Weird Christmas Flu

This was a weird Christmas.

It had the potential to be awesome, since my parents flew out from Pennsylvania and we could all be together-- minus my brother and his family in Missouri.  But I was excited to just stay here in Utah and have fun with the fam.  The weekend was full of holiday festivities, including my Christmas Concert at The Seville (assisted living center), nephew's baptism (precious) followed by a full day of Gardner Village, Grand America Hotel, City Creek, and Temple Square, Grandma's cookie-decorating Christmas party on Sunday, caroling and delivering goodies that evening with Cassity, last minute shopping Christmas Eve, singing with the Billings sisters at their family Christmas party, Chinese food dinner with the Yospes (Heather's in-laws) on Christmas Eve, and finally listening to my Dad read Luke 2 while Cami (3 yr old niece) acted out the story with her Fisher Price nativity set.  I felt good and happy.

Then I remembered Cassity had gone home to Colorado for Christmas and I still had a dog at home to take care of.  I couldn't just leave here there overnight, and I didn't want to place the burden on someone else of letting her out and doing the dog duties.  So this was the first year I spent Christmas Eve alone.  After the traditional Christmas Eve readings and singing with my family in West Jordan, I drove back to Orem and spent a quiet evening by myself, watching "Polar Express" and wrapping a few more presents.  It was actually nice and peaceful... but I have always loved the giddiness of Christmas Eve, bustling around the house with siblings, and sleeping on the couch or floor, anticipating the fun and excitement of Christmas day. This year I embraced the change of "being a grown-up" and letting go of that giddiness for a moment.  I let Sadie sleep with me and woke up Christmas morning around 7:30am to shower and get ready, and get back up to Heather's by 8:30am.

SIDENOTE:  Who even showers Christmas morning?  It is basically tradition to appear with crazy hair and sleepy eyes, wearing new pajamas... and staying that way until showering later that day before putting on new Christmas clothes.  Nope.  This year I was all clean and ready to go by 8am, and put on old comfy clothes, not worrying about looking cute or fashionable.

Just as I was about to walk out the door, I felt a surge of nausea race through me.  Immediate trip to the bathroom.  I thought I was going to throw up but nothing came.  About 15 min later I was ready to go, grabbed a bowl of cereal to eat on the way, and was on the road.  I ate about 2 bites of cereal before I felt sick again, so I placed the bowl on the floor and drove to Heather's, all the while singing to Colbie Caillat's new Christmas album. A lovely collection of songs.

I got to Heather's just as she was finishing the preparations for her gluten-free Christmas breakfast, and as much as I wanted to enjoy that, I just didn't feel good.  I joined the family in the family room, poured out the items in my stocking and chatted with everyone fora  few minutes.  I lasted about 2 gifts into the un-wrapping festivities when my body called another trip to the bathroom.  Ugh.  This was not how I wanted to spend Christmas morning.  I emerged from the bathroom, joined the family again, and about 5 minutes later I excused myself again.  This cycle continued until it was time for breakfast.  I didn't even attempt to sit at the table in front of food.  Instead, I went down to the basement bathroom where I could isolate myself and have my own little pity party.  After that bathroom session, I layed on the couch down there and fell asleep for about an hour.  I occasionally woke up to squeals from Cam or Lexi, or laughter from the adults upstairs.  But I felt too sick to move or do anything.  I fell back asleep until I heard them talking on the phone with my brother and his wife.  I missed them... so I made an effort to get upstairs and open the gifts they had sent me.  It was a fun 5 minutes until I needed to go back down to my  bathroom cell for another session.  The best moment of the day was feeling good enough to watch a funny DVD that Nathan put together for Heather.  He is so creative and humorous, and his little sentimentality made us all laugh with tears in our eyes.  I barely lasted half way into the DVD he made for my parents when it was time to retreat to the bathroom again.  I still had unopened gifts but the Christmas excitement had been dominated by nauseous waves of sickness accompanied by a piercing headache.

I fell asleep on the bed my parents were using and layed there for quite a while.  At some point during the day I finished opening my presents (everyone had opened theirs and they've saved a little pile for me)... and finally around 3pm I threw up.  I hate the pre-throw up stages of sickness, but once it actually happens it is such a relief.  Only I didn't feel much better afterward, and I was hoping I would.  Nope. Still sick.

I curled up under a blanket, put the hood of my sweatshirt over my head, and layed there as a couple more hours went by.  Luckily I had left a spare set of keys w/ the Billings, so Ashley and Emily let Sadie out in the afternoon and that was one less thing I had to worry about.  I was very grateful for that.

Around 5pm I woke up and my parents were getting ready to head down to Brittney's for Christmas dinner and an opportunity to spend Chrsitmas with her kids and family.  I had been looking forward to that, but I still felt horrible.  A friend had given me a gift certificate to "Honey Baked Ham" and Brittney was going to cook that ham for dinner.  It would have been so good.  Just as my parents were leaving, I took another trip to the bathroom and told them I'd meet them there.  Wrong.  After the bathroom I layed down again... woke up around 6:30pm... fell back asleep until 7:30pm... and then attempted to get up and leave for Britt's.  I packed my stuff in the car and felt like I was going to throw up.  I went back inside, layed on the couch, went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, layed on the couch, fell asleep, etc.

By this point, I thought, "This whole day has been absolutely miserable."  I didn't even feel good enough to walk out to the car!  My dad called to check on me-- make sure I wasn't stranded somewhere on the side of the road-- and I told him I had fallen asleep again.  I also confessed that I probably wouldn't make it to Britt's and I'd just drive straight home.  Finally, around 8:30pm I pulled myself together and got in the car.
     
I made a stop at Maverick to buy Gatorade and saltine crackers, and I was very grateful for that kind man who had to work on Christmas.  Aside from the 2 bites of cereal I'd eaten that morning, and a handful of Cheerios at Heather's, I'd eaten nothing and I realized I was somewhat hungry.  So I snacked on saltines and Gatorade the 30 minute drive home... and I'm surprised I made it without falling asleep or swerving off into another lane.  I was definitely in a "zone" and I'm glad I made it home.  All I wanted to do was curl up with Sadie, watch a movie, and be warm.

I took Sadie for a brief walk (the fresh air felt good) and later curled up under a heated blanket and watched "The Hunger Games."  I didn't throw up again and didn't have any urgent trips to the bathroom... but I just felt sick.  Overall, however, I was glad to be home, warm, and on my way to feeling better.

Some Christmas, huh?

I decided not to go to work today (which is a bummer because we had some fun activities for the teens planned today)... and when I called my mom, she told me she'd thrown up 5 times in the night, and now my dad was feeling sick also.  Sad!  Darn this flu bug.  I got the darn flu shot (which actually hurt a lot this year) and this goes to show that the flu shot isn't all it's cracked up to be.  I'm glad to have a day off work though... to just take it easy and get myself back together.  I hope my parents are able to bounce back soon also.

