Father Joseph

Hidden away about forty minutes out of Ogden, through the Wasatch Mountains, around many windy and curvy roads, past grand log cabins decorated like gingerbread houses, inside a large iron gate there sits quietly almost forgotten amongst the trees, the Huntsville Monastery.
The monastery has existed since before the Great Depression. In its thriving years the dedicated monks had large fields where they harvested many crops. They had a good sized herd of dairy cattle, and one of their prized possessions was their honey. It was treasured among all their friends, and members of their catholic congregations. It came in all flavors from original to rum, each packaged and boxed with love.
Among the monks there was a Father Joseph. Father Joseph was 30 years old when he joined the service. Originally from Kentucky, he decided to dedicate his life to the Love of God. He was sent to Utah among the first of the monks in Huntsville.
In the community at the Monastery every man played a very important role. Some were bread makers, others were honey harvesters, others manned the telephones, but Father Joseph was in charge of the dairy. Father Joseph was put in charge of starting up the dairy, in the first years there, and then keeping it running, and that´s where he stayed, quietly watching each year come and go.
The decision to become a monk isn´t just a one time thing, it´s a decision to leave all you know and love behind, and to dedicate your whole life to serving God. When father Joseph left Kentucky he rarely saw his family again. The brothers at the monastery became his family and friends.
About forty years after Father Joseph arrived at the monastery he was introduced to a young, outgoing, full of life young man. Ross had just graduated from high school and was out doing his first job, selling products to dairies when he ran across the dairy at the monastery. He was introduced to Father Joseph and they became really great friends.
Ross from that time on went out of his way to make sure to always stop in to see Father Joseph, when he met the love of his life Father Joseph was one of the first to know. And when Ross´s first son was born they named him Quinton Joseph.
As Ross´s family started to grow up, and life started to get a little hectic the visits to the monastery became fewer and far in between, however around Christmas time every year the family would pile into the car, they´d embrace the windy curvy roads, the blizzards, and the slippery trek and they´d drive up to visit their Christmas friend Father Joseph.
It became such a tradition that on the rare occasions that they´d stop in to see him any other time of the year he would think something was desperately wrong. Every year Ross would go in to find him, leaving his family in the car, and every year the family would wait in anticipation. They never called before they went up, they just went up hoping to find him still in good health and cheer. Sometimes they´d wait in the chapel, where the other monks would greet them with the same enthusiasm, usually remembering each of their names, and asking them questions about their lives.
Father Joseph was always found in different places, sometimes in the boiler room staying warm, sometimes in his room taking a nap, sometimes in the cafeteria eating…but he was always found. Ross would walk out with him, and Father Joseph would be all smiles as he´d greet the children, and Lori. He´d always say….” I was just thinking about you guys.” They´d talk for about an hour, catching up on things that were going on each other’s lives, and then the family would leave with promises of next year, and wishes of a very Merry Christmas.
One snowy December night the family set off for their annual trip to Huntsville. Something seemed wrong but they decided they´d go anyway and find out what was up. As they pulled in to the monastery and Ross went in, the family waited and waited and waited, when Ross finally came out they knew something was wrong. He explained that Father Joseph had been moved to a nursing home in Salt Lake about an hour away.
After a family council, they decided that they just couldn´t not go see Father Joseph. So they set off to find the nursing home, not knowing at all where it was only knowing the name. A few hours later, they pulled in to a Catholic Nursing home. They were directed to Father Joseph´s room, and they all walked in creating the best Christmas surprise ever.
Father Joseph looked up, and with tears in his eyes said “I didn´t think you would find me.”
There´s something about the love of a Monk, and the love a dear friend and his family at Christmas. It goes un broken, and it creates a bond, that lasts through the year and into the next Christmas season.
As father Joseph would say, “May God Bless you, and your family at this Christmas season, and i´ll see you next year!” …

............................................................

Once again my family found Father Joseph this Christmas. It was wonderful to see him again and catch up. I missed him last year, and wonderful to carry on our Christmas Traditions!

Emmy

Teach the Children

~Just a little Reminder of what this season is all about~

Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad!

