*Tawya Jamas*

The first weekend in August is one that landon and i will not soon forget. (at least i hope it is one that we won't ever forget) as usual we were super anxious and excited to see each other, knowing that each passing week really just meant that we were that much closer to me finally moving back to Twin. We met in pocatello, and headed to Shelley idaho. the weekend was full of family reunions and crazy trips to the zoo. On saturday we headed up to Ashton to meet up with my family at the beautiful cabin. saturday came and went and all was normal. when landon didn't propose on my birthday i thought that maybe he was waiting until i moved back up to twin. on sunday evening when a night hike was suggested i didn't think anything of it, and besides landon was acting completely normal and not nervous at all.

we started out on our "hike" and i was super nervous and scared that some bear was going to come and attack us. so i was obviously pre-occupied. after walking a ways landon suggested we stop and look at the stars. this is something we have always done together, and most of our deepest and most special conversations have occured under the stars. the stars were incredible that night, no polution, no lights just the stars and it felt heavenly.

Landon and i started talking- he had me read a story, our story and then proceeded to give me a really special gift from Peru. in the end, he said...well Em i guess there's just one more question. "Emily will you marry me!?" I of course screamed the answer YES! and then with only the light from Landon's head lamp i saw the most gorgeous ring. He picked it out all by himself which i think is so special :)

When i said yes, i felt the most peacefull blanket of confidence and assurity wash over me. and i knew that we were doing the right thing. The next couple months will be crazy, and this next new adventure even crazier. I look forward to every minute of it.

I love you landon.
Tawya Jamas

Em

Moroni 8:16

( In the beginning....blowing bubbles off Perrine Bridge)
Towards the end of April I was set up on a blind date, my friend Emily from my microbiology class had been telling me about this perfect guy who had just come home from his mission and that every time she saw him she just knew she had to set us up. Well life got crazy and I didn’t agree for quite a while- but finally I agreed to a blind date. Emily and I planned it all and that evening I was So nervous! But it was an awesome date, nothing was un natural, or forced we hit it off immediately. We met in Buhl at Steve and Emily's house, we ate a yummy dinner that tasted just as good if not better than Cafe Rio. I was in charge of dessert and i brought brownies (which actually were accidently chocolate cake). we played games and the Wii and just had a blast.
Side note: Landon lives across the street from Emily and Steve, and he says that the biggest delima that evening was if he should drive to the date, walk, or ride a scooter. each option ended in him looking kinda like a dork. however he must have chosen the right option, because i gave him my number- and the rest is history.
Landon and I started dating and it’s crazy how things just clicked. ( I know it sounds cheesey)
He went on his mission to Peru (lima north) and got home in December. He’s from Buhl (which is about 20 minutes outside of twin towards Boise) he comes from an awesome family whom I immediately fell in love with. Towards the beginning of dating his family said to him, “Landon, we think we like her more than you do.” It’s crazy how similar our families are.
Crazy as it is, before we were even dating he rode home with me to surprise my mom for mother's day. he drove while i studied and we had like 6 hours in the car to get to know eachother even more. i was amazed at how natural he was with my family when i had obviously just thrown him into one of the most awkward situations a poor guy could be faced with, but it was like no sense of awkwardness my siblings immediately liked him, and i don't blame them because i did too.
(Bike Ride the week school got out!)
As Lando and i had gone on a few "Dates" and had gotten to know eachother more i knew there was something special. We did alot of random stuff...like blow bubbles off of Perrine bridge, we went and helped at a soup kitchen, we studied together in the library, went to track meets, enjoyed walks and trips to Kiwi loco, we went on fun bike rides and hikes. We quickly discovered we had alot in common and we suddenly were spending every day together. towards the end of May i went to Boise with his family for State Track. we went to cheer on his younger brother Brian. It was so fun, not only was i propperly introduced to the big city of boise but i got to know landon and his family more.
(Trip to Boise)
one afternoon while killing time in the mall and getting away from the cold snow (yes in may) we wondered into Borders book store. while meandering through the childrens book section we picked out our favorite childrens books- landon to my complete shock picked out a book that MY mom had read to me forever and ever called "Love you forever". not only did he pick it out as his favorite childrens book but he quoted it to me right there in Borders. i just stood there, and i thought to myself; you go your whole life thinking you're the only one, and then all the sudden in the middle of life you're directed to that one person that makes you feel like you're not the only one. I knew then that this was something very special.
Well we had a small draw back to our perfect courtship which is…I moved home for the summer…and he of course stayed in Twin. I honestly thought that it probably wouldn’t work out, thinking distance relationships are too hard, they never work out. But somehow for whatever reason things have continued to progress. ….
Our summer has consisted of weeks packed with work and school and nightly phone calls that last up to 3hrs. long. we LIVE for the weekends when finally we just get to be together. we've had alot of fun adventures during the summer as well. the first weekend i was gone (memorial day) landon came to visit. he was here for Austin and Saje's wedding. i love seeing him interact with my family it's just another confirmation as we like to call it that this is all right. i've gone up there and he's come down here or we've met somewhere in the middle. each weekend ending entirely too quickly.
(June 1st 2010, Austin and Saje's Wedding)
Being who I am and preferring to consult my heavenly father in every decision I make I had been praying about landon for a while not necessarily if he was the guy I was going to marry but wondering if he was in general a good guy to date. When the topic of marriage came up it made perfect sense for both of us to turn to the Lord before making any drastic decisions. After much prayer and thinking I had come to the peaceful decision that the Lord approved, and I was ok with that. But as we started to discuss it more and become closer to the ultimate decision I felt as if something was fighting against me. At times it was even hard to breathe and I felt like it was a continuous battle going on inside of me. And I really started to question if I really could be possibly receiving an answer this BIG and life changing. I felt inadequate and small in the eyes of the Lord.
So, i made a trip to the temple. the Logan temple is closed for cleaning but the desire to know with out a shadow of a doubt that what i was doing was right was definately an answer i needed to recieve in the best place to recieve answers. so i arrived and had the entire grounds to myself, and back in the back of the temple there is a little bench that looks up at the temple and i just sat and unwound for a while. and then i started praying, i started reallytalking to my heavenly father, telling him what was going on, how confused i was and all the many emotions that were swimming around in my mind. i then specifically said Heavenly father i have felt confirmation before that this is right, but i need to KNOW i need to know hands down that you approve, that this is right. and then, i was over come with the most peacefull feeling it was more powerful than anything i've felt before and it washed over me, a complete as they say "burning". and i knew. i knew that landon was right.