I scheduled to have off work tomorrow so my dad and I could go snowboarding/skiing together.  Now I'm not sure if that is going to happen.  I was really looking forward to that... especially with all this fresh snow!  Whatever happens, happens... and hopefully I'll be back on my feet in no time.

Here's to the weird Christmas of 2012.  I hope everyone else had a fantastic day. :)

p.s.  Thank you to anyone who contributed to nice gifts or charitable acts on my behalf.  Love you all.

Song of the Week: "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift

I love Taylor Swift.  I really do.

I used to have a love/hate relationship with her because I envied her fame with such simple songs.

I wished that I had written many of the songs she was known for.

The guitar chords are easy and I can play them and sing them easily.

But guess what?  

She wrote them, not me!

So she deserves that. :)

In conclusion, I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan.

I love how personable her songs are, and you can pretty much relate to all of them.

I love "NEVER GROW UP."

I recently went to Rexburg with a friend and her mom so she could check out the college campus.

We listened to this song and I think it's perfect for the "going away to college" theme.

Cherish the days of being young and living under the wings of your parents!

Being a grown-up is hard some times.

Either way,  Taylor Swift captured some great moments in this song.  Enjoy!

Song of the Week: "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

"Winter Song"

I have loved this song since the moment I heard it.  I also happen to love Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles as some of my top dog lady singers... so this duo for a Christmas song is perfection to me!  I can listen to this song on repeat for a long time and never get sick of it.  

I had never seen this video until tonight and it's actually kind of cute!  I think the little characters are supposed to be Ingrid and Sara.  Awww.... precious.  

I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

Addicted to THIS show...

Holy crap.  I can't get enough of this show.

I am not a TV watcher, in the sense of coming home at night to watch the show of the evening.  I can't remember the last time I watched normal TV, mainly because I'm never home from work in time to watch shows at their normal time.  I would actually much rather prefer watching a movie and rarely just turn on the TV.

But here's what happens.

Cassity likes to buy DVD sets of TV shows.  

Black Friday offers great deals for those.

I have a history of getting hooked on others shows such as these:

Parenthood

Modern Family

Parks & Rec
New Girl

The Office

30 Rock

The Community

And for a minute I started watching "The O.C." but that series became too much about "sex and drugs" and I  didn't feel good watching it.  It was like a switch went off one day and I thought, "That show is no good for me.  At all."  And just like that,  I stopped watching it and know I'm better off without it.

So Cass recently bought ALL 5 SEASONS of "Friday Night Lights."

Before a couple weeks ago I'd never seen a single episode.

I am totally hooked.

We just finished Season 1 and have begun Season 2.

I love the characters.

I love the passion for football, family, and friends.

I am usually teary-eyed at some point in every episode.

And I can't believe we have 4 more seasons to watch!!

This is definitely my guilty pleasure. I do not deny that one bit.

It's just a matter of trying to balance this addiction with everything else.

Goal #1... go to bed earlier and don't keep watching non-stop episodes. :)

Loving it though.

Song of the Week: Lennon & Maisy "Christmas Coming Home"

Have you heard or seen these girls on YouTube??  I really hope you have.  And if not... welcome to some incredible talent!  These cute sisters harmonize perfectly and I absolutely love them!  I was excited to hear their new peppy Christmas song.  Yahooo!! Makes you happy, for sure!  Enjoy.

"Christmas Coming Home" by Lennon & Maisy

Perfect Butter!

This is one of my favorite things!!!

I love opening a new tub of butter, margarine, peanut butter, or whatever.  That swirly design with the little tip in the middle is so cute and perfect!  I kind of love it.  Every time I just have to open it and just look at it for a while until plunging in with the knife.

Just thought I'd share. :)

Song of the Week: "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus

Haha.... Okay, I know you might be rolling your eyes right now.  That's fine.  Miley Cyrus is kind of old news these days.  But I have totally bonded with this song over the past 4 years.  When I first started working at the Boys & Girls Club in 2009, one of the teens was showing me a slideshow video thing she made of pictures of her and her friends.  "The Climb" was the song playing with the video and I liked it.  Fresh off the mission, I was totally out of the music loop, so when I asked them what song it was, they all kind of looked at me like, "Really?  You've never heard this?"  Well... that was my first exposure to Miley Cyrus.

This same teen has since grown to be one that I am closest to at the Club.  I care about her like she's my sister or daughter all mixed into one.  A few years ago she asked me to play the guitar so she could sing it at the talent show.  We did.  It was the first time her mom heard her sing in public... because this girl is shy and would never sing in front of her mom at home.

I love the message of the song.  Motivating!!  Last year when I did the Halloween half-marathon in Provo, I included "The Climb" on my playlist.  Although it's not my typical upbeat running kind of music, it has a good pace if I'm running to each beat.  And the message of it motivates me to keep going.

I recently watched "The Hannah Montanna Movie" again and love the part of the movie when she sings this song. I know, I'm an emotional softy!

Lastly, just this past week at the Club, we were having "Squad Wars" (each staff has their squad of teens) and there was a "sing-off" portion the staff had prepared.  Each squad had to sing a song and we were judged by some other staff members.  The final squad sang "The Climb" and it was a magical moment in my treasure box of Club memories. :)  By the end of the song we were ALL singing... even the tough boys slumped on the couch were clapping and totally into it.  My staff guys were singing their hearts out, and I literally had tears in my eyes.  I thought, "THIS is what it's all about!!"  People of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances singing "The Climb" together at the Boys & Girls Club. Ha. :)

I will always love this song.  I will always sing it out loud when I'm driving and it comes on.  Always.

"Bree Unplugged" (private blog) Updated...

Updated my other blog-- a nice emotional release of thoughts swirling around in my head... inspired by a friend recently passing away.

"Bree Unplugged"

Song of the Week: Hall of Fame

This is just kind of for my own benefit-- to be able to look back one day on the songs that I've loved.  Songs that have pulled me through different phases of my life.  So I'm going to post a video for my "song of the week" every weekend.  And you can tell me if you love it or hate it.  But either way, it means something to me.  And that's the beauty of music!

