has the bigger muscles.... I think Sam won this time. She's so tough.

And what's better or cuter than my parents. They are so amazing and they are the main reason why my Christmas was so great. One tradition that Hudson and I will have is one that my dad has with us... Every year he reads us the REAL christmas story.... but even better is that the past couple of years he ends with reading the scriptures about the atonement and talks about why it was so important that that little baby was born. I love the Christmas season and am so excited for this new year!!!

Only 7 More Months...

I just got this picture from my handsome Hudson and I had to share it with you all. I can't believe that he's almost home. It will be great and I just can't wait for that day. OK, so before it gets too mushy.... here's the picture!

Thanks Andrea...

Ok so I got tagged.... Leave it to my sister! So here is my tag of 8's:

8 TV Shows I Like....

1: House (this is my new personal favorite)

2: The Office

3: American Idol - I wish it were on right now!!!

4: King of Queens... that show never goes out of style

5: Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? (Can you guess what's on my mind?)

6: Crossing Jordan

7: Bones

8: Without A Trace .... are you disocvering a theme here?

8 Things I Did Yesterday...

1: Took a shower

2: Played with Amy and Sam

3: Sang in Amy's ward

4: Organized my branch Christmas program

5: Taught my branch choir.

6: Ate a nummy dinner my mom made

7: Wrote an essay for my New Testament class.

8: Blog-stalked my friends and family :)

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To...

1: I'll give ya one guess as to what's #1

2: 4 more class periods and then school with be out for Christmas.

3: Seeing my wonderful sister and her husband in Florida.

4: Appearing on my first BYU newscast next semester (Make sure to tune into BYU Weekly Fridays at noon)

5: Meeting Becca's twins.... hopefully soon.

6: Talking to Elder Gunther at Christmas.

7: Getting my new shoes that Ben, my boss, owes me

8: And in case you didn't get it, #1 is I CAN'T WAIT FOR HUDSON TO COME HOME!!!

8 Of My Favorite Restaurants...

1: Los Hermanos

2: California Pizza Kitchen

3: Biaggi's

4: Brick Oven.... even though i worked there, their food still is pretty good.

5: Chili's... gotta love it!

6: Barbacoa's - Hudson introduced me and it was love at first bite :)

7: Goodwood's Barbeque

8: Chef's Table. We went there for dinner on Prom night '07

8 Things I Wish For...

1: For Hudson to be safe

2: For my dad's new book to do well.

3: To raise a good family in the gospel.

4: To graduate from BYU

5: A shiny new car

6: To serve a mission with Hudson

7: Learn ASL better

8: Be a better friend

8 People I Tag...

1: Lisa Andersen

2: Abbie Swenson

3: Becca Clark

4: Heather Hill

5: Michelle Giovannoni

6: Kylee Applonie

7: Whitney Padilla

8: Kaitlin Hale

Go for it LADIES!

Here we are...

So I just had to post these pictures. The first one is us being happy and "posing" for the picture. The next one, for those of you who know us, is more realistic for this bunch.

I'm addicted

Mom and I went to a midnight showing if the movie "Twilight" last night. HOLY COW!!! I'm still walking on air. It is the greatest movie ever (or at least really close behind "Pride & Prejudice"). It just made me so happy and just giddy or something. It wasn't great acting or filming or anything like that, it just fully met my expectations. I've seen it twice and have my apoointment for the third time already set up. And yes... we are dorks... we bought shirts!

I think that the atmosphere that we were in totally made the movie too. We got the tickets through a salon that had bought out 2 theaters. They had a raffle before and gave out bags of candy to everyone and then when we left we got a bunch of gift certificates and stuff to different places. It was AWESOME! They got us all pumped up before the movie. The second that Edward walked on the screen, everyone SCREAMED! Then at the part where Edward showed his sparkling chest, one woman stood up and yelled "Take it off!" It was just great fun to be with such an excited crowd. Anyways.... I thought it was a fun movie!

Sillyness :)

A few days ago Amy and Sami had dropped in for something and they stayed and talk for a while. Mom and I had just gone to the party store to pick up a few things for her primary songs. Sami and I got into them and this is what happened....

I was up first. No, not my real eyes. Yes, I'm upside-down. And Yes, my chin makes the perfect "nose."