Just a week before Christmas this is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surprise, Santa Claus himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

“what are you doing…” I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone—gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a single statement of “Teach the children.” I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said again, “Teach the Children.” “Teach them the old meaning of Christmas—the meanings that Christmas nowadays have forgotten.”

I started to say “how can i….” when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out the brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children the star was the heavenly sign of the promise long ages ago.” “God promised a savior for the world and the star was a sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night—one for each man—now show the burning hope of all mankind.” Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a glittering red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all the people by the savior. Christ gave his life and shed his blood that every man might have God’s gift of eternal life. Red is deep, intense, vivid—it is the greatest color of all. It was the symbol of the Gift of God.”

“Teach the children” he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the tree was a perfect background for the ornament on it. Here was the second color of Christmas.

The pure green color of stately fir tree remains green all year round,” he said. “this depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundant color of nature. All the needles point heavenward—symbols of man’s returning thoughts towards heaven. The great green tree has been man’s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him.” Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound.

“Teach the children that as the lost sheep by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold—it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.” As the soft sound of the bell faded in to the night, Santa drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow form it’s tiny flame cast a glow against the darkened room. Odd shapes and shadows slowly danced and weaved upon the walls.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa. “the candle shows man’s thanks for the star long ago. It’s small light is the mirror of starlight, at first candles were placed on the trees—they were like many glowing stars shingling against the dark green. The colored lights have now taken over in remembrance.

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said, “a bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will towards each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow.”

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.

“Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keepers.”

As Santa looked about the room a feeling of satisfaction shown in his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sensed admiration for this night.
He reached into the bag and brought forth a large holly wreath. He placed it on the door and said, “please teach the children the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty, it is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas. Please teach the children.”

And with that Santa was gone. I know I shall always remember and hold dear to my heart the true meaning of the symbols of Christmas.

*Best Christmas Ever!*

As i've mentioned before in september i adopted a family from Burhma. They've become such a big part of my life. I go over every tuesday and play games with them, or take them shopping to Winco, or just practice english. Usually shane goes with me. we have SO much fun, and when for some reason i can't go i feel like part of me is missing.
well through much observation i realized they didn't have much. and i wanted to give them a christmas this year. well i recruited all those that i know and love and there were so many people who wanted to help out. My grandparents my family and people from twin donated SO much to this family that they don't even know.
on saturday morning, (12th)we (my apartment) decided we wanted to have a Christmas before finals and before we all left.
before we opened gifts, and had a big breakfast we loaded up and took over a surprise christmas to this family. they had no idea that we were coming, and i think they were really really really surprised when we kept walking in with more things. after a few loads we had filled up their tiny living room. we started organizing gifts under a little 4 foot tree, and decorating with christmasy things. the little three year old boy Ko was bouncing off the walls with excitment, and the others couldn't stop saying Thank you, thankyou. When the father walked in he looked around and saw us all there, he covered his face with his hands and started to cry. Then said over and over again, Thank you.. Thankyou...
it was beautiful, and wonderful and a Christmas surprise i will never forget.


May we all remember the reason for the season!

Emily

Sister Zilles

Stephy left on her mission to Melborne Australia! i am so proud of her, and the decision she made to serve, she will be a WONDERFUL missionary!

Christmas in Twin!

It finally snowed in Twin!!! and we were SOOOO excited! one beautiful snowy night we found our selves watching the Forgotten Carols and then playing in the snow! we made snow angles, sang carols and went over to the grassy areas on campus to play in the wonderful white magic that had fallen.

we decided that we needed to decorate our little apartment. no way could we spend half the christmas season in a boring un decorated apartment! so with the little tree i found and random decorations from everyone we decorated a cute little tree, with a tiarra on top!

we even made a stocking for each of us.
my room mates have really become my family. it's hard being away from my girls for a long period of time. We're like sisters, we know eachother's strengths, weaknesses, and can tell when one of us needs a hug. there are many nights when i'll walk in, close the door behind me and say, "Girls....we need to talk..." then we'll all cuddle up on the couch together and laugh, cry, freak out, or just talk. my girls are so important to me and i love them so much.