SONG OF THE WEEK:

"Hall of Fame"-- The Script

A friend of mine is battling cervical cancer right now.  She's in her 30's and she's such a strong, spunky, confident, talented woman.  I love her.  She posted this song on her Facebook wall one day and I have loved it ever since.  I love it for her.  I love it for me.  I love it for the teens I work with.  I love it for anyone who is trying to make something of their life!  Hopefully that is most-- if not all-- of us. :)

Emotional & Sappy

I admit that I am a super emotional, sentimental, and sappy person.
I am mostly this way about friendships, family, and people I truly come to love and care about.
My freshman year at BYU, after I found my niche of friends that became my first REAL GROUP of best friends... I started crying every night beginning in March, just thinking of going home that summer and having to be separated from everyone.  Maybe I'm just a big, emotional disaster.  But I remember I even got a little rash around the corners of my eyes from crying so much. Haha... and then we'd play and laugh all day long and have so much fun in the dorms... and then I'd turn into a cry-baby at night.  Yep.

So here I am, 32 years old, and I have big changes coming up in my world.
No, I'm not getting married-- calm down.

I'll be moving on to a new career in about a year, and my entire world will flip upside-down.
My comfort zone of the Boys & Girls Club and the wonderful family of teens and staff that I hang out with every day... I'll have to walk away from all of that.
I'll have to be a "grown-up" and start working as a real school counselor in a junior high or high school-- which sounds scary but super awesome all at the same time.
I love my job.  I really do.  I think all of you probably know that by now.  And I think my job loves me right back.  I love the people and the people love me.  There are plenty of things that I don't love some times, and those are the days that help balance out the emotions and the sappiness oozing out of my heart.

But today I am sappy and emotionally wimpy.

One of my teens makes videos all the time of her and her friends at Club.  She edits them and adds music and makes them all cute.  Those kinds of things will just make me sob and lose control of my emotions.  Any slide show of pictures and music will just get me every time.  So of course we were watching one of these video medleys she made today, and we were all laughing SOO hard.  Videos of us from 3 or 4 years ago.  Videos of me when I first started working there and I was super awkward.  And I looked gross and couldn't believe I wore that outfit that day.  And I unknowingly walked in front of the camera and shook my booty and did a little dance to the music in the background.  Sure didn't know they were recording that moment.

We laughed through all of it and I had tears all over the place.  And suddenly those laughter tears were sappy emotional tears, and I exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, I can't do this!! I am going to be a mess this entire year.  Are you kidding me??!"  And I thought of how ridiculous I will be come June when my sweet teens are suddenly graduating from high school... or come August when it is most likely my last month working at the Club.  Everything will make me cry or whimper or ache in my heart.

I love those kids.  So much.

I started up this little "memory/quote book" at the Club a few weeks ago.  It is tiny.  But I told the teens I'm going to start writing down funny memories, quotes, or incidents that take place during the Club day.  And I invited them to write in it any time, draw pictures, whatever.  So some of them have already printed off funny pictures of celebrities we love or inside jokes, glued them in the book, and wrote little notes.  I've written down super funny quotes that the teens say.  When I stayed home sick a few weeks ago, one of the teens wrote a note about how much they missed me and Club is not as fun when I'm not there.  Awwww.  Bless their hearts!  I will CHERISH that little book when I leave that job.  I will read it, laugh, smile, and cry.

Right now I am trying my best to just take it one day at a time and enjoy every little minute.  I have seen so many of these kids grow from awkward, moody 8th graders, to amazing, confident, hilarious, fun young adults who are suddenly getting ready for college.  What?!  That's crazy.  I love that I am a part of their lives, and they are certainly a part of mine.  I love when I get to know their parents and develop a close connection with the family.  It means a lot to me.

Basically, I am just one, big, emotional basket-case and I am one of the most sentimental people out there.  One day a girl ripped out a big wad of her hair while she was trying to take out a "hair wrap" thing.  Her hair is taped to my wall. (haha, gross, I know).  On several occasions, we've been eating fries and there is one, nasty, burned crusty one in the bottom.  so we have burnt, crusty fries taped to my office window.  I have pictures galore.  Notes.  Letters.  Stuffed animals who have acquired names, voices, and personalities.  Little trinkets everywhere.  Stickers.  Justin Bieber, Hunger Games, and One Direction paraphernalia everywhere. Nasty, used "American Flag" shorts that no one has claimed but we all take turns wearing them over our jeans, or they just hang on the coat-hook in my office.  post-it notes stuck all over my computer and desk.  Creative artsy things by the teens.  A picture of Bethany Hamilton (my soul surfer hero) on the wall, with a plastic toy shark taped on the wall where her arm is missing.  Teeny Bopper magazines on my desk.  My secret snack stash drawer that I dig into for the teens who are always hungry.  My markers and stickers for teens to use for special occasions.  School pictures that teens have given to me over the years.  I could go on and on.

But you know what I'll miss the most?  The daily interactions.  The way I can observe some of my most favorite teens as I watch them reach out to other kids-- I watch them work their tail off to get good grades-- I watch them go out of their comfort zone to try new things-- I watch them smile as they walk in each day because they know I'm so happy to see them.  I'll keep in touch with them always.  But a frequent note or phone call won't be anything as close to the daily interactions.  The face to face conversations, laughter, encouragement, heart-to-hearts, teasing, disciplining, venting, smiling.  All of it.  I'm going to miss that.

So anyway, the whole point of this post was to mention the "memory/quote book" thing.  I'll probably take a few pics to post on here at some point.  But for now... I'm still wearing my heart on my sleeve and loving my moments at work.

Dog Farts

What is it about dog toots?!  (I tried to say "toots" just now, since "fart" may offend some people, but let's be honest.  "dog toot" sounds ridiculous.  Dog Farts.  That's it.)  Totally gross.  Like, really.  They seriously make me sick.

*ugh*

But that's not the purpose of this post.

I simply wanted to vent about the blog comment "word verification" things.  They used to be something as simple as this:



... and you think, "Sure, I can type in 'extus'"... and boom, you're in.

Then they started getting a little more tricky:



Sure, okay.  The letters are all wavy now.  That'll surely prevent the hackers from getting in.  Still easy.

But now they're all crazy like and include things more like this:

     

Those two examples aren't that bad, but I have been presented with some that make absolutely no sense to me!  And I sit there staring and wondering what the heck these letters are that I'm looking at.  And then it becomes some kind of game as you try to decipher the code language on the screen.  Minutes have passed and you suddenly forget how you got there and what the word verification was for.  Sometimes I get rejected more times than I have patience for and just say, "Oh forget it" and give up on the comment I had so carefully typed an hour ago.  Does anyone else get tricky ones like I do?  I promise I'm not a complete idiot. Some of those suckers are pretty darn sneaky.

2 Pet Peeves:

Word Verifications

Plastic Wrapping and Tape Stuff on DVD's and CD's

That's all for now. :)

Remember the ACT and SAT?

Hey All,

If you took the ACT or SAT test back in the day (or yesterday)... please complete my fun little survey!  It only has 10 questions and it's anonymous.  I'm doing this for part of my research project for my school counseling program. 

