i love them

i love this video.
for two main reasons.
i love pokemon.
i love missionaries.
i love them.

my best friend is on a mission.

he loves pokemon, too.

so this is especially happy.

i love life.

... and pinterest.

-do good,

raela

tag! i'm it.

there's this thing going around. i'm supposed to do some stuff, answer some questions, and tag other people. yep, you guessed it. i was tagged. who was i tagged by? well, it was riss. so i'm going to do this, just because i can. and because i really have nothing better to do!
THE RULES

*post these rules:

*post a photo and eleven random things about yourself

*answer the questions that were provided by the person who tagged you

*create eleven new question for the people you tag

*contact those you tag and let them know they've been tagged.

oh.. is the picture supposed to be of me?? this is heather :)

1. i sleep with my teddy bear, Raider, every single night.

2. i enjoy drinking hot chocolate in the summer. i don't know why. it's pretty delicious in the winter as well.

3. i hate shaving my legs. i hate it. so... i rarely do it. i'm a HUGE fan of long socks. perhaps that is why me and soccer get along so well :)

4. i have never broken a bone, pierced my ears, gotten a cavity, been stung by a bee, or been pulled over. but on the down side, i can't roll my tongue 

5. sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower. nothing is prettier than a field of blooming sunflowers. or a field of white wheat. but that's another story.

6. i like eating lemons. i think they are delicious, even though they aren't really good for the enamel on the teeth 

7. when i was younger, i wanted to either be a librarian, and architect, or a stunt double.

8. any guy that can spell correctly and use proper grammar, is about 100 times more attractive than a guy who can't

9. i have a thing for redheads :)

10. a dessert with coconut on it is completely ruined

11. i'm actually REALLY competitive. i come off pretty shy to most people, but when i compete against them in a game..i'm a whole new person. a good person.. just unexpected

1. if you could date any superstar, who would it be? why?

uhhhhhhh.. all of the superstars that i would be interested in are kinda a lot older than i am. and they are all conceited and ridiculous. but i really like  John Krasinski. ah. especially his character Jim Halpert. from the Office. pretty much fell for him. so funny, so sweet. yeah.. i would definitely go on a date with Jim Halpert.. i mean, John Krasinski.

2. what's your most embarrassing moment?

ever since i've been born, i've embarrassed myself a lot. i have so many, but you only asked for one. this one  probably isn't my most embarrassing one, but it's the first one that comes to mind. it happened in.. 4th grade? maybe 3rd? i can't remember the exact date. But i was sitting in computer class, and this class was just an hour long, so we would have to walk back to our class after. anyways, i was sitting there, and i had a GENIUS idea! 'it would be way fun to tie your shoelaces together!' so i did. about five minutes after doing that, we had to get up and go to our homeroom class. my laces wouldn't come undone! shoot.. so i hobbled to the line. we got the the main hall, and what do you know? all of the other classes were changing rooms as well! great..i was near the front and holding up the line, so i let everyone pass. then, i trip. everyone looks at me, laughs, and i get up, almost in tears, and hobble to the back. we got to the classroom and i took my shoes off. haven't done that since.. yep.. moving on.

3.who's your hero? why?
it's hard for me to say just one person, because there are so many people in my life who have influenced me for the better. i may not think they are my hero, but their actions were heroic, and i admire them. My father is definitely a hero to me. we are so close, and that is a blessing in my life. he doesn't get angry, and helps around the house with a good attitude. i hope to marry a guy life my dad. My mother is so selfless. she knows what's best for me, and cares so much. Jeff, my older brother knows how to talk to people about the gospel. he showed it while we went to Peru. i wanna be able to do that as well as he can. Riss, is someone i look up to for many reasons. she knows how to deal with people. she's so helpful and witty and great. My other siblings are great as well. Kelton is someone i look up to a bunch. he's so dedicated, and does things, even though it may be difficult. i just love him for that. Yeah, i have MANY heroes. i seriously could take days writing this answer out, but then people would get bored reading.. so i'll stop..

4.what's your biggest accomplishment so far?
um.. probably staying active in the church. i have heard that it's pretty easy to fall away..

5.what made you smile today?
A single thought if a boy. Cliche, i know.

6. if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? why?
i am very comfortable in my body. i know i have acne, and all that fun stuff, but it kinda makes me who i am, so i don't mind it all too much. and i am very thankful for my vision, but i have always wanted glasses. so bad. i love them. people say that i won't love them once i get them, but i wear fake ones around.. ah, i wish i could have some. also, i'm trying to grow out my hair. i would like that to be longer. one day, i'll have glasses and long hair. even if i'm 80.