*Winter*

This is me taking a deep breath... I have no idea where the past two months have gone. Time continues to just fly by. There really is so much to catch up on, and i have no idea where to begin! So in looking through pictures I'll just start where i remember the most...



November came and went with the fabulous holiday of Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to be home, with my family, and counting my many blessings. As much as i loved where i was last november, it was wonderful to eat thanksgiving dinner surrounded by all the many people that i love. we started Thanksgiving morning with a wonderful game of cousin football out at grandma lou's. it was so much fun! Thanksgiving dinner was out at Grandma Barringers this year.



It was nice to have everyone there except Sammy and Great grandma. As usual the day after Thanksgiving we went Christmas tree hunting! we trudged through snow to find the perfect christmas tree. i even found one for my apartment. the perfect little charlie brown tree.



Family traditions are so fun, and it's always nice to finally be all together again!

Roomies, Shane, and Midterms!

GAAAAA! Wow life has a crazy tendancy of getting way way way busy. I just spent a few minutes updating everything up until this point, and i can't believe how many things i've been up to in the past few weeks. Time sure flies!
Life at CSI continues to roll on. Mid-terms seem to be controlling all of our lives, but tomorrow i will take my chemistry test and i will be done for a while. (thank heavens!).
One night while all my roomies and i were supposed to be studying we ended up all laying on the living room floor talking about this and that. yeah, we didn't get much studying done.
This weekend shane and i went to Rupert, (where he's from) we caught his brother's football game. (Minico vs. TwinFalls) and then saturday we went four-wheeling up in the mountains. It was FREEZING FREEZING cold, but it was super fun, and definatly a good memory to have.
i love college life, i love new friends, and i love life!

Joseph and Jessica Gittins

Last friday i rushed home for one of my best friend's wedding. Joseph got married. It was a hard yet amazing day. It was a fabulous day to get married, the sun was shining, it was warm, and the leaves had all changed colors to bright oranges and yellows. The valley looked like it was on fire with color.
Although it was hard to see a part of my life come to an end, i will never regret going and spending that special day with the two of them. Joseph has been such an important part of my life it's wierd he can no longer just be there for me, but he's so happy, so, i am happy for him!
Congrats Joseph and Jessica!

Cat Fish

Because of the honors program i have to do a certain amount of community service hours. I decided to start volunteering with the refugee center here in Twin. I was assigned a Buhrmese family that arrived here about 5 months ago. They are absolutely a blast to hang out with. our first week together we went to the I.B. Perrine Bridge, even though it was freezing cold and rainy we had a ton of fun. The next week i went over and taught them how to make banana cream pie, i'm not sure if they really liked it, but it was fun. Last week shane and i went over and took them grocery shopping. We had a really really interesting trip to Winco. they bought some of the craziest stuff, like a WHOLE cat fish! After winco we went and played UNO for a really long time. it was SOOO much fun!
They have three kids, Koh Ray is my buddy! i love serving them, and i always leave with such a feeling of satisfaction.

Emmy Ann

Staci and Jarrom

On conference weekend Staci and Jarrom got married, in Honneyville. It was a beautiful day, a little chilly...but fabulous! The ceremony was done outside, as well as the lunch, and reception. Staci looked gorgeous, and it was such a fun day! After the ceremony we ate a really yummy dutch oven dinner under the tent. The reception was that evening, and Ashley and I helped at the cake table. After the reception we had a party, with a DJ and lots of dancing! it was a BLAST. i am so happy that i went down to it, and i am glad that we could support stace and jarrom.
CONGRATS to you two!
Emmy Ann

Ice Cream in a Bag!

(Krista, Andy, Stephanie, Julianna)
Last night we had a party and made home made ice cream in a baggie! it was so yummy, a ton of people came over and then we played "clue charades" it was so much fun!



(Tysha, Camille, Tyler)

College life has tons of perks. You're allowed to be completely random every day of the week. (This week we played 4-square, tye died shirts, and made home made ice cream) it's so much fun to make new friends and discover new things about yourself! It's important to remember to study and do homework, but it's also fun to live it up, and make lots of new memories!