*THANK YOU!*

Super Easy ACT/SAT Survey

31 Dates in 31 Days... LOVING IT!

My book finally came!

I was so excited for this to come in the mail... it was kind of ridiculous.

But I anxiously opened the mailbox a few nights ago, and there it was-- the white package.

It had 2 books in it-- one for me, one for Cass.

I ran upstairs and waved it around in the air when I walked through the door.

I don't think Cassity is nearly excited as I am about this book.

I don't even know if she will end up reading it.

But I hope she does!

Anyway, as I vigorously ripped open the package, I reminded myself of the dad on "Christmas Story."

You know, when he finally got the leg lamp he ordered, in the "Fra-gi-le" box.

My book wasn't as weird as that leg lamp, but I was just as giddy and excited.

And there it was.

THE book.

Thank you for that newspaper article, grandma!

So I started reading the book a day ago but just skimmed the beginning pages.

I started reading it for real last night, and got into a few chapters.

I read more in my bed last night and more as soon as I woke up this morning.  

I have also been feeling sick so this is a perfect sick day to stay home.

And I will read my book all day long!

I am loving this girl's dating adventures.

Granted, she's doing all these dates in New York City, which is different from where I live.

But it's fascinating, entertaining, funny, emotional, real, awkward, romantic, all those things!

I love it.

It's one of those books I am going to be bummed about when I finish.

Because I just don't want it to end... but I guess her 31 day project has to end at some point.

This reading experience is causing me to think about my own dating adventures.

How have I viewed the guys I've met and gone on dates with?

Do I judge too quickly?

Do I hope for too much, too soon?

Am I really myself?

Do I ever really let down my walls around guys?

Do I enjoy dating the way I should?

All that and more... to be continued. :)

Grandma's Dating Advice...

I love this so much.

To: Me

From:  Grandma

I'm not a newspaper reader, nor do I get one in the mail or anything.  So sometimes my grandma will cut out articles she thinks I should read.  For example, I used to go running a lot (more often than I do now) so she casually handed me an article once about a certain running trail in Provo where many girls had been attacked and raped.  Umm... thank you Grandma!  She'll cut out random articles about the Boys & Girls Club or sometimes even job postings, even though I'm not looking for a job.  :)  It's all well-meaning though and I usually just take the article and may or may not even read it.

Last week I mowed my grandma's lawn and while I was still out mowing, she brought the article (shown above) outside and waved it around so I could see it.  I asked her to leave it on the bench and I'd get it when I left.  Well you can imagine my reaction when I opened this big one.  I laughed.  Smiled.  Chuckled.  Oh grandma.  You're adorable.

But you know what I did this time?  I actually read it!  I took it to work with me-- mostly to show the teens what my Grandma had carefully selected for me.  But I surprisingly really enjoyed this article.  It's based off the advice of a woman who has become a national best-seller for her book and now travels all over the place as a motivational speaker and dating coach.  

Her name is Tamara Duricka Johnson and she used to be a writer for Good Morning America.  She was in her 30's, single, and decided to try an experiment of her own:  Go on 31 dates in 31 days and see what came of the adventure.  Doesn't it sound like one of those cheesy chick-flick movies we love?  Well, I would love it.  You know... "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"... "He's Just Not That Into You"... "27 Dresses"... and so on.  Turns out, she went on all the dates and ended up marrying one of those guys... who just so happened to be a student at BYU Hawaii.  *yay*  Yep, Tamara is LDS so that made me all the more interested in this thing.  You can see the website here where she has a blog and other pages about her experience:

31 Dates in 31 Days

In conclusion, I was delighted to discover this story and immediately ordered copies of the book for me AND Cassity.  Haha. :)  Consider me a groupie.  The books should arrive any day now and I am actually quite excited to read about her dating adventures with 31 men.  Imagine that.  All of those "first dates!"  That is non-stop stress if you ask me, but whatev!  That's why she's the dating pro, and I'm still single. :)

Private Blog Updated

I updated my private blog. 

(Link to Bree Unplugged)

That's all. :)

A Musical Fireside... by Bree!

So I've been playing the guitar for 14+ years.  I've played the piano for 25+ years (wow that makes me feel really old).  I've always enjoyed singing.  And I've been writing my own songs for 16+ years.  Quite the musical history in my simple little life, and it is a huge part of me.

But never in my past have I initiated or been asked to do any sort of "musical fireside."  I have certainly performed in various places and settings, and I have done the typical "play and sing around the campfire" kind of ditty.  But my good friend, Kathy Randall (who is the Young Women president in her West Jordan ward) has asked me to come be the "special guest" at their combined YW activity this week.  She wants me to use my songs to teach the girls about the gospel, feeling the Spirit, understanding trials, overcoming obstacles, dealing with relationship struggles, finding a testimony, and enjoying family and friends.  I guess my songs cover a wide variety of topics-- I dunno.  But she believes in me and wants me to share whatever I can bring to the girls in this ward.  I have only met a few of them (Kathy's daughters) so it will be interesting to see what kind of a group I'll have that evening.  And if these girls will even be receptive to my personality and music.

Hopefully it won't be the whole "crickets chirping" awkward moments.  Hopefully I will be natural and comfortable and be inspired to share certain experiences I've had that have taught me life-changing lessons.

I have taken opportunities at my job to share my songs with the teens I work with.  But it will be so much better to be able to share my music in a church setting, where I can bear my testimony and talk about spiritual things.  Granted, not all of my songs are "churchy" and I have some pretty upbeat, happy-go-lucky whatever songs... but I think they will be fitting for a YW activity and something to uplift the girls.

I'm really excited about this opportunity.  I'm excited to feel the power of music and hopefully influence these girls' lives in some way.  And this experience will bless mine in return.  I have tons of homework.  I have so much on my plate.  But I can't pass up an invitation like this!  Who knows... if it goes well, maybe I'll try to do this more often with other groups of young women.  Wish me luck! :)   *Thank you Kathy*

Private Blog UPDATED

Hi All.  I got the idea from my friend to just put a little "shout out" in this blog when I update my other "private" blog.  Since it won't ever show up in a normal blog list, sometimes private blogs get lost in the wilderness of secrets.  Well... there's new stuff in there if you have access.  Dig in!  :)

First Time for Everything

Here's what I love about my job at the Boys & Girls Club.

We get to let these kids have experiences they wouldn't have otherwise.

On Friday it was a no-school day and only a few teens come who have paid the additional "fee."

$20 for the whole year to come on any holiday or closed school days.  (Bargain, 'eh?)

Anyway, we always provide lunch-- usually pizza or something simple.

I asked for their suggestions.

