- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Brett and I are both very lucky to be able to work with the youth. 

Even though our callings keep us REALLY busy,
nothing is more rewarding than knowing you played a role in the future generation

 (Brett is currently serving as a deacon advisor and I am serving as the YW president). 

We were both really excited for youth conference this year. 

The goal was to keep it really short, sweet, and simple

 (allowing more of the youth to get involved and participate).

It was decided by the youth that they wanted to focus the conference on the Manti Miracle Pagaent.
On Wednesday morning, we drove two large charter buses of 100 youth
up to Manti for our youth conference 2012.

We knew it would be a great opportunity for the youth to get involved and 

strengthen their testimonies of the temple, Book of Mormon, and service. 

We started the conference with a great lunch,

then a service project cleaning up the temple grounds (pulling weeds, sweeping dirt, etc),

followed by fun outdoor games and activities (relay races, competitions, etc),

wrapped up with a great evening of watching the Miracle Pagaent.

All in all the conference turned out to be a real success. 

The youth really seemed to enjoy the time spent on the temple grounds 

whether it be working on the grounds or watching the pageant. 

I just can't express enough how much i love the youth and how inspired I 

feel by their examples and testimonies. 

They truly shine as they aspire to be the best they can be.

Again, I am so grateful for their examples and am so grateful for 

moments like this that i get to surround myself with their influences. 

One choice can transform you---or destroy you.

After reading the Hunger Games, I was having a huge hangover for another 

fast paced, young adult, dystpoian type novel. 

Luckily I have a 17 year old sister. 

She quickly referred me to the book Divergent by Veronica Roth.

 If you love Hunger Games and haven't read Divergent already I must ask...what is wrong with you!?

Anyways, Insurgent is the second book of the series, and I must say that I loved it.

(even a smidge more than I enjoyed the first book, if that is even possible).

We are talking action, cliffhangers, tension,  power struggles, drama, love triangles---

 I mean seriously, what else could you ask for in a good young adult novel?

I loved how the book picked up right where the second book left off. 

I love the growth the characters make--- both positive and negative. 

When it comes down to it... after an action packed 500+ pages...

I'm dying for book 3. 

Anyways, if you were like me after reading the Hunger Games and feeling a huge void,

Go read the Divergent series. 

Veronica Roth has already been acclaimed by NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR. 

The books are fantastic and you will love them!

 Those who know me, know that I seriously love getting caught up in a good book. 
Once I get in the zone I will just read, and read, and read...
This is something that I have done since I was really young, and love it!
(sometimes Brett is not a fan, because I will stay up with my bedside
 lamp on reading until the wee hours of the night.)
But what can I say? I can't help it!!!

Although I do not claim to be any type of great critic, I definitely have my opinions.
I am excited for this summer, because it is going to be my "summer of reading".
I wanted to log my "good reads". Also, if anyone has any good suggestions, let me know!

Tips on some great blogs, an award and seven things you didn't know about me, or maybe you did!

One of my favorite bloggers in the whole blogging world is JarieLyn from Write Place! Write Chick! From the very first day I started reading her I was hooked. Her photographs are amazing and she lives in the City that Never Sleeps...Las Vegas! She shares lots of information about Vegas and the surrounding area. She's fun,funny and goofy at times. Other times she's sad and pensive and can make you cry, but regardless, she is always JarieLyn! One day I hope to get together with her since she's from my neck of the woods and I visit Vegas at least once a year, so I'm sure it's just a matter of time until we sync up our calendars and make time to meet.

JarieLyn recently started another blog. How she does it I don't know as I can barely keep up with one. The new blog is called dancewithwords, very fitting for JarieLyn as she loves to dance and she does have a way with words! I'm going to explain the idea of the new blog using the  explanation off of the blog itself:

"This blog is a collaboration between two women who live in two separate countries. One lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, the other one lives part time in two different cities in Brasil. The reason we created this blog is to improve our writing skills while developing discipline in this medium. Our concept in writing entries for this blog is to each contribute a paragraph or two on one topic. Two perspectives, one post. It is our thought that writing this way will challenge us to write out of our comfort zone and to think more creatively. Each post has both of our writing styles within the entry."

Isn't that a great concept? I hope all my readers...all three of you, run right over there and check out one or the other or both of these great blogs.