7.what inspires you?
playing the piano, reading church magazines/books, the internet can be inspiring. some people have super good ideas. i don't know. i don't think i'm inspired easily. never really thought about it

8.what is your favorite place to go to think?
i love sitting in a car. but pretty much anywhere that i am alone, or with someone i can think out loud to, i enjoy thinking. i also love thinking while i am looking up at the night sky. but i would have to say a car.

9. who's the person you are most comfortable talking to? why?
oh man. this one is tough. it depends what i am talking about. i am pretty close to my mom and dad, as well as my older brother, Jeff. We talk all the time, which i love. But i spend a lot of time talking to Riss, so she's up there, too. i can tell anything to Heavenly Father, and i'm WAY comfortable talking to Him, but He doesn't count right now :) Kelton, ah. i can tell him ANYTHING. i've been comfortable talking to him since the day we met. so if i couldn't answer someone in my family, it would be Elder Abbott :)

10. what's your favorite thing to wear?
long socks, boy's boxer shorts, and a hoodie. definitely. it gives me a perfect balance of chill and warmth. i also really love wearing white v-neck t shirts. i would wear those more often if i didn't stain all of them.. oops. 

11. if today was you last day to live, and you could do anything regardless of expense, what would you do?
i would travel home so i could be with my family. that's all. i wanna die with those that i love all around. i'd just want my mom and dad to hold me. i think i would write a letter to Elder Abbott, but not send it off immediately- don't wanna distract him!

ok.. i don't have many blogging friends.. BUT. i guess i tag:
Lou
Mishka
Heather
if you haven't already done this, feel free to do it, it's actually pretty entertaining!

these questions you must now answer:
1. what is something that you are absolutely addicted to?
2. what is one thing that you are looking forward to? why?
3. what was the best/worst date you've ever been on?
4. how would you change the world?
5. what's one talent you wish you had better developed?
6. what do you do with your friends?
7. do you believe in love at first sight? why?
8. who (not of your family) do you admire? why?
9. what are 3 of your pet peeves?
10. what's one thing that no one knows you can do? (for instance, i crochet)
11. where do you want to visit before you die?

thanks for stopping by!

-Raela

::: oh [boy] oh [boy] oh [boy] :::

they say that when you fall, 

you should pick yourself up and keep going.

but i fell for you, 

and don't wanna get up

-Raela-

One Every 13.03 days! :)

Looking back on this past year, a lot has happened. I can't believe that i am no longer a teenager. Never again. From now on, ADULTHOOD is in my view. ICK

I wanted to see just how i spent my last year, and i found out that i did a lot more than i thought i had. in fact, i realized that i did something new every 13.03 days on average! not too shabby.

28 new* things that i did in the past 365 days of my life

(*these are things that i have NEVER done before) 

 (in no particular order)

- got my wisdom teeth extracted

- finished all harry potter books

- dropped my first college class

- went golfing

- met Kelton :)

- celebrated my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary

- gave a guy my number

- started a blog

- went to the st. george temple

- rode a train

- made a GIANT sand castle in california

- fell in love at college <3

- went to paragonah, UT

- hiked to the top of angel's landing

- went to peru

- visited machu picchu

- worked on a farm.. kinda :)

- bought 9 milks at one time

- took pictures in a photo booth

- went to the lima, peru temple

- went to a real rodeo!

- got a blood transfusion

- started my second year of college

- was with three different people when they got tickets.. :)

- sent my best friend off on a mission

- ate a sweet pork burrito from cafe rio
- beat a guy in multiple eating contests

- went to one of my best friend's weddings

Holy smokes. I did A LOT more than i remember doing!
Some f them were super simple, while others totally changed my life.
--just shows that tons of awesome things can happen if you don't hold back on anything.
Looking back, it has definitely been a wonderful year. i can't wait for the upcoming year.. 20. gross.

**live it up

-raela

First Letter! :)

need i say more? :)

Based on a True Story

*names of people and places have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

     Once upon a time, there was this girl. Hmmm.. let's name her Rachel* :) good plan. So Rachel loved her life. She graduated high school and went to college down south with her cousin, Kasha.* Rachel and Kasha had a lot of fun in college. They met some pretty cool people and did some awesome stuff- like go to classes and study in the library.. cuz that's what people do in college. Of course.