Live it up!
Em

The Purchase of Happiness

This is the Essay I wrote for my English102 class!It hasn't been graded yet, so i hope it was alright!

Emily Zilles
English 102
September 28, 2009
The Purchase of Happiness


There are many claims to happiness in the world today. “Drink this and it will put a smile on your face”, “eat this…lose 50 pounds in two weeks and you’ll be happy because you will look like this”! “Vacation in this place surrounded by this beautiful scenery and you’ll be happy like these people”. It’s surprising the number of solutions there are that promise happiness. Do we really know what creates happiness? My question is the same as Joshua Shenk’s, a researcher of happiness who asks, “Is there a formula? Some sort of mix of love, work, and physiological adaptation for a good life [and being happy]”(1)? Isn’t it true however, after you’ve eaten that delicious shake, and in deed it did put a momentary smile on your face, the shake or the vacation, or the fifty pounds lost aren’t really what make you happy or unhappy in the end? There seems to be a hidden secret in our culture that each of us strives to obtain. One might ask, why do certain people seem so happy, where as others appear absolutely miserable?
Leaf Van Boven another noted researcher whose focus is happiness remarked that “materialistic aspirations are negatively associated with happiness” (132). I agree with him and conclude that the only thing that truly matters in life and leads to lasting happiness are your relationships with other people. In my review of the literature, I’ve discovered many different views of happiness. I’ve decided that the majority of people can be divided into two groups. There are those that seem to think that increased affluence or acquiring material possessions will increase happiness. On the other side there are those that believe that long lasting relationships with other people (or any relationship for that matter) will increase their likelihood of self satisfaction, leading to genuine happiness.
If proven that lasting relationships generate happiness, and according to Jon Meyer that “wealth above middle class comfort makes little difference to our happiness” (402), then why does society in general focus more on the materialistic things of life? This question is answered by Van Boven who states, “Lower levels of well-being [self-esteem, happiness, contentment] cause people to be materialistic, failing to find inner sources of happiness, they may turn to external gratification” (133). This makes complete sense; if a person has failed to find a satisfying relationship he or she may turn to something a little easier to please or something that helps “enhance” their external well-being. At the same time that person may still be fighting the inner turmoil that can’t be satisfied with any amount of money or luxury. To cover up one’s loneliness and disappointment, Van Boven summarizes that sometimes we focus more on “having” and we forget about “being” someone (132).
It seems as stated by David G. Meyers that; “the modern… dream seems to have become life, liberty, and the purchase of happiness” (58). When asked however, most people would state that they would rather have a lasting relationship than material possessions. Sometimes in the daily struggles of life, we get hurt and discouraged and often cover up with an easy way out like, buying a new pair of shoes, a chocolate shake, a new truck, or a T.V. These things, these material possessions, will only provide momentary happiness.
How then do those who seem to have absolutely nothing, (materialistically speaking) wake up in the morning full of gratitude for life, with faith that the sunshine will bring a good day and a brimming smile on their faces? In the jungles of Ecuador, a possible answer to this question may have been found. In the pueblo “La Y” the people live in complete isolation. It takes seven hours just to travel to the nearest city. Getting to “La Y” you must catch a ranchera, or camioneta (small truck) and pay to be taken in. The villagers have no vehicles or other means of modern transportation. They live as if in the eighteenth century, carrying things by mule or on their backs. Their houses are one room huts built of bamboo and supported on stilts to protect them from the floods. They collect water every day from the rain and use this same water to bathe, cook, drink, etc. A cell phone is unheard of, and the concept of internet is too confusing. Instead of gathering around the television at night, taking their boat out on the lake, or bowling with the Wii, they sit as a family outside their hut conversing about their day, and just enjoying each other’s company.