The reason I'm mentioning these blogs and JarieLyn is that she has honored me with a blogging award on her dancewithwords blog! She's given me the award but even better she's given me the gift of her beautiful words by writing this about my humble blog: "Alicia over at Titere Con Bonete is my favorite blogger. She is so talented in her personal storytelling. Her blog is fun and never boring. I just love Alicia because she is so down to earth."

Isn't that so sweet? High praise from someone I respect and have such affection for. Thank you again JarieLyn for my SISTERHOOD OF THE WORLD BLOGGERS AWARD!

Now I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself and since I love talking about myself this should be easy...let's see if that's true.

1. I was very shy in high school so I forced myself to try out for the cheer leading squad in order to not let my shyness defeat me. I made the squad and had a blast and have always been proud of myself for not giving in to my fears!

2. Like JarieLyn I love, love, love to dance! My favorite dance music is Mexican music, especially Cumbias, Rancheras and Cha-cha's! Of course, I usually need to get my rhythm going so I always start with a shot (or two) of Tequila and then sip the rest of the night on a Long Island Ice Tea!

3. I'm a recipe cook...meaning I can't just throw things together and come up with a meal. I have to have a plan and a recipe and all the ingredients that go with it or I can't cook.

4. When I first got my computer back in 1994, I got hooked on chat rooms. After hanging out in a chat room for about a year with the same group of people, we all decided to meet one weekend in Chicago. I flew from LAX to Chicago all by myself to meet a group of 20 or so complete strangers. I had the best time and was so proud of myself for being so brave!

5. I really don't think I have much of an imagination. I think of myself as an "in the box" individual. I don't stay in the box because of fear, I just stay in the box because I don't have the imagination to get out of there. But I do so admire people that are creative and think outside the box.

6. I'm not a dog person. I know you wouldn't think that because I love my daughter's dog Chorizo to little itty-bitty pieces...but that's cause Chorizo isn't really a dog. And how can you not love this little face?

7. I enjoy sweet and salty foods together. The other day I added strawberries to my salad that had bacon bits and ranch dressing and mixed them in and they were delicious! I love Kettle Korn for the same reason, cause it's sweet and salty...plus crunchy!

So there you go....7 things about lil ol me! I'm supposed to pass the award on to two other bloggers that I feel are worthy of being in the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers.

The first blog I would love to offer the award to belongs to Paula over at Sweet Pea. Paula is one of those "out of the box" people I admire. She's a 7th grade school teacher and that right there would leave me exhausted. But not Paula, she's very active and enjoys keeping fit and sharing fitness tips and secrets with her readers. She's also a wonderful Crafter and believe it or not she can show you how to make a wreath out of a tennis racket. But my absolute favorite thing about her is when she shares here family heirlooms with her readers. She's a lot like me in that she is very sentimental about items from the past; things like vases and pots, old sewing patterns, cookbooks, jewelry, crystal...just tons of stuff. She posts much more regularly than I do and I guarantee if you check out her blog daily you will learn a lot plus be thoroughly entertained!

The second blog belongs to DUTA over at Places with Character. I have given DUTA an award before, and giving her another one is just further proof of how much I love her blog. DUTA lives in Israel and shares so much of her world with her readers. She posts amazing pictures and visiting her is like being given a tour by a professional tour guide. And she is so amazing because no matter how many comments she receives she personally responds to each and every one! She travels often and shares video about the places she has been.  Reading her blog helps me to realize that even though she's in a completely different country there are startling similarities in our life in spite of different cultures and beliefs. Did you know that there is a Global Seed Vault in Norway? I didn't know that either, but thanks to DUTA I now do. My dad has been a farmer all his life and when I told him about the seed vault that I read about on DUTA's blog I was amazed to find out that he knew all about it. And that is why I feel DUTA is deserving of a Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. I hope that you visit her because I'm sure you will love her blog as much as I do.

I couldn't give a Sisterhood of the World Bloggers award to another blog I really enjoy because that blog is written by a brother...not a sister. But I do want to mention him on my blog. He is Sextant of the blog Navigating the Finite. Sextant has the most interesting blog and he writes about so many different topics. I love that he does so much research when it comes to writing his posts. He writes about politics, electronics, retirement, the military and he does book reviews. One of his funniest posts recently was about a bird pooping on his head, it was hilarious. I wish I could make him an honorary sister and give him the award but I don't want the awards police to come after me. So Sextant know this...if I could give you the award I would but you have the Alicia of Titere con Bonete Award of being one of my favorite blogs!