This is me "picking my nose" with my tongue.... :)

I know we look basically the same, but this one above and below is actually of Sami. Her little chin wrinkles so well that it looks like the holes in a normal nose.... She is SO funny!OK, now I don't have the right software or something to turn the video, but make sure your sound is on for this one. She was making us laugh so much!

Oh and P.S. This is Sami's latest dance. She says she learned it from Disney Channel.... Oh the all-knowing source of goodness and truth.

Baby Steps Re-charge

Ok, so after the "accident" my self-help improvement weeks got thrown off a little. But, after a wonderful visit from my home teachers last night, I'm back at it. One of my home teachers, Allan, talked about how thankful we need to be (good topic considering the up-coming holiday). He asked me a question that threw me off gaurd a little. He asked me how my relationship with Christ was. Now, this shouldn't be a hard question to answer, but usually the question is, "How is your relationship with Heavenly Father?" That one I can answer immediatly... But the "Christ" question was a little harder. It got me thinking about how much time I really spend thinking about my savior and all that He did and still does for me. I had to stop and evaluate: Am I thankful enough to Him for the tremendous gift which He has given me? Do I think about Him and all that He has done for me? Am I treating others how He would treat them?

I'm not saying I'm an awful person, but for the next couple of weeks I want to try and focus a little more on Christ and improving myself in a more spiritual instead of physical manner. Plus, I think this will really help to bring a unique spirit for this Christmas season.

The first Christ-like attribute that I want to work on is that of loving and giving more of myself. Few people know how demanding and impatient I've been in the past. To those people I say I truly am sorry. In high school, I realize I was too controlling with Hudson. I had him wrapped around my little finger and unfortunatley, that wasn't always a good thing. Hudson definately has gained a backbone in Russia, but I want to be better myself.

This week I'm going to try my hardest to serve wherever I can serve. To listen to people who need a shoulder to cry on. And to love, not judge, first.

"We are asked to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We are asked to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We are asked to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. We are called upon to be true disciples of Christ, to love one another with genuine compassion, for that is the way Christ loved us." “An Easter Greeting from the First Presidency,” Church News, 15 April 1995

Once upon a time...

So I was trying to think of something to blog about this week. I wasn't sure what you all wanted to hear from me... so I'll tell you a little story. Once upon a time there was this girl...Well, actually she was more like a young woman. Now this girl was very young for her grade. She didn't turn 16 until the summer after her sophomore year of high school. So that year, she had to sit by and watch everyone else go on date and dances and have fun. Well, the summer she turned 16 she started to like Mr. Redhead. Because of that, she decided to throw a pit of a birthday party at her house and invite Mr. Redhead and some of his friends. And so she did just that. Unfortuantely Mr. Redhead had to work. But she put on a good face for her guests. There was one guest in particular that she talked to a lot. He was Mr. Redhead's best friend at the time. His name.... Hudson. OK, ok.... so maybe this is my story. So what?!?! I just thought some of you might enjoy hearing how my whole situation came to be... put no worries. This isn't going to be a novel. It's going to be more of a.... um.... picture book! So, that night at my house we watched "Hitch." Kinda ironic now that you think about it. Hudson and I ended up sitting by each other and talking almost the whole way through the movie. When it was over, everyone else left, but Hudson stayed to help clean up a little. I ended up walking out to his car with him. Apparently I said something along the lines of "OH, I wouldn't mind going out on a date with a soccer player." or something like that.... but he heard, "Hudson, I really like you and want to go on a date with you!" :) And so the magic began. Right after that, my family and I drove my oldest brother out to Virginia. it was like a 2 and a half week trip. And my parents claim that I texted Hudson THE WHOLE time.

When we got back, he took me on my very first date. We went to the "Voice Male" concert at Thanksgiving Point. It was rather funny because his mom and his little brother came with us. It actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Sweet little Hudson, during the concert, turned and ASKED to hold my hand. I had never had someone ask before and was completely shocked. I wasn't sure that I wanted to hold his hand on the first date and so I told him "no." Looking back, I don't even know why it was such a big deal to me, but it was. Anyways, he seemed ok, but i knew that he wa dying inside. By the end of the night I had reasoned with myself and when we were in the car on the ride home, I reached over and grabbed his hand. He said, "Beth it's ok if you don't want to. I'm not mad. And I don't want you to do this out of pity or something." I told him that i wanted to, but I don't know that I had him completely convinced.