The people of “La Y” live simple lives, with simple pleasures. The only thing that matters to them are their families. The people of “La Y” who have basically no material wealth besides the clothes on their backs, seem to want nothing more than what is right in front of them, their families. They have absolutely no material possessions, and yet when asked, they are happy. They are happy to serve, they are happy to love, and they are happy to be living. It is possible that the reason for this is because they don’t know any different, but is that really a bad thing? To them their families are the most important possession in the world. They would die defending them; this is an example of a lasting relationship, one that continues even after death. Perhaps this is the secret, what we are all looking for; a life lived in simplicity away from materialistic influences.
The materialistic world is a competitive one. As soon as one gets something new and shiny their neighbor will get it too, but newer and shinier, hence there is an increase in the possibility of disappointment. However in relationships, one’s chances of disappointment decrease. If we spent the same amount of time increasing our relationships as we do polishing our new shiny truck, perhaps we would see a difference in the amount of happy people in the world.
Each person’s life is not equal, in that we all come from different backgrounds. However, most happy people report to be close to someone- and this relationship makes them happy. Examples of gratifying relationships could be: friends, family, significant others, or a Supreme Being. When a happy person is asked what would make them happier, most respond with answers such as an even bigger increase in lasting relationships. When an un-happy person is asked why they aren’t happy, they usually indicate a lack of a meaningful relationship, and desire one that is lasting and real.
During the past few weeks I have taken random surveys with friends and acquaintances to try to determine true sources of happiness. The survey was short, simple, and to the point. After stating their age they were asked to respond yes or no to the question, “are you happy”? If they answered yes, I followed with a probe question, what makes you happy? If they answered no, I asked them what would make them happy? To both, I asked, what would make you happier? Lastly I asked, if given the choice between a material possession and a lasting relationship which would you choose? In the thirty responses I received back, all respondents answered that they were happy. Reasons for this happiness were simple; relationships with husbands, children, parents, best friends, girl friends/ boy friends, room mates, siblings, and God. I found it interesting that the things that made them happiest were their simple relationships. The things that would make them happier were the material possessions, a new bike, an engagement ring, a new truck, a job (which would lead to financial security), good food, chocolate, etc. However when asked which they would prefer, material possessions or a lasting relationship, lasting relationships were the answer every time. This survey although not large, indicates that happy people are happy because of the relationships they enjoy. Material possessions would just be a little icing on the cake to an already happy person’s life.
Relationships increase security and give a sense of meaning to life. One has more to live for than just one’s self. Jon Meyers supports this idea by saying “a mountain of data reveal that most people are happier when attached than when unattached” (62). Whomever it is you’re attached to is irrelevant, but having someone else to live for increases happiness. He also says, “those who enjoy close relationships cope better with various stresses...compared with those [who have] few social ties. People supported by close relationships with friends, family, or fellow members of church, work, or other support groups are [also] less vulnerable to ill health and premature death.” (Meyers 62)
Many studies and surveys demonstrate that happy people are surrounded by relationships. Through out a 72 year long study done with students from Harvard University it was concluded that, “it is social aptitude, not intellectual brilliance or parental social class that leads to successful aging, warm connections are necessary…the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships with other people” (Shenk 11).
An unknown source once said, “The secret to having it all, is believing that you do”. The same principle rings true for happiness agrees Meyers, who says; “if you think and say you’re happy than you are” (57). “Happy people … are more loving, forgiving, trusting, energetic, decisive, creative, sociable, and helpful” (Meyers 58). It is intriguing to note that although people momentarily want materialistic advantages, Van Boven concludes, “increases in material goods are not met with corresponding increases in happiness” (132). Meyers adds, however those who report to have close family members and friends are happy. (57)
Demonstrated through living examples and years of research the answer that leads people to lasting happiness isn’t the vacation to the beach, or the new flat screen television. The chocolate shake only brought on lasting calories, and the truck rusted with age. The possession, purchase, or investment that created the most happiness, wasn’t a material possession at all, but a meaningful relationship.