      Rachel and Kasha were LDS, so they would go to Family Home Evening every Monday. One of the first times they went, the ward played frisbee. Rachel and Kasha scoped the field for some cute guys, which Kasha had no luck, but there was one in particular that caught Rachel's eye. He had red hair, super nice legs, and he seemed really funny. Rachel vowed to herself that one day, she would go on at least one date with that attractive male. 
      But sadly, Rachel didn't see him for the rest of the semester.. :( sad day. and he was soon forgotten.
      THEN one day, Rachel and Kasha went to church, and these two random guys that they rarely ever saw came and sat next to them. One of them had green eyes and brown hair, the other had bright blue eyes and red hair. Rachel recognized the redhead from the first FHE ever, and got pretty happy. They introduced themselves as Steven* and Kelton.* The guys seemed way nice, but no numbers were exchanged, and Rachel and Kasha figured nothing would come from it. Rats.
      The next day, Rachel was invited to go play frisbee with some other friends from school. Since she enjoyed frisbee, she agreed and went. When she got out of the car, she noticed one guy in particular- it happened to be one of the guys that sat next to her at church! THE REDHEAD, Kelton! :) Rachel was pretty excited. Yes she was. She didn't dare to talk with him because she didn't want to look desperate or something. Plus, he was AMAZING at frisbee, that's a bit intimidating.
      She kept going to frisbee, just so she could see this devilishly handsome redhead, and possibly become friends with him. Little did she know, but he secretly had a thing for her, but was very shy.
      Anyways, continuing on with the story.. That Friday was the Institute Opening Social. it was a dance,and Rachel and Kasha always went to these types of things. They loved dancing. :) Fun stuff. Rachel went to frisbee the day of the opening social, and all of the people there asked her if she was going to go. She said yes, hoping that Kelton would go too! Rachel and Kasha went that night, talking and being super outgoing, just because they were both in spectacular moods. Throughout the night, they each danced with multiple young men, and even hung around with Kelton a bit, which made Rachel very giddy- she had developed a little crush on this boy. When he asked her to dance, she beamed with excitement. They had not talked much outside of frisbee, so this was a huge step. They were both a little shy, but enjoyed it so much that they started dancing into the next song, which also happened to be a slow song! Rachel loved dancing with Kelton and was angry when another man stepped in to ask her to dance, because she was already dancing!  Kelton was nice enough to let him dance with her. Darn. The night continued, and Kelton stuck around Kasha and Rachel, making fun of their awesome dance moves and such. When the last song came on, it appeared that neither of these young girls would be asked, so they walked towards the exit. But out of the blue, two young men came up to them! How happy- it was Kelton and his friend :) :) :) Kelton and Rachel danced together for the last song. Rachel couldn't even believe it. She went home on a cloud and she was smitten immediately by Kelton :)

Angel's Landing

       Then nothing really happened between her and Kelton. I mean, they talked at frisbee, and sat next to each other at church, but Rachel waited for him to ask her on a date. Didn't happen. Until they went to the temple as a ward, she challenged him to a milkshake eating contest, bet dinner on it, and DOMINATED. :) that's right folks, she dominated him and he now owed her dinner. Rachel had to give him her number. Rachel thought it was because he was too chicken to ask such a beauty for her number, but later found out it was because Kelton was kinda dating someone else and didn't want to seem like a player.. Personally, i believe them both equally :) So they started hanging out a lot. Like almost everyday. :) Rachel was loving life even more than usual!
       She was heartbroken when she found out that he had a girlfriend, but when he told her that he was dumped his girlfriend for another girl, Rachel was happy- even though she didn't know he dumped his girl for HER! :) yay.
       So, long story short, Rachel and Kelton dated. They were serendipitous. They fell in love.

Rachel and Kelton :)

       Summer came, and that was pretty difficult. They had only been dating 2 months and wondered if a "long-distance relationship" could work for such a new couple. (Long distance, not really. But Rachel lived in Orem,* while Kelton was from a small town called Paragonah.* It was 3 hours away.) They decided to give it a shot. He visited her and her family for the weekend. Her family fell in love with him as well. Rachel's mom did not like the idea of Rachel dating a pre-missionary, but Rachel couldn't help it. Rachel visited him down south and this went back and forth all summer, and they valued every second they had together. (Oh yeah, Kelton got a mission call to serve in Minneapolis, Minnesota* speaking Hmong! :) random side note.)

      When school started up again, Kelton did not return because his mission was before the semester ended. For for weeks, he would visit Rachel and Kasha. Kelton and Rachel knew the day of his leaving was coming up, but tried to live in the moment and enjoy each other (even they were always with Rachel's roommates).
      Then, on September 12, they said goodbye. Rachel was sad and spent some time crying. Kelton cried a bit, but not near as much as Rachel did. Kelton left for the MTC on September 14, 2011. Yesterday. Last I heard, Rachel is doing well, and is super excited for her man to be out serving the Lord.

Kelton and Rachel :)

THE END.

for now

dyqhr3w. nz bdx

School officially started on Monday.