Our relationship only got stronger after that. It's funny because I had been praying for a long time for Heavenly Father to send me a friend.... someone I could talk to that would listen to me. Someone who loved me for me and just wanted to always be with me. I, personally, was thinking that someone would be a girl, but turns out the Lord had different plans for me. That someone was Hudson. We have shared so many good times and have had such great experiences together, I can't wait to see what it's like when he gets back.Hudson took me to the homecoming dance our Junior year. We look so little in this picture! I used to have a really big problem with the fact that I am ALMOST the same height as him. It never bothered him and so I got past it. Plus, now-a-days you can see tons of girls that are taller than their husbands. (Although, Hud has claimed that he's grown another inch on his mission... we'll see if that's just wishful thinking)We've been all over the country together..... From choir tour in california....To cleaning churches in Hawaii, we were ALWAYS together in high school. Here some more good pictures of dances and hanging out with friends.... these are some of my most favorite memories!

This is Prom of our Junior year. We had so much fun and I LOVED that dress. My mom and I made it.

Football games.... need I say more?

Yet another choir tour in California. This one was fun because both of our moms came... and they actually got to be roomies!

I feel so blessed to have been able to graduate with my best friend! He means so much to me!

This one is more the REAL us... This is actually at a Jon Schmidt concert (OUR FAV!!!) the summer before he left.

See... i do have a small social life! :)

So I just want to say that I have THE BEST single's ward on the face of the earth.... and it's not even a ward, it's still a branch. We are so small and so we're the only "branch" in American Fork. But that does not mean that we lack in excitement and fun. A couple of weeks ago we went up to my branch president's cabin in Heber, Utah. We stayed in "the mansion" Friday night and then came home Saturday afternoon. I drove up because I had to come back earlier than the group on account of work.

I got to spend a lot of time with some of my GFFL (Girlfriends For Life!) It seems that no matter what happens, how long we go between talking, or how far apart we drift, when we get together, we have fun. We party and talk and laugh like we're the closest of friends. I love them! Loran drove up with me and we just had the best time. I'm working on not talking so much and being better at letting others express themselves and so it was good to hear what she had to say. I learned a lot about her and I just love conversations that are more than knee-deep. Plus, it was good to have her there while we were driving through the scary mountains.... And Bro. Welch was getting us lost.

And speaking of the leaders...I'm not standing alone when i say that they are the bomb!!! Bro. Welch and his wife are in my parents' ward. He is so funny and one of the only ones that gets away with teasing me.... and I just have to take it. Pres. Myler is so kind and understanding. I have a deep love and appreciation for that man and all he does. He and his wife are adorable. I love that I can go to this single's ward and not feel like they're pushing me to get married right away.

And what would the ward be without it's members? The group of people that I get to hang out with at the branch are just great. We cry, laugh, and learn together and I feel like everyone is pretty open and honest with each other. It's cool to go and not feel like you're being judged constantly.

Can I just say that I love 4-wheelers. I haven't been on one for a very long time though.... probably the last time I was on one was a Jen's parents' house. And that was a good 4 years ago. Anyways, this is a picture of me and Andee Rowley. It took me a minute to warm up and get comfortable, but once I got going, I didn't want to get off. Hudson, I want one of these... just so you know!

Some good news!!!

Ok, quick update... I'm doing really well. The good thing about Anaphylactic Shock is that people tend to recover really quickly. I came home Tuesday at about 3 p.m. (They actually let me vote in the hospital!!! It was a pretty interesting experience concidering it was my first presidential election. I don't know how much my vote should have counted though because I was so drugged up I could barely read the words on the paper! he he) I took of Wednesday and today and tried to mostly relax. Thanks to all of you who have visited or called or prayed... I know it's all helped me so much. My mouth is a little scratched up still because of tubes and I have a lovely scrape above my left nostril because of the tube the had down my nose to pump my stomach, but other than that I'm doing pretty well. My arms are banged up too because (and this may not surprise soem of you) but I guess even when I was knocked out, I was fighting the nurses and DID NOT want to tubes in my mouth or nose. They had to tie me down that night so I wouldn't hurt myself. Needless to say, I bruised my arms a little.