It's Been a While!

It's been a while since i've even had time to think about blogging! but today finds me with honors class canceled, and no work because Twin Falls County schools have a long weekend! So... before i finish homework and take a fabulous nap i thought i would blog a bit.
The weather has for sure turned to fall. It's been pretty nippy the past few days with a strong cold wind. Yesterday our high was only about forty, but today with a little less wind it's probably high forties. The sun is still shining though, so that's nice!
Last weekend i went home because mom and dad were in Wisconsin. so they needed someone to go home and be "mom". We had a lot of fun, I met up and had lunch with Jared Stewart which was tons of fun. Lou and I made cookies, and we went to a benefit dinner for Ty Coats.
It's always nice to go home, but I miss Twin when i do go home. However it only takes a few days away to be grateful for all that you left behind.



Last friday Nat Louie and I went to the WS foot ball game! It was so fun to be at a WS football game again. However slightly odd to not be cheering i had fun just sitting and watching. I love highschool football games, and it's even funner when you're from a small town like West Side. Quinton got to go in for a few minutes too which was super fun to watch. I think Natalie was a tad embarassed to be with me when i would get super excited! lol



Since i was home it made perfect sense to go to Ben's Farewell! He did a fantastic job, and it was fun to see him again. I am also so proud of him for going on a mission!

And that brings me to this week. Classes keep rolling on. I had my first Chemistry test, and i pulled a low B, so that's not a complete failure. I turned in my first English 102 paper on Happiness. I think i will post that, so if you want you can read it. It was a fun paper to write. Now i'm planning a speech for Comm101, I am doing an informative speech on my favorite topic in the world. Ecuador! So that'll be fun!

Well until Next Time,
Love
Emily

Together Again!

Last weekend i also got to go to the Ward's homecoming! it was so awesome to see them again, to listen to them, to hug them, and to feel of their spirit. I am once again so grateful for the influence they are in my life and for the friendship i have with them! It was also fun to see all the "Elders" again, we had fun catching up, and it's good to see that their lives are reaping the blessings of missionary work.

(The Wards and I with their granddaughter outside their home in Bountiful)

I also stopped in to see Deven Grange after his homecoming in College Ward! we were excited to see eachother again! I am so proud of all those boys!

Emily

The Climb of a life time

Last weekend found me at home doing one of the hardest things I have ever done. Our family set off early saturday morning (12 of September) to climb up to Bloomington Lake. It was a gorgeous day, and we were all anxious to get started. My mom and I had wanted to do this hike for quite a while, and me being home for the weekend offered the perfect opportunity!
Little did we know that it would be so hard. The trail went straight up the hill with little shade and areas to rest, it was way over twice as long as we thought it would be and harder than what we were prepared for. But as a family we plunged into it.

With mom's motivational "quotes" and bud's over zealeous energy there was no way that as a team we could fail. It was a really good bonding experience for us, as we each learned to quit grumbling and help eachother up the mountain.

As I was climbing I almost half wondered if that's not an exact comparison of our lives here on earth. Each of us climbing to potentially reach that eternal destination. We were never told it would be easy, only that it would be worth it in the end. And why would we ever want to do it by our selves, when i picture walking in the gates on the other side i would want none more to be with me than the ones i love so much, my family.

Once we finally made it to the top it was breath taking. The valley stretched out below us, and it was So worth it! I am grateful for the moments in my life when God grants me those little "tender mercies".

Emily Zilles

up-date on college life

College life is for sure everything it's cracked up to be, if you make it of course. I'm having loads of fun, yes everyonce in a while my homework overwhelms me, but it's nothing i can't handle...(yet) i'm enjoying my classes, and i am having fun learning new things. I love institute and crave those three times a week where i can find refuge in the walls of the institute building. I love that the Twin falls temple is so close, and easily accessable, and i love my job.
I am working at Lincoln Elementary in the After School Program. The kids are the light of my life, they are precious. They all come from different back grounds, some scary, some hard, some ok, but for two hours after school they are all mine. mine to hug, mine to help, and mine to love.
My newest friend this week was a little girl named Virgina, whom i call Ginnie. She is a doll. with big Blue eyes, dark dark black hair, and a sweet voice she just melts your heart. one day after rec-time Ginnie asked me if i could be her mom, because she loved me more. i just leaned down and hugged her, and i wanted so badly to just take her with me forever,to allow her to leave what ever home situation she felt so uncomfortable in, of course i can't but i just hold on to those two precious hours that i have with her each day.
my room mates are fantastic. this weekend Camille and I were the only ones left at the apartment, so we went to the movie, baked, and watching chick flicks all night, and even had a sleep over on our own couches. It was loads of fun! too bad normal life will start too soon! lol
I've been spending alot of time with a guy named Steve Warner, he's a fantastic guy, and it'll be interesting to see where this leads...
Over all with strength coming from above i feel better than i have for a long time. closer to my savior, happier with life, and enjoying it to it's fullest!!!!