One of them said Olive Garden, as a joke, and we all laughed.

Then my staff mentioned the all-you-can eat bread and salad option for $6.95.

Hmmmm... maybe we could actually do it!

There were only 3 teens at the time.  

It was still morning and I wasn't sure how many others would show up.

Another one came.  Shoot.  Hopefully not too many more or we couldn't afford it.

A few more showed up... but I really wanted to try the Olive Garden option.

One girl has always said Olive Garden is her FAVORITE restaurant.

Then she admitted she'd only eaten there once.

Precious.

I decided we were going to Olive Garden for SURE.

One kid had never been there.

He told me the only "nice" restaurant he'd ever been to was when we took him to IHOP a year or so ago for some special incentive at Club that month.  

Last week I got treats from Wendy's for my "Squad" and some of them had never eaten there before.

Never been to Wendy's?!  How do I take such "luxuries" for granted?

Long story short, the 4 staff and 4 teens hopped in the short bus and went to Olive Garden for lunch.

It was so fun and I loved seeing the excitement in their eyes as they ordered.

The bread sticks are the best part of Olive Garden FOR SURE.  We ate so many.

I got the Never-ending Pasta Bowl and shared some with the teens.

It was absolutely delicious.

We all made sure to do one last "refill" of our entrees so we could have awesome leftovers to take home.

These are always my favorite days working with the teens at the Club.

Taking them somewhere they normally wouldn't go.

Allowing them to indulge a little and just enjoy life.

Staying Entertained on the Highway

I drive 30 minutes one-way every day to get to work.  That's 60 minutes of pure solitary time in my little car. I have learned to love that time to myself and almost always have to have music playing non-stop.  I think I've made the drive in complete silence a time or two when I needed that time to sit in peace... but for the most part the music is on and going strong.

Now that I don't text when I drive :)  I am more dependent on good music.  I recently created a playlist of songs that I can just sing my heart out to!  It's fun to listen to good music but it's even better when I can sing all the words and belt it out like I'm on stage or something.  Here is my latest list of SING THE WHOLE SONG AS LOUD OR DRAMATIC AS I WANT TO songs:

(Not in order by preference)

The Sign-- Ace of Base
From a Distance-- Bette Midler
Two is Better Than One-- Boys Like Girls
Count on Me-- Bruno Mars
Call Me Maybe-- Carly Rae Jepson
Arms-- Christina Perri
Love a Little Stronger-- Diamond Rio
I Will Follow You Into the Dark-- Death Cab for Cutie
Beautiful Mess-- Diamond Rio
One More Day-- Diamond Rio
Cowboy Take Me Away-- Dixie Chicks
Cold Day in July-- Dixie Chicks
Don't Stop Believing-- GLEE version
Over the Rainbow-- GLEE version
Defying Gravity-- GLEE version
Imagine-- GLEE version
True Colors-- GLEE version
We're All in This Together-- High School Musical
Power of Two-- Indigo Girls
Be OK-- Ingrid Michaelson
Giving Up-- Ingrid Michaelson
You and I-- Ingrid Michaelson
Everybody-- Ingrid Michaelson
Maybe-- Ingrid Michaelson
Parachute-- Ingrid Michaelson
I'm Through-- Ingrid Michaelson
The Way I Am-- Ingrid Michaelson
I Won't Give Up-- Jason Mraz
The Climb-- Miley Cyrus
Safe & Sound-- Taylor Swift (Hunger Games)
Back to December-- Taylor Swift
Enchanted-- Taylor Swift
Love Story-- Taylor Swift
White Horse-- Taylor Swift
Teardrops on My Guitar-- Taylor Swift
Marry Me-- Train
Firework-- Katy Perry
In Another Life-- Katy Perry
Lovely-- Sara Haze
Love Song-- Sara Bareilles
Speak Now-- Taylor Swift
What I've Been Looking For-- High School Musical
Breaking Free-- High School Musical
Oh Happy Day-- Sister Act 2
February Song-- Josh Groban

In all reality, the list could go on and on and on.  Those are just random songs I pulled onto the list when I was inspired to sing my whole way home the other night.  I just set my iPod on shuffle and the concert begins. :)  Do you sing out any of those songs?  I'm sure you do. :)

Skinny Jeans... What's Your Opinion?

"Eeewwwww" was my first response to skinny jeans.  I was on my mission (4 years ago) when a past companion of mine called me all excited about her purchase on P-Day:  Skinny Jeans at Wal-mart!  Gross.  First of all-- who cares about fashion on the mission?  Not me.  But this Sister did, and she rocked it.  But skinny jeans were barf to me.  And I told her that all the time.  

Then I got home from my mission and started working at the Boys & Girls Club (2009).  I noticed a few girls wearing skinny jeans and was shocked that some girls who really shouldn't wear skinny jeans were definitely wearing them.  Every day.  And I thought, "Really?"  It was even more weird when I noticed the trend switching over for boys too.  Your typical "baggy pants" skater boys were suddenly wearing tight, tapered pants.  I remember the first time I noticed this as I watched some boys play basketball at the Club.  "What... are... those... pants he's wearing?"  Weird.  It was all so weird to me.

Then I went to the "Dew Tour" in Salt Lake City where all these skaters and BMX bikers competed against each other (2011).  They were all wearing skinny jeans and FOR THE FIRST TIME skinny jeans made sense:  Since the pants were tight against their legs, their pants wouldn't get all caught up in the pedals or spokes of the bike like baggy pants would.  But it's still ridiculous how some boys sag their skinny jeans because then it just looks plain dumb.  Justin Bieber.  But whatev.  :)  

Okay.  So I finally got used to skinny jeans and slowly observed how skinny jeans and furry winter boots were a cute style.  I could maybe do that one day.  But I vowed to never wear skinny jeans with those flat girly shoes because that's just not my style.  I don't own any of those cute flats... nor do I think I'd ever buy them.  I've gone on rants about girly shoes before.  Don't get me started on heels.  Barf.

Well last year I came to the realization that I was in my 30's, still wearing jeans and a T-shirt to work every day.  It was completely normal to me... and probably more than anything-- it was comfortable.  But there I was surrounded by teens who were super fashionable and made me look like crap.  Not like I need to compete with 16 yr olds... but in a way they inspired me to care about myself more-- or at least try to look nicer and more appropriate for certain occasions.  

That was also during the trend when people put fake feathers in their hair.  All my Club teens had one and I just cringed and said, "Yuck, I'll never do that."  They kept trying and trying to get me to do it but I refused.  I don't like anything in my hair.  But I promised them that I would wear skinny jeans before ever putting a feather in my hair. 

