Yes Please.

Find a boy who calls you beautiful instead of hot. Who calls you back when you hang up on him. Who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead. Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats. Who holds your hand in front of his friends. Who thinks you’re just as pretty without makeup on. You will know he is the one because he will apologize first even if he feels he was right, because being right won’t matter if you go to bed angry. When you tell a joke he will laugh out loud. He will constantly be reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have found you. He will turn to his friends and say, ‘that’s her.

Yes please. Bring it. And for those who've already found their "one", please, cherish them, let them know everyday how much you love them. And remember to show it too.

xoxo

The Good Earth

Painting: Jehovah Creates the Earth. Artist: Walter Rane

Today is Good Friday and Earth Day...coincidence? I think so. But the symbolism is very fitting. Today we, (some of us at least), honor the earth and all it gives to us, and most importantly, we honor the One who gave us the earth. I am so thankful for Christ. I was driving home from my work meeting tonight and I felt His patience and love for me. I am grateful for it.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend.

The Love Gun

Today was my first day teaching the 6 year olds in my new Ward. For those of you who don't know, my young single adult days came to an official close the last Sunday in January. I am now a "family ward" attendie. There were rumors that the Primary wanted me and when I was officially called last Sunday, I thought wow, they don't even know, this is a dream come true; working with kids is one of my favorite things in the world. What did I do to deserve such a "cake" calling???

Then I had my first day teaching today and realized... Hmmm I had no idea what I was getting into. Lets just say, class room management has never been my strong suit and I will be relying heavily upon the scripture that talks about weaknesses becoming strengths.

There were several highlights from the day that made me want to laugh and cry due to their innate humor, but embarrassing because of the inappropriatness of the timing and setting. An example: Jr. Sharing Time: one of the children turned their heart-topped bookmark into a "love gun" and began to cry out, "this is my love gun! it shoots love!!!!" He pointed it at all moving targets and completed his movements which were accompanied by sound effects.

My brother came dressed as King Benjamin-a special guest speaker from long long ago... he wore a dish towel on his head and an old mustard colored blanket ties around his body. The children loved him.

I left the church feeling humbled. The Lord gave me this calling to teach me. What exactly, I'm not sure yet, but I know I'll find out.

Good Bye Old Friend

The three things that have gotten me through the past 24 hours are 1. prayer 2. being surrounded by family 3. music.

I was able to leave work a half hour early yesterday, only to come home and find my house surrounded by medical vehicles and flashing lights. My sister was in the front yard, tears streaming, cell phone in hand. I rushed over to her-- "what's happening?!" "It's Grandpa..." My grandma was finally taking him to the E.R., (he could hardly breath most of the weekend), when he collapsed in the patio never to revive again. The paramedics were warring with Grandpa's chest-- no pulse-- it was surreal, poetic, and gruesome all the same time.

My Grandpa was one of my dearest friends. We had many adventures together, including a road trip to AZ, in a red convertible mustang!, to visit his boyhood farmhouse-- I got to experience the place I'd only heard about in stories-- He grew up on a cotton farm in the southeast corner of the state and was in the same Stake as former President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball. He was one of 11 children and the last one to pass away-- He loved a good crossword puzzle and telling corny jokes. His favorite: If your nose runs and your feet smell, what's wrong with you? You're built upside down. My favorite: What do you call 4 bull fighters in quicksand? Quatro Cinco.

Grandpa, thank you for all the memories! xoxo

Plugged In

Tonight, I type to you from my very own computer desk, staring into the screen of my brand new 27" iMac. Almost in heaven... aside from the fact that, sadly, it makes an audible humming noise due to the 2T hard drive. I wish I wasn't so sensitive to, and bothered by, odd little noises. Thank goodness for ear plugs... Sorry. What did you say? :)

On the upside, I fully and completely love my desk, got it on Craigslist for a real deal... on another cheery note, I made it on my 4th annual (and consecutive) New Years Day hike! Walked up Grundy Canyon with my sister, auntie and her boyfriend-person. Tons of Los Angeleans take their dogs for runs/walks up this winding canyon path, so not only was it great exercise, but also a flurry of toothy-grin color. Seeing such a wide variety of dog breeds made me smile. In general, domesticated pets bring a smile to my face!

The view from the top of the canyon was breathtaking! From one angle you can see the Hollywood sign. Turn 45 degrees to the right, downtown L.A., 45 more and you can see Catalina Island, the ocean (obviously), and Century City. By the time we reached the top, the sun had begun to set-- the sky was aflame with orange and pink. I am always wowed by God's greatness when out and about in nature! God is good.

Happy New Year to all!

Wow.

Can it actually be 10 days till Christmas?! Really!!!? Is it true I haven't blogged a single entry in months?! Since September? I think I'm about to cry. The slackiness has got to stop! The buck stops here... (what does that saying really mean?) Raise your hand if you're excited for Christmas... (dawn's hand is raised.) Raise your hand if you're only just starting your Christmas shopping today! (dawn's hand is raised once again...)

Can I just say, 2010 has been amazing!!! Passion and hard work have collided- I can't wait for 2011, it's going to be even better! Joy to the world for so many reasons, the most important one being, Christ the Lord!

Merry Christmas to all and a very happy new year to come!!!

Have An Epiphanie!

Epiphanie is holding a contest through the last day of September that might just make all my photographic dreams come true!!!
They are a chic camera bag company celebrating their one year anniversary by giving away a Canon 5D Mark II!!! You can follow them on facebook and twitter.

Contest rules for the 5D, (hence the photo posted above), can be found here:
http://www.haveanepiphanie.com/home/2010/8/28/discount-code-canon-mark-ii-give-away.html#comments

To shop: http://www.epiphaniebags.com


Fingers crossed and lots of prayers!!! Thanks for the chance Epiphanie!!!