The Worth of Souls 

is Great in the Sight of God...

____________________________________________

As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, I have loved serving in with the

young women so far. What examples. They are so full of light and desire to do good.

Truly inspirational. 

Last week, the Laurel class presidency planned an activity that turned out quite sweet. 

It was a spin off from our Sunday lesson, "A Righteous Example Influences Others".

At the beginning of the activity we briefly talked about the worth of their examples.

 We talked about how they each possessed unique talents

and strengths that are valuable to Heavenly Father and His plan. 

We concluded with the point that the each girl in the room was of worth

and had the potential to influence everyone around her. 

We started the activity by making some yummy banana splits then proceeded to sit in a circle. 

We gave each girl a piece of paper and an envelope that said, "You are of Worth". 

Each girl put their name and the top of the piece of paper and folded it up and put it in the envelope. 

We sat in a large circle and passed everyone's envelopes around--- writing a small note

 to each other about HOW and WHY that particular individual had influenced our lives.

 Everyone received an opportunity to write a small message to each other.

 It was a really great activity. 

The spirit was definitely strong as the girls faces lit up with joy as they would read 

the thoughtful notes and compliments each class member and leader had written. 

I think it is easy to sometimes be hard on ourselves because we tend to focus on our imperfections...

when in all reality,we are all so special, especially in the sight of our Heavenly Father. 

It was good to have the girls reminded of their strengths. 

To be reminded that they ARE special. 

And to be reminded of the fact that they DO make a 

difference in the lives of others around them on a daily basis.

Each girl was encouraged to take their envelopes and put it in a special place, 

as a reminder of their abilities to influence the lives of others around them. 

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Let your light so shine before men, 

that they may see your good works

 and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

It's Raining Men

What can I say? I am such a lucky girl. 

I have been overwhelmed with the great influence of righteous 

and worthy men in my life from the time I was young. 

I know I have talked about these individuals before,

 but I wanted to take just a second to write out my feelings

 and gratitude towards these exemplary men. 

Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Craig W. Cosgrove

This man is everything to me. 

Ever since I was a little girl, I have looked up to him. 

Words can't express how grateful I am for him and his influence in my life.

Dad, you have always seen the best in me. You continually believe in me. 

You see things in me, that I might have never known I was capable of. 

You have never allowed me to cut myself short.

You have always offered constant support and unconditional love.  

I can't think of a dance recital or school event that I couldn't look 

out into the crowd and see you there...smiling at me... so proud of me. 

I have always known that you were my biggest fan. 

You have always seen the potential in me that I might not have always seen myself. 

 You have always been there to offer me the best advice. 

Even though I may not always act like it, I value your opinions more than anyone I know. 

And {although I hate to stroke your ego} you are one of the funniest people I know.

You have always been there to comfort me---

Whether it be if I had fallen down and hurt myself, 

or met me at 2 am at Denny's after I having my heart broken,

 or giving me  hug when I was in the MTC and needed it most... 

you have ALWAYS been there for me Dad. 

You have taught me to love.

 You have taught me to be an example to others around me.

 You have taught me that I am capable of great things.

You have taught me that I am of great worth.

Dad you will always be my greatest hero.

 I will always be your little princess. I love you. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Brett Gregory Aitken

Unfortunately Brett and I are on opposite sides of North America this week.

Oh how I am longing to be with him today.

As I have mentioned numerous times, Brett is my rock. He is my best friend. 

And one day, he is going to make one wonderful father.

How do I know?

I have always been a Daddy's girl through and through.

It was incredibly important for me to find a husband and father like him.

I'll never forget a particular Sunday when Brett took me to his ward 

for one of the first times since being engaged.

It may sound odd - but as he introduced me I could tell he saw me the way my Dad does.

He saw things in me that I didn't see in myself.

It was then that I knew that Brett was going to be an incredible Father.

Brett is a peacemaker, he is so sincere and thoughtful of others,

 he is my comforter, he is a hard worker, he is a spiritual giant 

But most importantly he always chooses to see the good in others.

Just like my Dad, he saw it in me.

And I know he will see it in our little ones.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Gary Aitken

How blessed am I to have a second father that loves me so much. 

I am so grateful for this man. 

He has taught me so much about what it means to serve selflessly and willingly. 

As I was dating Brett, I loved when he would talk about his father. 