Christmas break (2011) rolled around and I was shopping at home in Pennsylvania.  Somehow I felt ever so inspired to look for skinny jeans.  What?! And I found a pair on sale that fit nicely.  They were actually quite comfortable which was really surprising to me.  It was like this little "Bree transformation" took place over that week back home and I was so excited to come back to Utah with my new look.  

It was official.  I owned skinny jeans.  

Then I bought cute boots to wear with them.  And I liked them!  Surprise surprise.

So I've swallowed my pride a little and I'm not such a skinny jeans hater anymore.  I've worn them on several occasions.  In the summer time I rolled them up a little and wore them with flip flops or cute summery shoes. And every time, without fail, someone at work says, "Look at you in your skinny jeans! I love it!"  And I just smile and say thanks!  Well... it's more like I do a little jig and show off a little, but whatever.

I currently own 2 pairs of skinny jeans.  Woa, woa, calm down. I know!  I'm looking forward to wintery boot weather because they look the cutest that way.

Today one of the teens (who is a little insecure and not usually one who cares about fashion) said to me, "Hey Bree... I'll wear my skinny jeans tomorrow if you wear your's."  I said, "YES!!"  and then announced to everyone else in the room. "Tomorrow is skinny jeans day!  Wear your skinny jeans!"  Did I ever imagine myself saying that?  Ever?  No way.  And granted, there are people out there who already wear skinny jeans every day because they can rock the look.  But as for me... I will only wear skinny jeans when I feel like it.

And for now... I'll be wearing them tomorrow.  :)

Butterflies & Old Crush

I was looking at an old crush on Facebook tonight.  When I say old crush, I mean... a crush boy from junior high and high school.  Like 15-17 years ago!  And you know what's crazy? I still get butterflies looking at his pictures.  He's not someone you'd picture me having a crush on, but boy did I ever like that guy.  I wrote about him in my journal and told every little detail from dancing with him at a school dance or whatever.  And here we are in our 30's and I'm still crushing over him like a 12 year old.  That one will never go anywhere.  I promise.  And that's okay.

But there are other crushes from the past that still make my stomach flip.  Or heart jump.  Or cheeks go red.

I can remember the exact moments of where I saw them or feeling so nervous to talk to them.  Or taking note of every little detail of the memory.

That doesn't happen anymore.

I never feel sparks like that.  Like, ever.

So what's my deal?  Of course I still like boys.  Of course I think some are attractive.  But I miss that fun feeling of just LIKING THEM SO MUCH you couldn't think straight.  Or sleep.  Or function.

But maybe life isn't supposed to be like that.  Maybe all those feelings aren't even real or good.

Or are they?

Now don't go thinking I'm not married because I've been passing on boys if I don't feel that spark.  That's not the case at all.  I've gone on multiple dates with boys of all different kinds and sometimes I feel something more than others.  But of any of the boys I have met, dated, or semi-dated in the past 10 years... I think only 1 really gave me those butterfly feelings.  That was in 2005.  It was a short summer fling but oh how I liked him.  A lot.

When I'm in love one day and find a husband-- if that happens-- I want to feel butterflies when I see him.  Not because he's so dang hot I can hardly stand it, but because he's just so attractive and GOOD and wonderful that I feel so lucky he's mine.  Those kind of butterflies.  I know that exists for some people.  And I'm happy for them.

Here's to butterflies.

Scorpion & Door Alarm!

Okay.  The phrase going through my head is:  "It's all fun and games until a random scorpion comes out of no where!" I was at work today, preparing to leave early to rush off to my class.  It had been a pretty chill day, aside from my crazy last minute cramming to get homework done.  Then this kid comes up to me and says excitedly, "Why is there a scorpion in the snack room?  You shouldn't have scorpions here!"  I was confused and said, "Uhhh... yeah, I know.  We don't have scorpions here."  That was weird.  The kid insisted that he was telling the truth but I didn't believe him.

Then my staff girl came in with a stressed look on her face.  The scorpion thing was true.  What?!  Where the heck did a scorpion come from?

Then my 2 staff guys come in carrying a big box, and all the teens are following after.  I thought maybe they were playing a prank on me and were going to throw something at me out of the box.  I refused to get close to it and lead them outside.  Finally they put the box on the ground and said, "No really... it's in there."  I slowly peered over the side of the box and saw something that looked just like this:

Are you KIDDING ME?!  What the crap?  My staff guy informed me that one of the other directors had a pet scorpion in his office, so at least that explains where it came from.  But the fact that this scorpion was OUT of that cage, OUT of the office, and wandering around in some room down the hallway... not cool!  And super creepy.  I tried calling that director.  No answer.  Called my boss.  No answer.  Awesome.  

As I'm trying to deal with the unwanted scorpion, someone tells me that the side door alarm is going off in the teen center.  This blaring sound goes off when the emergency is opened, which no one is allowed to use.  But someone opened the door and the only way to turn off the blaring sound is to use a key to turn the lock.  I didn't have the key.  My boss did. And he wasn't answering his phone!  Grrrrrrr.  

10 minutes go by and the alarm is still going off.  Staff guys get the scorpion back in the cage.  A kid comes over to me and says, "Bree did you know the alarm is going off?"  I snap back and say, "You think I don't hear that right now?!"

Finally boss comes back to Club and saves the day with his key.  Turns off the alarm.  He'll deal with the director and the scorpion sitch.  And it was time for me to leave early for my class.  Today was one of those days where I was running out the door saying "SEE YA!" and had no problem driving away and leaving it behind.  I'm sure tomorrow will be a much better day. :)  

Allergic to Bananas?!

Okay.  Many of you are aware of my sister, Heather's, health adventures and mystery symptoms that she's been dealing with for over a year now.  Whether it's food allergies or who knows what... the doctors are still trying to find answers.  I've been trying to be my own doctor this week as I've noticed my own weird symptoms.  

I love eating a bowl of cereal at night.  I may eat several bowls of cereal late at night.  And then I started noticing how I would be super itchy before I went to bed... just itchy everywhere!  And I'd just sit and scratch and scratch my back and sides and legs and stomach and arms and head and.... where is all this itching coming from?!  It just kind of showed up out of no where.  

Was it the cereal?  The milk?  The delicious banana slices?

Well...I kept eating my nightly snack because I loved it and looked forward to it.  But man, that crazy itching is just that-- crazy.  And not normal.  I've never had something like that before.  

This week I finally decided I should try to figure out where the itching was coming from.  I went a few days without the cereal.  Maybe it was the Kix and I'm "gluten intolerant".  I devoured Wheat Chex and didn't feel the itching.  I was just kind of making up my own experiment.  