well as i discussed it with landon i said that i thought he should go to the temple that week as well. ( don't get me wrong he had been going plenty of times as well) but he agreed and planned to attend the next day. well wednesday came i was just so antsy wondering if i really had recived my answer and doubting and questioning my self all over again. well he went to the 7:30 session and we talked before he went in. about 8:00 i was just still all super fidgety and then all the sudden the most warm peacefull feelilng washed over me and i had the impression "Emily, calm down. landon is in the temple, and everything is alright. you need to start trusting me" so i sat back and let the spirit teach me. after landon got out of the temple he directed me towards D and C 9:8 and as i read it i knew that the confirmations and feelings i had been reciving were from the spirit and and there was no way they could have come from anywhere else. he then proceeded to tell me his experience in the temple, and excitedly we discussed what this means.
This was a couple of weeks ago and I can’t believe the extreme amounts of emotional roller coasters I have been on since we made our decision. Last Sunday I was up visiting him in Twin and my family came to join Landon’s family for Sunday dinner. I was SOOOOOOOOO nervous as my two worlds combined. But it went wonderfully and I think that both families feel a lot better about things given that they know where we’re coming from (lol).
(July 24th- My birthday present)
Landon came to visit this past weekend as well, once again ending too soonly we were left feeling slightly melencholy as he pulled away. but it's the small moments of togetherness that we must hang on to. We went on a hike up to Willow Flat where he gave me some of my birthday present, the book "Love you Forever" then he read it to me and i let it take me back to when we first started dating. as i sat there completely in my element surrounded by some of God's greatest creations and with Landon i could not have been happier. I feel soooo lucky and blessed. He also gave me a spanish bible to match my tripple combination and a Boise state t-shirt. it was perfect.

as i sit here writing this looking over the valley i can see the logan temple, and i can't help but smile and think, I really am going there...and some day very soon.

I thank my Heavenly Father for all of my incredible blessings.