Now, Here is a little update from Moscow... seems like life over there is a little better than here... FOR ONCE! "Last week I said that on Friday we would be having a 'Fall carnival' to celebrate Halloween. I am happy to say it turned out great. Unfortunately someone forgot to pass the memo around that missionaries were, to a degree, allowed to dress up. So I had to find something at the branch to wear as a costume. I found a hardhat so I did the best I could to be a missionary and builder (Missionary and builder are kind of the same. We are building the kinding of God lol). We had more than thirty people show up which was great because at least 20 of them were investigators or people from English Club. There were also a lot of inactive members there. And oh did I mention, THERE WERE LOT OF KIDS!!!! It was awesome to have the little kids there. It's not to often that there are more than two kids at a branch function but on Friday there were about 10 kids atleast. We played a bunch of games after we watch Elder Wirthlin's latest conference talk. It was a great time for me to mingle and mix and get to know the branch members and everyone that came. It was a great night!!

Elder Gunther had to show the little kids how bobbing for apples is really done in America!!!

This is Elder Cannon with some of the kids from the branch who dressed up for the Halloween Party!!!

"On Friday, for our weekly planning, Elder Cannon and I set some high goals. We set a goal to have four investigators at church. Sunday was great because there is a family that has four kids. One is amost nine, so we are trying to get him baptised. His dad is a member but him mom isn't. They are a sweet family and we tried really hard to get them to come to church on Sunday. And they came. It is really hard for them to come to church because the dad is crippled and really can only come to church if someone comes and picks them up. So they came because we got the branch president to pick them up. The kids were very loud though lol during sacrement meeting. We actually ended up taking them into the primary room and watching them the last 15 minutes or so during sacrement meeting because of how roudy they were. I had to run but in before sacrement meeting ended to play the piano. I am also the 2nd counselor in the Elders' quorem. Then my favorite part was that because I'm the only one that knows how to play the piano in the branch, I was asked to play the piano during primary. I LOVED IT!!!! It was so fun to play the primary songs and to sing with the kids and watch their big smiles. I love primary. I am hoping we can work it out somehow so I can continue to play the piano in there because it really invites the spirit and it really calms down the kids!

"The work is picking up as we are focusing on being 100 percent exactly obedient and we are seeing the hand of the Lord in helping us in His work."

Scariest day of my life...

OK so instead of telling the story a million times, I'll just tell you all here. Monday I came home on the bus between my 3-5 break. I was going to take the car out to BYU for my class so that I could hurry home instead of having to wait for the bus. Well, I got home about 4 and my mom started to make those peanut butter rice crispie treats. She made them before and I've been fine before. Well, I stated my laundry and decided I didn't feel like going back to BYU. So i was sittin at the counter and started to have what I thought was an asthma attack. Well, it came on really quickly and my chest got really tight and I went outside to see if some fresh air might work, but it didn't. I got my mom and we hopped in the car and started driving to the hospital. I tried to keep sucking on my nebulizer, but it wasn't working. I stopped and just started praying. I didn't realize it, but my mom said that I was using every breath that I had to pray outloud to my Heavenly Father. My mom said that I was asking Him to give me strength and bless the doctors and to protect me. The last thing I remember was passing the cemetary (which is about 2 miles from my house) and looking out the window in the rear view mirror and seeing my white face and completely blue lips.

Now the rest is my mom's point of view: She said that I couldn't hold my body up by myself and I had my seatbelt in but was really wobbily. She said I slumped over onto her shoulder and about 30 seconds before she got to the hospital she heard the little "gasps" of air from me and then I stopped breathing. She stopped at the ambulance exit and ran inside telling them her daughter was in the car and wasn't breathing. They brought out a stretcher and two people put me on it. My mom went around and parked the car. She said that by the time she got back in, they had about 8 people around me tryin to get me to breathe. They had to cut my sweatshirt off (sorry hud, it was your soccer sweatshirt). My mom said they let her stay in the emergency room with me. She said even though I was unconscious I was fighting them. I didn't not want the tube down my thoat, but they had to get it down before my throat closed off all the way. She said when I would get really ornery, they would ask her to stand by my head and stroke my forehead and talk to me and tell me everything was goign to be alright. She said it actually helped and it settled me. They got the tube down and then they had to stick a tube down my nose to pump my stomach. I kept trying to pull my tubes out and so they had to strap my hands down to my bed.