As in yesterday. 

Although there are a lot of things that are the same this school year, there are a bunch of things that are different, and it’s been throwing me off a bit. I realized that I am not a huge fan of change, even though I know you can’t progress without it. Let me rephrase that. I like change, after it becomes the norm again. 

             I still room with my cousin, and I love it. We have a new roommate, and she stole our cupboard that we had last year. Unfortunately, I keep opening hers up and seeing all sorts of awesome food, yet I can’t eat it BECAUSE IT’S NOT MY CUPBOARD ANYMORE. How annoying.

 Another big change is with my friends. Most of my friends last year were 18 year old boys that were going on LDS missions the following year. So this year, I get to make some new ones with my cousin. I’m quite nervous about that. I don’t like meeting new people. AH! 

But I think the biggest change that will happen is when my best friend leaves for Minneapolis, Minnesota. When I first met him, I could walk to his apartment.  

5 minutes. Not bad. 

And then summer came. We kept in contact by texting and calling, and occasionally visiting each other. 3 hours away. Not a very common thing. But totally worth it. 

Now that I am back at school, I keep expecting to pass him on the way to the institute building like I used to, or for him to be 5 minutes away again. 

Nope. 

He’s now 20 minutes away, and since I don’t have a car, he makes the commute. What a guy. BUT in 22 days, he will once again be 3 hours away again. In Provo. 

And then pretty soon he’ll be 23 hours away. And I won’t see him for two years.

What a change.

but change is a good thing Rae..  

today is the start of something great, i just know it.

I don't really know how many of you will ever read this, but I thought I would thank you for all you do in my life. You have influenced me and have shaped me into the person I am trying to become. I am so grateful for all of my friends, and my lovely family members, you always know how to make me smile and forget my problems. Plus, you never judge me for being weird, and i appreciate that. Thanks for the memories, and here's to having many more in the future! 

Melanie- Aside from anyone in my family, I have known you the longest. We've been super good friends since at least third grade! It seems as though we've gone through EVERYTHING together! Sports, school, camp, boys, breakups, pretty much everything! I'm glad we can be competitive together, but still be best friends, you push me to work my hardest, even when I want to stop. Thanks! I am so glad that you are always there for me to come talk and take random trips up to Park City together! I love you so much, and am grateful for you in my life. :) 

Carmen, Melanie, Lauren :)

Lauren- Oh Lauren, we weren't really friends until.. when we were on the same soccer team, which i want to say was eighth grade? not sure, but it hasn't been super long, which is sad. But one of my first memories with you was actually at soccer. (This was when you were way good, and i was struggling a lot with my skills) You would always partner up with me, and it made me feel included and loved. You have always been the one to include others, and i really admire that about you. I also love our dedication. In high school track, this really stood out to me. You always pushed me to be better, and I thank you for that. You are so much fun to be with, and you crack me up all the time! I hope we play more in the future! I love you Lou!

Carm, Me, Mel, Lou

Carmen- I love you. You are such  joy to be around! I love hanging out with you, and just talking. I suppose we became good friends in high school, and probably out EFY trip. Good times. Actually, I would say that we were good friends before that, my good Possum Pal! :) haha, you always know how to put a smile on my face, and your hugs are the best! there are so many times when you'd listen to me talk, and then you would just hug me, and i would feel better. Kinda weird, but not really :) I love you Carm, and I cannot wait to hang out this summer! You will never be a black possum!

Michelle- wow, you know me oh so well. You helped me get thru 9th grade, because we were the only ones with the same lunch. I would say that is where we really became friends. EFY topped it off, and you helping me with boys just made me so happy. I love you Michelle! I still can't believe that you're getting married, but it's so great. You are so amazing, and I love whenever we hang out, even if we just end up drawing with chalk or talking. All is fun with you. :) Hopefully we play more before you get all married, but even then, We'll party like it's 1999. :) am i right? yes, yes i am :)

With Kasha!

Kasha- Where to begin!? You are amazing. I was so lucky yo be your roomie last semester, and even luckier to be your cousin. I always have so much fun with you, and you are my best friend. You are so smart, and you have the best advice. I appreciate all you've done for me! :) We have SO many memories, and i cherish all of them. I can't wait for school to start up again, because we'll make more memories, and they will rock. Thank you for ALWAYS being there to listen to me, you understand me so well and I am never scared to come talk to you. Thank you for always having my back. I will always have your back too. I love you Kasha!   