Love,
Em

You Make me S*M*I*L*E

"Smile" Uncle Kracker

You´re better then the best
I´m lucky just to linger in your life
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it´s ok yeah it´s ok
And the moments when my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh you make me smile

Even when you´re gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of
bed sing like bird
Dizzy in my head spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh you make me smile

Don´t know how I lived without you
Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
sing like bird
Dizzy in my head
spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh you make me smile

The LOOOOOOOOOOONG awaited June 12th!

Since about.....september of LAST year my dear sweet Camille and one of my bestest friends has been long awaiting this day. First we had to get Jake home, and THEN we had to get him on one knee...but after all this took place the day we all counted down to, revolved around, and planned for was JUNE 12th! well the long awaited and wonderful day finally came! and what a wonderful day it was! Camille and Jake were stunning, and even though the weather didn't cooperate as well as we'd hoped i don't think either of them really cared. The most important part was that they met at the temple, inside that special sealing room, and said YES! and boy did they ever!

the night before the wedding i asked Camille how she felt about not knowing if the weather would work out and she was like "Em, all that really matters is that i am with Jake, and that we say YES!" well that's exactly what they did, and it was wonderful.

I love both Camille and Jake so much, and it's exciting to watch this new part of their lives together unfold. Jake and Camille are not only highschool sweet hearts and eachother's best friends friends but they are Elementary school sweethearts. it's every mormon girls fantasy. and camille is living it! It's fun to look back as i think of all the nights i fell asleep listening to Camille and Jake talk in the room next door, planning and preparing for this day that at the time seemed so far in the future.

i smile to think of the times that Camille was nervous it would never happen and afraid of all the dreams that might not turn out- and i shake my head and think how could we EVER doubt that this day would never come.

it was wonderful, Camille thanks for letting me be a part of it! i LOVE you forever!

Em

My Big Happy Family

Since everyone was up for the big wedding including Sammy and her cute family, Great Grandma, and uncle Val we decided it was time for a long overdue family picture. The one above of course isn't professional but i think it shows about what we went through in order to get at least one success. However memories like this are priceless. First we didn't really have a photographer-so i talked my friend Jessica into coming and snapping some shots for us. Second- it was raining, not pouring but enough that laykr was getting too wet, everyone was grumpy and our hair...went...flat! But in the end there were a few that actually turned out pretty good!
We found this awesome Jeep and took pictures by it!
Laykr Jaxton Peska! it was sooooooooooooooooooo fun to finally get to meet him. Isn't he adorable?!

Summer Lovin'

It has definatley proved to be a June of Weddings. There is no reason to not sing the song "June Bride" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We started off our weeks of weddings with our very own Austin and Saje. They got married on June 1st. It was a beautifu day! It was such a wonderful experience to see them walk out of the temple and to share with them their special day.

Saje and Austin had their wedding lunch at Grandma and Grandpa Barringer's. We served all italian, and it was fun to put a little bit of Austin into the wedding. Getting married on a tuesday was fun- and then we had the reception that saturday. Although stressful at times it was wonderful to share in their excting day. Not to mention we are very very excited for them, and wish them the happiest and joyous marriage.
There is something so.....literally eternal as you watch a couple come out of the temple. The hope and promises of knowing that they will be together even after this life fulfill all the wildest dreams of evey worthy latter day saint. The week before ausitn and saje's wedding we had the opportunity to attend another wedding- it was fun as well but very empty as i thought about how their simple civil ceremony would only carry them through this life, and not onto the next. I know that as i have lived and prepared for this time in my life there is NO way i could or would throw away the opportunity to be with my best friend for eternity.

i once read a quote about how young LDS youth often fear marriage because of the % of marriages that end in Divorce. The answer to this pleading dread was that if you are sealed in the temple, and return often-worthily keeping your end of the covenant you will not fail, your marriage will not fail, and it will work out. how wonderful is that-. As a Daughter of God preparing for that step some day i look forward to it with a brightness of hope, knowing that as i prepare myself now, and as i keep my end of my covenants and as my husband does the same we will succeed!

Austin and Saje are great examples to all of us. as they took that step to not be married civilly but to be sealed for all eternity as best friends. i look forward to my day, and only hope that i am doing all i can now to be the best i can be in the future.