Today I finally decided to test the bananas.  I had the perfectly colored banana that I got the day before.  Just when a banana turns from green to yellow is the PERFECT banana.  Any sign of spots or brown is way too ripe.  But that yellow-green color is just what I love.  And this banana was just that.  I ate it for breakfast and loved it.  And slowly but surely, throughout the day, I felt the itching.  I even itch behind and in my ears! And all around my neck. It's weird.  It wasn't as intense as my night itching... but definitely there.  Then tonight I went to Red Mango and I usually get the peanut butter yogurt with banana slices.  I sighed and thought, "Dang... I might be allergic to bananas.  This is sad."  But instead, I decided to chance it one more time.  I went ahead and ordered my usual-- with banana slices.  It has been 2 hours since then and I am ITCHING LIKE CRAZY!!!  Even my finger tips itch this very moment.  It's so weird.

COULD I POSSIBLY BE ALLERGIC TO BANANAS?!  Just like that?!

I *LOVE* bananas.  I'm not a berry girl at all.  I will pass up strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or any berry without a second thought.  Apples and bananas are my "go to" fruit, with bananas being my #1.  The interesting thing is my dad is allergic to bananas, so growing up, we always had to make him his own little bowl of jello or whatever the dessert was that might include bananas.  Did I somehow "inherit" this lovely allergy of his?

It makes me sad.

And then I think of Heather and other friends who have all kinds of food allergies and restrictions!  Perhaps this is my own little taste of their struggle.  It could be a lot worse.

So this is my plan.

I'm going to just not eat bananas at all for many days... and see if this itching appears at all.  If so, then I need to switch my experiment.  If not... I just may have discovered a new allergy.  I'll keep you posted!

:::::itchy wrists now, too!!:::::::

Texting & Driving Habit

 I've decided to turn over a new leaf.  I need to be a more careful and cautious driver.  The picture above is pretty much  a snapshot of my driving life.  Although I claim to be a good driver and know my surroundings on the road, I get completely distracted with everything that doesn't have to do with driving.

Common activities while driving:

#1 TEXTING (I know I know, I'll get to this in a minute...)

#2 Eating... usually a bowl of cereal.

#3 Apply my mascara

#4 Talk on the phone

#5 Write in my planner (I've been known to do this quite a few times)

#6 Read (Back in the days of Hunger Games & Harry Potter)

#7 Change songs, etc. on my iPod

I'll stop there because this is getting embarrassing.  I am not--by any means-- glorifying any of these actions or habits that I've developed.  I guess a daily 30 min. one-way commute has given me some time for creativity... and stupidity.  It's just routine:

I jump into my car.  Fiddle with my iPod and set the playlist I want for the day.  Balance my bowl of cereal or rest it on the dashboard.  Get on I-15 and do my mascara at the same spot every day.  Usually around the point of the mountain.  I'll text throughout the drive to give me something to do and give me time to receive responses and whatnot.  If I've just had a phone call to set an appointment or something, I whip out my planner and write it down.  I used to read at stoplights and stuff, but I don't think I've ever read while on the freeway.  I can't make any promises though.  And most of the time I am relaxed and steering with my knees.

How have I managed to stay alive all these years?!  I am a walking (driving) miracle.

I know none of these habits are good.  And they are dangerous.  But nothing has really made me stop.  I've seen all the billboards, YouTube videos, and pleading messages about not texting and driving.  Even the most heart-wrenching stories about deaths from texting and driving... I'm just kind of numb to it all and kept on in my merry little behaviors.  I'm really good at "acting natural" as cars pass by me (so they're not alarmed) and then I go back to whatever I was doing.  

So last week at work I had run to get something to eat and was driving back to the Club.  I was a few minutes late so I texted my staff guys to let them know I'd be there in a few minutes.  I was sitting at a red light at the time, so not technically driving.  Anyway, when I got to Club and walked into the Teen Center, all the teens and staff were waiting for me, and on the count of 3 they yelled in unison:  "DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!!!"  Without even trying to defend myself, I exclaimed, "I know!! It's so bad!! I do it all the time!! ALL THE TIME!"  It was like a moment of confession.  And then complete shame.  And embarrassment.  A few minutes later I was talking to one of my staff and realized, "hey! I wasn't even driving when I sent that text! I was at a red light!"  So I yelled that out to the teen center to try to redeem myself... but I realized I had already spilled the unfortunate truth.  

I AM GUILTY OF TEXTING AND DRIVING.  EVERY DAY.  ALWAYS.  

I heard some teens call out how it's dangerous, etc... and I said, "I know I know..." and just brushed it off.  But later as I met with my new "Squad" for the school year (a group of teens I picked to be on my squad for competitions and what not), we were setting goals.  As most of their goals were about grades and school topics, I announced that my goal was to stop texting and driving.  And I meant it.  I told them to check back with me in a week to see how I was doing.

That night I drove home, committed to no texting.  It was kind of boring, and I struggled several times.  My music didn't seem as entertaining and the drive seemed EXTRA long.  But I made it.  The next day was tough for me.  I always keep my phone right there within reach, in case someone calls (or texts).  Without even thinking, I reached for my phone a few times ready to send a text to someone... sat there holding it... and slowly put it down.  It was the weirdest thing-- like a real addiction.  And it was a huge turning point for me.  A light bulb epiphany.

I've never been addicted to drugs, alcohol, smoking, pornography, or any of those kinds of things.  I never really understood why people would continue to harm themselves.  And here I was reaching for my phone like it was nothing.  It was so natural for me I didn't even realize I was doing it.  And suddenly I had a new perspective on addiction.  Obviously, I knows it's hard for people to stop doing those things they're addicted to, but I had become so careless in my own situation and didn't even care.  I've always thought:  "Why would someone continue to do drugs if they know what it's doing to their family, friends, health, etc?"  And they keep doing it.  Well... why would I continue to text & drive when I know how dangerous it is and can result in terrible outcomes?  Yet I kept doing it.  And I wasn't any better than anyone else.

Working with teens really puts an added weight on my life-- a good weight.  I know I am constantly in the light of setting an example, being a role model, and setting forth the footsteps they can follow in.  Just as they will struggle with their own issues and addictions (especially when I meet with teens as a school counselor), I can empathize and give them hope for change.  I have to be strong and good-- all the time.  I don't have any room to be lazy, careless, thoughtless, or dumb.  I have to be smart for me and them.

But last week was the first time I really changed it.  And it hasn't even been a week yet so I can't claim to be some amazing person.  But I'm trying.  Tonight a friend jokingly told me to just put my phone in my trunk and then the temptation won't even be there.  So I did.  And the ride home was pleasant, without any form of temptation.  And I felt good when I got home.

This is Bree all open and honest about her huge weakness.  Take it or leave it.