I could always tell how special his example was to Brett in his life...

 how he wanted to emulate his character...

how he desired to be just like him one day. 

I can see now how the decisions Brett makes in his daily life,

 the reason he does the things he does, 

is a direct correlation of his respect and admiration for his father. 

Brett could not have chosen a better example. 

As I have become closer to this man I have learned so much from his quiet example. 

He is so successful, but then again, one of the most humble men I have ever met. 

He has such a love for service and makes a constant effort to show love to others around him. 

His greatest happiness comes from 

seeing his loved ones happy. 

In my mind, there is no greater example of charity and love. 

Gary, thank you so much for your example. I feel overwhelmed by your love. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ronald M. Cosgrove

I cannot talk about the influence of the men and fathers in my

 life without talking about my grandfather, my Pumpa. 

This man has always been one of the people I look up to the most. 

He has had an impact on SO many peoples lives, and I love him for it. 

He has left a legacy unlike any other.  

He has reached out to so many people and touched so many hearts.

This man is SO full of love. He embodies the idea of selfless service and true charity. 

He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. 

He stands as a witness of Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places. 

He has a warm sense of humor. Everyone who has associated with him knows it. 

He is full of energy and wit. His unique sense of humor is always apparent. 

His optimism and joy stems from his great faith

 in the gospel and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

He has spent years serving in bishoprics, temple presidencies, 

and as a sealer in the Cardston temple. 

His unfailing faith in Heavenly Father and his plan, 

has shaped him and his testimony. 

Pumpa you are such a giant--- a giant of knowledge, 

of faith, of love, of testimony, of compassion. 

I cannot adequately express how grateful I am for your example in my life. 

I love you so much and thank you for all the many

 things you have taught me throughout my life.

Let the Good Times roll

One of my favorite things about Sunday afternoon?

 Family time. 

Boy I love these kiddos. It seems like every time I am around them, I can't stop laughing.

They are both really growing up so fast. It is crazy to me. 

Caitlyn has enough spunk and sass to gag a horse.

Cade is crack up. So quick witted and full of sarcasm.

Together they are unreal.  

I feel so grateful for the time that I get to spend with them. They are such examples to me.

They know who they are, and could care less about what others think. 

One of the other greatest things about them is that they are the only 2 athletic members of our family. 

It is always such a fun time to be able to go and cheer these two on at their games.

They are both super competitive, especially against each other. 

At dinner tonight, Caitlyn asked everyone at the dinner table who we thought would 

win in a one on one basketball match between her and Cade. 

It turned into quite the competition (including everyone taking bets on who they thought would win

--- except for my Dad who remained a neutral coach taking the time to give advice to both parties). 

It was hilarious watching the little brother "stuff" the big sister, and the big sister outrun the little brother. 

We won't mention who won, but it was a definite close game :)

Boy I love these simple Sunday's being able to laugh and spend time with family---especially these two.
What a pair they are. 

We Must be the Cleanest Family on the Planet

Remember the Great Bee Invasion of 2009? If not then you can read all about it HERE.

Not since the Great Bee Invasion of 2009 have we been plagued by an infestation of any kind...until now. Now we are suffering through the Great Ant Infestation of 2012!

There are these little tiny black ants everywhere!

We can't leave even one breadcrumb on a counter. We can't leave any cookies or chips, no matter how tightly we seal them in the kitchen cupboards because they figure out a way in!

We can't leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the table. We can't leave any trash at all in the kitchen trashcan over night.

The little guys seem very friendly, although both my mom and my son say they have been bitten. I've found them crawling on my arms and legs and I haven't been bitten once...maybe my blood is not as sweet?

Well because of these little ants, we have had to clean up after ourselves every time that we make a sandwich, or eat some milk and cookies or chips or ice cream. Not that we don't normally clean up after ourselves...but c'mon everyone makes a sandwich and leaves everything on the counter until they finish eating, then you clean up, right?

During the summer months we love to eat ice pops. You know those little tubes of colored sugar that you stick in the freezer? I know, I know...they are full of sugar, but they are so refreshing and delicious! And they're just a summertime treat! And I only eat maybe 7 or 8 at one sitting...so give me a break ok?

Because of the little black ants, when we eat one we immediately go to the kitchen sink, put in a drop of Dawn and wash out and rinse the little plastic tube before we put it in the trash. We do the same thing with our cans of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi. We have the cleanest trash on the block!