Choa

Em

*2 years*

The idea of two years to the general population triggers many emotions and feelings. sitting as graduating seniors the next two years of our lives seemed clowdy, fuzzy, and unknown. All we had were the experiences we'd shared together and the memories made. We had the knowledge our teachers and parents had tried to instill in us and then as we turned our tassles that was it. we were no longer highschool students of West Side High, we were the graduating class of 2008 and it was done. Many of the peers i graduated with exactly two years ago i haven't seen since, we've all traveled our separate ways accomplishing different things and becoming our true selves. Some have gone and served full time missions, some have complete training and service to our country, others have found their eternal best friends. But through it all, no matter how far apart we grow, no matter how hard we work, no matter who we become there will always be something we have in common- West Side High.
Coming back after being away is always a bitter sweet feeling, i can't get in my car and drive anywhere with out being bombarded by memories. That's what happens when you return to the place you grew up. It doesn't matter who'se married or who'se not, it doens't matter who is gone, or who has returned the memories still bring smiles and remind you that you couldn't be the person that you are today if it werne't for the person you became in Highschool.
I had the opportunity to sit through the graduating class of 2010's ceremonies last night. While seated in the comfy seats of the new auditorium and hearing all the nice things being said about my friends i relfected my graduation, the words of encouragment and gratitude that were expressed to us as 18 yr. olds. Yeah, we had plans and yes we dreamed big but i dont think any of us knew exactly where we would be in the future, we knew where we wanted to be but we hadn't yet figured out how we would get there.
as i reflect on the person that i've become in the past two years, and all the places i've been, and the things i have accomplished both big and small i can truly say two years flies by. I am eternally grateful for my experiences at WSHS but more so than that i am grateful for the person that my teachers, peers, and parents encourged me to become.
The world is still open, it's still new and untrodden territory, but i've come this far what's a few more unbeaten paths?
Good luck class of 2010, i have no doubt in my mind that you will accomplish all your wildest dreams with hard work and determination. and to my class, the class of 2008 i have not forgotten you, good luck in continuing all your dreams.

*Emmy Ann*

*Vanilla Twilight*

Where in the world has the time gone. The days have just come and gone so quickly. SO much has happened with in the past month, it's insane to believe that it could possibly all have happened with in a few weeks time.

Hightlights include:
Ramisha plus Bryce was created which = many late nights, good talks, quality spooning, Man from Snowy river marathons, random adventures, and three best friends.We each filled missing places in each other's lives and i wouldn't trade that for the world.



2)END OF SEMESTER! yes, even though i thought it would never come, my second semester of college flew by! I honestly look back to January and can't believe how much has come and gone since then. not only did i never in a trillion years think that i would pass Microbiolgy i passed it, as well as all my other classes!!!! Big news also came about a month ago when i received my nursing acceptance letter. Through much prayer and soul searching i discovered that signing and turning in that paper was still the right thing, and since then everything has just fallen into place.

The end of the semester and spring weather has brought to pass many crazy adventures! the weather is just too nice to stay inside, and the sun God's have been very generous with spring weather. we've gone on camping trips, hikes, bike rides, Popsicle parties, naps on grass, sun burns and the air smells of SuMmEr!

3) Mother's Day! As mother's day was approaching i felt really bad i wasn't going to be there. and as my parents would call through out the week i would explain to them that i couldn't come home since it was the weekend before finals week. i knew my mom was sad, so on saturday i planned a surprise trip to Weston! Landon and i drove down early sunday morning and completely surprised my mom! it was the best mother's day ever!!!! It was fun to be there with my family. Not to mention Landon got introduced into the world of Weston! (poor guy! lol)



4) GRADUATION! my awesome roomies made it to graduation! Congrats Camilio, Ash and Rosa! It was awesome to be there and support you guys! And i couldn't help but wonder what it will be like in two years when i finally get to do that!!!!


5) SUMMER!!!! I moved out of my apartment officially on saturday! it was a crazy few packing days but all done now. i'm staying in twin a few extra days though so i can work, and enjoy the summer with my friends here in Twin! It's wonderful!


Summers are full of possibilities. adventures. relationships. and new beginnings. As my summer of 2010 starts I hope that i can become more the person i want to be, that i can make right choices that will lead me towards my potential best self and that all the relationships, friendships and the life i've created will continue getting better! life is wonderful!


Cuidate
Em

Bubbles.bridge.kites.water falls.nail polish.best weekend ever!

Comin To America!

In order to post about the showcase i decided to just copy and paste the paper i had to write about it, and include pics!

It was such an awesome night, i still smile while thinking about it, and i can't believe how many people came, and the turn out! it was exactly how i wanted it to go!