Me & Kelton :)

Kelton- You make me so happy. I have been so blessed to get to know you better this year! You have become one of my bestest friends, and i love every second that we are together. I honestly look up to you so much. You have such a strong testimony and desire to do good, it is SO impressive. You make me want to be so much better.  I love how close you are to my family, Jacob especially. You are so cute with kids, it kills me! I trust you with my life, and i can tell you anything. Thank you for being yourself with me. We are weirdos, but it just works. I love everything about you. I just love you! I am so excited for you to serve the people of Minnesota! You will be one heck of a missionary! :) No matter how things play out, I will always consider you as my BFF :) I love you Kelton!

Riss 'n Rae

Riss- I can tell you anything, and you won't even look at me weird. Thanks for always inviting me to stuff. I love you so much. You are such a gem, and I am so lucky to have you as my sister. You are always there for me. I am so excited for you to start school today! Thanks for making me so happy and being there to cheer me up. You are amazing. I want to be like you. Not only are you gorgeous on the outside, but you have the sweetest heart, and you are so genuine. i look up to you so much. You don't even know. I love you Riss!

Jake and Me!

Jacob- Even though you are only eight, you are one of my favorite people to hang out with! You are so strong, and you have such a great attitude. Thanks for always loving me, and being on my side (for the most part). I love you so much, and i would do anything for you. You are so funny too! the things you say keep me laughing for hours! You are the best littlest brother I could ask for. :)

pals!

 Jeff- Pal, you are my pal, and no one else. We re so alike, it's scary. You've been here for me my entire life. Even when you were on your mission, you helped me out so much. I love you! i enjoy hanging out with you! we have such fun times, and you come up with the weirdest things to do, but they are so much fun! Thanks for being so honest with me and listening to me. I can always come to you for advice with any problem, and you'll help me see how simple the answer is, you are a genius. I'm glad we live in the same house, because I don't know what i would do without you. You are going to make a great husband and dad someday. I want to marry someone like you. Thanks pal!

Joshie!

Josh- I've been getting to know you better, which is great. I love spending time with you. We kinda just connect, probably because we are both nerds or something. You are so smart, and I am so proud of the young man you are becoming. Your wit kills me, and i wish i had it! You are super nice too, and you always let me use our stuff. I hope we hang out more before i leave off to school again. Except, we won't play basketball, because we are both pretty terrible at it. :) love you bud!

Rae and Heather

Heather- I know I am not the nicest sister to you. But I think it is because you are so cute! I was an ugly child, so seeing you grow up so fast makes me a bit jealous, not gonna lie. But I do love you, even though i don't act like it sometimes. You are so nice to me, even when me and Riss cause you so much grief. Thank you. I hope we can become closer friends, because I do love hanging out with you. You are so special to me. :) I love you Heather!

Mom and Dad- You guys are simply the best parents in the world. I love you both so much! i know I was not the perfect child, but I was lucky enough to be blessed with perfect parents. You have raised 6 kids, and they all have turned out pretty good. Thank you so much for being faithful and loving the gospel. You have shown me how i want to raise my children, and how important loving each other is. Thank you for your patience and time you devote to each of us. Thank you for making me love the piano. Thank you for all the soccer you've paid for. Thank you for taking us on trips to realize how grateful we are to live where we do. I love you both forever, and I owe you so much. When you get older, I will change your diapers. ;) haha thank you for making us work and making us have family home evening and family scripture and prayer. You are both my biggest role models. I love you mom! I love you pa! :) 

My Mother

My father

I really am the luckiest girl in the world to be surrounded by such amazing people. Thank you all so much. Each of you have a very special place in my heart! 

Happy Tuesday!

and life continues

the word lethologica describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.

i can't remember ANY words i want. i can't even think of anything to write. 

too busy daydreaming.

and now my eyes hurt from staring at this screen.

perhaps blogging isn't my forte.

especially since all i can think about is a guy. 

that i like.

very a lot. 

VERY A LOT.

i'd gush about him all day.

but i think i will just tell him when i see him.

22

days.

. . .

. . .

hopefully. 

maybe tomorrow i will have something more to say.    maybe.

i just can't get enough.

happy. that is the word that i have been able to describe myself for quite some time. :) maybe it's a boy. maybe it's the awesome weather. maybe it's both. yeah, it's both :) but other things make me happy as well. hopefully they make you as happy as they make me.
- being with my family
- soft kisses
- puddle jumping
- eating blueberry muffin mix
- hugs
- bubbles
- popsicles
- wearing sweats and slippers
- a hot shower
- bows in my hair
- friends
- coloring books
- swing sets
- falling in love
- laughing so hard that your face hurts
- running through sprinklers
- waking up
- sunsets/ sunrises
- getting mail
- the smell of bubble bath
- mud
- reminiscing about life
                             OH LIFE. HOW I LOVE YOU DEARLY.