Unfortunately because of the ants I have not eaten my quota of ice pops! It's just too much work to go and rinse out the little tube each time! And all because of "them ants!"
We been spraying Raid Ant Killer and their masses seem to be dwindling. Yesterday I purchase some Ortho Home Defense Spray and today I cleaned thoroughly and then sprayed the inside of the house thoroughly and we plan to spray the outside tomorrow. So hopefully soon the Great Ant Infestation of 2012 will be just another moment in history, just like the Hippy Bees!

What's the big deal?

why do i blog?

I admit. I am a blog stalker. I love coming across blogs of people I know and learning 

more about their lives and their points of view. I am learning that everyone blogs for different

 reasons... some like to capture memories, some like to teach new skills, some like to take 

a moment to brag, some like to vent, some like to share their life's learning experiences, etc.  

It's crazy to think that I have been logging memories for the past year!? It has got me 

thinking why did I start blogging in the first place? I think sometimes when I write about our 

family memories, I have a tendency to make them look like they are peaches and cream... 

that our lives are picture perfect.  That we are ALWAYS being showered with blessings. 

I am not trying to say that Brett and I AREN'T blessed or AREN'T happy, but our lives

 are nowhere near perfect. We have struggles and challenges we encounter on a daily basis. 

I remember awhile back I was looking through some old talks on lds.org, and I 

came across a talk from general conference that was given by Elder Eyring called,

 "Oh Remember, Remember." He discussed the importance of record keeping. 

To be honest this is not something that I have ever taken very seriously in my life. 

I admit I am not one of those girls who kept a diary growing up... and I hate to say that 

I even did a terrible job of journal writing on my mission. However, as I read

 Elder Eyring's talk it made me realize there is more to keeping a record than 

just keeping a record. He stated...

"As I kept a record, I would cast my mind

 over my day. I would see evidence of what God had 

done that I had not recognized in the busy moments 

of the day. As that happened, and it happened often,

 I realized that trying to remember had allowed

 God to show me what he had done. More gratitude 

began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became 

more certain that Heavenly Father heard 

and answered prayers."

this is why i blog.

It is sometimes to easy to miss the special blessings and tender mercies in our busy

 lives. As I mentioned before, Brett and I do not have a perfect life... 

but it sure is wonderful to be able to focus on the simple and sweet moments.

 Personally, it helps me realize the Lord's hand IS in our lives on a daily basis. 

I am better able to recognize Heavenly Father's tender mercies.

I know that he is aware of us and loves us so much.

 I feel as though as we have recorded our daily comings and goings, 

we have developed more gratitude, more patience, and more understanding.  

life is sweet. life is good. 

and it's wonderful to REMEMBER it. 

fix it, change it, rearrange it.

So awhile back I had gone to DI and found this beaten down hutch. At the time it was 

 nasty golden brown, old and ugly--- but for whatever reason, I saw huge potential!

This past weekend Brett and I had a blast brainstorming how we were going to give

this little beauty a make-over. We sanded her down, painted her a bright red, threw 

a cute fabric on for the background, gave her a few nice baskets, and topped her off with a 

few of our favorite family photos and sayings. Not too shabby if we do say so ourselves!

I love the projects that I get to do with Brett. It's the small moments like this that 

we cherish. Even though I know "crafting" isn't the top item on Brett's

 list of things he loves to do, I appreciate him being willing to help me out.

  I guess it's true what they say--- the family that crafts together, stays together 

(okay I might have put my own little spin on that one...)

Iwanna Wednesday - A Sitting Place

Ha! Bet you thought I forgot about Iwanna Wednesday right? No...actually I had this post all done but for some reason when I hit publish post on my work PC it kept giving me an error message and wouldn't let me post or save. So anyway...here you go!

It's Iwanna Wednesday again...see, I told you guys I was gonna get back to posting about things Iwanna. I still haven't found the perfect finials I want, as I posted about last Wednesday. I also haven't tried making the fabric-covered tennis ball finials, but I did show them to my mom, the craft queen, and she said they would be easy peasy to make. If you want to see how to do them please visit Dianne at In My Own Style.

So anyway....I'm going to be doing a bedroom makeover in the near future and there is one thing I have always wanted...a bed bench. I always thought it was called a Settee, but a Settee is something totally different.

This is your Basic Bed Bench...

This is a Settee...