Emily Zilles
Honors Service Project
March 30, 2010
I work for the Palstep program at Lincoln elementary. It is a remarkable opportunity to be so involved with the students on such an individual level. I have been really involved in many aspects of the elementary school, and at the beginning of the semester I decided I wanted to use the school as my service project. The palstep program is funded by a 5 year grant, called the 21st century grant. Part of the requirements for this grant includes a yearly parent night. However, Lincoln Elementary wasn’t planning on having one this year. So, I took it upon myself to plan it. I started preparations in January at the beginning of the semester. I wanted to not only accomplish a parent night, but I wanted to get the kids involved with their parents, I wanted to get parents there, and I wanted it to be an interactive night focused around family unity. When I presented the idea to Pete Coulson, he said he thought it was a wonderful idea however he didn’t think I would be able to get parents to attend. I took this as a challenge and set out to prove him wrong.
I started out by deciding on a theme and went from there. The theme I chose was “Coming to America”, taken from the song by Neil Diamond. I decided the best way to get parental support and attendance was to have the kids perform something. I found three patriotic songs which are classics and started to teach the kids the words and some dance moves to them. I worked on it with them every Monday-Thursday until last Thursday the night of the performance. My second through third graders performed “God Bless the USA”, by Lee Greenwood. My K-1st graders sang “This land is your land”. For the fourth and fifth graders I choreographed a dance. In the beginning they hated me, the kids thought it was the worst thing anyone could ever make them do. However, I was determined to follow through.
Through February and March I involved quite a few other honors students in my planning and they were a big help to me as we planned and prepared. I had a girl come in and help teach the kindergarteners and first graders their song. I also had some other volunteers come in and help teach dances and songs. I worked hand in hand with Pete and Abby (directors of Palstep) in coordinating plans, figuring out money decorations, and other details.

I was really nervous about how it would all work out. Knowing that the success of the night would by determined by the amount of people who came, but I also knew that even if one student came it would have been worth it. The week of the performance I went shopping with Abby and we bought decorations and treats, and everything we needed to use for the night of. The night of March 25th we started at 7:00 p.m. By 6:30 the halls were filled with people already there. I was thrilled with the turn out. I also had about 8 honors volunteers there to help.
We started the program with the K-1st graders singing. Then the second-third graders. We ended the performance with the big finale, the 4th-5th graders! They did a phenomenal job! What started out with being what the kids thought was torture ended up being their favorite thing. I only had about 10 kids total missing, and none of them wanted it to end. They all asked what songs we were learning next! After the performance we broke up into stations. We had a cookie making station, a craft station, a board game station, we had a family picture booth, a big fun parachute in the gym and in the music room they were able to learn a new dance. It was so successful! As I walked around making sure everything was running smoothly I saw parents interacting with their children, and children having fun. I saw CSI volunteers making new friends with little kids, and I saw smiles on faces as students were able to introduce their parents to me.

It was such a big success. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole night. All my hard work really did pay off. The best part though wasn’t so much that all my hard work didn’t go to waste but more so as I walked around I saw the effects of family interaction. It was such a wonderful night! I would do it again, every year in a heartbeat. The key was to get the kids involved and excited , and a lot of advertizing! We made a lot of very sparkly posters. Overall it was more fun than it was hard work, and I’m so glad I did it!







It was awesome! and SOOO much fun!

Emily

The time has come to Blog!

Oh how the months have flown by. I can't believe the last time i blogged was so long ago! So much has been happening. it's crazy how life never stands still. The weeks have come and gone just like normal, and i find myself in the middle of week 11 of my second semester at college! Two weeks ago, however was a much needed spring break!

Although my family didn't have spring break at the same time it was wonderful to GET AWAY from the crazy life of college and breathe. I went horse riding, and motor bike riding, and even spent a morning doing water aerobics with my mom? (and a bunch of old ladies)However, probably my two favorite spring break events were 1) a trip to "spoon me" with my mamma. and 2)Quinton was in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Spoon me was delicious. the end.
and the play was fantastic! they did such a wonderful job. Quinton's crazy hair stole the show, and i was so proud of him for singing a SOLO part. woot woot! GO BUDDY!!!!
Also on my last sunday home Bishop Sparrow asked me to speak in the Singles ward. It was a wonderful experience and i had the opportunity to speak about my favorite thing in the world. Ecuador. i think however when it came down to it, i touched my self with the spirit more than the congregation, as i reminded myself of my divine potential as a Daughter of God.
And now spring break is over, and i'm back to the books! But never fear, more will be posted...shortly?!

have a great happy wednesday!