See, I was out for the whole night. My mom and my sister Amy Jo stayed with me and switched off watching over me. I was hooked to a breathing machine all night and because my arms were tied down, my mom said i kept sitting up and trying to get my face to my hands to pull out the tubes. I don't remember anything. Tuesday morning I woke up about 7 i think. I don't remember much til about 9, but I do remember one thing. I remember waking up (my mom said I still had the tubes in me) and I had to go to the bathroom. I was hooked up to a machine that I could pee in, but it was clogged or something and it wasn't working. Now, I'm in an ASL class right now and so I couldn't talk, so I signed the sign for bathroom. Of course, nobody could understand me and so I signed J-O-N because my little brother knows a little sign language. He wasn't there yet, so I spelled out B-A-T-H-R-O-O-M and one of the nurses knew the letters. They then unhooked me from all the machines and I was able to go to the bathroom.

From about 9 to 3 I was awake and watched some TV and they let me take a shower because I had throw-up and crap in my hair. Apparently it was really scary and my mom had to watch it all. She's the real hero in all of this because she kept it together. I'm so blessed to have such a great family and the technology that save my life. Anyways, thanks for all the prayers and worries. You guys are the best. I love you all!

Baby Steps Week #3

Let's not really talk about last week's goal... I didn't do so well. But with the help of my mom this week... I'm going to SMASH it! Anyways, the sleeping thing is going well, but I want to add something onto it. As we have all heard "early to bed (which I'm already working on) and early to rise (can you guess my goal for this week?)" Yep, that's right! I'm going to work on getting up earlier. I want to be awake and altert BEFORE i go to my first class. So, for this week, I'm going to wake up at 6:00 a.m. every morning so that I can catch the 7:00 bus in.... I did it this morning and I really do feel great! and I actually learned stuff from my teacher. Waking up earlier will also help my body to go to bed earlier too.

RULES:

1: When my alarm goes off... get out of bed. Whether that's sitting up or rolling off the edge... GET OUT!

2: Turn on lights immidiately so that I can't fall back asleep.

3: After I gain enough consciousness to stand, make my bed.... that way i won't be tempted to fall back into it.

I think this will all help!

P.S. I just wanted to say this real quickly before I go. I've always wondered what I would do when I ran into "him" again. I know i broke his heart, but it was what I had to do. Well, this morning it happened... I walked into the library and there he was... unavoidably. So I went over and said "HI!" He seemed to be doing well, figuring out what he's going to be doing with his life, and I think he's moved on. He did ask a lot of questions about my life and I could tell he couldn't take his eyes off "the ring" but I ignored that subject and figured he didn't need to know. It was actually a really good thing for me because I've always wondered and now I don't. There is nothing there for me anymore and I don't feel anything. I actually kept thinking about a certain Elder in Russia while I was talking to "him." I LOVE ELDER GUNTHER!!! FO SO!!!

Baby Steps Week #2

If I were to give myself a grade for last week and getting to bed on time, I'd have to give myself 50%. Let's not figure out what grade that acutally is....I think the word "failure" is a little too harsh sometimes. I'm just going to do better this week. But along with this week, I'm going to add another baby step.

I've debated on what I really want to cut out/add. And I think that sleep and exercise go hand in hand. SO my goal is to exercise 6 times this week. I don't care if that's running or Wii Fit or whatever... i'm going to do it. (I'm giving myself Sunday off.... :) ) I figure if I can do it for 6 days then going down to 4 or 5 on a regular basis will be easy. I know I can do this.

Rules for this week:

1: Exercise must be completed before 10 p.m. so that I can get to bed on time.

2: I'm going to try and exercise 20-30 mins... no stopping until then

3: Try to talk to my mom and see if a certain time to exercise works for her.... you know, there is power in numbers!

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." -Jim Ryun

A warning to you all...

So pretty sure that I'm sick of getting on my blog and seeing that I'm the ONLY ONE that's updating anything. So you all can keep up on my life but i have NO CLUE what's going on in yours. Sure, i could pick up the phone and call you all, but seeing pictures is so much better. So here is my threat (especially to you Becca and Kylee). If you don't update soon... so help me I WILL come after you (and your twins Becks!) Come on, you don't have like 30 minutes to update a little and throw some pictures up..... OK, I'm done venting now. I just had to get that off on my chest!

Baby Steps Week #1

I want to be a good mom. I want to be around for a long time. I want to be able to get up and go outside and run with them without having to stop every 5 minutes to take my inhalor. But for right now, since I don't have kids, I simply want to make it up the RB "stairs of death" without passing out at the top. In order to accomplish this goal, I'm taking little steps and tasks each week to focus on and change in my life so that I can be healthy and ENTERGETIC.