Courtesy of Anthropologie 

As far as I can tell a Settee has arms and a back and a bed bench doesn't. I've always wanted a Bed Bench at the foot of my bed that I could sit on and put my shoes on in the morning. I've never really had a bedroom big enough to allow for it, but now my new bedroom is going to be huge and I'll have plenty of room so Iwanna one!

I've been reading lots of DIY blogs and seeing that a lot of people find really nice ones on CraigsList or Goodwill and then just re-do them. So I've been haunting CraigsList in hopes of finding one. But Iwanna share with you all the one's I've been seeing online that I love!

I love this one! It's a Bob Mackie Classics Bed Bench and you can have one for a mere $1,207! It's a little steep for my budget but I just love the legs on it, like a big square turtle! And I am so jealous of whoever owns this house because if you look to the upper right of the Bed Bench, this person also has a Settee!!!

I am so in lust with this next one. Look at the drawers for storage! You could put quilts or comforters, extra pillows...even your shoes once you take them off, or socks even! Plus the fabric and the detail on the drawers!! *sigh* Iwanna this one so much! This one you can see at Coleman Furniture, and the pricing is a little bit better at $435.00.

This one reminds me so much of Santa's Sleigh! Just read the description on this one, "adorned with ornate hand applied decorations covered with the beautiful glazed bisque color. With diamond inlay stone veneer tops on dresser and night stand and dark bronze color metal hardware, the "South Coast" bedroom collection captures the true elegance of traditional styled furniture." This is a piece of furniture that you would hand down to generations to come. I love it...and at $489.00 for a family heirloom? I think that's a bargain...although still quite a bit out of my price range, c'mon people...I'm looking on CraigsList and Goodwill!

So here's another one that I love even though I'm not a huge fan of blue (my sister Lisa would love this, she loves all things blue). I guess I love it because I love neutral colors, white, off white, ecru, beige, tan, brown, chocolate brown and this splash of blue would really make a room...don't you think? This one though is custom made and I'm sure it costs a pretty penny...my pennies are only cute.

But I think this is the perfect one. If I can find this one on CraigsList or at Goodwill then baby...it's coming home with me! As long as it's not over $100. I believe this place also custom makes them! Iwanna this one for sure!

So when I find one I'll be sure to let you all know. So Happy Wednesday and may all your Iwanna wishes come true!

It's a love story, baby just say yes.

It's hard to believe how quickly time passes. Just about two years ago Brett and I were both returning home from our missions. To me it seems like just yesterday. I remember flying home on a plane getting ready to see my family for the first time in a year and a half. I remember thinking to myself how I just wanted time to stand still... how I wasn't ready for change and how I wasn't ready to go home.

 Little did I know-- Heavenly Father had some big changes in store. 

Looking back on it now, our love story has been unraveling for years. Our relationship started as a simple friendship in high school. As we learned to laugh with each other, trust one another, open up to each other, and help each other-- we learned to love one another. By the end of our senior year we were pretty much inseparable. We dated during our freshman year of college and up until the point where Brett was ready to leave on his mission. I will never forget the feelings I felt when Brett received his mission call to Paris France. I was excited, nervous, filled with the spirit and love, anxious, and so proud. I remember thinking to myself regardless of what happened between me and Brett from the time he left and the time he returned, I was truly blessed to have his example in my life. 

When Brett left to the MTC in February 2008 he started to send me letters every week. I loved and cherished his letters. It was amazing to read the miracles that were happening to him on a weekly basis. They strengthened me and made me want to be a better person. They made me stand a little taller. They made me want to love more. They made me want to SERVE more.

In November 2008 (almost half way through Brett's mission), I felt as though something was missing in my life and that Heavenly Father had a special need of me. I struggled for a long time as I contemplated and tried to  figure out what was missing. I remember feeling impressed that I should consider a mission. To be quite honest, the idea terrified me. I remember wrestling with the idea until I received a letter from Brett. In his letter he bore such strong testimony of service and love of the gospel. At that moment it hit me so hard that I was supposed to serve a mission. After reading Brett's letter, and after A LOT of praying, Heavenly Father showed me that I needed to prepare to serve a mission. 

One of the best decisions of my life. 

On December 24, 2008 I was called to serve in the Tucson Arizona mission speaking the Spanish language. I was overwhelmed by emotions. To this day, I can't talk about my mission experience without getting choked up. It was such a tender and sacred experience--- it changed my life. 