Emily

Because i Believe

Sometimes this life, it goes as planned with in my heart.
One day i wake, to see it fall apart.
i'm being tested to the core.
i know i must endure.
my faith is real, my faith is strong.
and i will carry on....

Because i Believe.

I believe God is my Father,
and his Son is my Savior.
I believe, their love for me
is Real

I believe in Gethsemane Christ suffered pain and agony
he did it for me, and i will never leave

Because i Believe.

I'll put my trust in God
his plan's the only way
to find the peace and hope i yearn for every day
i pray i will do all i can,
to have the strength to stand.
my faith is real,
my faith is strong...
and i will carry on...

Because i Believe.

And even when the Jaws of Hell
gape open, and beckon me to dwell
i'll heed not,
and i'll find the strength to FLEE

Because i Believe.

I believe God is my Father.
and his son, is my Savior
i Believe, their love for me, is REal
I believe in Gesemane,
Christ suffered pain and agony he did it for me
and i will never leave,

Because i Believe.

i remembered this song this past week, while i've been struggling, we sang it in young woman's when i was a beehive and it's been a favorite ever since. it's words often bring me comfort.

Foot Prints

~ Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others leave foot prints on our hearts and we are never ever the same~

This week has been an emotional roller coaster. As many of you know, i have been working as a Cultural Ambasador for the CSI refugee center. I took on this project as an honors requirement. However, little did i know that it would change my life forever. The first week of september i drove over to Honey Locust apartments to meet my family. All i knew about them was that they were refugees from Burhma there were five of them, and that they didn't know any english. Our first meeting was brief, a tad akward but i left with the promise of coming the next tuesday at 6. After that i only missed 2 tuesdays the whole semester. I went every week, at the same time on the same day. After a while the akwardness wore off, a new comfort zone was created, and we learned from eachother. We played games, went to Winco, toured Twin falls, saw the christmas lights, and taught eachother different words in our own languages.



It wasn't long before i was hooked. I couldn't go a week with out seeing them. and if for some odd reason i did, i knew something was missing from my life. over time their english progressed. we became to know eachother on a very close level. and i fell in love with them. many times Shane came with me, and i know he enjoyed very much also being a part of their life.



as i write this i really don't think there is any way that i can truly express how i feel about them. i think that's one of the most frusterating parts about all this...no one will understand. the Prey Ray family has engraved foot prints on my heart and i will never be the same. i'll never be able to walk into winco with out thinking of them, or pass robins street with out chuckling a little as i think of our amazing memories together.
What started as a simple honors program project turned into one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever gain in college. It became second nature to love them, to laugh with them, and to understand them.
This last tuesday i went over, excited for a new semester of working with them. and already new ideas of what we could do the next few months. however after a few minutes of being there i was bombarded with the news that the family was moving. To colorado. Prey (father) had been there already and was working and saving money to bring his family out with him. well i thought i had a few more months with them, never did i imagine that i was spending my last tuesday in their precious living room. Trying to stay composed i asked for as many details as possible knowing that i couldn't just send them away with out knowing they would be going somewhere safe.

Today at noon i took them to the Grey hound bus station. it took me an hour and half to get them settled, and propperly waiting for the bus. i missed two classes but it was worth it. with hugs and "i love you's", a note with my number, and 20 bucks in Sey's hand i pulled away with tearfilled eyes.

I don't know if i will ever see them again in this life. But i must trust that they are in God's hands now. and they are better hands than mine. and if i don't see them in this life, i know we will be re-united in the life to come. They truley are angels. and i pray for their safe reunion with their daddy.

God Be with you Pray Ray Family. You have left footprints on my heart.

Emily

~22 New Best Friends~

I absolutely love love love my job. Sometimes it's rough yes, some times i just want to scream when the kids are being out of control. However, there are days like yesterday that I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with these special Children of God.

Pal-Step is run from 3:30 to 5:30, after school hours. We cater to at-risk students and families. Providing a safe place for students to go after school instead of going home to an empty house or a non-safe environment. Right now we have 95 kids enrolled just at Lincoln Elementary (which is where i work). From 3:30-4:00 we have a snack and rec time. From 4:00-4:30 we do homework, and then the last hour until 5:30 we do enrichment activities. I work with Alex Sanchez and we do a "snack time" where we make lots of yummy fun treats. Every day different students are rotated through the groups with their appropriate grades.