And I've decided what my first goal is...

And, for me, it's a big one.

You see, for any of you have lived with me or have had the pleasure of being present at the time that yours truly awakes from her beauty sleep, you all know how pleasant I can be. Actually, I'm more like the beast than sleeping beauty.... (And yes I realize I'm mixing my Disney classics....so sue me.... I don't mean that literally Joe). I think part of the problem is that I don't think that sleep is as important and urgent at 1:00 A.M. as I do at 6:00 A.M. So, to fix this problem I'm setting a goal this week to get to bed by 11:00 P.M. every school night.

To do this, I'm outlining a few baby steps for me to work at this week:

1: Accomplish as much work at school as I can. Use my time wisely and don't waste it. (Good, full nights of sleep will also help me to stay awake during school and study periods.)

2: No TV at home or school until all homework is finished.

3: I'm grounding myself to my room after 10 P.M. I need to use this time to check last minute assignments, get ready for bed, and read scriptures/say prayers.

Hopefully this little habit will help me with a lot of areas in my life, but I think it's my first step to a healthy, happy life! Wish me luck!

Now on the other side of the world....

Here is my latest letter from Hudson (with a few editoral comments for fun!)

"General Conference was awesome!!!! I loved being able to sit and be spiritually fed for 10 plus hours!!!! (I wish that i could be that enthusiastic about it) It was like Christmas come early."

Obviously he is really excited about conference here.... he claims he was only asleep for like 10 minutes.... right!

"A lot of people have asked me what my favorite talk was but honestly that is a really hard question. I don't know if I have a favorite talk because so many of them were so great. However I think my most favorite part of conference weekend here for us was that we got to watch the special on the life of President Monson. I knew he was a great amazing guy but after watching the little documentary I had a spiritual reconfirmation of just how great he is. I loved how at the end of the documentary they ask him something along the lines of what makes him most happy. His answer was really powerful to me. He said, 'Ï loved to listen and act upon the promptings of the spirit just to find out later that acting upon the promptings was an answer to someone's prayers.' To me that reheiterated the importance of listening and immediately reacting to the promptings of the spirit. And also I love how at the end of the statement it says, 'prayers' because it just goes to show that we don't always get an answer right from our first prayer to our Heavenly Father. It, most of the time, takes prayers and not just one prayer. I was just truely touched and inspired by the love of President Monson. It made me want to do everything I can to become like him. "

This past week are so, all the elders had to get flu shots and fun medical stuff so that they don't get sick. Elder Gunther told me that he was watching the shot go in the whole time and actually asked the guy if he could do it himself to "practice" for later in life. While all the other elders were passing out at the thought of needles, Elder Gunther could not take his eyes of the thing.

And on a more funny note:

"So to start off the letter I'm going to tell you of a prank Elder Woodland pulled on me this week. So on Tuesday, it was just like any other morning. However as we were leaving after lunch to go contact on the street my companion said, 'Elder Gunther I feel change coming on.' I then said, 'What do you mean? Transfers aren't for like another 4 weeks.' Then he said, 'I don't know I just feel change coming on.' I then just blew it off. We then went outside and contacted most of the day. Then around 6 at night the AP's called and wanted to talk to my companion. That was a little strange and they talked to him for about 10 minutes. I, after he finished, asked him what they said. He said they were just double checking his passport information so he can get his second passport. I didn't believe him cause he was acting weird and because there is an office elder that usual does that stuff. I grilled him some more on it but then accepted his answer. After English club though Elder Harker, who is the person that usually checks on things like passport stuff, called my companion and talked for a sec. I followed my companion around to see if I could get what they were talking about. Now at the end of the his conversation, little did I know that Elder Harker had already hung up, my companion said, "Wait so will there be room for all three of them?" Then after that, as I thought, I thought he was totally moving because in my mind 3 meant 3 things of baggage. I grilled my companion some more to tell me were he was going. He then said, 'Ok fine. I'm going to Belarus next Thursday and Elder Armstrong is going to be my companion.' When I heard this I was so sad. I really like Elder Woodland and I really wanted to have at least 3 transfers with him. We left the branch in silence because I was feeling 'in the gulf of misery and endless woe.' (I think Elder Gunther is a little melodramatic somtetimes) I sat on the transport all the way home just thinking of how much was going to change. I texted the AP's and asked them if I could know who my new companion was going to be and if I was still going to be in Ryazan or if I was going somewhere else. They didn't text me back though so I just thought they were finalizing everthing with president. After we got off the transport I called the AP's but they didn't answer. So we finished walking home. I can't tell you how depressed I was lol. When we got home the APs called me and I said to him, 'Did you get my text?' He said, 'Ya.' I then asked him who my new comp was going to be. He said what do you mean. I then said it's ok you can tell me. Elder Woodland told me everything. He then said He told you what. I said, 'That he is going to Belarus.' By this time the AP had no idea what I was talking about. He said, 'Elder Gunther I honestly am really confused.' Then it hit me as I looked into the smiling face of my companion. He had pulled a prank on me. And as soon as he realized I figured it out he ran into the bathroom and locked the door. I just started laughing and kind of explained everything to the AP but he still didn't get it and I felt really stupid that I had been had by my companion. I felt a lot better afterwords though knowing that Elder Woodland and I will still be companions at least for another 4 weeks hopefully more though.
This is a picture of Elder Gunther and Elder Woodland with their newest investigators. They are 7th-Day Adventists and are putting up some very interesting questions for these two to answer. They seem to be doing a great job and love teaching Sergay and his daughter Anna.