I remember the day that I decided I needed to serve a mission, I couldn't wait to tell Brett. 

Here is a part of the letter I wrote Brett when I told him I would be serving a mission...

" ... receiving your letter this week was just what I needed. Brett need to tell you something. I have decided that I need to serve a mission. This is something that I have been thinking about for awhile now, but every time I would think about a mission...in the back of my mind I just kept thinking about YOU. I can't tell you how much it calmed me to read your letter this week. It really helped me to put things into perspective. I've realized I am the type of person who always likes to have a plan for everything. I like to know where I am going, what I am doing, what's going to happen next, etc. I think in this past year I've truly learned that life happens to us as we are making other plans. I've learned that as we follow the first principle of the gospel, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must also have trust.... Trust in HIS way of doing things and HIS timetable. I've learned I cannot have true faith in the Lord without having complete trust in His will and the His timing for me. With that being said, I have faith that Heavenly Father desires me to serve a mission. Prior to making this decision I was so paranoid  thinking about what would happen to us when you would get home before me (I've always had this picture in my mind of me sitting there when you get home and it scares me to think of it any other way)....but earlier this year I made a committment to myself... I decided that whenever I received a prompting from the spirit I would ACT. I would put the Lord first in my life and keep his commandments. Thank you for reminding me of this commitment I made... and thank you for giving me the courage to step forward with faith and act upon it. I will have turned in my papers by the end of this month..."

Here is a part of the letter Brett wrote me in response...

" ...Courtney I want you to know that I really appreciate the letters you write me. I love all that you say and it seems like you always give me advice or show me a scripture that I need to hear. Today I had a great experience. On the bus home from church I was completely filled with the spirit. I had so much joy in my heart and I didn't know why. We went to do emails and I ready your letter about wanting to go on a mission, and then i understood. I can't tell you how proud I am of you. If you received an answer you should go--- you NEED to go. We can never go wrong following Heavenly Father. My mission experience has been amazing and I have learned and grown so much--- and there is a lot more ahead. I think there are so many people you can touch and help come unto Christ. Courtney you really are amazing. You have so much charity and kindness for others. The joy and spirit you will feel as you strive to do the Lord's Will is amazing. I think it is absolutely amazing that we will be serving the Lord at the same time. Courtney I know that you are my sweetheart, and I will wait for you forever. Continue doing and becoming what the Lord wants and needs and He will bless you greatly for it..."

 Little did we know the letters sent between us during those 2 and a half years would become our love story. Even though we were a part, we continued to grow together. We learned from each others experiences. We were strengthened by each others testimonies. We prayed for each others investigators. We worked together in bringing precious souls to the gospel.

Throughout our time a part we each held onto and cherished the letters we sent each other. This past weekend, I took the time to compile our letters into a binder. I put coordinating letters (one from me and one from Brett) in sheet protectors. We both know that we will forever cherish these letters. 

It truly created a love story--- our story.  

We Have A Gospel To Proclaim

We have a gospel to proclaim
Good news for men in all the earth;
The gospel of a Saviour’s name:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.

Tell of His birth at Bethlehem,
Not in a royal house or hall
But in a stable dark and dim:
The Word made flesh, a light for all.

Tell of His death at Calvary,
Hated by those He came to save;
In lonely suffering on the cross
For all He loved His life He gave.

Tell of that glorious Easter morn:
Empty the tomb, for He was free.
He broke the power of death and hell
That we might share His victory.

Tell of His reign at God’s right hand,
By all creation glorified;
He sends His Spirit on His Church
To live for Him, the Lamb who died.

Now we rejoice to name Him King:
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
This gospel message we proclaim:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.

Text: Edward Burns (b. 1938)
Tune: FULDA LM

Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord

Be still for the presence of the Lord

The holy one is here

Come bow before him now

With reverence and fear

In him no sin is found

We stand on holy ground

Be still for the presence of the Lord

The holy one is here.

Be still for the glory of the Lord

Is shining all around

He burns with holy fire

With splendour he is crowned

How awesome is the sight

Our radiant king of light

Be still for the glory of the Lord

Is shining all aroun.

Be still for the power of the Lord

Is moving in this place

He comes to cleanse and heal

To minister his grace

No work to hard for him

In faith receive from him

Be still for the power of the Lord

Is moving in this place.

Composer: David J. Evans (1986)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.