One of our hardest age groups is the 4th graders. It is our biggest group, and the kids are just down right mean. They are mean to eachother, they are vulgar, and they just don't care. It has been a year long problem to try and solve and every week presents a challenge. Yesterday while coming out of the bathroom to wash their hands i heard the newest joke on one of their fellow 4th graders.

Colby is a little heavier set, wears glasses, and LOVES super heroes. I spend many recesses reading stories with him, and just being his friend. Well the boys coming out of the bathroom were wiping their hands on each other saying "Colby germs, Colby germs...." Being especially fond of Colby but also tired of their constant tormenting on whoever they decide to torment that day i brought them all back into the cafeteria. I sat them down and started talking about the Golden Rule. After about 3 minutes i could tell this wasn't getting anywhere.

After a silent pleading with my Heavenly Father i suddenly was struck with inspiration of how i could implement in my students how to be kinder to eachother, i knew that this could very well be a changing point in each of their lives. I arranged them at the table half on one side, half on the other they sat directly across from another classmate. I then blew a whistle (which meant freeze) i said, "Introduce yourself to the person across from you, This person is your new "best Friend"..." They grumbled and claimed "we already know them!" I replied with, "Pretend you dont!" well after they introduced themselves i said, "This is your new best friend, now look at them really closely and give them a compliment." They hated it! they grumbled and griped but knew we would keep doing it until i was satisfied. About every 20 seconds i blew my whistle and one side, called the "slide side" would rotate, then each would have a new partner. we then repeated the process, each time i would say, "This is your new best friend".

About half way through i noticed a change. they were all the sudden having fun! really looking for ways to compliment their new "best friend". After the last rotation i said, "you now have 22 new best friends. How do best friends act? We aren't mean to them, we don't make fun of them, and we defend them. You should treat each of your class mates as if they are your best friends". After this they were quiet, and pensive. they looked around and were happy. We then made our snack and got out board games, and they all played together. Colby played with kids who before wouldn't have anything to do with him. Orion a little boy who is normally very hard to handle came up and with a HUGE smile said, "Emily i have 22 new friends!...i've never had friends before, and now i have 22!!!!"

It was the best day of work i've ever had. Knowing that those 20 minutes of making " new best friends" very well could have a chanigng impact on their lives forever. by the end of Palstep word had spread of what i had my kids do and the other teachers and my boss were so impressed they want me to do it with every group next week!

I loved seeing those kids being nice to eachother, and being happy. And that is what my job is all about.

Emily

Flash Back of 2009

The year 2009 was really quite eventful. As i tried to compile a blog entry of flashbacks it was hard to decide what were the "most" eventful events that happened.
Of course the first that will always come to mind is my safe return from South America.


Not only do i think of my safe return but also the first 5 months of my year of 2009 were spent exploring the wonderful country of Ecuador. It is still so crazy to me that i actually was there, that i did live there, and that the most incredible year of my life isn't just a dream.

But with my return brought a really really fun summer with lots of GREAT memories!

Our family took a trip to California to see Great Grandma hutchins. It was so fun to be with her and to see her again!

In July natalie and i took a fun trip through Utah and visited all the utah temples. we ended in Vegas with Heidi and Peter! it was a BLAST

In july i finally turned 19 and we went to the new Harry Potter to celebrate! In August grandpa turned 80 and we had a big party for him up in Maple Rise! August also brought the new school year and my move to Twin Falls! I was blessed with amazing room mates and we have so much fun together!

I love college life, my classes this last semester were fun, and i feel like i finished my first semester of college successfully! i love my ward, institute and my job.

I have had the amazing opportunity to work with the Pray Reh family. and i will forever be grateful for the influence they have had on my life!

In october i started dating Shane. It's crazy to think three months have passed
since then. We have a lot of fun together and he makes me so happy. I am grateful for him.
It's rewarding to have a home away from home, and it was fun to have some christmas celebrating with my roomies as well as my family at home. I was sure excited this Christmas season and i am glad i was able to be with my amazing room mates and my wonderful family!


And that's a wrap! Brief but fun to remember all that has happened in 2009!

Emily