Along with quilting and cooking, Elder Gunther has also been learning how to play the guitar in his "down time." I don't really know if he ever has down time, but I just can't believe all the stuff he is learning over there. It's amazing and he's just so darn cute eh?

Ok, so i hoped you all enjoyed that. It's so cool how Elder Gunther is really starting to write well and is so decriptive. Mr. Weyand (our 12th grade English teacher) would be so proud of him. It's actually funny to see that he is starting to write more "scripturally" and talks so much like a missionary. I'm so proud of him.... 8 months and 3 weeks left!!!

Now the fun can really begin!

I did it, I did it, I did it... YAY! (Dora the Explorer, for those of you that are less educated in the art of children's programs) What did i do, you might ask? Just keep reading and you figure it out. Monday i was sitting in class, bored out of my mind, and decided to check my e-mail. Not a good idea.... there, just sitting innocently in my inbox was a message that I had been dreading/awaiting. It was from the Communications Department here at BYU telling me that my acceptance/denial letter was waiting for me in the Comms office. I coud pick it up at any time... except for the fact that I had classes it 3:00. Needless to say, it was a very long couple of hours as i anxiously waited for classes to end.

Note: It crossed my mind as I was saying several prayers that it's funny how i found myself wanting to pray that the words on my letter would be good (meaning that i got in). I almost wanted to as Him that if I had gotten denied, that He would change the words to "accepted." I realized that I don't think it words that way. After all that we can do, then we will be rewarded. I changed my prayers to ask Him to help me receive a confirmation that whatever the answer may be, that I may find peace in it.

So at 3:00 I almost RAN to the Comms building to get my letter. The secretary placed the letter in my shaky hands and i headed out of the building. I walked around for a couple of minutes to find a quiet, secluded spot where i could open the letter that felt SO heavy in my hand. I found a spot, sat down, took my inhaler (because I was freaking out a bit) and opened the letter by myself.... except for the fact that my mom made me call her while I opened it.

The first words in the letter: CONGRATULATIONS!

Oh what a relief this is. I have hated telling people that I am a pre-communications major and that I still don't know FOR SURE what I'm going to be doing with my life, but now I know! I am Beth Walker: newest Broadcast Journalism Major at BYU.

My Angels

So, I'm sitting in the HBLL, thinking about the many ways I have been blessed in my life and don't think that I've ever given appreciation to the people who deserve it the most... so here it goes:

It all began with my grandmother. My mom's mom and the only real Grandma that I've ever known has been such a hero to me and she probably doesn't even know. You see, when my grandma met my grandpa, he was not a member of the LDS church. She had strong values and knew that even though she loved him, he could not take her to the temple which is where she knew she needed to be married. She challenged him to take the discussions and sure enough he found it to be true. It's because of her faith that my mom was born into the gospel, thus enabling me to have the gospel in my life.