Today one of the teens asked me if I had been texting and driving and I was so happy to tell her, "NO!!" :)  And I explained that I almost messed up a few times but didn't let myself slip.  Here's to many more days and safe adventures of being smart.  May my life be long and lovely.

PRIVATE BLOG... I give in

The time has arrived.

I want to start a private blog.

I hate having to "filter" my thoughts or feel like I have to hide certain things from mysterious readers.

In fact, I have no idea who reads this blog, but thanks for reading!

So I will start a SECOND blog.  Private.  Approved readers only.

And I will pour my heart out about WHATEVER I WANT.

And still post fun, random things in this one.

Who's with me?!

PLEASE COMMENT or send an e-mail if you want to have access to my ultimate "BREE UNPLUGGED" blog of dating thoughts, embarrassing moments, heart-felt experiences, and so on.  I'm excited.

Girls Camp HAPPINESS!

This Girls Camp post is about a month behind, but I have to document my amazing Girls Camp experience as a LEADER.  Girls Camp always brought mixed feelings, with changes taking place every year.  In California I was pretty shy and didn't have a lot of church friends.  So it was a blessing to always have my parents and sisters at camp with me!  I loved all the activities and especially my camp and youth leaders.  I think the people I met at camp have been more influential than anyone else in my life.  I have a huge testimony of GIRLS CAMP.  :)  Once I reached the age of a "YCL" (youth camp leader) I had emerged out of my shell a little and was more confident and outgoing.  My best year at camp was my 5th year (last camp year in CA) and I got to be a leader to all the little 1st year campers.  They were adorable and I felt important and loved.  I made so many friends that year and got the "Most Spirited Camper" award, which was a huge accomplishment for me. :)  When I moved to PA I went to one more year of camp and had a blast with all my new friends.  Overall, I loved it and always looked forward to that crazy week of fun.

Then 12 years went by and suddenly so many of my friends were serving in Young Women in their wards, which meant they got to go to Girls Camp.  I was still running my summer camps for work and wished so much I could just go to Girls Camp.  This year it was finally my turn!  As 2nd counselor in our Stake Young Women, it was certain that I'd be a part of camp this year.  YAY!

Early on in the year I told the camp director(s) I would love to help with music.  And that's how I became the camp music lady. :)  I also had the responsibilities of flag ceremonies, astronomy certification, and 4th year adviser.  I loved it all!  I loved being involved and knowing all the nitty gritty details behind the scenes.  Our camp director (Kathy) and assistant director (Jen) were absolutely AMAZING and I loved laughing and joking with them.  Basically... I was 100% happy all week long! No joke.  I had so much fun getting to know the girls in the wards, acting crazy, laughing, singing & playing the guitar, doing heel-clicks, canoeing, competing, pranking, late-night talking, etc.  It was all just perfect and so good.  There were many spiritual aspects included that strengthened my testimony as well and I came away from camp so uplifted and rejuvenated. Not only did I make a whole new world of teenage friends (I seem to be good at that), I also made real grown-up friends too! :)  It was a great opportunity for me to familiarize myself with so many other leaders in the ward and stake levels, and now I feel much more comfortable and confident in my calling.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Girls Camp.  (The whole collection is on Facebook)

Fabulous Camp Directors! (Kath-left, and Jen-right)

Talented Camp Cooks! (Liisa Roden-left, and Terri Hatch-right)

Some of my new grown-up friends! :)  (Sarah-left, and Kelly-right)

Crazy, fun girls in another ward.   :)

Happy to be with girls from my own ward.

I feel like these ladies are my other Moms!  Kathy & Marchele (Stake YW President)

3rd Ward Awesome-ness before canoeing.

Yeah.  I tried to "wash" my hair with baking soda that morning.  Then it got wet.

So.... this was the incredibly fabulous result! Everyone loved it.

Having fun with the crazy hair.

Jen (Asst. Director) was absolutely adorable ALL the time!

Me and my buddy Gentry playing with face paint.

Face paint gone bad!

Me and Emma, a super hilarious 6th year camper.

The YCL's were so proud of themselves after hiding our pillows. :)

Camp Mia Shalom

The Stake Leaders & YCL's slept in the cabin above the pavilion.

Incredigirl:  I loved this camp theme! :)  

Gentry came up from behind and smashed cake in my face.  

Her mom wiped most of it off for me.

I tried to get her back but didn't have any success...

More happy face paint with Alyssa.

Emma & Gentry being themselves at flag ceremony.  Super funny all the time. :)

My little groupies!  Love these girls.

Doing fun service on the last day of camp.

LAST DAY... exhausted and ready to leave!  But kind of wanting to stay longer. :)

Some new friends!  So fun.

Gentry & Emma on skit night.  So much fun.

Stake Leaders doing their "roll call" song.

Me at the very end of our skit. :)

One of the most memorable things about camp was singing the "theme song" I wrote, along with the guitar.  I finished it about a week before camp and was just going to perform it the first night of camp.  But after that first night Kathy wanted me to TEACH it to everyone so we could sing it all together on the last night of camp when all the bishops and ward leaders came up for the evening.  I taught the YCL's one night and the Spirit was strong.  I loved it.  I taught it to the rest of the camp the next night and we sang it several times.  It was amazing to hear 100+ people singing a song I WROTE!  What an awesome experience.  Here is the little video I made for it the night before camp.  It's called "I Am a Hero."

This is a video of when we were practicing the song at camp.  

Most of the girls were off to the right of the camera.

The song seemed to stick in the hearts and minds of everyone at camp.  Kathy told me she kept hearing girls singing or humming it during craft time or just randomly around camp.  I love that!  It was such a privilege to be at camp for 6 days, surrounded by nature and new, warm friendships.  I can't wait 'til next year!

p.s.  We can't forget about the camp pranks.  Some of the ward leaders stole all the pillows of the stake leaders, bagged them up, and sent them out in a canoe in the middle of the lake.  At flag ceremony we were given a tiny note that read: "Dear Stake Leaders, I'm sorry you lost your pillows.  Love, the Lonely Canoe."  We laughed and thought, "Oh crap... our pillows are in a canoe on the lake."  Sure enough... way off in the distance, during the evening program, we see this lonely canoe slowly floating out in the lake.  It was sooo funny.  Once it hit the side of the bank, a truck came by that thought it was garbage, so they were in the process of loading their truck.  Luckily, one of the leaders who was guilty of the prank took off sprinting towards the lake so those men wouldn't throw away our pillows.  Jen ran off with her and they successfully retrieved our pillows. :)  I love pranks... they make me laugh.  Yay!

p.p.s.  At camp, we challenged the girls and leaders to each do 100 acts of service by December 2013.  This is the blog I created to share experiences and encourage everyone to complete the goal! :)

http://incredigirl2012.blogspot.com/