I AM A WOMAN, AN AUSSIE AND A MORMON

Here are a couple  "I AM A MORMON" links from MORMON.ORG that are, well, amazing!

http://mormon.org/sarah

Sarah Osmotherly - Mum, Aussie, publicist, Mormon

http://mormon.org/patrice/

Patrice Arkins - Mum, Aussie, musician

MY SISTER TAYLOR

Well, there will probably be a several more posts about how I feel about the special "sisters" who have come into my life, but today, I want to express my love and appreciation for Sister Taylor Bouchard. I first got to know Taylor at YW camp in 2007 with leaders Jodi Strong and Holly Keddington. Taylor is a year younger than me but we connected immediately. She is so mature and has affected my life for good with her example, kindness and testimony of the Savior. It was not a coincidence that we "re-connected" this past summer and became roomies at the Mariner Apts., taking the Big City and  the "U" by storm! I'm amazed by your steadiness, self-control, commitment and willingness to let this sister-less girl snuggle in our freezing apartment! Taylor, you WILL be an incredible missionary and no matter how hard it gets, remember that you are strong and capable of anything. Look out Argentina, here she comes!

Sister Taylor August 2007 "Believe"

Sister Ali

Kitchen Crew '08 - Lizzie, Tay, Carly, Ali, Bronwyn, Katlyn, Rachael

Ali, Carly, Taylor - Fields of Gold

Orange Crew 2008 Camp Marjorie Hinckley - Taylor & Ali in back with shades

Taylors banana boat says it all about her personality! - Perfect!

Sisters of past and present: Karen, Emily, Taylor, Ali, Jodi, Mom (Anne)

MY FAMILY IS ETERNAL

On May 8, 1999, I was sealed for eternity with my family at the Bountiful, Utah Temple. My brothers don't remember much, but I will never forget it. My youngest brother Connor cried for almost two hours straight in the nursery while waiting for our parents. I tried to calm him, but he wouldn't stop. Finally, when the sister took us up to the sealing room, he calmed down. I'll always remember walking into the room and seeing my parents and some of my aunts and uncles and how beautiful and peaceful it felt. I have a testimony that families can be together forever and my family is everything to me.

SO LONG ROCHA!

What a bittersweet day. Jessica Rocha or just Rocha, had her missionary farewell today in Kaysville. She will leave Wednesday to serve in the Jackson Mississippi mission. After knowing her for just 18 months, she has become one of my dearest friends. She is a great example to me and has managed to always be there for me JUST at the right time and place with the perfect words and example (and awesome treats). I will miss you so much Rochey but you will be the BEST missionary and we'll see each other in 20 short months. Love you!

Snow Hall Sistas

SUNNY BUT SOOOO COLD!

Today was a typical FREEZING late-March day in Utah; deceptively sunny but oh, so cold. Despite the goosebumps, I had a lot of fun with master photographer Jessica Magalei. These photos were taken by my Mom with her point-and-shoot from a distance, but they give a glimpse of our giggles. We even had a chance to stop and chat with some friendly "investigators"!  

 

FROM SYDNEY TO SYDNEY SOUTH

https://missionary.lds.org/mcore-ws/Services/rest/mission-map/detail

When I received my mission call on January 24, 2013, it was to "Australia Sydney". The Sydney mission had long been two missions, North and South until 2009 when it was opened to one Sydney mission. Effective, July 1, 2013, it will again become North and South. So, drum roll please ... I will be serving in Sydney South! Obviously, I'm happy either way as I know absolutely nothing about the areas, but I was starting to feel a bit attached to the Mission President and Sister Howes so I'm kind of relieved. The joy and excitement continues -- 75 DAYS UNTIL I REPORT TO THE MTC!!!!!!!!!

Merimbula - New South Wales 

AWESOME COUSIN; AMAZING MISSIONARY

Stanford QB Set to Compete after LDS Mission in Chile

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Stanford-QB-set-to-compete-after-mission-3777365.php#src=fb

WORDS FROM A WISE (LITTLE) BROTHER

Here are a few of my brother T's favorite quotes. He's a pretty wise kid.

... "Our skills stay with us forever."
... "Life isn't a pleasure palace or a cruel wasteland; it's the middle and the briefest part of our existence."
... "Our most trying times will become our best memories."
... "Never judge. Someone's hardest trials may be nothing to you."
... "Never help someone because it's in YOUR best interest; have the right attitude and right heart."
... "At some point, you'll have to 'carry a cross' but you're never alone."
... "There's no such thing as idle hours, just idle  people."
... "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
... The first bite is always easier to share than the last.

... to be continued!