My daddy has helped me in so many ways. I'm so grateful for the honorable mission he served and the wonderful man he's become. I know that he is my daddy for a reason. After all, if it weren't for him, i wouldn't have found my love for writing and journalism. He's always provided for me and my family and works harder than anyone I know. He loves the Lord and is not afraid to show me that. I love that anytime I want I can go sit on his lap and cry and he'll just hold me til I'm better. Daddy, thank you for always being there for me and thank you for always showing me and Amy and Joe and Jon and Andrea how much you love and respect our mom. I love the way you look at her and how cute you are to her. Because of you, i know what kind of man I want to marry.

This dedication is to all my siblings. We've laughed and cried together. We've eaten and sang together. As one of the last children, I've had you to look up to and to learn from. Amy, thank you for always taking me under your wing. Thanks for being a good big sister without playing the "I'm 12 years older than you" card. Joe, thanks for keeping me humble - and i mean that in a good way. You've always been one to answer my questions, no matter how juvenille, and explain things to me. Your love of learning has worn off on me. Also, i wanted you and jen to know that I am so grateful for the example of hard work and trust in the Lord that you have set for all of us. Truly you have shown that "with God, nothing is impossible." Next is Andrea. Oh how I love your innocence. As the last of my older siblings to be in the house, I'm grateful for the different connection we have. I loved it when i could wear your clothes (even though you probably didn't enjoy it). Thanks for sharing and for loving me unconditionally. Lastly Jon... oh man... what to say. I know before i left for school we didn't get along that well. I'm sorry for those times that we lost, but I can't tell you how grateful I am that things are so much better now that I'm back. I love to just be entertained by you. You make me laugh so much. Thanks for singing and dancing and annoying mom and dad with me. You all are the best!

Like any girl, where would she be without her girlfriends? Unfortunately, I've lost contact with several from high school, but i still love them all. They got me through high school. Through puberty and first kiss, choir tour romances and stressful ACTs, my girls have been there for all of it. They make smile and give me hope. With half of them married, it's so cool to see us all becoming adults. I learn new things from them every day and love to see who they are becoming. GIRLS: you have helped me in more ways than you know and I'll love you til the end!

And where would I possibly be without Hudson? I don't know that he'll be able to see this, but I want you all to know how deep the love is I have for him. With Hud and I, it's not just some immature little high school relationship anymore. It's deep.... it's real... it's eternal. We've been through a lot together. We've had ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we've always come out closer than before. If any of you have had to get to know someone through only letters, you'll know what i mean when I say that Hudson and I know eachother completely. Ya, we were basically inseperable in high school, but i know him so much better now. With only 9 months left, I'm completely and utterly ecstatic to be waiting for such an amazing guy. Every day I ask myself how i got so lucky. I truly am blessed. Hudson, i love you!

Now don't worry everybody. I haven't forgotten the most important person... my mom. See, i get emotional just thinking about my mom. She has been my best friend for my whole life. I can tell her anything and she gives the best advice. Part of the reason I moved back home is because I didn't like not being able to talk to her as much. She loves everyone and is willing to serve in whatever way she can. She's been to every basketball game, every doctor's appointment, every choir concert, and every SEOP. She's our #1 supporter and not afraid to stand up for her children. I love her so much. Mom, your testimony is so strong and true. I know that you love your children more than life itself and you're so good at showing it. Thank you for showing me and teaching me how to be a great mother, wife, and member of the church. You are my hero and I'm so grateful to have you.

Ok, well now that I've poured my heart out, i just want to thank all of you that I might not have specifially mentioned. You all have blessed my life and helped me to be who I am now. So, Thank You! Now, go eat a peice of chocolate or something because I sure am going to.

The best present EVER!!!!

So hudson did the cutest thing for me. It was supposed to be here for my birthday, but Russian mail is so unpredictable and lame, I just got it like a month ago. My dear sweet missionary made his first attempt at quilting and let's just say I'm more than impressed. So in one of his area's, Tula i think, he had a sewing machine. He decided on his P-days that he would make me a quilt. Now, this whole idea began because I made him a quilt before he left on his mission... that little COPY CAT! Well, on the quilt are squares that contain little quotes of songs or sayings or scriptures that are important to us. I can't believe he did this. Man, did I say that I love him yet? Because I do... I really do!

If you can't already tell, this quilt never really leaves my side when I'm at home. I eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom with it.... well, maybe not go to the bathroom, but you get the idea!