until next time,
Emily Zilles

I.B. Perrine Bridge

Stretching over the Snake River between the Jerome and Twin Falls Counties you will find a large bridge called I.B. Perrine Bridge. It is a huge bridge that connects the two counties together, and makes it accessable to enter twin falls. yesterday i walked it. it was another one of those intense beautiful magestic sights. looking out over the river, and down into the canyon from 500 ft. up it all looks so tiny, and yet each peice significant to get the whole affect. I almost wonder if that's how God feels as he looks down upon us, all so tiny in the big picture and yet each significant to the whole picture.

Every day it amazes me how beautiful this area is, and how grateful i am to be able to take part in it!

Emily

The Roger's!

My Grandma a couple weeks ago said, Hey em, we have a friend that lives in Twin, who i beleive works at Lincoln Elementary. (which is where i am working) well i didn't think much of it until a faculty meeting where a teacher said that she grew up in Cache Valley.... well it still took a few minutes until i said, wait a minute!!! you're LEA ROGERS! well it was a fun reunion and that sunday they invited me over for dinner. They were so nice and it was fun to kinda have a family away from my family!

Shoshone Falls, and Dierke's Lake

Last Friday for an Institute Activity we went to Dierke's lake (i hope that's how you spell it!) we went a little early and stopped at Shoshone Falls first. They are absolutely beautiful!!!! i guess the bigger falls is actually larger than Niagra Falls! Neat huh? It was a spectacular sight. whenever i see something like that i can't help but know that there is a God, and that he created all these beautiful magestic sights, and the song "How Great Thou Art" comes to my head.

Castleford with Megan

(Camille, Ashley, Megan, Me, and Rosa)

Megan Choate one of our room mates is from Castleford, it's a small small town outside of Twin Falls. Last Thursday we had the GREAT opportunity to go to her house for dinner. Her mom made us a fabulous meal and we had fun getting away from college life for a minute.

Megan sang and played the piano for us, she is quite talented. She's also running for STudent Senate this next week! good luck Meggie!!!!! we all made matching T-shirts i am sure that pics will be posted on here shortly!

Em

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO!

(in our living room, from left to right, Camille, Steffanie, and Caleb?)

I can't believe I have now lived in Twin falls a week!!!! it's so crazy to think that college life is really starting for me! although i came home this weekend for grandpa's party i made it home for church in my new singles ward. It was great to meet new friends, and to become aquainted with fellow students like myself. After church 3 of my 6 roommates and i cooked a delish sunday dinner. My roommates are spectacular! Ashley Hale is from Sweet Idaho. She is so much fun, (she was a clogger too! how cool is that?) Rosa Lopez is from mountain home, she's on student senate and so much fun also, not to mention she keeps me up on my spanish! Stephanie Warner is from Boise majoring in liberal arts, thanks to her we have a TV and a vaccum! lol. Camille is from Rigby, while majoring in Horiculture, she's also having alove affair with our mail box as she waits for her missionary, who returns in December!!!! then Megan Choate is from Castleford and graduated from Wendell High this year. Megs and I met while both moving in, but i was originally living a floor down, and then i was able to switch up here with her.

(megan got one of those awesome memory foam mattresses, "as seen on T.V. as she demonstrates here...while ashley stands back in awe!)

I am so grateful for my roommates, and living with them makes College life tons easier! My ward seems like tons of fun, we actually just meet in the institute building. It was fun to have church yesterday and then today in classes recognize people!

(Camille, stef, and I in our living room before a wicked game of uno!)

(Ashley and I)

Our apartment is really nice, and perfect for 6 girls. there are six bedrooms, with two bathrooms. a large kitchen with two fridges and a huge pantry! the living room has really comfy couches, and it all just seems too good to be true, especially the A.C.

(rosa in her room, while un-packing!)

For some reason facebook won't let me up-load pics, i'm trying to get to the bottom of it, but until then you'll just have to see pictures here on my blog! which i hope to have time to update everyonce in a while, anyway...here's my bedroom....


(my desk area)




(The Kitchen)

well that's it for now!!!! stay posted for more fun college life adventures! love you all!!!!

Emmy Ann

80 years!

Grandpa Zilles turned 80 today, so on saturday we had a GREAT party! It was fun to have everyone together again, and to spend some fun time making memories!
I love you grandpa, we all put together a book with memories of grandpa, here's my memory:

I have many memories with grandpa, most of my favorites took place last summer while i was living with grandpa and grandma. We fell into all sorts of routines while i was there, and through that we were able to spend lots of quality time together. However most of my memories involve both grandpa and grandma, this is one of my favorites.

Grandpa had gone to work earlier that morning, i'm not sure now what he was doing, swathing, or chopping, it's all the same to me. anyway, at a set time, (let's say 1:00) Grams and i were supposed to go and pick him up down by the peeviner. We loaded up in Grandma's car...(she insisted on driving) and we headed down the road. After collecting grandpa we headed home, except for Grandma starting heading the wrong direction, Grandpa stated in his grandpa way, "Where we goin now". Grandma then told us that there was this beautiful plant that she had been eying along side of the road and she just had to pick it. Well i turned and looked at grandpa, (who was in the back seat) and he just shrugged his shoulders. well in the middle of nowhere grandma pulled off the road, and pointed to a patch of white sticks, she told me to go and pick this certain white stick/bush... and then she handed me a huge kitchen knife! i hesitated and then she sent me on my way. after a few minutes i succeded in gathering the stick/bush and i got back in the car. Grandpa through this whole thing was just a chucklin and when i showed it to him he said, "oh em, that's just lovely, just lovely"

well it gets better, a few days later i drove up to the dry farm with gramps. when we parked the car he showed me around, and pointed out his favorite spots. Then he bent down a picked a white stick/bush thing out of the ground, just like the one that grandma had previously fallen in love with, and said with a wink and a smile, "lets take this back to grandma!"

you see gramps has a great sence of humor and it always cracks me up. But not only does he have a great sense of humor he has a strong testimony of this gospel, of eternal families, of temple work, and of love. he's a great example to me, and to all of my cousins, and siblings. Grandpa will always hold a special place in my heart, he confirmed me a member of this gospel, and not a days goes by that i don't think of him and silently thank him for that!

i love you grandpa! Happy 80th birthday! you're my hero!!!

The O's!!!!!

Last friday mom cynthia and I drove down to Kamas, where the Ottosens live! It was so much fun to see them, and to talk to them at their home here in the USA. They were just as i remembered them, and so sweet. I've missed them so much and it was so great to have their hugs again. I love the O's!

Taste of Ecuador

The other day I decided I should try to cook some Ecuadorian Food. I was a little nervous because i didn't want to ruin the reputation of the yummy Ecuadorian dishes. So first i tried a colada type drink made with oatmeal, flavored with pineapple and blue berries, it turned out really yummy along with the empanadas louie and i whipped up! It was a nice treat to have a taste of Ecuador!

That Famous Preston Night Rodeo!

Although i've lived in Preston some, 8 odd years now I had never attended the famous preston night rodeo before. So this year my friend Caleb decided it was time that i got in on the secret! we had sooo much fun, and i can now defiantly see why it's called the famous preston night rodeo!!!!

Jeff and DaNeen!

Our cousin Jeff Zilles got married last thursday, it was a beautiful day and so much fun to see Jeff and DaNeen so happy! After the sealing we went to the new Marriot Hotel where we had a lunch catered by the new "elements" restaurant. It was yummy.



Out side the temple Cynthia, stephanie, hayley and I all got to play with little Cassidy Wade, and Will. (Amber and Spencer's little kids) it was so much fun!



It was great to watch such a happy and perfect temple marriage! I hope someday i can have a special day just like it!It's great to see our older cousins make right choices and not to mention they are such good examples.